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3 Ingredient Healthy Homemade Crunch Bars

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overhead image of 3 ingredient no bake homemade crunch bars with sea salt on top.

It’s been a HOT summer so far. So hot in fact, that I’ve been avoiding turning on my oven unless absolutely necessary. But you guys know me by now, even without an oven I still need a little something sweet on-hand at all times. Healthy No-Bake Cookie Doughs Bars have been on repeat lately, and so have 4-Ingredient Healthy Snickers. And while both of those no bake desserts are delicious and ones I’d never get sick of, it was definitely time to switch things up!

These homemade crunch bars are made with just THREE ingredients. They’re totally vegan and gluten-free, and I’ll even include a paleo and keto option if you want to give those a try. They’re perfectly sweet, extra crunchy, and seriously SO easy to make!

overhead image of 3 ingredient no bake homemade crunch bars with sea salt on top.

Why These Are the Best Homemade Crunch Bars

These bars are not only simple to make but also healthier and more customizable than store-bought versions. By using high-quality ingredients, you avoid artificial flavors and preservatives. The addition of peanut butter gives extra creaminess and flavor, making these bars a delightful treat for all ages!

Ingredients and Substitutions

  • Chocolate Chips: Opt for dark chocolate for a less sweet version or semi-sweet for a classic candy bar taste. Vegan options like Guittard Extra Dark Baking Chips are perfect for dairy-free needs.
  • Peanut Butter: Can be substituted with any nut or seed butter. Ensure it’s creamy for the best texture.
  • Rice Cakes/Crisp Cereal: Gluten-free rice cakes or cereals ensure the bars are safe for those with gluten intolerances!
ingredients for healthy homemade crunch bars recipe.

How to Make Homemade Crunch Bars

  1. Line your pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  2. Melt chocolate and peanut butter in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
  3. Mix in crumbled rice cakes to combine.
  4. Spread mixture in the prepared pan and freeze until solid.
  5. Cut into squares and enjoy your homemade bars.

Storage Tips

Store these homemade crunch bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for the best texture and shelf life. They can start to soften if left at room temperature for too long. Or, store them in the freezer for up to 3 months!

3 ingredient no bake healthy homemade crunch bar on a table.

Adjust This Recipe to Your Dietary Needs

  • Keto Option: Use sugar-free chocolate chips and replace rice cakes with crushed nuts or seeds.
  • Vegan Option: Ensure your chocolate chips are vegan-friendly. Brands like Enjoy Life are great choices.
  • Paleo Option: Use paleo-approved chocolate, like Hu Kitchen Chocolate Gems and replace rice cakes with chopped nuts or seeds for the crunch.

Tips and Tricks

  1. Microwave Melting: Microwave the chocolate and peanut butter in short bursts to prevent burning, or use a double boiler instead if you’d like.
  2. Layer Thickness: Spread the mixture evenly in the pan to ensure uniform bars.
  3. Add-Ins: Feel free to add a pinch of salt or vanilla extract to enhance the flavor. Or, finish the bars with flaky sea salt like I did – YUM!

By following these tips and utilizing high-quality ingredients, you’ll have delicious, homemade crunch bars that are perfect for any occasion!

overhead image of 3 ingredient no bake homemade crunch bars with sea salt on top.
5 from 9 votes

3 Ingredient Healthy Homemade Crunch Bars

This 3 ingredient homemade crunch bars recipe is the perfect vegan and gluten-free sweet treat! They’re no bake, totally delicious, and irresistibly crispy. These homemade candy bars are also much healthier than store-bought!
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Servings: 0

Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 cups chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter, unsweetened
  • 2 rice cakes, crumbled (or 1 cup rice crisp cereal)

Instructions

  • Line a 9-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
  • Add the chocolate chips and creamy peanut butter to a bowl, then microwave in 30 second increments (stirring between each increment) until chocolate has melted.
  • Add in the crumbled rice cakes and mix everything together to combine.
  • Transfer the crunch bar mixture to your prepared loaf pan and spread into an even layer. Place the bars in the freezer until solid, about 1 hour, then remove and cut into squares.
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30 Minutes or Less

4 Ingredient Almond Joy Cookies

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overhead image of 4 ingredient almond joy cookies on a baking sheet.

I recently shared a 4 ingredient healthy snickers recipe, and since those were such a huge hit, I thought… what candy bar can I recreate next?! So I took a quick peek into my pantry and found two giant bags of shredded coconut (bought one forgetting I had the other) and just like that the light bulb went off – ALMOND JOY! I continued my brainstorming and realized the easiest way to recreate this delicious candy bar would be in cookie form. So here ya have it, 4 ingredient almond joy cookies!

And if the few-ingredient healthier dessert thing sparks your interest, I have to recommend you also give my 5 ingredient gluten-free cookie dough a try! Yup, just 5 ingredients, NO baking, and healthier than most other cookie dough recipes out there.

close-up image of a 4 ingredient almond joy cookies with shredded coconut on the side.

What You’ll Need to Make 4-Ingredient Almond Joy Cookies

Unsweetened Coconut – Opt for a brand like Bob’s Red Mill, which offers high-quality unsweetened shredded coconut. Unsweetened shredded coconut adds natural sweetness and a chewy texture to the cookies without added sugar!

Chocolate Chips – I used semi-sweet chocolate chips for the best balance of sweetness and flavor.

Almonds – Choose roasted and salted almonds for a savory crunch. Chopping the almonds roughly ensures that each bite has a nice crunch and balances the chewy texture of the coconut.

Sweetened Condensed Milk – I used Nature’s Charm sweetened condensed coconut milk to make these vegan cookies, but regular sweetened condensed milk will work just as well. Both options give the cookies their rich, gooey texture and perfect amount of sweetness!

ingredients needed to make 4 ingredient almond joy cookies.

How to Make This Recipe

  1. Preheat oven to 325° Fahrenheit and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Add all ingredients to a bowl and mix until fully combined.
  3. Use a large cookie scoop to scoop out mounds of the mixture onto a baking sheet, spacing each mound about 4 inches apart.
  4. Wet the palm of your hand, then use it to gently flatten each mound into the size and shape of a cookie.
  5. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown around the edges. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
overhead image of 4 ingredient almond joy cookies on a baking sheet.

Variations

Get creative with these add-ins for your Almond Joy Cookies:

  • Chocolate Drizzle: Melt 1/4-1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips in the microwave in 15-second intervals, then drizzle over the top of the baked and cooled cookies.
  • Different Nuts: Swap out almonds for chopped walnuts or pecans.
  • Cherry Addition: Add dried cherries to the cookie batter for a fruity twist!
  • Almond Extract: Enhance the almond flavor by adding a little bit of almond or vanilla extract.
  • Dark Chocolate Chips: Opt for using dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips.

Adjust This Recipe to Your Dietary Needs

Make it Vegan/Dairy-Free: Use sweetened condensed coconut milk instead of regular sweetened condensed milk. I used Nature’s Charm Sweetened Condensed Coconut Milk and my cookies turned out great!

overhead image of 4 ingredient almond joy cookies on a baking sheet.
3.87 from 15 votes

4 Ingredient Almond Joy Cookies

These delicious 4 ingredient almond joy cookies are one of the easiest cookies you could ever make! Filled with flaked coconut, chocolate chips, and crunchy almonds, this cookie recipe is totally gluten-free, and includes a vegan option too. Plus, all ingredients can be stored in your pantry, making it super convenient to bake these cookies anytime those sweet cravings hit!
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Servings: 0

Ingredients

  • 3 cups unsweetened shredded coconut (for added texture, use 2 cups unsweetened shredded coconut PLUS 1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes)
  • 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
  • 1 cup almonds, roughly chopped
  • 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk, or 1 (11.25 ounce) can sweetened condensed coconut milk

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 325° Fahrenheit and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Add all ingredients to a bowl and mix until fully combined.
  • Use a large cookie scoop to scoop out mounds of the mixture onto a baking sheet. Spacing each mound about 4 inches apart.
  • Wet the palm of your hand, then use it to gently flatten each mound into the size and shape of a cookie.
  • Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown around the edges. Remove the cookie from the oven and let them sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
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30 Minutes or Less

4-Ingredient Healthy Snickers

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overhead image of healthy snickers cut in half with peanut butter inside.

Think snickers can’t be healthy?? Think again! I’ve pretty much made it my life’s work to take unhealthy treats and make them healthy. Like my healthy gluten-free mug cake, and my healthy cookie dough bars (another no-bake dessert in constant rotation around here!). These 4-ingredient healthy snickers fit seamlessly into my healthier treats lineup. My recent nighttime routine has included getting my baby to bed, popping 3 or 4 of these healthy snickers out of the freezer, and cozying up on the couch while I savor every last bite. My husband’s also obsessed, so I’ve been doubling this recipe to make sure there’s plenty to go around!

For this recipe, you’ll want to start with a silicone ice cube tray. I purchased these ones (they come in a 2-pack) and have loved them so far! They’re also great for making ice cubes too, as the silicone helps the cubes slide right out. From there, you’ll need just four simple ingredients – chocolate, coconut oil, dates, and peanut butter. All relatively healthy ingredients, but they come together to create a treat that tastes seriously indulgent, but won’t hurt your stomach… no matter how many you eat! *wink wink*

overhead image of a healthy snicker with flaky sea salt on top.

What You’ll Need To Make These Healthy Snickers

Chocolate Chips: Opt for dairy-free or dark chocolate chips for a healthier option. These provide the rich, chocolatey coating for your snickers bites.

Coconut Oil: Coconut oil helps melt the chocolate chips and creates a smooth, glossy texture for your healthy candy bars.

Medjool Dates: These naturally sweet and chewy dates serve as the caramel-like layer in your snickers, providing natural sweetness and a satisfying texture.

Crunchy Peanut Butter: Choose your favorite brand of crunchy peanut butter to add nutty flavor and crunch to your guilt-free treats!

overhead image of healthy snickers bars with flaky sea salt on top.

Tips and Tricks

  • If your dates are too firm, soak them in warm water for 10-15 minutes before using. This will help soften them and make them easier to work with.
  • Using a silicone ice cube tray makes it easier to remove the snickers bites once they’re frozen. If you don’t have one, you can line a regular ice cube tray with plastic wrap for easy removal.
  • To ensure even distribution of ingredients, use a layering technique when assembling your healthy snickers bites. Start with a layer of melted chocolate, followed by a date and a dollop of peanut butter, then top with another layer of melted chocolate.
overhead image of healthy snickers cut in half with peanut butter inside.
5 from 2 votes

4-Ingredient Healthy Snickers

This healthy snickers recipe is the perfect healthier treat to satisfy your sweet tooth! Made with just 4 wholesome ingredients; chocolate chips, coconut oil, medjool dates, and crunchy peanut butter. They taste just like a snickers, but with a fraction of the sugar!
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 15 snickers

Ingredients

  • 1 cup chocolate chips
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • 8 medjool dates, pits removed and cut in half
  • 1/4 cup crunchy peanut butter

Instructions

  • Melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil together in a small bowl in the microwave.
    healthy-snickers-step-1
  • Take a silicone ice cube tray and fill 15 cavities of the tray with 1/2 tablespoon each of the melted chocolate.
    healthy-snickers-step-2
  • Place one pitted date half into each cavity on top of the chocolate.
    healthy-snickers-step-3
  • Then, add about ½ a tablespoon of crunchy peanut butter to each ice cube cavity, on top of each date.
    healthy-snickers-step-4
  • Pour the remaining melted chocolate into each ice cube cavity, covering the dates and peanut butter completely.
  • Place the ice cube tray in the freezer for about 20 minutes, or until the chocolate has completely hardened. Remove the tray from the freezer and pop out the healthy snickers. Store snickers in the fridge or freezer for up to 3 months!
    healthy-snickers-step-6

Notes

  • Here’s a link to the silicone ice cube trays I used to make my healthy snickers! They worked wonders and were super easy to clean.
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    30 Minutes or Less

    Healthy Gluten Free Mug Cake (6 ingredients!)

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    gluten free mug cake with chocolate chips on top.

    We LOVE a healthy sweet treat around here, and this gluten free mug cake fits right in! If you know me, you know I’m a total dessert person. I eat dessert quite literally every single night. Lately, my go-to simple dessert recipes have been my healthy gluten free cookie dough, or if I have a few extra minutes I’ll bake these one-bowl gluten free almond flour chocolate chip cookies (SO GOOD!). But now, I’m super excited to add this 6-ingredient gluten free mug cake to the rotation!

    This recipe is gluten-free, paleo, and dairy-free! But still perfectly sweet and totally indulgent. It’s also one of those recipes you can customize however you’d like. I love adding a small handful of chocolate chips to mine for a chocolate chip mug cake. Or, when I’m feeling festive, I’ll mix in a tablespoon of rainbow sprinkles! However you serve it, I guarantee you’ll love it.

    overhead image of healthy gluten free mug cake with chocolate chips on top.
    Here’s a link to the microwave-safe mugs I used for this recipe!

    What You’ll Need To Make A Healthy Gluten Free Mug Cake

    Almond Flour: Almond flour serves as the base for this mug cake, providing a nutty flavor and tender texture. It’s also a great gluten-free alternative to traditional flour. I buy my almond flour in bulk, so I always have some on-hand for this recipe!

    Maple Syrup: Sweeten your mug cake naturally with maple syrup, adding a touch of sweetness without refined sugars.

    Egg: A large egg helps bind the ingredients together and provides structure and extra fluffiness to the mug cake.

    Coconut Oil: Melted coconut oil adds moisture to the cake, resulting in a soft and fluffy texture. Feel free to use any oil or melted butter of your choice if coconut oil isn’t available.

    Vanilla Extract: Enhance the flavor of your mug cake with a splash of vanilla extract, adding depth and richness!

    Baking Powder: Baking powder is a pantry stables, and it helps this gluten free mug cake rise and become light and airy.

    healthy gluten free mug cake ingredients laid out on a table.

    Tips and Tricks

    • Ensure all ingredients are well combined to prevent any pockets of unmixed flour or egg in your mug cake. Use a fork or small whisk to thoroughly whisk the batter until smooth.
    • Microwave cooking times may vary, so keep an eye on your mug cake as it cooks. If the cake looks like it’s about to overflow, pause the microwave and allow it to settle before continuing to cook.
    • After microwaving, resist the temptation to dive right into your mug cake. Let it cool for a few minutes to avoid burning your mouth! Trust me, learn from my mistakes.

    How To Bake It In The Oven Instead

    1. Preheat the oven to 350° Fahrenheit.
    2. Whisk together all ingredients in an oven-safe mug or ramekin.
    3. Bake for 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted down the center of the mug cake comes out clean.
    4. Let it cool for a few minutes, then enjoy!

    Make This Gluten-Free Mug Cake Vegan (No Egg)

    For a vegan version of this recipe, simply replace the egg with 2 tablespoons of apple sauce or 2 tablespoons of non-dairy milk. The cake won’t rise quite as much, but it’ll taste just as delicious!

    gluten free mug cake with chocolate chips on top.
    5 from 3 votes

    Healthy Gluten Free Mug Cake

    This gluten free mug cake is the perfect quick and easy sweet treat! Perfectly sweet, moist, and totally delicious. Throw this healthier dessert together with just 6 ingredients in 5 minutes.
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 3 minutes
    Cook Time: 2 minutes
    Total Time: 5 minutes
    Servings: 1 serving

    Ingredients

    • 1/4 cup almond flour
    • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
    • 1 large egg
    • 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil, or any vegetable oil
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

    Instructions

    • Add all ingredients to a mug and whisk until a batter comes together.
    • Microwave the mug for 2 minutes, then carefully remove from the microwave (the mug will be hot!) and let it cool for a few minutes.
    • Top with whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream and enjoy!

    Notes

  • Check the bottom of your mug to make sure it’s microwave safe before using it in this recipe!
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    30 Minutes or Less

    Chocolate Covered Strawberry Almond Flour Brownies

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    overhead image of chocolate covered strawberry almond flour brownies with a chocolate drizzle and freeze dried strawberries on top.

    With valentine’s day right around the corner, I was craving something extra chocolate-y! I’ve been drinking my healthy hot chocolate pretty much daily and gathered the ingredients for my 3-ingredient oreo mug cake, but I wanted something new …something a little more special. After all, this is my baby’s first Valentine’s day, and I plan on going ALL out!

    So what did I do? I took my almond flour brownies, threw in some freeze dried strawberries, and topped with a chocolate drizzle – and voilà, these chocolate covered strawberry almond flour brownies were born! They’re rich, fudgy, and extra indulgent but totally grain-free, dairy-free, and sweetened with coconut sugar. So whether you’re also craving something special this month, or looking to treat that someone special, you gotta give these chocolate covered strawberry almond flour brownies a try. It’s love at first bite!

    bite shot of chocolate covered strawberry almond flour brownies.

    What You’ll Need to Make Chocolate Covered Strawberry Almond Flour Brownies

    Sugar: I used coconut sugar in my brownies, but cane sugar works great too! Use whatever you prefer, even granulated monk fruit sweetener will do the trick.

    Almond Flour: Almond flour is the secret ingredient in these chocolate covered strawberry *almond flour* brownies, making them gluten-free and grain-free. Don’t mess with it though, the almond flavor can’t be subbed without compromising this recipe!

    Olive Oil: This is the secret to extra fudgy brownies! Olive oil is the magic touch for that perfect consistency and rich flavor. Embrace it – your taste buds will thank you.

    Freeze Dried Strawberries: I used the Natierra freeze-dried strawberries and they were delicious. But I know Trader Joe’s sells them too! No freeze-dried strawberries? No problem. Fresh chopped strawberries work just as well.

    close-up overhead image of chocolate covered strawberry almond flour brownies with chocolate drizzle and freeze dried strawberries on top.

    Can I use store bought brownie mix instead?

    You sure can! To make these chocolate covered strawberry brownies with store bought brownie mix, start by preparing the mix according to the package instructions. Then, add in 1 cup of freeze dried strawberries to the batter and stir to combine. Transfer the batter to a lined and/or greased brownie pan and bake according to package instructions. Once brownies are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely before topping with the chocolate drizzle. Just as delicious with half the effort!

    Tips and Tricks

    • Whip the sugar and eggs until they’re super light and fluffy – a key step for that melt-in-your-mouth brownie texture.
    • When bringing together the dry ingredients, give them a gentle stir. Over-mixing can impact the texture of your brownies, so keep it light and just right.
    • For that pro finish, hold off on the chocolate drizzle until your brownies are entirely cooled. Patience pays off for that beautiful, glossy topping!
    overhead image of chocolate covered strawberry almond flour brownies with a chocolate drizzle and freeze dried strawberries on top.
    3 from 3 votes

    Chocolate Covered Strawberry Almond Flour Brownies

    These chocolate covered strawberry brownies are rich, fudgy, and totally delicious! They’re made with almond flour and coconut sugar for a healthier twist, but are still just as indulgent. These are the perfect Valentine’s Day recipe, or any day treat!
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 30 minutes
    Cook Time: 40 minutes
    Servings: 4 servings

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup sugar, I used coconut sugar
    • 3 large eggs
    • 1 1/2 cups almond flour
    • 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1/4 teaspoon salt
    • 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips, divided
    • 1/2 cup olive oil, or any vegetable oil
    • 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries, or 1 cup fresh chopped strawberries

    For the chocolate drizzle:

    • 1/2 cup chocolate chips
    • 1 teaspoon coconut oil

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit and line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper.
    • In a large bowl, beat together the sugar and eggs with either a hand or stand mixer, or a whisk (hello arm workout!). Continue beating for 3-5 minutes, until light and fluffy.
    • Add the almond flour, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until everything is just combined, careful not to over-mix.
    • In a separate small bowl, add the coconut oil and 1 cup of chocolate chips. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until chocolate chips are fully melted.
    • Pour melted chocolate chips and olive oil into the brownie batter, and stir to combine. Then, add in the remaining chocolate chip and freeze dried strawberries and fold to combine.
    • Pour brownie batter into prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is just barely set. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
    • Once brownies are cool, make the chocolate drizzle by melting the chocolate chips and coconut oil together in the microwave in 30 seconds increments. Stir the chocolate between each increment until completely smooth.
    • Cut the brownies into squares, then top the brownies with the melted chocolate drizzle and additional freeze dried strawberries if you’d like.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 300kcal
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