If you’re following a keto lifestyle or simply seeking a healthier alternative to traditional chocolate bars, these Keto Chocolate Crunch Bars are the perfect treat. This recipe is designed to keep you satisfied without compromising your dietary goals, offering a crunchy, chocolatey snack that’s low in carbs, high in healthy fats, and absolutely delicious.
Keto Chocolate Crunch Bars are the ideal snack for anyone on a low-carb, ketogenic, or low-sugar diet. Whether you’re looking for an after-dinner dessert or a quick energy boost, these bars are the perfect solution. The key ingredients include a mixture of keto-friendly sweeteners, chocolate, and healthy fats like coconut oil. They are packed with flavor and nutrients, while being easy to prepare and store.
In this detailed recipe, I will provide all the measurements, step-by-step instructions, and nutritional information. I’ll also include SmartPoints calculations for those using the WW (formerly Weight Watchers) program, ensuring these bars fit into your healthy lifestyle.
Ingredients
For the Crunch Bars:
- 1 cup unsweetened almond butter (or any nut butter of your choice)
- 1/2 cup coconut oil (melted)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (for a rich chocolate flavor)
- 1/2 cup keto-friendly sweetener (like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for a subtle flavor enhancement)
- 1 cup crispy keto-friendly rice puffs (made from puffed rice or a similar low-carb alternative)
- Pinch of salt (to balance the sweetness)
For the Chocolate Coating:
- 1/2 cup sugar-free chocolate chips (choose dark chocolate for lower sugar content)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (to ensure smooth coating)
Instructions
- Prepare the Base:
- Begin by lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly greasing it with coconut oil. This will make removing the bars easier after they’ve set.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the coconut oil over low heat. Once it’s fully melted, add the almond butter and stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined. You can also use a microwave to melt both ingredients in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
- Add Cocoa Powder and Sweetener:
- Add the unsweetened cocoa powder and keto-friendly sweetener (erythritol or monk fruit). Stir continuously to ensure everything is fully incorporated. The mixture will become a smooth, glossy chocolate base.
- Make sure to taste the mixture and adjust sweetness if needed, depending on your preference and the sweetness of the sweetener you’re using.
- Incorporate Vanilla and Salt:
- Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. The vanilla extract will add a depth of flavor, while the salt helps balance the sweetness and enhances the chocolatey richness of the bars.
- Add the Crunch:
- Once your chocolate mixture is smooth, add in the crispy keto rice puffs. Stir until they are evenly coated with the chocolate mixture. The texture of the rice puffs will give these bars their signature crunch.
- Pour the Mixture into the Pan:
- Carefully transfer the mixture into the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Press down gently to compact the mixture and ensure it sets firmly once chilled.
- Chill the Base:
- Place the pan in the refrigerator for about 1-2 hours or until the mixture is firm and completely set. This step is crucial as it allows the bars to hold their shape once cut.
- Prepare the Chocolate Coating:
- While the base is chilling, melt the sugar-free chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl or over a double boiler. Add 1 tablespoon of coconut oil to the chocolate chips and stir until smooth and glossy. The coconut oil helps create a smooth, silky finish to the chocolate coating.
- Coat the Bars:
- Once the base is fully chilled and firm, remove the pan from the refrigerator. Use a sharp knife to cut the bars into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference.
- Dip each bar into the melted chocolate, coating it generously on all sides. For an extra touch, you can sprinkle a tiny bit of sea salt or some chopped nuts on top of the chocolate before it sets.
- Final Chill:
- Place the coated bars back on a parchment-lined tray or back in the pan and return them to the refrigerator for 30 minutes to an hour, or until the chocolate hardens and sets completely.
- Enjoy:
- Once the chocolate coating is firm, your Keto Chocolate Crunch Bars are ready to enjoy! They can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Nutritional Information (per bar, based on 16 servings)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Fat: 13g
- Carbohydrates: 4g (Net Carbs: 2g)
- Protein: 3g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 20mg
SmartPoints (WW Calculation)
These Keto Chocolate Crunch Bars are incredibly low in SmartPoints, making them a great choice for those on the WW (Weight Watchers) program:
- SmartPoints per bar: 2 points (Based on the standard recipe and serving size of 16 bars)
These bars are an excellent snack or dessert option for anyone who is following a low-carb, keto, or WW plan, as they are filling, nutritious, and satisfying without the guilt of high SmartPoints or carbs.
Helpful Tips for Making Keto Chocolate Crunch Bars
- Sweeteners: When choosing a keto-friendly sweetener, erythritol and monk fruit sweetener are both great options. They have little to no impact on blood sugar levels and provide sweetness without the need for sugar. However, be mindful that some sweeteners can have a cooling effect or leave an aftertaste. If using a new sweetener, be sure to taste as you go and adjust the amount based on your preferences.
- Rice Puffs: If you cannot find keto rice puffs in stores, you can make your own by puffing rice using a specialized puffed rice machine. Alternatively, you can use other crunchy, low-carb cereals, such as unsweetened puffed quinoa or coconut flakes, for a slightly different texture.
- Storage: These bars should be stored in the refrigerator to keep their shape and texture. They will last for about two weeks in an airtight container. If you prefer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months and thaw them out when needed for a quick snack.
- Allergy Considerations: If you have nut allergies, you can substitute the almond butter with sunflower seed butter, cashew butter, or another nut or seed butter that works for your dietary needs.
- Chocolate Coating Alternatives: You can experiment with different sugar-free chocolate brands for the coating. Some options might be sweeter or have slightly different textures. If you prefer a thicker coating, feel free to double the chocolate coating ingredients.
- Adding Flavors: If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or chili powder to the chocolate for a unique twist. You can also fold in some chopped nuts (almonds, pecans, or walnuts) or a few dried berries to enhance the flavor and crunch.
Why You’ll Love These Keto Chocolate Crunch Bars
These Keto Chocolate Crunch Bars are not only keto-friendly but also provide a satisfying crunch and decadent chocolate flavor. They’re the perfect balance of fats, protein, and fiber, making them a delicious treat without derailing your healthy eating goals. With only 2g of net carbs per serving and just 2 SmartPoints, they are a great snack option for anyone following a low-carb or WW plan. Whether you’re looking for a quick energy boost, a sweet craving fix, or a post-workout snack, these bars will become a staple in your recipe rotation. Enjoy guilt-free indulgence that tastes just like your favorite chocolate crunch bars, but without all the sugar and carbs.
Conclusion
Keto Chocolate Crunch Bars offer a mouthwatering combination of chocolate and crunch, with all the satisfying richness of a traditional dessert, but without the carbs. Their simplicity in preparation and versatility in ingredients makes them a go-to snack for those on the ketogenic diet or anyone looking to cut down on sugar. With the inclusion of healthy fats, fiber, and protein, they not only taste delicious but also help support your health goals.
These bars can be stored for days, ready to satisfy your sweet tooth whenever you need it, all while staying within your desired SmartPoints range. So, the next time you’re craving something sweet, grab a Keto Chocolate Crunch Bar and enjoy the indulgence without the guilt.