Homemade Crunch Bars
This recipe guides you through creating simple, delicious homemade crunch bars with just three ingredients: dark chocolate chips, cashew butter, and puffed quinoa. The mixture is melted, combined, pressed into a pan, and chilled until firm, offering a quick, satisfying, and wholesome sweet treat.
Equipment
- 1 Heat-Proof Bowl For melting chocolate and mixing ingredients.
- 1 Small Saucepan For creating a double boiler method, or microwave-safe bowl if using microwave.
- 1 Spatula For stirring and pressing the mixture.
- 1 Baking Dish An 8x8 inch square dish or a loaf pan is ideal for shaping.
- 1 Parchment Paper To line the dish for easy removal and cleanup.
Ingredients
Main
- 1 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup cashew butter
- 1 cup puffed quinoa
Instructions
- Line an 8x8 inch square baking dish or a loaf pan with parchment paper, ensuring an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- In a heat-proof bowl, combine the dark chocolate chips and cashew butter.
- Gently melt the chocolate and cashew butter using a double boiler method (bowl over a simmering saucepan) or in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Once the mixture is fully melted and smooth, remove it from the heat.
- Add the puffed quinoa to the melted chocolate and cashew butter mixture.
- Stir thoroughly with a spatula until the puffed quinoa is evenly coated.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Using the back of a spoon or spatula, press the mixture down firmly and evenly into the pan to create a compact layer.
- Refrigerate the dish for at least 1 to 2 hours, or until the crunch bars are completely firm.
- Once firm, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the block from the pan, then cut into desired bar shapes and serve.
Notes
Ensure chocolate is melted gently, either using a double boiler or short microwave bursts, to prevent scorching or seizing. The quality of dark chocolate greatly impacts the final flavor. Cashew butter can be substituted with almond butter or sunbutter, but adjust consistency as needed. For an enhanced flavor profile, consider adding a pinch of flaky sea salt or a touch of vanilla extract to the melted chocolate mixture. Chill thoroughly for clean, crisp cuts.