Ingredients You’ll Need
(Makes 12–16 bars)

Base:
3 cups (90g) crispy rice cereal (like Rice Krispies®)
1 cup (150g) dry roasted peanuts (or almonds, pecans, or sunflower seeds)
Optional: ½ cup mini marshmallows or chocolate chips
Binder:
½ cup (1 stick / 115g) unsalted butter
½ cup (120ml) light corn syrup (or brown rice syrup for GF)
½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
¼ tsp salt
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Coating (Optional but Recommended):
1 cup (175g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tsp coconut oil (for smooth melting)

Step-by-Step Instructions (Crispy, Chewy, Foolproof)
1. Prep the Pan
Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two sides.
2. Make the Binder
In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
Stir in corn syrup, sugar, and salt. Bring to a gentle boil.
Boil 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until sugar dissolves and mixture is smooth.
Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla.
3. Mix & Press
Immediately add crispy rice cereal and peanuts. Stir gently until fully coated.
Press firmly into prepared pan using a spatula or greased hands (press hard for chewy bars!).
Cool 15 minutes.
4. Add Chocolate Coating (Optional)
Melt chocolate chips + coconut oil in microwave (30-sec intervals, stir between).
Spread evenly over cooled base.
Sprinkle with flaky salt or extra nuts if desired.
5. Set & Slice
Let chocolate set at room temp (or chill 10 mins).
Lift out using parchment, then cut into 12–16 bars.