Chocolate, Peanut Butter-Chocolate Crunch Bars

By MarieR

These are a grown-up take on our favorite childhood candy bars.
OCTOBER 2018, TASTE OF THE SOUTH, Page 86

Ingredients

• MAKES 1 (12X9-INCH) SLAB
• 1 1/2 cups extra crunchy peanut butter
• 3/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 4 3/4 cups crisp rice cereal, divided
• 2 (4-ounce) bars bittersweet chocolate, chopped

Preparation

Step 1

I.Line a 12x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting excess extend over sides of pan.
2. In a medium microwave-safe bowl, microwave peanut butter, maple syrup,
and butter on high in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until melted and smooth. Gently stir in 4 1/2 cups rice cereal.
Spread mixture in prepared pan using an offset spatula. Refrigerate until set, 15 to 20 minutes.
3. In the top of a double boiler, place chocolate. Cook over simmering water until melted and smooth. Remove from heat, and pour over peanut butter mixture; smooth top using an offset spatula. Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup rice cereal. Refrigerate until chocolate is set and hardened, 1 to 2 hours.
4. Using excess parchment as handles, remove from pan, and cut into pieces. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. H