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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 6 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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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 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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    Breakfast

    4 Ingredient Banana Bread (gluten-free!)

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    Stacked slices of 4 ingredient banana bread, with a hand lifting the top slice.

    We’ve been on a big banana bread kick in my house. But the problem was… every time I make a new loaf, it’s gone in a couple days! So I needed a quick, easy, and SIMPLE recipe to get in our banana bread fix without spending too much time in the kitchen. *enter 4 ingredient banana bread.*

    And if you’ve been around here a while, you know I’m all about the easy sweet treats! This time last year I went through a huge 3-ingredient oreo mug cake phase (major pregancy craving!) and over the summer, I couldn’t stop making my healthy no-bake cookie dough bars. There’s just something about having a healthier sweet treat on-hand that leads to happier days and a happier life.

    Something else I always have on-hand? Bananas. I pretty much buy a bunch of bananas every week because, again, we just love them in this house. However, we often find ourselves with a few overly ripe bananas by the end of the week. But thanks to this 4 ingredient banana bread recipe, I always have a way to put them to good use!

    I made my banana bread gluten-free, but you totally don’t have to! This recipe is also naturally dairy-free which I LOVE. And I should mention, it’s easily made refined sugar-free as well. For all dietary swaps, check out the “adjust this recipe to your dietary needs” section below. Happy 4-ingredient baking, friends!

    a slice of 4 ingredient banana bread with a bite taken out.

    What You’ll Need to Make 4 Ingredient Banana Bread

    Bananas: The star of the show! These bananas bring natural sweetness and moisture to the bread. The riper, the better – those speckles on the peel are a sign of maximum flavor.

    Eggs: Eggs play a crucial role in binding the ingredients together, providing structure to the bread. They contribute to the moist and tender texture we all love.

    Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds a rich caramel flavor and sweetness to the banana bread. It complements the bananas perfectly, creating a delightful depth of taste.

    Self-Rising Flour: The key to keeping it simple! Self-rising flour contains baking powder and salt, eliminating the need for additional leavening agents. It ensures your banana bread rises beautifully. But if you don’t have self-rising flour, feel free to use regular flour instead, then add 1 teaspoon of baking powder to the recipe!

    Tips and Tricks

    • The riper your bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your banana bread will be. Don’t shy away from those brown speckles!
    • Mix the ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can affect the texture, so keep it simple and stir until everything is blended.
    • Allow your banana bread to cool slightly in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack. This patience ensures a neater slice and preserves the bread’s texture.
    sliced 4 ingredient banana bread with a knife on the side.

    Adjust This Recipe to Your Dietary Needs

    Make it Gluten-Free: Swap out the self-rising flour for a gluten-free alternative to make this banana bread gluten-free. I used Beth Blends Grain-Free Flour Blend in my 4 ingredient banana bread and it worked great!

    Make it Refined Sugar-Free: Opt for coconut sugar as a substitute for brown sugar for a refined sugar-free option.

    Stacked slices of 4 ingredient banana bread, with a hand lifting the top slice.
    4.22 from 19 votes

    Incredible 4 Ingredient Banana Bread (gluten-free!)

    Baking doesn’t have to be complicated, and this 4 ingredient banana bread proves just that! With one bowl and a handful of simple ingredients, you can whip up a loaf of incredibly moist and delicious banana bread. Best enjoyed as a breakfast, snack, or dessert!
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 50 minutes
    Total Time: 1 hour
    Servings: 10 servings

    Ingredients

    • 3 large and overripe bananas
    • 2 eggs
    • 1/2 cup brown sugar
    • 1 1/2 cups self-rising flour

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit and grease or line a 9×4-inch loaf pan.
    • Place the bananas in a large bowl and mash well with a fork, until mostly smooth.
    • Add the eggs to the bowl and whisk to combine. Then, dd the brown sugar and flour, then mix again until fully combined and no pockets of flour remain.
    • Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted down the center of the bread comes out clean.
    • Remove the banana bread from the oven, then let it cool completely before slicing.
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    30 Minutes or Less

    Chocolate Covered Strawberry Almond Flour Brownies

    By
    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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    30 Minutes or Less

    Healthy Summer Fruit Crisp

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    Overhead image of summer fruit crisp in a baking dish with vanilla ice cream on top.

    A healthy fruit crisp loaded with fresh summer fruits! The perfect warm-weather dessert, best served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Super easy to make with just one bowl, in 30 minutes.

    Close-up overhead image of summer fruit crisp in a baking dish with vanilla ice cream on top.

    What You’ll Need to Make Summer Fruit Crisp

    Summer Fruit – I used fresh blueberries, strawberries, and peaches in my summer fruit crisp, but any fruit will work! Feel free to use whatever you have on-hand, or whatever’s on sale at the grocery store that week. The only thing to note is, whichever fruit you use, make sure it totals to about 5-6 cups for this recipe.

    Maple Syrup – This healthy dessert recipe is sweetened with maple syrup! It’s refined sugar-free and honestly so healthy you could get away with eating it for breakfast.

    Rolled Oats – Any type of rolled oats will do – old-fashioned, quick cook, etc. The only type of oats you’ll want to avoid for your fruit crisp topping are whole oats, steel-cut, or Irish oats.

    Almond Flour – The almond flour keeps this recipe gluten-free! However, if you don’t have almond flour, or want to make this nut-free, you can replace the almond flour with all purpose flour.

    Butter or Coconut Oil – Use whichever you prefer in your crisp! I typically just use whichever I have on-hand. Coconut oil is obviously the healthier option, but butter adds a bit more flavor, which I love.

    Overhead image of summer fruit crisp in a baking dish with vanilla ice cream on top.

    Tips and Tricks

    • Keep this recipe simple! You’ll only need one bowl, which is used to first mix together the filling, then the crisp. There’s no need to dirty any extra dishes for this healthy dessert recipe.
    • This summer fruit crisp is best served warm with a scoop of cold vanilla ice cream on top. Though feel free to serve it however you’d like. On its own is delicious, or with a dollop of fresh whipped cream – yum!
    • Store leftover fruit crisp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. If enjoying leftovers, I recommend reheating in the microwave for just about 30 seconds before eating.

    Adjust This Recipe to Your Dietary Needs

    Make it Dairy-Free: Use either non-dairy butter, or take the coconut oil option in the crisp.

    Make it Nut-Free: For a nut-free dessert, replace the almond flour with 1/2 cup of all purpose flour.

    Overhead image of summer fruit crisp in a baking dish with vanilla ice cream on top.
    5 from 1 vote

    Healthy Summer Fruit Crisp

    A healthy fruit crisp loaded with fresh summer fruits! The perfect warm-weather dessert, best served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Super easy to make with just one bowl, in 30 minutes.
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes
    Servings: 8 servings

    Ingredients

    For the filling:

    • 2 cups blueberries
    • 2 cups sliced strawberries, or raspberries
    • 2-3 peaches, pitted and sliced
    • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
    • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

    For the crisp:

    • 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
    • 1/2 cup almond flour
    • pinch of salt
    • 1/4 cup butter or coconut oil, solid
    • 1/4 cup maple syrup

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit.
    • Mix together all filling ingredients in a large bowl, then transfer to a 9-inch baking dish.
    • Mix together all crisp ingredients in a large bowl (you can use the same bowl you used to make the filling), then evenly sprinkle crisp over top of the filling.
    • Bake for 20-25 minutes or until fruit is soft, then let cool slightly before serving.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 300kcal
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