Kit Kat Bars Recipe

If you love the crispy crunch and sweet taste of Kit Kat bars, then you’re in for a treat! This easy homemade Kit Kat Bars recipe is a healthier, no-bake version of your favorite candy, perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings without any of the guilt. Made with simple ingredients like Rice Chex cereal, peanut butter, and chocolate chips, these bars are quick to prepare and highly customizable. Whether you’re looking for a delightful snack, a party treat, or a homemade gift, these Kit Kat bars will surely hit the spot.
Why You’ll Love These Kit Kat Bars
These homemade Kit Kat bars are a fantastic option for anyone who loves a sweet and crunchy treat. Here’s why they are so special:
- No-bake and easy to prepare: No need to turn on the oven; just mix, pour, and chill!
- Versatile and customizable: You can easily substitute ingredients to fit your dietary needs or taste preferences.
- Healthy twist: Made with whole ingredients like maple syrup and peanut butter, these bars are a healthier alternative to store-bought candy.
Ingredients for Kit Kat Bars
To make these delicious Kit Kat bars, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 3 cups Rice Chex Cereal: You can also use any Chex cereal of your choice.
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips: Opt for milk, dark, or semi-sweet chocolate chips according to your preference.
- 1 cup peanut butter: Any nut or seed butter works well as a substitute if you have allergies or dietary restrictions.
- 1/2 cup maple syrup: Provides a natural sweetness; honey or agave syrup can be used as an alternative.
- 1/4 cup coconut oil: Adds a rich texture; you can substitute with butter if preferred.
Equipment You’ll Need
To make these Kit Kat Bars, ensure you have the following kitchen tools on hand:
- 8 x 8-inch deep dish or baking tray
- Parchment paper
- Large mixing bowl
- Microwave-safe bowl or saucepan
- Whisk or spatula
- Knife for cutting the bars
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Baking Dish
Line an 8 x 8-inch deep dish or baking tray with parchment paper, ensuring there is an overhang on the sides to make it easier to lift the bars out later. Set aside.
2. Combine the Cereal
Add the Rice Chex cereal to a large mixing bowl. Set aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.
3. Melt the Wet Ingredients
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the peanut butter, chocolate chips, maple syrup, and coconut oil. Microwave in 20-second increments, stirring in between, until everything is melted and smooth. Alternatively, you can melt these ingredients over medium heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently.
4. Mix the Cereal and Wet Ingredients
Pour the melted mixture over the Rice Chex cereal in the mixing bowl. Use a spatula or spoon to mix until all the cereal is evenly coated.
5. Pour and Set the Mixture
Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Press down firmly with a spatula to compact the mixture, ensuring the bars hold together.
6. Chill Until Firm
Place the baking dish in the refrigerator and chill for at least one hour, or until the bars are firm to the touch.
7. Cut and Serve
Once firm, remove the baking dish from the refrigerator. Lift the parchment paper to remove the set mixture from the dish and place it on a cutting board. Cut into bar-sized pieces and enjoy!

Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overheating the chocolate and peanut butter mixture: Overheating can cause the chocolate to seize or burn. Be sure to microwave in short intervals and stir frequently.
- Not pressing the mixture firmly into the dish: Failing to compact the mixture can result in crumbly bars that don’t hold together.
- Cutting the bars before they’re fully set: Make sure the bars have chilled completely before cutting to achieve clean, sharp edges.
Tips for Perfect Kit Kat Bars
- Use high-quality chocolate: For the best flavor, choose high-quality chocolate chips or bars. Dark chocolate provides a rich taste, while milk chocolate adds creaminess.
- Adjust sweetness to your liking: Feel free to adjust the amount of maple syrup or use a sugar-free alternative if preferred.
- Experiment with textures: Add some crunch with chopped nuts, seeds, or dried fruit for added texture and flavor.
How to Customize Your Kit Kat Bars
- Swap the nut butter: Use almond butter, cashew butter, sunflower seed butter, or any nut/seed butter of your choice.
- Add a layer of caramel: For a decadent twist, drizzle a layer of caramel sauce over the cereal mixture before chilling.
- Mix in extras: Try adding mini marshmallows, chopped nuts, or dried cranberries to the mix for an extra burst of flavor.
Serving and Presentation Ideas
- Serve chilled: These bars taste best when served chilled straight from the refrigerator.
- Dress it up: Drizzle melted white chocolate over the bars for an elegant touch or top with crushed nuts for added crunch.
- Perfect for parties: Arrange them on a platter with decorative paper liners for a party-ready presentation.
Storage and Shelf Life
- Refrigerator: Store the Kit Kat bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Freezer: These bars freeze well! Wrap each bar individually in parchment paper and place them in a zip-top bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free Rice Chex cereal and check that all other ingredients are gluten-free. - What can I use instead of coconut oil?
You can substitute coconut oil with melted butter or any neutral oil of your choice. - How do I prevent the bars from crumbling?
Make sure to mix the wet ingredients thoroughly with the cereal and press the mixture firmly into the dish before chilling.
Conclusion
These homemade Kit Kat bars are a delightful treat that’s easy to make and fun to eat. Perfect for sharing with friends, bringing to parties, or enjoying as an afternoon snack, they offer all the deliciousness of the classic candy bar with a healthier twist. Try this recipe today and discover how easy it is to create your own delicious version at home!
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Kit Kat Bars Recipe
Make these easy no-bake Kit Kat Bars with simple ingredients like Rice Chex, peanut butter, and chocolate chips.
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
Ingredients
- 3 cups Rice Chex Cereal: You can also use any Chex cereal of your choice.
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips: Opt for milk, dark, or semi-sweet chocolate chips according to your preference.
- 1 cup peanut butter: Any nut or seed butter works well as a substitute if you have allergies or dietary restrictions.
- 1/2 cup maple syrup: Provides a natural sweetness; honey or agave syrup can be used as an alternative.
- 1/4 cup coconut oil: Adds a rich texture; you can substitute with butter if preferred.
Instructions
1. Prepare Your Baking Dish
Line an 8 x 8-inch deep dish or baking tray with parchment paper, ensuring there is an overhang on the sides to make it easier to lift the bars out later. Set aside.
2. Combine the Cereal
Add the Rice Chex cereal to a large mixing bowl. Set aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.
3. Melt the Wet Ingredients
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the peanut butter, chocolate chips, maple syrup, and coconut oil. Microwave in 20-second increments, stirring in between, until everything is melted and smooth. Alternatively, you can melt these ingredients over medium heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently.
4. Mix the Cereal and Wet Ingredients
Pour the melted mixture over the Rice Chex cereal in the mixing bowl. Use a spatula or spoon to mix until all the cereal is evenly coated.
5. Pour and Set the Mixture
Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Press down firmly with a spatula to compact the mixture, ensuring the bars hold together.
6. Chill Until Firm
Place the baking dish in the refrigerator and chill for at least one hour, or until the bars are firm to the touch.
7. Cut and Serve
Once firm, remove the baking dish from the refrigerator. Lift the parchment paper to remove the set mixture from the dish and place it on a cutting board. Cut into bar-sized pieces and enjoy!
Notes
Serving and Presentation Ideas
- Serve chilled: These bars taste best when served chilled straight from the refrigerator.
- Dress it up: Drizzle melted white chocolate over the bars for an elegant touch or top with crushed nuts for added crunch.
- Perfect for parties: Arrange them on a platter with decorative paper liners for a party-ready presentation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (for melting)
- Category: Dessert