Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown rice crisp cereal and rolled oats. These will form the base of your Kudos bars, providing the crunch and texture that make these bars so satisfying.
Prepare the Sweet Syrup: In a medium-sized pot, combine the coconut sugar, salted butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a rapid bubble. Let it bubble for about 3-5 minutes, which will allow the sugar to dissolve completely and the syrup to thicken slightly. This syrup will help bind the cereal and oats together, giving the bars their structure.
Mix It All Together: Remove the pot from the heat and pour the syrup over the cereal and oat mixture. Use a silicone spatula to mix everything together, ensuring that the dry ingredients are evenly coated with the syrup. This step is crucial for ensuring that your bars hold together properly.
Shape the Bars: Prepare a 9″ x 13″ pan by lightly greasing it and lining it with parchment paper. Pour the cereal mixture into the pan, spreading it out evenly. Use the back of a measuring cup to press the mixture firmly into the pan, ensuring that it’s tightly packed. This will help the bars hold their shape once they’ve cooled.
Chill the Bars: Place the pan in the fridge and let the mixture chill for at least 2 hours. This allows the bars to firm up, making them easier to cut.
Cut and Dip in Chocolate: Once the bars have chilled, remove them from the pan and cut them into even-sized bars—aiming for about 16 bars. Melt the dark chocolate chips in 30-second intervals in the microwave, stirring between each interval until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted. Dip the bottom of each bar into the melted chocolate, letting any excess drip off. Place the bars back onto parchment paper to set.
Add the Finishing Touches: Sprinkle chopped peanuts and candied chocolate pieces on top of some of the bars for extra texture and flavor. You can also drizzle more melted chocolate over the top of each bar using a piping bag for that classic Kudos look. Place the bars back in the fridge to allow the chocolate to fully set.
Enjoy Your Homemade Kudos Bars: Once the chocolate has set, your homemade Kudos bars are ready to enjoy!
Notes
Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.