These No-Bake Homemade Crunch Bars are a quick and easy snack or dessert option that requires just one bowl, five simple ingredients, and less than two minutes to prepare. Ideal for busy lifestyles, these bars are naturally gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free, and can be made sugar-free. They make a satisfying treat that can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of dietary preferences.
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats (gluten-free if necessary)
- 1/2 cup nut or seed butter (e.g., almond, peanut, or sunflower seed butter)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or agave nectar (for a sugar-free option, use sugar-free syrup)
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (dairy-free if needed)
- 1/4 cup puffed rice cereal (gluten-free if necessary)
Weight Watchers Points
- Total Points: Depending on the ingredients used, these bars generally range from 4 to 6 points per bar (assuming the recipe yields about 8 bars).
- Rolled oats: 2 points
- Nut/seed butter: 4 points (can vary based on brand)
- Maple syrup: 2 points
- Dark chocolate chips: 3 points
- Puffed rice cereal: 1 point
Please adjust the point calculation based on the specific brands and quantities you use.
Instructions
- Prepare Your Workspace: Begin by gathering all your ingredients and a mixing bowl. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal later.
- Combine the Base Ingredients: In your mixing bowl, add the rolled oats and nut or seed butter. This will serve as the base for your crunch bars.
- Add Sweetness: Pour in the maple syrup or agave nectar. This ingredient not only adds sweetness but also helps bind the bars together.
- Mix Thoroughly: Using a spoon or spatula, mix the ingredients until they are well combined. You should have a thick, sticky mixture.
- Incorporate Chocolate: Gently fold in the dark chocolate chips and puffed rice cereal. This step will add crunch and rich chocolate flavor to your bars.
- Transfer to Baking Pan: Once everything is well combined, transfer the mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use the back of a spoon or your hands to press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan.
- Chill: Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the bars to set. This step is crucial for achieving a firm texture.
- Cut into Bars: Once set, remove the mixture from the pan using the parchment paper. Place it on a cutting board and slice it into bars of your desired size.
- Store: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
