These no-bake, vegan Rice Crispy Chocolate Bars are so easy to make and sooo delicious!
There’s something so satisfying about making your own chocolate bars at home. Not only does it taste fresher and richer than the typical chocolate bars you find in the store, but it’s also healthier, dairy-free, and completely customizable. Whether you love a mix of nuts and seeds, a nut-free option, or even a holiday twist with peppermint, this recipe lets you get creative and make a treat that’s perfect for your taste.
These chocolate bars are an easy, thoughtful gift for the holidays or a crowd-pleasing treat to bring to a holiday party or gathering. And if you or someone you’re making it for has allergies, it’s simple to customize—you can leave out the nuts and use seeds, pretzels, or dried fruit instead. It’s a treat that everyone can enjoy, and the best part is, it only takes a few steps to make!
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Rice Crispy Chocolate Bars
Recipe Details
Servings: About 12 pieces
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 30–40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients
Nut & Seed Mix:
2 tablespoons slivered almonds
2 tablespoons pistachios, roughly chopped
2 tablespoons peanuts, roughly chopped
3 tablespoons rice crispies (or puffed brown rice)
1 teaspoon chia seeds
Chocolate Mixture:
1 ½ cups vegan chocolate chips
1 tablespoon coconut oil (or any neutral oil)
1 tablespoon peanut butter
1 tablespoon agave nectar (or maple syrup)
Optional Add-ins:
1 tablespoon shredded coconut
1 tablespoon dried berries or raisins
A pinch of flaky sea salt for topping
For a Nut-Free Option:
Replace nuts with:
Sunflower seeds
Pumpkin seeds
Crispy pretzels, crushed
Dried fruit (like raisins, chopped apricots, or cranberries)
Instructions
Prepare the Nut & Seed Mix:
Combine the slivered almonds, pistachios, peanuts, rice crispies, and chia seeds in a bowl. Add optional add-ins if desired. Set aside.
Melt the Chocolate Mixture:
In a microwave-safe bowl or using a double boiler, melt the vegan chocolate chips with the oil, nut butter, and agave. Stir frequently until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
Combine the Mixtures:
Add the nut and seed mix to the melted chocolate. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated.
Spread and Set:
Line a baking pan or tray with parchment paper. Pour the chocolate mixture onto the parchment and spread it into an even layer about ½ inch thick. Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top, if desired.
Freeze the Bark:
Place the tray in the freezer for 30–40 minutes, or until the chocolate is firm.
Break into Pieces:
Lift the chocolate bark out of the pan using the parchment paper. Break it into bite-sized pieces by hand or with a sharp knife.
Serve & Store:
My favorite way to store these bars is in the freezer—it’s extra crunchy and so refreshing straight out of the freezer! Keep it in an airtight container for up to 2 months in the freezer or up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: ~140
Protein: ~3g
Carbs: ~10g
Fat: ~10g
Sugar: ~7g
(Note: These are estimates and may vary depending on the ingredients you use.)
Pro Tips for Customization
Holiday Version:
Peppermint Bark: Add ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract or oil to the melted chocolate. Sprinkle crushed candy canes or peppermint candies on top before freezing.
Holiday Spices: Add ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to the chocolate for a festive, spiced flavor. Top with dried cranberries for a red-and-green holiday look.
Other Ideas:
Citrus Zing: Add a sprinkle of orange zest for a bright, refreshing twist.
Savory-Sweet: Use crushed pretzels or roasted salted seeds for a perfect salty-sweet combo.
Nut-Free Option:
For those avoiding nuts, swap out almonds, pistachios, and peanuts for:
Sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a nutty flavor without the nuts.
Toasted quinoa for added crunch.
Dried fruit for sweetness.
Crispy pretzels for a fun texture and salty bite.
How Did You Make Yours?
I’d love to hear how you made your chocolate bars! Did you try a nut-free version or add a unique topping? Maybe you found a flavor combination that’s perfect for the holidays or discovered a creative twist I didn’t mention. Let me know in the comments or share your favorite variation—I can’t wait to see what you came up with!
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