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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

Healthy Single Serve Peach Crisp (vegan & gluten-free!)

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single serve peach crisp dessert in a bowl with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

I’m a dessert kinda girl. Like needs a little something sweet every after meal, going out to eat and convincing the person next to me to split the chocolate cake, and there’s no way I’m falling asleep without a sweet treat before bed. I mean, take a look around – we’ve got healthy gluten-free mug cakes, 5-ingredient gluten-free cookie dough, and healthy no-bake snickers. I think it’s pretty obvious I might be a little dessert-obsessed… just a little!

While chocolate-forward desserts are my personal favorite, I do occasionally crave something fruity. But because my fruit dessert cravings don’t last long enough to finish an entire fruit crisp or cobbler, I had to figure out way to make a single serve dessert instead. And that’s exactly what I did here! A whole, fresh, juicy summer peach sliced in half then stuffed with a simple 4-ingredient oat crisp. Best enjoyed warm with a scoop of cold vanilla ice cream – YUM!

overhead image of single serve peach crisp dessert in a bowl with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

What You’ll Need to Make This Recipe

Fresh Peach – Choose a ripe, juicy peach for the best flavor! You can find these at your local farmers’ market or grocery store. Peaches are in season and taste their best from June through August.
Rolled Oats – Use gluten-free oats if you need to ensure the recipe is gluten-free. Bob’s Red Mill gluten-free oats are my personal favorite, I love to buy in bulk!
Almond Flour – Almond flour adds a nice nutty flavor and keeps the recipe gluten-free. You can find this at most grocery stores or online. I also purchase almond flour in bulk, Anthony’s organic almond flour is my fave.
Butter or Coconut Oil – Coconut oil is perfect for a vegan option, but butter also works great in this single serve dessert recipe! Use whichever you prefer/have on-hand.
Maple Syrup – This natural sweetener adds a rich flavor to the crisp. Look for pure maple syrup for the best results, or use honey instead if you’d like.

hand holding a bowl of single serve peach crisp dessert.

Adjust This Recipe to Your Dietary Needs

Make it Vegan: For a vegan peach crisp, use coconut oil instead of butter.
Make it Paleo/Grain-Free: Substitute rolled oats with additional almond flour.

Tips and Tricks

  • For the best flavor, ensure your peach is ripe and juicy. A ripe peach will slightly give when gently pressed.
  • Adjust the amount of maple syrup based on your sweetness preference. For an sugar-free dessert, leave out the maple syrup altogether!
  • Pair the warm peach crisp with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped coconut cream for an extra treat!
single serve peach crisp dessert in a bowl with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
5 from 2 votes

Healthy Single Serve Peach Crisp (vegan & gluten-free!)

Looking for a delicious and easy-to-make single serve dessert? This peach crisp is perfect for you! With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up this vegan and gluten-free treat in no time
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Servings: 0

Ingredients

  • 1 whole fresh peach
  • 1/4 cup rolled oats
  • 2 tablespoons almond flour, or all purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil or butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit and line a small baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Cut the peach in half, then remove the pit and scoop about 1 to 2 tablespoons out of the center of the peach to create a larger cavity for the crisp filling.
  • In a small bowl, combine the rolled oats, almond flour, melted coconut oil or butter, and maple syrup. Mix together until combined.
  • Place the peach halves on the prepared baking sheet, fill each peach half with the filling, then bake for 20-25 minutes. Let cool slightly before serving warm with a scoop of ice cream or dollop of whipped cream!

Notes

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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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    Desserts

    4 Ingredient Peach Cobbler (gluten-free!)

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    overhead image of 4 ingredient peach cobbler in a baking dish with ice cream on top.

    I made this 4 ingredient peach cobbler for Father’s Day last weekend and let me tell ya, it was a HUGE hit! I even made it gluten-free (see note below), and no one could taste the difference. Now it doesn’t take much scrolling around here to realize that I’m a huge fan of few-ingredient desserts. I’m talkin’ 4 ingredient banana bread, 3 ingredient peanut butter mug cake, and 4 ingredient banana muffins. So ya, I’d say this 4 ingredient peach cobbler fits perfectly into that lineup!

    4 ingredient peach cobbler on a plate with ice cream on top.

    What You’ll Need to Make This Recipe

    Fresh Peaches: You’ll need 5-6 large fresh peaches, sliced. Fresh peaches provide the best flavor and texture, but you can also use frozen or canned peaches as an alternative.

    Sugar: You can use regular sugar, or swap it for coconut sugar or monkfruit sweetener for a healthier option.

    Self-Rising Flour: Use 1 cup of self-rising flour to create the cobbler topping. If you don’t have self-rising flour, you can use all-purpose flour with 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder added.

    Butter: You’ll need ½ cup of melted butter for a rich and flavorful topping. For a dairy-free alternative, substitute with vegan butter or coconut oil.

    close up image of 4 ingredient peach cobbler in a baking dish.

    Types of Peach to Use

    • Fresh peaches are ideal for the best flavor and texture. Simply peel, slice, and they’re ready to go.
    • Frozen peaches are a great alternative when fresh peaches are out of season. Thaw and drain them before using.
    • Canned peaches are convenient and work well in this recipe. Make sure to drain them thoroughly before adding to the pan, and leave the sugar out of the filling since canned peaches are already sweetened.
    4-Ingredient-Peach-Cobbler-Step-1

    Adjust This Recipe to Your Dietary Needs

    Make it Gluten-Free: Use self-rising gluten-free all-purpose flour in place of regular self-rising flour.

    Vegan Option: Substitute melted butter with vegan butter or coconut oil.

    Make it Sugar-Free: Replace regular sugar with monkfruit sugar or your preferred sugar substitute.

    overhead image of 4 ingredient peach cobbler in a baking dish with ice cream on top.
    5 from 3 votes

    4 Ingredient Peach Cobbler (gluten-free!)

    This 4 ingredient peach cobbler is the perfect simple yet delicious dessert recipe! Made with fresh summer peaches and a perfectly sweet crumb topping. Whip up this super easy recipe for potluck, parties, or summer bbqs! This recipe even includes gluten-free and vegan options.
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    Servings: 0

    Ingredients

    For the peach filling:

    • 4-5 fresh peaches, sliced
    • 2 tablespoons sugar

    For the cobbler topping:

    • 1 cup self-rising flour, see Notes
    • 1/2 cup sugar
    • 1/2 cup butter, melted

    Instructions

    • Preheat the oven to 350° Fahrenheit and lightly grease a 9-inch cake or pie pan. Add the sliced peaches and 2 tablespoons sugar to the prepared pan and mix together.
      4-Ingredient-Peach-Cobbler-Step-1
    • In a medium bowl, mix together the self-rising flour, sugar, and melted butter, to form a crumbly consistency.
    • Add the drained and sliced peaches to the prepared cake or pie pan, then top the peaches with the flour mixture. Do not stir the peaches and flour mixture together, simply layer then flour mixture evenly on top of the peaches.
    • Bake the peach cobbler for 40-45 minutes, or until it’s golden brown on top and the peaches are bubbly. Let it cool out of the oven for 20 minutes before serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream – YUM!

    Notes

  • If you don’t have self-rising flour, you can use all purpose flour and add 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder to the recipe.

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    30 Minutes or Less

    High Protein Snack Boxes (4 ways!)

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    Back to basics high protein snack box with fresh strawberries, boiled eggs, cheese, and almonds.

    I’ve been itching to develop more high protein snack recipes. So when I set out to create these snack boxes, I knew just who to call! My friend Natalia (find her on Instagram as @nutritionbynarlie) is the protein QUEEN. She’s also the most knowledgable person I know when it comes to nutrition. She helped me build the most well-rounded, nutrient dense, and high protein snack boxes possible. Each of these boxes contain a whopping 25 grams of protein! And don’t worry, we personally taste-tested every single box, and can vouch for their deliciousness. I really think you’re going to LOVE these high protein snack boxes that we put together!

    overhead image of all four high protein snack boxes, each containing 25 grams of protein.

    I purchased these meal prep glass containers on Amazon, linked HERE!

    Which High Protein Snack Box is Right For You?

    Back to Basics: This classic combination is simple yet effective. Boiled eggs provide a substantial protein boost, while almonds and cheddar cheese add extra protein and healthy fats. The berries offer a refreshing burst of antioxidants and natural sweetness.

    Greek: Inspired by Greek cuisine, this box features salami and feta cheese for a savory protein punch. Greek yogurt pairs perfectly with cucumber and dill for a refreshing snack, while pistachios and figs add a delightful mix of crunch and sweetness.

    American: This American-themed box combines turkey, Swiss cheese, and a pickle for a flavorful and protein-packed roll-up. The kettle corn popcorn and peanuts bring a nostalgic Crackerjack vibe, while the orange slices add a citrusy zing!

    Dairy-Free: For those avoiding dairy, this box offers a delicious mix of hummus with gluten-free crackers, salami, turkey, almonds, and apple slices. It’s a well-rounded option that doesn’t compromise on flavor or nutrition!

    back to basics high protein snack box
    greek themed high protein snack box
    american themed high protein snack box
    dairy-free high protein snack box

    Tips and Tricks

    • Save time during the week by preparing your high-protein snacks in advance. Boil eggs, slice veggies, and portion out nuts and cheese on the weekend so you can easily assemble your snack boxes each morning.
    • Keep things interesting by rotating different protein sources and accompaniments. This prevents snack fatigue and ensures you’re getting a range of nutrients.
    • Use small containers or silicone muffin cups to portion out your snacks. This helps you keep track of serving sizes and prevents overeating.
    hand holding up Greek themed high protein snack box

    Additional High Protein Snack Ideas

    Looking to switch things up? Here are some other high-protein snacks that can be swapped into your boxes:

    Cottage Cheese: A ½ cup serving contains about 14 grams of protein.
    Protein Bars: Choose bars with at least 10 grams of protein and minimal added sugars.
    Jerky: Beef, turkey, or chicken jerky provides a portable protein punch, with about 10 grams of protein per ounce.
    Edamame: One cup of edamame contains about 17 grams of protein, making it a fantastic plant-based option.
    Tuna Packs: A single serving tuna pack can offer up to 20 grams of protein, perfect for a quick and easy addition.

    overhead image of the dairy-free high protein snack box
    5 from 1 vote

    High Protein Snack Boxes (4 ways!)

    These high-protein snack boxes are perfectly balanced with protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs, making them an ideal choice for anyone on the go. Each box contains a whopping 25 grams of protein, ensuring you stay fuller and more satisfied for longer. Whether you’re heading to work, school, or the gym, these snack boxes will keep you energized and ready to tackle whatever comes your way.
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    Servings: 0

    Ingredients

    Back to Basics Snack Box

    • 2 boiled eggs
    • 1 ounce almonds
    • 1 ounce cheddar cheese, cubed
    • small handful fresh berries

    Greek Snack Box

    • 3 slices salami, or Loza
    • 1 ounce feta cheese, cubed
    • 3 ounces Greek yogurt
    • 1/4 cup sliced cucumber
    • 1 ounce shelled pistachios
    • 2 figs, sliced in half

    American Snack Box

    • 1 pickle
    • 1 ounce sliced turkey
    • 1 slice Swiss cheese
    • 1 ounce kettle corn popcorn
    • 1 ounce shelled peanuts
    • 1/2 orange, sliced

    Dairy-Free Snack Box

    • 3 ounces hummus
    • 6-8 gluten-free crackers
    • 3 slices salami
    • 1 ounce sliced turkey
    • 1 ounce almonds
    • 1/2 apple, sliced

    Instructions

    • Choose which snack box you’d like to make and prepare all ingredients.
    • Then, place ingredients into snack containers.
    • Seal the containers and store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
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