Crunchy, chewy, sweet, salty—these 4 Layer Everything Crunch Bars hit every craving in one bite. They’re stacked with textures and flavors, featuring a golden cookie crust, gooey chocolate-peanut butter layer, crispy rice cereal crunch, and a final drizzle of melted chocolate to bring it all together. These bars are rich and satisfying, but with the lightness that comes from all that airy crispness. It’s like a candy bar met a cookie tray and brought the best of both worlds.
The inspiration behind these bars is the desire to create a no-fuss, no-bake dessert that still delivers a “wow” moment. Every layer is distinct but works in harmony. The base is a buttery cookie layer that holds firm but doesn’t get hard. Above that, there’s a soft chocolate-peanut butter center that adds richness. Then comes the cereal crunch, giving the bar height and snap. Finally, a chocolate drizzle locks in flavor and adds a finished look.
These bars are perfect for events—potlucks, bake sales, parties, or just something to have on hand when guests pop in. They hold their shape well, pack easily, and stay delicious for days. The mix of textures and balanced sweetness makes them universally appealing.
You can also tweak the ingredients to match your preferences. Not a peanut butter fan? Swap in almond or sunflower seed butter. Want to add nuts or dried fruit? Toss them into the cereal layer. Prefer white or dark chocolate? Go for it. The structure is flexible, and the layers welcome personalization.
Despite having 4 layers, this recipe doesn’t feel like a chore. The layers build quickly, and the chilling time does most of the work. There’s no oven involved, which makes these ideal for warm weather or last-minute dessert planning.
These bars are also kid-friendly—fun to make and even more fun to eat. Letting kids help pour and press the layers can turn this into a quick baking project the whole family enjoys.
From a storage standpoint, they’re forgiving. They do great in the fridge, and they freeze well too. You can slice them and stack them in a container, and they’ll still taste just as good a week later.
The sweet-salty balance is another high point. The peanut butter and cereal provide savory notes that keep the chocolate from being overwhelming. It’s a flavor profile that keeps you coming back.
Each bite offers something different: a bit of chew, a little crunch, a hint of creaminess. That contrast is what makes them exciting—and addictive.
They also make excellent edible gifts. A box of these bars wrapped in parchment and tied with string is just the right combination of homemade charm and crowd-pleasing flavor.
If you like layered bars, this is a must-try. They’re easier than they look, taste better than you expect, and check every box when it comes to flavor, texture, and convenience.
Whether you’re looking for an easy dessert to bring somewhere, or something to stash in the fridge for cravings, these 4 Layer Everything Crunch Bars are the way to go.
Servings
Makes 20 bars
Time
Prep time: 25 minutes
Chill time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Ingredients
Layer 1: Cookie Base
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups crushed graham crackers (about 14 full sheets)
Layer 2: Chocolate Peanut Butter Filling
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
Layer 3: Crispy Topping
- 1 1/2 cups crispy rice cereal
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
Layer 4: Chocolate Drizzle
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted (for drizzle)
Instructions
- Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix melted butter, sugar, and crushed graham crackers until well combined. Press into the bottom of the pan to form a firm base. Chill for 10 minutes.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips and peanut butter for the second layer. Stir until smooth, then spread evenly over the chilled crust. Chill again for 10 minutes.
- In a saucepan, combine corn syrup, sugar, and peanut butter over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and stir in crispy rice cereal.
- Spread the crispy mixture over the chocolate-peanut butter layer and press down gently.
- Melt additional chocolate chips and drizzle over the top.
- Chill the entire pan for at least 1 hour before slicing into bars.
Tips
- Use parchment paper to lift the bars easily out of the pan for slicing.
- For clean layers, chill between steps and use a hot knife to cut.
- Try crunchy peanut butter in the third layer for extra texture.
- Store bars in the fridge for longer shelf life and better texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
With 4 contrasting layers that hit every texture and flavor note, these bars are easy to make, impossible to resist, and perfect for sharing or storing. A great recipe to have in your back pocket.
These 4 Layer Everything Crunch Bars are the ultimate no-bake treat. Buttery crust, creamy filling, crispy topping, and a chocolate finish come together in a dessert that’s as satisfying to eat as it is easy to make.
4 Layer Everything Crunch Bars
Ingredients
Layer 1: Cookie Base
- 1 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups crushed graham crackers about 14 full sheets
Layer 2: Chocolate Peanut Butter Filling
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
Layer 3: Crispy Topping
- 1 1/2 cups crispy rice cereal
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
Layer 4: Chocolate Drizzle
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips melted (for drizzle)
Instructions
- Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix melted butter, sugar, and crushed graham crackers until well combined. Press into the bottom of the pan to form a firm base. Chill for 10 minutes.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips and peanut butter for the second layer. Stir until smooth, then spread evenly over the chilled crust. Chill again for 10 minutes.
- In a saucepan, combine corn syrup, sugar, and peanut butter over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and stir in crispy rice cereal.
- Spread the crispy mixture over the chocolate-peanut butter layer and press down gently.
- Melt additional chocolate chips and drizzle over the top.
- Chill the entire pan for at least 1 hour before slicing into bars.
Notes
- Use parchment paper to lift the bars easily out of the pan for slicing.
- For clean layers, chill between steps and use a hot knife to cut.
- Try crunchy peanut butter in the third layer for extra texture.
- Store bars in the fridge for longer shelf life and better texture.