Vegan No-Bake Chex Peanut Butter Bars
These no-bake peanut butter bars combine crunchy crushed Chex cereal with a sweet peanut butter coating and rich chocolate-butterscotch topping. The bars require no baking - just boil the peanut butter mixture, combine with cereal, and top with melted chips. Perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or when you need a quick dessert that satisfies both kids and adults. The combination of textures from the crispy cereal and smooth chocolate makes these bars irresistibly satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cup peanut butter
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 cups Rice or Corn Chex, crushed
- 1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup butterscotch chipsMore chocolate chips1:1dairy-free
For pure chocolate topping
Instructions
- 1
Spray pan with nonstick cooking spray
- 2
Add Rice Chex to a large mixing bowl and set aside
- 3
Combine sugar, corn syrup, and peanut butter in a large saucepan over medium heat
- 4
Stir continually until mixture just comes to a full boil
- 5
Pour the peanut butter mixture over the Chex and blend well
- 6
Press mixture into prepared pan
- 7
Add chocolate chips and butterscotch chips to a medium saucepan
- 8
Heat over low heat, stirring continually until melted
- 9
Pour melted chip mixture over the peanut butter bars
- 10
Let bars sit until chocolate hardens or refrigerate to speed up process
Tips
Crush the Chex cereal to your desired consistency - some prefer larger pieces for more crunch while others like it finely crushed.
Watch the peanut butter mixture carefully when boiling to prevent burning - it should just come to a full rolling boil then be removed from heat.
Line your pan with parchment paper for easier removal and cleaner cuts when serving.
Good to Know
Store covered at room temperature for up to 1 week or refrigerate for up to 2 weeks
Can be made up to 3 days ahead - actually improve as flavors meld
Cut into squares when chocolate is completely set for cleanest cuts
Common Mistakes
Don't overcook the peanut butter mixture to avoid hard, difficult-to-spread consistency
Ensure chocolate is completely melted and smooth before pouring to avoid streaky topping
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
For pure chocolate topping
General Alternatives
Both work equally well
FAQ
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?
Yes, crunchy peanut butter works well and adds extra texture to the bars. The cooking process is exactly the same.
How long do these bars keep at room temperature?
These bars stay fresh covered at room temperature for up to one week, or refrigerated for up to two weeks.
Can I freeze these peanut butter bars?
Yes, wrap individual bars or store in freezer containers for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.