Looking for a snack bar that actually tastes amazing, is easy to make, and doesn’t come wrapped in plastic with 15 unreadable ingredients? These Nut & Chocolate Crunch Bars are a game changer. They’re crispy, chewy, sweet, salty, and dipped in luscious dark chocolate — basically, all your snack dreams in one bite. Bonus: They’re made with wholesome ingredients you’ll feel good about eating (and sharing!).
🥜 Why These Ingredients Rock:
- Almonds, Cashews & Peanuts – Packed with healthy fats, protein, magnesium, and fiber. These nuts help support heart health, satiety, and energy.
- Brown Rice Syrup – A natural binder and sweetener that’s less processed than corn syrup. Holds the bars together and provides a subtle sweetness.
- Puffed Rice – Adds that irresistible crunch while keeping things light. (Or use Tesco’s Rice Snaps Cereal — I did, and it worked perfectly!)
- Dark Chocolate – Rich in antioxidants and mood-boosting properties. Choose your level: 70%+ for deep flavor, or go milder with semi-sweet or milk chocolate.
- Coconut Oil – Helps melt the chocolate smoothly while adding healthy fats and a slight tropical taste.
- Vanilla & Sea Salt – These two simple ingredients make the flavors pop and round everything out beautifully.
🍯 Swaps & Substitutes:
- Brown Rice Syrup vs. Honey: You can use honey if that’s what you have on hand. It won’t affect the flavor — they’ll still taste great. But a heads-up: honey won’t hold the bars together as well as brown rice syrup. They may fall apart a bit more.
- Rice Cereal Options: Don’t have puffed rice? Tesco’s Rice Snaps Cereal works just as well and adds the same satisfying crunch.
- Chocolate Choices:
– 70% dark chocolate: rich, deep flavor
– 50–60%: milder sweetness, less bitterness
– Milk chocolate: sweeter, kid-friendly version
– Dairy-free chocolate: for vegan-friendly bars
✅ Notes & Tips:
- Press the nut mixture firmly into the tray or molds to help them set better.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before dipping or drizzling with chocolate.
- Store bars in the fridge in an airtight container for up to a week (if they last that long!).
🧊 Serving Suggestions:
- Snack on one post-workout for a protein boost
- Crumble over yogurt bowls or oats
- Enjoy as a late-night treat without the guilt
- Perfect for lunchbox snacks or afternoon tea breaks
Looking for a clean, natural protein boost? Don’t miss my Energy Blend: Clean Protein You Can Trust — a homemade plant-based protein powder made from just 6 powerful nuts and seeds. It’s perfect for smoothies, baking, or stirring into yogurt for an extra hit of nutrition. 💪 Check it out and fuel your day the clean, wholesome way!
Crunch Bars with Dark Chocolate
Crispy, chocolate-dipped nut bars made with puffed rice and brown rice syrup. Easy, healthy, and better than any store-bought treat!
Ingredients
- ¾ cup peanuts
- ¾ cup cashews
- 1 cup almonds
- ½ cup puffed rice or Tesco Rice Snaps Cereal
- ¼ cup brown rice syrup see notes for alternative
- 1½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp sea salt
- 100 g dark chocolate or any chocolate of choice
- 2 tsp coconut oil
- Flaky sea salt for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper or use silicone bar moulds.
- In a large bowl, combine peanuts, cashews, almonds, and puffed rice.
- In a small microwave-safe bowl, heat the brown rice syrup for 30 seconds. Stir in vanilla extract and sea salt.
- Pour the syrup mixture over the nuts and rice, and mix until everything is evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to your prepared tray or molds, pressing it down firmly into an even layer.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes until golden and lightly crisp.
- Remove from oven and let cool for at least 30 minutes to set.
- Once cooled, melt dark chocolate and coconut oil in the microwave (30-second bursts, stirring in between).
- Dip the bottom of each bar into the melted chocolate and drizzle more on top.
- Finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and chill until set.
Video
Notes
- Press the nut mixture firmly into the tray or moulds to help them set better.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before dipping or drizzling with chocolate.
- Store bars in the fridge in an airtight container for up to a week (if they last that long!).
- You can use honey if that’s what you have on hand. It won’t affect the flavour — they’ll still taste great. But a heads-up: honey won’t hold the bars together as well as brown rice syrup. They may fall apart a bit more.
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark?
Of course! Any chocolate works — dark just adds that extra antioxidant boost. 🍫