No-Bake Peanut Butter Chex Bars Recipe

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Cook Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe was developed for its original yield. Ingredient amounts adjust automatically, but cooking steps and times remain consistent. Original recipe yields 24 servings.

• 3/4 cup honey
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 1/4 cups creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 6 cups crispy rice cereal squares (such as Chex)
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons butter

Directions

1. Preheat your workspace by gathering all ingredients. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with foil and lightly coat with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In a 4-to-6 quart Dutch oven, combine honey and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring often, just until the mixture begins to boil.
3. Remove from heat and stir in 1 1/4 cups peanut butter and salt until fully blended.
4. Add the cereal to the pot and fold gently until every piece is coated with the peanut butter mixture.
5. Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan, spreading evenly and pressing down lightly. Set aside to cool while you prepare the topping.
6. In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips, 1/3 cup peanut butter, and butter. Microwave on high for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
7. Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the cereal bars and spread evenly.
8. Chill the bars in the refrigerator for about 1 hour until the chocolate topping is fully set.
9. Use the foil to lift the bars from the pan, cut into squares, and serve. Store at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 249
• Total Fat: 14g (18% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 5g (24% DV)
• Cholesterol: 3mg (1% DV)
• Sodium: 135mg (6% DV)
• Total Carbohydrates: 31g (11% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 2g (7% DV)
• Total Sugars: 24g
• Protein: 5g (9% DV)
• Vitamin C: 0mg (0% DV)
• Calcium: 15mg (1% DV)
• Iron: 2mg (11% DV)
• Potassium: 163mg (3% DV)

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values may vary depending on individual calorie needs. Nutrient information is based on available data; some nutrients may not be fully accounted for. Consult a doctor or registered dietitian for medically restrictive diets.

History and Origins of No-Bake Peanut Butter Chex Bars

No-Bake Peanut Butter Chex Bars trace their roots to mid-20th century America, during a period when convenience desserts began gaining popularity. The Chex cereal brand, originally created in 1937, became a household staple, and creative home cooks started experimenting by combining it with peanut butter and sweeteners to create easy, no-bake treats. These bars were particularly appealing for busy families, requiring minimal preparation while delivering a satisfying, sweet-and-salty flavor profile. Over time, the recipe evolved, incorporating chocolate coatings and variations in nut butters, cementing its place as a classic American snack.

Regional Variations and Features

While these bars are widely popular across the United States, regional adaptations add subtle differences. In the Midwest, recipes often emphasize extra peanut butter for a richer taste, whereas in the South, some cooks prefer using brown sugar or honey for a deeper, caramel-like sweetness. In some coastal areas, chopped nuts or dried fruit are incorporated for texture. Despite these minor regional tweaks, the defining feature remains the combination of crispy cereal, creamy peanut butter, and a chocolatey topping, making it a versatile treat suited for nearly any American household.

Differences from Similar Desserts

No-Bake Peanut Butter Chex Bars differ from traditional Rice Krispies Treats mainly in texture and flavor complexity. While Rice Krispies Treats rely on marshmallows as a binding agent, Chex Bars use a combination of peanut butter and sweeteners, creating a denser, more flavorful bar with a slightly nutty undertone. Compared to granola bars, Chex Bars are less chewy and do not typically include oats or extensive mix-ins, offering a cleaner, more focused taste of chocolate and peanut butter. These differences make Chex Bars instantly recognizable among other no-bake desserts.

Where They Are Commonly Served

These bars are a versatile treat, commonly served at potlucks, school bake sales, holiday gatherings, and casual family events. Their ease of preparation and portability make them perfect for picnics and lunchboxes, and they are often included in dessert trays during festive occasions. Many households also enjoy them as an after-school snack, pairing perfectly with a cold glass of milk or a cup of coffee. Their enduring popularity lies in both their flavor and convenience.

Interesting Facts

• The recipe has inspired countless variations, including chocolate-drizzle designs, mini bar versions, and even protein-enhanced adaptations.
• Despite their simplicity, Chex Bars have become a nostalgic treat, often evoking childhood memories for generations of Americans.
• These bars are inherently flexible: they can be made with gluten-free cereals or alternative nut butters without compromising texture.
• Some sources suggest that the combination of sweet and salty in these bars helps trigger a pleasurable eating experience, making them highly addictive despite their modest ingredients.
• The dessert has also appeared in popular cooking magazines and online recipe collections, solidifying its reputation as a quick, reliable crowd-pleaser.

FAQ about No-Bake Peanut Butter Chex Bars Recipe

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