Description
This no-bake recipe creates a satisfying treat with a crispy cereal base, rich and chewy peanut butter, and a glossy chocolate topping adorned with a classic peanut butter stripe. It is an easy dessert for family dinners that satisfies sweet cravings.
Ingredients
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 6 cups Special K cereal
- 1.5 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 0.25 cup creamy peanut butter, for stripe
- 0.125 teaspoon sea salt (optional)
- 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- 1–2 tablespoon milk (optional, for binding)
Instructions
- Melt Base: Combine 0.5 cup butter, 0.5 cup sugar, and 0.5 cup corn syrup in a saucepan. Stir on low heat until butter melts and sugar dissolves (3-5 minutes), resulting in a smooth mixture. Remove from heat.
- Add Peanut Butter: Stir in 1 cup creamy peanut butter until completely smooth and evenly combined (1-2 minutes). It will form a thick, glossy sauce.
- Fold In Cereal: Gently fold 6 cups Special K cereal into the peanut butter mixture until all cereal is coated, being careful not to crush it. The mixture will be sticky.
- Press Into Pan: Press the cereal mixture firmly into a greased 9×13 inch pan. If the mixture seems dry, splash in 1-2 tablespoon milk to help it bind better. Use parchment paper to achieve a smooth, compact top.
- Melt and Spread Chocolate: Melt 1.5 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each until smooth and shiny. Spread evenly over the cereal base.
- Add the Peanut Butter Stripe: Melt 0.25 cup extra peanut butter briefly (15-20 seconds). Drizzle thin stripes over the chocolate layer. Drag a toothpick through the stripes to create the classic pattern.
- Chill to Set: Refrigerate the pan for at least 1 hour until the chocolate is firm to the touch, ensuring clean cuts.
Notes
To ensure perfect bars, do not boil the butter/sugar mixture too vigorously as over-boiling can make the bars too hard or crumbly. Avoid overheating the chocolate, stirring often, to prevent it from seizing and becoming grainy. For speed, have all ingredients measured and ready before starting. Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (approx 50 g)
- Calories: 250 calories
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg