Ingredients
For the Bars

2 cups crispy rice cereal
1 cup chocolate chips (milk or semi-sweet)
1 cup butterscotch chips
3 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional but highly recommended)

Optional Add-Ins

Pinch of flaky sea salt
½ cup chopped peanuts or almonds
½ cup crushed pretzels
¼ cup mini marshmallows

Equipment You’ll Need

8×8-inch baking pan
Parchment paper
Microwave-safe bowl
Spatula
Measuring cups

Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Line an 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.Snack Foods
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate & Butterscotch

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine:

chocolate chips
butterscotch chips
butter

Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and fully melted.
Stir in vanilla if using.
Step 3: Coat the Cereal

Add the crispy rice cereal to the melted mixture.
Gently fold until every piece is evenly coated—don’t crush the cereal!Candy & Sweets
Step 4: Press & Set

Transfer mixture to the prepared pan.
Press firmly using the spatula (or your hands wrapped in parchment).
Refrigerate for 45–60 minutes, or until completely firm.
Step 5: Slice & Enjoy

Lift the bars out using parchment overhang.
Slice into squares, rectangles, or candy-style mini bites.
Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Pro Tips for Perfect Crunch Bars

Don’t Overmix the Cereal: Gentle folding keeps it crisp and airy.
Press Firmly but Not Aggressively: Too much pressure compacts the cereal, leading to dense bars.
Use Fresh Cereal: Older cereal loses its crunch and can taste stale.
Chill to Set the Structure: This ensures clean slicing and a firm, crisp texture.
Add Sea Salt: A tiny pinch makes the chocolate flavor pop.

Variations & Substitutions

Dark Chocolate Crunch Bars: Swap milk chocolate for dark for a richer flavor.
Peanut Butter Version: Add ¼ cup peanut butter to the melted mixture.
Salted Caramel Crunch Bars: Drizzle caramel over the top before chilling.
Trail Mix Bars: Stir in nuts, dried cranberries, or sunflower seeds.
Holiday Crunch Bars: Add festive sprinkles or crushed peppermint.

Serving, Pairing & Storage
Serving

These bars are best served slightly chilled, where the snap and crunch are at their peak.Dairy & Eggs
Pairing

Glass of cold milk
Hot chocolate
Coffee or espresso
Ice cream sundaes (crumble on top!)

Storage

Fridge: Up to 1 week in an airtight container
Freezer: Up to 2 months; thaw 10 minutes before eating
Room Temperature: 2–3 days if your kitchen isn’t too warm

Frequently Asked Questions
Why add butterscotch chips?

They provide a caramelized, buttery depth marshmallows can’t match.Breakfast Foods
Can I make this without butterscotch?

Yes, replace with extra chocolate, but the signature flavor will be milder.
My bars are too soft—what went wrong?

You may have used too much butter or didn’t chill long enough.
Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely — use a 9×13 pan and double all ingredients.