Peanut Butter Crunch

Prep: 10 min Cook: 5 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

Peanut Butter Crunch is a sweet, crunchy treat combining creamy peanut butter with crispy cereal and a sticky syrup base. Perfect for snacking or parties, its rich flavors and satisfying texture appeal to all ages, offering a delightful homemade alternative to store-bought bars.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup white Karo syrup
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 cups crunchy peanut butter
  • 3 cups cereal (your choice)

Instructions

  1. In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of white Karo syrup and 1 cup of sugar.
  2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture comes to a boil.
  3. Remove from heat and stir in 2 cups of crunchy peanut butter until smooth.
  4. Add 3 cups of cereal (such as cornflakes, Chex, or Kix) and mix well to coat evenly.
  5. Press the mixture into a greased or parchment-lined pan.
  6. Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars and serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, try using natural peanut butter instead of processed. If you want a little extra sweetness, add a splash of vanilla extract before mixing in the peanut butter. You can also substitute the cereal with granola or puffed rice for different textures. Make sure to stir the mixture thoroughly to avoid clumping.

Serving Suggestions

Cut the bars into squares for a perfect snack, and consider pairing them with a glass of cold milk or a Chocolate Milk Shake for a delightful treat. These bars also make a great addition to lunchboxes or as a quick energy boost before exercise. They are perfect for sharing at gatherings or parties.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover Peanut Butter Crunch bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them, where they can stay fresh for up to two weeks. To enjoy them later, simply let them come to room temperature before serving.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Peanut Butter Crunch contains roughly 263 calories, with 4g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (101% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (47% of the Daily Value), and calcium (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

263 kcal 13% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4.4g 9% DV
Total Fat 4.1g 5% DV
Carbs 52.8g 19% DV
Fiber 4.9g 18% DV
Sugar 16g 32% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 21.6mg 1% DV
Potassium 329.6mg 7% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin C 42.2mg 47% DV
Calcium 484.8mg 37% DV
Iron 18.1mg 100% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk Peanut

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use smooth peanut butter instead of crunchy?

Yes, you can definitely use smooth peanut butter if you prefer a creamier texture. However, using crunchy peanut butter adds a nice texture contrast that many people enjoy.

What types of cereal work best in this recipe?

You can use a variety of cereals, such as cornflakes, Chex, or Kix. Each will provide a unique crunch and flavor. Feel free to mix different cereals for a fun twist.

How do I cut the bars without them falling apart?

To cut the bars neatly, allow them to cool completely in the pan. Use a sharp knife and apply gentle pressure. If they seem too sticky, lightly oil the knife to help make cleaner cuts.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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