Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars
If you’re looking for the perfect sweet-and-salty dessert that comes together in minutes, these Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars are about to become your new obsession.
Think of them as a cross between a peanut butter cup, a homemade candy bar, and a Rice Krispies treat, but even better thanks to the extra crunch from cornflakes and the richness of dark chocolate.
They’re incredibly easy to make, require just a handful of real ingredients, and are perfect for everything from afternoon snacks to holiday cookie trays and summer gatherings.
Tips For Perfect Crunch Bars
- Use Good Chocolate: Since the chocolate layer is such a big part of the recipe, choose a dark chocolate you genuinely enjoy eating on its own.
- Press Firmly: Pressing the cornflake mixture firmly into the pan helps the bars hold together beautifully.
- Don’t Skip The Sea Salt: The flaky sea salt balances the sweetness and makes the chocolate flavor pop.
- Chill Before Slicing: Cold bars cut much cleaner than room-temperature bars.
My Go-To Kitchen Staples
- 8×8 baking pan with lid
- Organic creamy peanut butter
- Parchment paper sheets
- Organic dark chocolate chips
- Silicone spatula
- Mixing bowls
- Sharp chef’s knife for clean slices
I always link my exact favorites, so you can recreate this perfectly at home. If you click and buy, I might earn a little commission—thanks for the love!
Why You Should Make These Crunch Bars
- No baking required
- Made with simple pantry ingredients
- Perfect sweet-and-salty balance
- Rich dark chocolate topping
- Great make-ahead snack/dessert
- Refined sugar free
- Kid-friendly and adult-approved
- Stores beautifully in the refrigerator
These Bars Will Disappear
They’re crunchy, chocolatey, perfectly salty, and just sweet enough to satisfy any craving without feeling overly rich. Whether you’re making them for a family gathering, packing them for a picnic, adding them to a holiday dessert spread, or keeping a batch in the fridge for an afternoon treat, they’re the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself coming back to all year long.
Don’t forget to follow along on Instagram @most.hearted for more seasonal recipes, copycat recipes and fun desserts!
Gina
Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars
Ingredients
For the Crunch Layer
- 4 cups cornflakes
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ⅓ cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
For the Chocolate Topping
- 10 ounces dark chocolate chopped
- 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- Flaky sea salt for garnish
Instructions
- Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium saucepan over low heat, warm the peanut butter and honey until smooth. Stir in vanilla and salt.
- Remove from heat and gently fold in the cornflakes until evenly coated.
- Press the mixture firmly into the prepared pan.
- Melt the dark chocolate, peanut butter and coconut oil together until smooth.
- Pour over the cornflake layer and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
- Refrigerate for 1-2 hours, or until firm.
- Slice into bars and enjoy.
