No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cereal Bars

By srumbel

Overall, they are semi-healthy. No corn syrup, and no brown sugar (typical cereal bar ingredients). But with the chocolate and peanut butter topping they are less healthy. Feel free to leave off the chocolate chips if desired, or substitute dark chocolate which is healthier. Another alternative would be to just spread some peanut butter over these bars.

However you chose to top them, you gotta try the chocolate and peanut butter chips at least once – it’s perfection in a little bar. And trust me – the perfect cure for any hangryness.
from chelseasmessyapron.com

Ingredients

• 1 cup + 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
• 5 tablespoons honey
• 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup (or sub 3 tablespoons honey)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 2 and 1/2 cups + 2 tablespoons Cocoa Krispies
• 2 cups old fashioned oats
• Topping
• 3/4 cup milk chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup peanut butter chips*
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoon coconut oil (or vegetable oil), separated

Preparation

Step 1

Line an 8 x 8 baking tray with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Set aside.
In a microwave-safe bowl combine the peanut butter, honey, and maple syrup. Microwave for 30 seconds and then stir. Stir in the vanilla and salt.
In a large bowl, combine the Cocoa Krispies and old-fashioned oats. Stir.
Add in the peanut butter mixture and stir until everything is well combined. If the mixture is still dry, add a bit more honey and peanut butter.
Press the mixture into the 8 x 8 baking pan. The mixture will seem like a lot, but really compress it into the pan. Press hard until it is very compressed and even.
Place in the fridge while preparing the top.
Microwave the milk chocolate chips with 1 teaspoon coconut oil for 30 seconds. Stir until melted (Return the chocolate to the microwave for 10-15 second bursts if it isn't completely melted.)
In another bowl, microwave the peanut butter chips with remaining 1/2 teaspoon coconut oil for 20 second bursts.
Using a spatula, spread the melted chocolate over the bars evenly. (A thin layer of chocolate should cover it all).
Then pour the melted peanut butter chips in horizontal lines across the top of the chocolate.
Using a butterknife, drag the lines from top to bottom vertically to create the peanut butter swirl effect seen in the bars.

Notes
*I buy the Nestle peanut butter + chocolate baking chips bag and separate the chips.