Chocolate Crunch Bar Cups
Chocolate Crunch Bar Cups are the ultimate little treat for chocolate lovers who crave a delightful crunch in every bite. These bite-sized delights combine rich, smooth dark chocolate with the satisfying crispiness of rice cereal, topped off with a sprinkle of sea salt to elevate every mouthful. Perfect for parties, snack times, or a quick sweet fix, these cups are as easy to make as they are irresistible. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these cups promise to deliver that perfect balance of texture and flavor with minimal fuss.
Why This Chocolate Crunch Bar Cups Stands Out
What makes these Chocolate Crunch Bar Cups truly special is their simplicity paired with a satisfying texture contrast. Unlike typical chocolate treats that can be overly sweet or too dense, these cups balance the deep, slightly bitter notes of dark chocolate with the light crunch of crispy rice cereal. The hint of sea salt enhances the chocolate’s richness and brings out the cereal’s toasted flavor, creating a sophisticated yet approachable snack. Plus, their mini muffin liner presentation makes them easy to portion and perfect for sharing, gifting, or even adding to a dessert platter.
These cups don’t require baking or complicated steps, so they’re a fantastic option for anyone who wants a homemade treat without the hassle. Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert or a unique homemade gift, these cups deliver on flavor, texture, and presentation.
What Goes Into Chocolate Crunch Bar Cups
- 6 oz. dark chocolate bar/squares/chips (chopped if using bars or squares) – Choose a good quality dark chocolate with at least 60% cacao for the best flavor.
- 1/3 cup crispy rice cereal – This adds the essential crunch and lightness to the cups.
- Sea salt – A pinch or two for sprinkling on top to balance the sweetness and enhance the chocolate flavor.
- 20 mini muffin liners – These keep the cups neat and make serving easy.
Cook’s Kit
- Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl – For melting the chocolate gently without burning.
- Mixing bowl – To combine the melted chocolate and crispy rice cereal.
- Mini muffin tin – To hold the liners and shape the cups.
- Spoon or small spatula – For stirring and portioning the mixture.
- Measuring cups – To ensure accurate ingredient amounts.
Chocolate Crunch Bar Cups in Steps
Step 1: Prepare the Mini Muffin Tin
Line your mini muffin tin with 20 mini muffin liners. This will make it easier to remove the cups later and keep everything tidy.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate
Chop the dark chocolate bars into small pieces if you’re not using chips. Melt the chocolate slowly using a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between until smooth and glossy. Be careful not to overheat, as chocolate can seize and become grainy.
Step 3: Mix in the Crispy Rice Cereal
Once the chocolate is melted, gently fold the crispy rice cereal into the chocolate until each piece is well-coated. This ensures every bite has that satisfying crunch.
Step 4: Portion the Mixture
Spoon the chocolate and cereal mixture evenly into the prepared muffin liners. Fill each liner generously but avoid overfilling to prevent spilling.
Step 5: Add the Sea Salt
Sprinkle a small pinch of sea salt over the top of each cup while the chocolate is still soft. This step is crucial for bringing out the chocolate’s flavor and balancing sweetness.
Step 6: Chill and Set
Place the muffin tin in the refrigerator and allow the cups to set completely, about 30 minutes to an hour. Once firm, they’re ready to enjoy!
Low-Carb/Keto Alternatives
- Use sugar-free or low-carb dark chocolate with no added sugars.
- Replace crispy rice cereal with toasted crushed nuts (like almonds or pecans) or unsweetened coconut flakes for crunch.
- Ensure sea salt is pure and additive-free to keep the recipe clean.
- Consider using mini silicone muffin cups for easy release without liners.
Learn from These Mistakes
- Overheating the chocolate: Melting chocolate too quickly or at too high a temperature can cause it to seize, resulting in a clumpy, grainy texture. Always melt chocolate gently.
- Skipping the sea salt: The small sprinkle of sea salt on top isn’t just decorative; it enhances the overall flavor. Don’t skip it!
- Using stale cereal: Crispy rice cereal can lose its crunch if it’s not fresh, so make sure your cereal is crisp to achieve the ideal texture.
- Overfilling the cups: Filling the liners too high can make them difficult to handle and cause the cups to break when removing from the tin.
Make Ahead Like a Pro
Chocolate Crunch Bar Cups can be made days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To keep them fresh longer, layer parchment paper between the cups if stacking. For parties or gifts, prepare them a day before to save time and ensure they’re perfectly set. You can also freeze these cups for up to a month; just thaw in the refrigerator before serving to maintain their texture and flavor.
Your Top Questions
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Absolutely! Milk chocolate will make the cups sweeter and creamier, but keep in mind the flavor profile will be different. If you prefer a sweeter treat, milk chocolate is a great option.
How do I store leftover Chocolate Crunch Bar Cups?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is also a good option.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Yes! Chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even mini marshmallows can be mixed in with the cereal to customize the texture and flavor to your liking.
What’s the best way to melt chocolate without a double boiler?
The microwave method works well: heat the chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval until smooth. This prevents overheating and burning.
What to Make After This
- Peppermint Oreo Fudge 3 Ingredients – A quick and festive fudge recipe that pairs perfectly with your Chocolate Crunch Bar Cups.
- Peppermint White Chocolate Mousse Cups No Bake – A light, creamy dessert to balance the crunch and richness of the chocolate cups.
Serve & Enjoy
Serve these Chocolate Crunch Bar Cups chilled for the best texture and flavor. They’re perfect on their own as snackable treats or paired with coffee or tea for an indulgent afternoon break. Their small size makes them ideal for parties or gifting, and they’re sure to disappear quickly once placed on the table. Enjoy the satisfying crunch, the deep chocolate flavor, and the hint of sea salt with every bite!
These simple yet elegant cups are proof that sometimes the best treats come from the simplest ingredients. Make a batch today and delight in a homemade chocolate crunch experience!
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Chocolate Crunch Bar Cups
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Line your mini muffin tin with 20 mini muffin liners to prepare for the cups.
- Chop the dark chocolate bars into small pieces if not using chips. Melt the chocolate slowly using a double boiler or microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between until smooth and glossy. Avoid overheating.
- Gently fold the crispy rice cereal into the melted chocolate until each piece is well-coated.
- Spoon the chocolate and cereal mixture evenly into the prepared muffin liners. Fill each generously but avoid overfilling.
- Sprinkle a small pinch of sea salt over the top of each cup while the chocolate is still soft.
- Place the muffin tin in the refrigerator and chill for 30 minutes to an hour until the cups are fully set.
Notes
- Use good quality dark chocolate with at least 60% cacao for the best flavor.
- Store finished cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for up to a month.
- For a low-carb version, substitute crispy rice cereal with toasted crushed nuts or unsweetened coconut flakes.
