No-Bake Crispy Corn Flake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars Recipe

No-Bake Crispy Corn Flake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars Recipe is your new favorite treat—simple, satisfying, and bursting with flavor. This no-fuss dessert combines the perfect crunch of corn flakes with the creamy richness of peanut butter and a decadent layer of bittersweet chocolate. Ready in just 10 minutes of active prep time and chilled to perfection in a couple of hours, these bars are an effortless crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re craving a sweet snack, planning a potluck, or just looking to avoid using the oven, this easy recipe has your back. Let’s dive into how to make this irresistible no-bake dessert from scratch.

Why You’ll Love This No-Bake Crispy Corn Flake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars Recipe

• No baking required—a stovetop is all you need.

• Incredibly crunchy and creamy thanks to the corn flakes and peanut butter.

• Customizable with your favorite toppings and mix-ins.

• Perfect for make-ahead desserts—just chill and serve.

• Easy to slice and share—ideal for parties, lunchboxes, and potlucks.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make a batch of these irresistible bars:

• 4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter

• ½ cup light corn syrup

• ⅓ cup light brown sugar

• A pinch of salt

• 4 cups corn flakes, lightly crushed

• ⅓ cup salted peanuts, chopped (divided into ¼ cup and ⅛ cup)

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• 4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped

Step-by-Step: How to Make No-Bake Crispy Corn Flake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

1. Line the Pan: Start by lining an 8×8-inch square baking dish with foil or parchment paper. This makes cleanup easier and helps you lift the bars out later.

2. Melt the Base Ingredients: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the peanut butter, corn syrup, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Stir continuously until everything is fully melted and the mixture is smooth.

3. Add Crunchy Ingredients: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the crushed corn flakes, ¼ cup of chopped salted peanuts, and vanilla extract until well combined.

4. Transfer to Pan: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to press it down evenly and smooth the surface into a compact layer.

5. Melt and Spread Chocolate: Melt the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between. Once melted, pour over the pressed mixture and spread evenly with a spatula.

6. Top It Off: Sprinkle the remaining ⅛ cup of chopped peanuts over the chocolate layer for an extra crunch and visual appeal.

7. Chill Until Set: Refrigerate the pan for at least 2 hours, or until the bars are firm and set.

8. Slice and Serve: To cut into clean squares, run a knife under hot water, wipe it dry, and slice through the bars in one smooth motion. Repeat as needed for even cuts.

Helpful Tips

• Use parchment or foil for easy bar removal and minimal cleanup.

• Crush corn flakes lightly for a mix of big and small crunchy bits—avoid turning them into crumbs.

• Chill thoroughly to ensure clean slices and firm texture.

• Warm your knife under hot water and dry it with a towel before slicing. This creates neat, professional-looking squares.

• Room temperature caution: The bars soften if left out too long—keep them chilled until serving.

Substitutions And Variations

• Chocolate Swap: Use white chocolate, milk chocolate, or even a drizzle of butterscotch chips for a sweeter variation.

• Nut-Free Option: Replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter and skip the peanuts for an allergy-friendly version.

• Flavor Boosters: Mix in a teaspoon of espresso powder with the chocolate layer to deepen the flavor.

• Fun Add-Ins: Stir in mini marshmallows, crushed pretzel sticks, chopped dried fruit, or mini pretzels for added texture and a playful twist.

• Topping Ideas: Swap chopped peanuts with sea salt flakes or a swirl of caramel sauce.

Storage Instructions

For best results, store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and crisp for up to 5 days. If you’d like to make them ahead, you can freeze the bars—just place parchment between layers and store in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per bar (assuming 16 servings):

Nutritional values may vary depending on the specific brands and products used.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee.

• Plate alongside fresh berries or apple slices for a balanced dessert platter.

• Cut into bite-sized squares for party platters or lunchbox treats.

• Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

Frequently Asked Questions About No-Bake Crispy Corn Flake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

Can I use a different pan size?
Yes, a 9×9-inch pan works well if you want slightly thinner bars. Just keep in mind the pieces will be more compact and may chill faster.

How do I keep the bars from getting too soft?
They’re best stored in the refrigerator. Since the bars soften at room temperature, chilling helps them hold their shape and stay crisp.

Is there a vegan version?
Yes—use dairy-free chocolate and a plant-based butter substitute, and replace the honey (if using) with maple syrup or agave.

Can I freeze these bars?
Definitely! Layer them between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

What’s the secret to perfect slices?
Run a sharp knife under hot water, dry it completely, and cut through the chilled bars in a single motion. Repeat between cuts for the cleanest results.

Conclusion

Thanks so much for stopping by and exploring this No-Bake Crispy Corn Flake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars Recipe. It’s one of those delightfully easy, flavor-packed treats that never fails to impress. Whether you’re making them for a gathering or just treating yourself, the rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and crispy corn flakes are a match made in dessert heaven. I truly hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do. Happy no-baking—and welcome to a community where good food always brings us together!

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No-Bake Crispy Corn Flake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars Recipe

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• Author: Lisa
• Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

No-Bake Crispy Corn Flake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars Recipe – a quick, chocolatey treat with creamy peanut butter, crispy cereal, and rich chocolate topping. Perfect for sharing, snacking, or storing for later. Press, chill, slice, and enjoy. Try it today!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter

1 cup creamy peanut butter

½ cup light corn syrup

⅓ cup light brown sugar

Pinch of salt

4 cups corn flakes, lightly crushed

⅓ cup salted peanuts, chopped (¼ cup + ⅛ cup divided)

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped

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Instructions

• Line the Pan: Start by lining an 8×8-inch square baking dish with foil or parchment paper. This makes cleanup easier and helps you lift the bars out later.

• Melt the Base Ingredients: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the peanut butter, corn syrup, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Stir continuously until everything is fully melted and the mixture is smooth.

• Add Crunchy Ingredients: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the crushed corn flakes, ¼ cup of chopped salted peanuts, and vanilla extract until well combined.

• Transfer to Pan: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to press it down evenly and smooth the surface into a compact layer.

• Melt and Spread Chocolate: Melt the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between. Once melted, pour over the pressed mixture and spread evenly with a spatula.

• Top It Off: Sprinkle the remaining ⅛ cup of chopped peanuts over the chocolate layer for an extra crunch and visual appeal.

• Chill Until Set: Refrigerate the pan for at least 2 hours, or until the bars are firm and set.

• Slice and Serve: To cut into clean squares, run a knife under hot water, wipe it dry, and slice through the bars in one smooth motion. Repeat as needed for even cuts.

Notes

Bars soften at room temperature—keep them chilled for best texture.

Easily customizable with pretzels, dried fruit, or mini marshmallows.

A 9×9-inch pan works if you prefer thinner bars.

Warm your knife for smoother slicing.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: Chill Time: 2 hours
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Bake
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 21g
• Protein: 5g