If you grew up loving the classic Crunch Bar, you’re going to be obsessed with this healthier twist! These healthy homemade crunch bars have all those flavours you crave when Halloween comes around, but without the processed ingredients that are typically included. These bars are no-bake, made with almond butter, maple syrup, and crispy brown rice cereal, making them naturally sweet and perfectly crunchy. The brown rice cereal also provides a good amount of fibre, making the sugar release slower. This makes these bars a smarter choice for both you and your little monsters!! 

The best part? You don’t need to be a fancy chef to whip these up. With just a handful of pantry staples and zero baking required, these bars come together in minutes. This also makes it easier for kids to be involved, as there is no heat involved! This is the kind of treat that feels fun and indulgent, but secretly sneaks in a bit of nutrition to you and your family’s diet. 

Last Halloween, I shared this recipe live on Global News Morning as part of my segment on healthier Halloween treats. Watch it here. I have been meaning to post the full recipe ever since, so I’m very excited to finally be sharing this with you now. 

No-Bake Homemade Crunch Bars Recipe

Gluten-free & Vegan

Prep time: 5 minutes | Chill time: 2 hours | Serving size: 8

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup almond butter
• 1/3 cup maple syrup
• 2 tbsp coconut oil
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/3 cup cacao powder
• 2 cups brown rice crispy cereal

Directions: 

1. Place almond butter, maple syrup, 2 tbsp coconut oil and vanilla in a pot over medium heat. Heat gently while whisking until smooth.
2. Place brown crispy rice cereal in a heatproof bowl and pour almond butter mixture over top. 
3. Pour into a lined bread pan and freeze for 2 hours to set. 
4. Remove from the pan and cut into 8 Healthy Homemade Crunch Bars. 
5. Store in the freezer.

At Home Halloween Treats: A Better Option for Your Little Ones

Who doesn’t love the feeling of getting home on Halloween evening with a bag full of treats? Dumping it on the floor, sorting through it all and finding your favourites; a core childhood memory. These chocolates and candies are typically extremely processed, filled with sugar, chemicals and additives… which is why I have figured out how to make my own, healthier versions that taste just as yummy! Don’t get me wrong, my kids still trick-or-treat and come home with a bag of candy, but we try to moderate their consumption where we can. These crunch bars, specifically, are filled with beneficial ingredients like almond butter, coconut oil, maple syrup and cacao powder. 

There is tons of research on the connection between candy consumption and body weight, the development of disease and general wellness in children and teenagers. Replacing these ingredients by making our own candies and chocolates can be integral for their growth and development, and their future health. Now that you know the importance, let’s talk about what benefits the ingredients in these crunch bars will provide you! 

Health Benefits of Cacao Powder

Not only does cacao powder make our recipes taste decadent, but there are surprisingly many benefits that come alongside that taste.  

• It is rich in antioxidants (specifically epicatechin), which support our bodies in fighting disease and oxidative stress. 
• These antioxidants can also support heart health through lowering blood pressure and reducing LDL (bad) cholesterol. 
• There are compounds in cacao like theobromine and phenylethylamine that are known to boost mood, focus and brain function. 
• It contains essential minerals like magnesium, iron, potassium and zinc. 
• It can support your gut health as it acts as a prebiotic, feeding the beneficial bacteria in your microbiome. 

TIP: Cacao Powder and Cocoa Powder are different: cocoa is typically more processed and includes added sugars. When shopping for your cacao powder, try to choose an organic, unsweetened, raw powder.

Health Benefits of Coconut Oil

There are so many oils to choose from that it can be overwhelming. It is best to stick with coconut oil, olive oil or avocado oil as these are typically the least damaged. I personally love to use coconut oil in my dessert recipes as it gives that extra flavour. 

• Coconut Oil is rich in MCT (medium chain triglycerides), which are a fast fuel for the body, being used straight away as opposed to being stored. 
• MCTs can also be converted into ketones, which provide the body with a boost of energy for the brain. 
• It contains Lauric Acid, which has antimicrobial properties, supporting immune health.
• There is research showing that coconut oil can support metabolism, as MCTs can increase calorie burning. 
• Coconut oil has a very high smoke point, making it a great option for cooking and baking. 

TIP: Try to rotate between coconut oil, olive oil and avocado oil throughout your meals as coconut oil is high in saturated fat, which is best used in moderation. 

Try These Healthy Halloween Snacks Next:

Halloween Apple Monsters

If you’re looking for more of a cute but spooky snack idea, try my Halloween Apple Monsters! These are an awesome way to get kids involved and excited about eating fruit; made with crispy green apples, nut-free butter and strawberries. These monsters come together in minutes and the silly faces are sure to make everyone smile. Perfect for parties or just as a healthier Halloween treat. 

Get the recipe. 

Healthy Peanut Butter Cups

If you’re craving something rich and chocolatey but still want to keep it clean, you will LOVE these Healthy Peanut Butter Cups. Made with a creamy sunflower seed butter, coated in a carob shell sweetened with stevia; these are refined sugar-free and nut-free but taste just like the real deal. They are vegan, gluten-free, paleo, but still perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth! 

Get this guilt-free recipe. 

Spider Deviled Eggs

If you don’t have much of a sweet tooth but still want to get into the Halloween spirit, try these Spider Deviled Eggs. These are gluten-free and come together so quickly; hard-boiled eggs with a Greek Yogurt yolk mix, topped with olive ‘spiders’. This could be a perfect appetizer for Halloween parties, offering those guests without a sweet tooth something to nibble on, or just as a fun breakfast for you and your family. 

Get this spooky recipe