3 Ingredient Homemade Crunch Bars (GF, V, DF): a quick and easy gluten free vegan recipe for deliciously crispy homemade crunch bars. Vegan, Gluten Free, Dairy-Free.
What’s your favorite candy bar? For some people, it’s peanut butter cups, for others it’s Snickers… Almond Joy, or maybe even fruit & nut bars (which I totally want to make and share on the blog soon-ish!). For some people, it’s vegan chocolate cupcakes.
Okaaaaay, fine, those don’t qualify as candy… and neither do these peanut butter cup rice crispy treats. But, still! (They’re so yummy, so who cares?) 🙂
For other people—make that super awesome people—it’s crunch bars! 🙂
That sounded a little too biased, didn’t it? Darn it… Y’all know that I have a soft spot for all the candy bars in my heart. And I’ve definitely made it one of my missions to remake these bars into healthified versions. 3 Ingredient Homemade Crunch Bars is one of my latest candy creations!
If you’re new around these parts, here’s a teeny tiny directory of what I’m talking about. Let’s call it the Beaming Baker Candy Directory. Oooh…. Sounds all official and delicious, doesn’t it?? And of course, everything’s vegan and gluten free! 🙂
- Paleo Almond Joy
- Gluten Free Vegan Peanut Butter Cups
- 4 Ingredient Peppermint Crunch Bars
- Almond Butter Fudge Cups (Paleo)
- Chocolate Coconut Truffles (Paleo)
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Truffles
- Almond Butter Cups
- and a new edition: 2 ingredient 5 minute homemade fudge recipe! So much YUM!
And there’s more where that came from… by now I hope you’re drooling over one of my true loves: homemade candy! I seriously do not know where this even came from.
It all started with me just wanting to see if I could make peanut butter cups at home without it looking… unfortunate. And maybe before that, I made some cookie dough bites and thought it’d be kind of seriously amazing to roll them in chocolate. Oh, truffles… why are you so glorious all the time?
When my mom saw those treats, she immediately demanded I make her a healthified version of Almond Joy. Okay, she didn’t demand it… she just gently suggested it. Like, 5 million times. 😉 By that time, a few more chocolate dessert cups were in the works… and my mom was ready to print out business cards for my candy shop.
Btw, my mom really loves business cards. I cannot begin to say why. But on that note, I really should make her some funny business cards… just for a few laughs.
Anyway, by the time Christmas rolled around, I realized that I hadn’t created a crunch bar recipe. Gasp!!! And since I was adding peppermint to anything and everything (don’t even ask about the peppermint curry and peppermint candy-shaped hand soap I made…) Actually, the hand soap was pretty cute. It involved making two different batches of soap cups: one red and one clear. Then, I’d slice them all up like mini pies and reshape them with alternate slices to make a peppermint candy pattern and…
Wait, what was I saying?
Right! Candy shop business card-level candy shop in my house. So it was the holidays and I thought, why not add peppermint to crunch bars??
As usual, something that seemed totally normal and par for the course in my mind ended up being kind of unexpected and unusual to others. <– That’s what I get for being so “interesting.” 😉
The great news is that everyone LOVED the recipe: 4 Ingredient Peppermint Crunch Bars. I got so many emails, instagrams, notes, tweets and all the other social things I don’t even know the name of, telling me how much everyone enjoyed them.
But then, Christmas was over. Boooooooo… And I had to put the ol’ guy away. Double boooooo…
Then I realized, “Duh, Demeter… make a normal, non-quirky, non-peppermint-y, all-seasons version so you can spread the word far and wide all year!!! Oh, and stop talking to yourself! It’s weird. Also, pick up more apples at the grocery store this weekend.”
I duly noted all pieces of sage advice. Then updated my shopping list. And did not tell myself thanks. Ahem.
So here we are! Are you as excited as I am? Do you feel a teeny tiny bit backwards that I shared the peppermint version first, then this version?
Either way, I’m super excited to tell you all about these! My 3 Ingredient Homemade Crunch Bars are:
- made with just 3 ingredients
- super easy to make
- delightfully crunchy, deliciously chocolatey
- vegan, gluten free, dairy free
- gonna totally get you pumped about making candy at home!
- plant-based and allergy-friendly
- perfect for dessert and every other part of your day… along with these Healthy Vegan Rice Crispy Treats
- going straight into the Beaming Baker Candy Directory, if only I could print business cards out for it…
So grab three easy ingredients, a candy-striped apron just for fun, and get ready for some amazing homemade candy fun. You ready? Let’s do this! Before you go, tell me…
What candy would you love to see me make next on Beaming Baker?
Sending you all my love and maybe even a dove, xo Demeter ❤
☀︎A few more chocolate recipes…
- Vegan Chocolate Cake Recipe (Gluten Free, Dairy-Free, V, Refined Sugar-Free)
- 5 Ingredient No Bake Chocolate Coconut Bars (Paleo, Vegan, Gluten Free, Dairy-Free, Refined Sugar-Free)
- Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Refined Sugar-Free)
- Vegan Gluten Free Chocolate Cupcakes (V, GF, Dairy-Free, Refined Sugar-Free)
☀︎ Click below to Pin ☀︎
☀︎ Did you make this recipe? Take a pic and share it on Instagram with the hashtag #beamingbaker and tag @beamingbaker. I would love to see it! ☀︎
Here are a few items I used in today’s recipe. 🙂
Brown Rice Crisp Cereal (V, GF) | Baking Pan (8-inch) | Coconut Oil | My Favorite Knife | OXO Mixing Bowls | Unbleached Parchment Paper | Vegan Chocolate Chunks | Silicone Spatulas | Stainless Steel Measuring Cups
- 1 ½ cups vegan chocolate chips
- 2 teaspoons coconut oil
- ¾ cup vegan gluten free brown rice crisp cereal
- Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or wax paper. Set aside at room temperature. Clear some space in the freezer for this pan—you will need it later.
- Melt the chocolate using the double boiler method, or do the following: add chocolate chips and coconut oil to a medium, microwave-safe bowl (large enough to add cereal later). Heat in 20-second increments until softened and melty. Stir in between heating increments, until smooth.
- Add cereal to melted chocolate. Using a rubber spatula, stir and fold until well incorporated. Pour this mixture into the prepared baking pan. Using the spatula, smooth into an even layer. Tap the pan a few times to help even out the mixture.
- Transfer this pan into the freezer. Freeze for 10-15 minutes. Remove from freezer and allow to thaw for 10-15 minutes. Slice into 18 rectangular bars (3 rows by 6 columns). Enjoy! Storing instructions below.
- Storing notes: store in an airtight container for 1 week (at room temperature), 1-2 weeks (in the refrigerator), up to 1 month (in the freezer). Best if stored in the refrigerator.
- If storing in the freezer, allow to thaw for 10-20 minutes before enjoying.
- More homemade candy recipes: Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge, Chocolate Coconut Truffles, Almond Butter Fudge Cups (Paleo), Paleo Almond Joy.
- More crispy, crunchy recipes: Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Crispy Treats, Toasted Coconut Rice Crispy Treats.
© beamingbaker.com. All content and images are protected by copyright. Please do not use my images or recipe without my permission. Please do not republish this recipe, instead, include a link to this post for the recipe.
☀︎ More Vegan Gluten Free Candy & Chocolate Recipes
3 Ingredient Chocolate Almond Bark Recipe (Vegan, Gluten Free, Paleo, Dairy-Free) | Peanut Butter Crunch Bars (V, GF) | Salted Dark Chocolate Almond Clusters (Vegan, Gluten Free, Paleo, Dairy-Free) | Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Crispy Treats (V, GF, DF) | 2 Ingredient Chocolate Coconut Candy Clusters (Vegan, Gluten Free, Paleo, Dairy-Free) | No Bake Peanut Butter Cup Oatmeal Bars | Dark Chocolate Sea Salt KIND Nut Bars
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Three ingredient crunch bars?! Sign me UP! I’m definitely a huge fan of reese’s, but nestle crunch bars hold a special place in my heart, too, and this is what these remind me of! Love ho easy this is, Demeter! I really don’t think you could find an easier (or more delicious!) recipe than this. Wish I had this ENTIRE batch right now! PInned, of course! Happy Monday to you!
YEP! 😉 You’re on the list! Lol. It’s clear that we’re both big fans of candy! Thanks so much for your sweet comments. Hope you have an awesome week, Gayle. 🙂
Demeter! These look fantastic! And vegan chocolate chips = guilt free right? 😉
So – I gotta say, your mom sure is onto something – and am not just talking bout business cards – lady – I think that Beaming Baker Candy Shop is a genius idea – I’d shop at it for sure! And – it could even be virtual – depending on the rules in your state, you could maybe start a cottage food business – and BOOM! Anyway – that’s me day dreaming for ya!
Happy Monday, sweet friend!
So guilt-free! 😉 All things in moderations, right? 😉 Lol. It’s only a matter of time before the candy shop opens. You’ll be one of the first people to receive a carefully-picked business card by my mom. Haha. Happy Monday, Shashi! <3
You are most DEFINITELY the candy queen, mi-lady! And I would just like to note that these are no bake, so are are STILL the beaming no baker… and obviously that makes me super happy! 😉 These crunch bars look WAY better than the kind in the store, Demeter! Gimme all the dang crunch! These would make a great gift for Valentine’s day! I’m thinking I absolutely MUST make these for Boy. And since they are only 3 ingredients, made in ONE bowl, no bake, and just a BREEZE to whip together, I have ZERO excuse not to! Pinned of course! Cheers, lovely! xoxoxoxox
Woot woot! That’s what I like to hear! 😉 Actually, being the queen of anything edible is always awesome, right? Lol. Yes and more yes’s on making these for Boy. 🙂 I hope you two have an awesome V-Day. Thanks for pinning, muah! xoxoxo
I saw these on insta and man oh man, these look insane! I love crunch bars so much! Just something about the texture with chocolate, pinning these babies!
Oh yeah! Insta for the win. 😉 Thanks for pinning! Enjoy! 🙂
Candy shop yes! You have so many delicious and creative sweets. It would be a hit for sure!
Time to start drawing up a business plan… or just make and eat more candy. Lol. 😉 Thanks Karen!
The crunch bar flavor order matters not, as long as all the delicious crispy-studded chocolate treats make it here one way or another!! Because as you know it’s my fave chocolate bar. And as you know I’m going to need you to send me an entire batch. Or two. And some funny business cards as well please, because whats snack time without laughs to go with?????? Luckily PB cups aren’t technically a chocolate “bar” because I love them a whole, whole lot too so throw a batch of those in will ya????? Between the BB no-bake directory and the BB candy directory you are just going to have organized listings of ALLLL the most delicious things pretty soon???? Never ever stop talking to yourself, and never ever stop making candy, kay?❤️❤️ xo
Woot woot! As long as I have mah bestie’s approval, that’s all I need. 😉 Alright, two batches of crunch bars and a whole lotta zany business cards, coming right up! I will most certainly throw in PB cups and any other cups I may have made straight into your care package. 😉 Let’s get all the directories together (yours and mine) and let’s just make all the things. It will be SO tasty. LOLOL. Never! xoxox <3 <3
Demeter you are the candy queen! And the fact that it’s all vegan and still totally swoon-worthy makes it even better! I’ve been eyeing those almond butter fudge cup, as I’m totally obsessed with almond butter, but these may be right up there on my must-try list! Love the idea of taking a super successful, beloved recipe and making a “plain,” year round appropriate version! These look amazing.
Aw, thanks Sara! 🙂 I hope you get to try both! Each one definitely satisfies a different sweet tooth. 😉 Now we can enjoy these babies all year long. Hugs! xo
I’m with you–crunch bars are one of my favorite candy!
Woot woot! Hope you get to try and just love ’em Joyce. 🙂
I am not a candy lover but I can’t resist crunch bars! And the more chocolatey the better! Thank you for this recipe, easy and fast and oh so glorious! P.s. Pinned! PP.SS. I seriously think you should open a candy shop (you’re treats are amazing!) and let your mom print out the business cards!! 😉
There’s something about crunch bars that put them in a class of their own! The more chocolate the better–always! 🙂 Thanks for pinning! Don’t let my mom hear you saying that! Lolol. 😉
I LOVE crunch bars, and I’m so glad to see another one on your blog! These look absolutely delicious, and so crunchy! Gorgeous! 🙂 xo
Yay!! There always room for more crunch bars, right? 😉 Thanks Marsha!
I love all the candy stuff you do but crunch bars always have a special place in my tummy! I’m one of those people who shared the peppermint ones and it hit a cord with people BIG time. There’s just something so satisfying about the crunchy rice and chocolate.
Crunch bars–there’s just something about them… 😉 Thank you for sharing my peppermint crunch bars! Hugs!
Hello! I am a vegetarian trying to make a dessert for a vegan friend. Would you be so kind as to share what brands you specifically used for the vegan chocolate chips & vegan gluten free brown rice crisp cereal?
Appreciate your help! Found this recipe through Pinterest 🙂
Hi JP! I actually switch back and forth between tons of different vegan chocolates. Here are a few that I like, some that happen to be “accidentally” vegan and affordable: Guittard Semisweet Chocolate Chips (or Extra Dark if your friend enjoys dark chocolate), Trader Joe’s Semisweet Chocolate Chips. But if your friend has a dairy allergy, I’d definitely recommend going for Enjoy Life. Also, here’s a guide with a few others: http://namelymarly.com/dairy-free-chocolate-chip-guide/
I am so glad I stumbled upon this! Making these treats for Mother’s Day! Do you use dark, semisweet or milk chocolate chips?
Hi Amber! I’m so glad you did too! I used semisweet chocolate, but you can use whatever you prefer. 🙂 Hope you had an awesome Mother’s Day!
Please oh please oh please make fruit and nut bars. They are totally my kriptonite! My husband’s too. I buy one for me and one for him and unless I hide mine, he will devour his and then move ever so slyly on to MINE! ♡ Believe me he will be chowing down on mine and I will sulkingly be glaring daggers at him once I realize what’s going on.
So officially, I’m not the only one who likes them? Woohoo!! Haha. I’ve been craving them since forever! Lol on having to hide yours–my sister Penny has to do the exact same thing with her husband. Okay, let me make a note to share a fruit & nut chocolate bar recipe for the holidays (yep, we plan waaay far in advance ’round these parts). No more daggers-glaring for you! ???? Hugs! <3
You have no idea! I am running out of places to hide them! And thank you so much in advance! I can’t wait to try them!
Hi! I would love to try out this recipe but i have one question – can i substitute coconut oil with something else? I recently found out I’m allergic to coconut. Is olive oil gonna work? (can’t have butter either)
Hi Kasia! I’m not totally sure, but try just 1 teaspoon or even 1/2 teaspoon of olive oil (it will affect the taste a bit). It should be okay. 😉 Can’t wait to hear how these turn out!
Hi. It looks yammy.
Can you please convert the chocolate amount to grams? I have bars of chocolate and not chips. Thank you.
Iris
Love these! So easy to make and they are a hit with vegans and carnivores alike. I add walnuts and sprinkle raw coconut on top too 🙂
That’s so wonderful to hear, Laura! 🙂 You KNOW you’ve got a winner when vegans and carnivores alike give you their seal of approval. I’ve got to try it with coconut and walnuts! 🙂
Oh my gosh, pinning and trying soon!
Just a warning if you have to eat gluten free – do not substitute plain Kellog’s Rice Krispies in this recipe. Kellog’s Rice Krispies are made with barley malt, which contains gluten. The brown rice puffed rice cereal linked to in the recipe is OK though 🙂
Awesome, can’t wait to hear what you think! 🙂 Thanks for the tip on Kellogg’s. 🙂
Yum!! these came out great! I used stevia sweetened chocolate chips to keep them low sugar and the crisps/chocolate ratio was perfect. Thank you 🙂
Woohoo! So happy to hear you enjoyed them Alison! Thank you for taking the time to let me know. ☺️
These look so easy and delicious. Def going to try 🙂
Thanks Jaime! Enjoy. 🙂
Can I freeze these?
Hi Jan! Yes you definitely can. 🙂