Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Crispy Treats

Name: Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Crispy Treats
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 12 bars
Ingredients: 3 cups Rice Crispy cereal; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1 cup creamy peanut butter; 1/4 cup unsalted butter; 1/4 cup honey or corn syrup; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love making Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Crispy Treats, especially when I'm looking for a quick and satisfying dessert. The combination of rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and crispy rice cereal creates a delightful texture that everyone enjoys. This recipe is not only easy to whip up in just 20 minutes, but it also uses simple ingredients that I usually have on hand. Whether it’s for a family gathering or a simple treat for myself, these bars never fail to impress!

Created by

Marianne Hughes

Last updated on 2026-01-13T05:40:15.891Z

When I first tried making these treats, I was amazed at how quickly everything came together. The combination of melted chocolate and peanut butter is a classic, but adding crispy rice cereal gave it a delightful crunch I didn't expect. It’s the perfect way to indulge my sweet tooth without spending hours in the kitchen.

One tip I learned along the way is to let the mixture cool slightly before pressing it into the pan. This prevents the chocolate from seizing and ensures a smooth texture. I love how versatile this recipe is; you can even add some chopped nuts or dried fruits to customize it to your taste!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with creamy peanut butter
Crispy texture that satisfies every bite
Quick and easy to make with just a few ingredients

      

Understanding the Ingredients

In this recipe, each ingredient plays a vital role in achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The semi-sweet chocolate chips provide a rich, chocolatey taste that complements the nutty notes of the creamy peanut butter. If you're looking for a more intense chocolate flavor, consider using dark chocolate chips instead; they will deepen the overall flavor profile of the treats.

The choice of sweetener can also be tailored to your preferences. While honey brings a natural sweetness and slight floral note, corn syrup will give a more neutral sweetness that won’t compete with the chocolate and peanut butter. Additionally, for a vegan version, you can swap out the butter for coconut oil and use maple syrup instead of honey.

Perfecting the Technique

When melting the ingredients, it’s important to do so over low heat to prevent the chocolate from seizing. Stir constantly until the mixture becomes glossy and smooth; this usually takes about 5 minutes. If the mixture starts to bubble, remove it from the heat immediately to prevent burning. Make sure everything is well combined before adding the Rice Crispy cereal.

Pressing the mixture into the pan is another key step. Use a greased spatula or your hands to compact the mixture firmly. This will help the bars hold together once they are cut. If you find that the mixture is sticking to your spatula or hands, a touch of oil on the tool can make it easier to work with.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

Once cut, these treats can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, although I guarantee they’ll be devoured long before then! For longer storage, you can also freeze the bars. Just wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag; they can last for up to three months in the freezer. To enjoy frozen bars, simply let them thaw at room temperature for about 15 to 20 minutes before serving.

These Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Crispy Treats can be enjoyed on their own, but they also make an excellent addition to a dessert platter or picnic spread. Consider drizzling some extra melted chocolate on top for an indulgent touch, or sprinkling some sea salt to enhance the flavors. For a fun twist, you might even add mini marshmallows or crushed pretzels for an unexpected crunch and flavor contrast.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create delicious treats:

Ingredients

3 cups Rice Crispy cereal
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup honey or corn syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Ensure all ingredients are ready for the next steps!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your treats:

Melt the Ingredients

In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the unsalted butter, honey, peanut butter, and chocolate chips. Stir constantly until melted and smooth.

Combine with Cereal

Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Gradually mix in the Rice Crispy cereal until fully coated.

Press into the Pan

Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch pan. Use a spatula or your hands to press down evenly and firmly into the pan.

Chill and Cut

Allow the treats to cool at room temperature for about 10 minutes, then refrigerate for 30 minutes before cutting into bars.

Enjoy your homemade treats!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of salt to the mixture or topping the bars with chopped nuts before they cool.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One common issue is not melting the chocolate and peanut butter mixture thoroughly, resulting in clumpy flavors instead of a smooth blend. Make sure to stir consistently and keep the heat low. If you accidentally overheat and the chocolate seizes, you can try to rescue the mixture by adding a splash of warm milk or water to smooth it out, stirring vigorously until re-emulsified.

Another pitfall is not pressing the mixture firmly enough into the pan. This can lead to treats that crumble apart rather than slice neatly into bars. Always make sure to apply even pressure when pressing down, and consider chilling it for a bit longer if you're having trouble with the bars sticking together.

Variations to Try

You can easily customize these bars to suit your taste or dietary needs. Swap out the peanut butter for almond or cashew butter for a different nutty flavor. For a more chocolatey treat, consider folding in some cocoa powder to the rice cereal before mixing it with the melted ingredients. This adds an extra layer of chocolate goodness that pairs wonderfully with the other flavors.

If you're in the mood for something fruity, adding dried fruits like cranberries or chopped apricots can give a nice chewy contrast to the crispiness of the Rice Crispy cereal. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness slightly to account for the added sugars in the dried fruit.

Making it Healthier

To lighten up this treat, consider swapping some of the semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate or using a sugar-free chocolate alternative. Additionally, you can replace the Rice Crispy cereal with a whole grain version, such as brown rice crisps, to boost the fiber content. This way, you can indulge more guilt-free while still enjoying the delightful taste.

For an added nutritional boost, mix in some flaxseed meal or chia seeds to the cereal before combining it with the melted mixture. This not only enhances the health benefits of the bars but keeps the texture intact. Just remember, a little goes a long way; about a quarter cup is sufficient for nutrient enhancement without compromising flavor.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of cereal?

Yes! Feel free to substitute Rice Crispy cereal with any other crispy cereal you enjoy.

→ How should I store these treats?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

→ Can I make these treats vegan?

Absolutely! Use dairy-free chocolate chips and substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative.

→ What can I add to enhance the flavor?

You can add chopped nuts, mini marshmallows, or even drizzle some melted chocolate on top for extra indulgence.