Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats
If you’re a fan of no-bake goodies, then these Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats are about to become your new obsession. Imagine the perfect combination of crispy cereal, rich peanut butter, and gooey chocolate chips all layered into one spectacular treat. These bars are an irresistible twist on the classic rice krispie treat, offering a delightful balance of sweet and salty flavors packed with texture and indulgence. Whether you’re making a dessert for a family gathering, a quick snack for the kids, or just a treat to keep on hand for those moments you need a little pick-me-up, this recipe has got you covered.
Why Cooks Rave About It
The magic behind these Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats is in the harmony of ingredients that come together to create a texture and taste experience that’s hard to beat. The light corn syrup combined with granulated and brown sugar forms a buttery, chewy base that binds everything nicely without being overly sticky. Creamy peanut butter adds a rich, nutty depth that complements the semi-sweet chocolate chips and butterscotch chips, creating layers of flavor in every bite. The mini peanut butter cups sprinkled throughout elevate these treats to a whole new level of indulgence, turning a simple snack into a decadent dessert.
What keeps cooks coming back is just how easy and quick this recipe is, with no baking required. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy but comes together with just a few pantry staples and simple steps. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to tweak the mix-ins to suit your taste or what you have on hand.
What We’re Using
- 1 cup light corn syrup – This keeps the treats sticky but soft, providing that classic chewy texture.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and helps with the structure.
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar – Brings a hint of molasses flavor and moisture.
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter – The star ingredient for that rich, nutty flavor and smooth binding.
- Pinch of salt – Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 5 cups Rice Krispies cereal – The crispy base ingredient that lends crunch and body.
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips – For that melty, chocolatey goodness.
- 1 cup butterscotch chips – Adds a buttery sweetness that pairs beautifully with peanut butter.
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter – Used in the final melt to drizzle or swirl for extra peanut flavor.
- 2 cups chopped mini peanut butter cups – A fun, gooey addition that makes these treats extra special.
Hardware & Gadgets
- Large saucepan: To melt and combine the syrup, sugars, and peanut butter.
- Heatproof spatula: For stirring the hot mixture without scratching your pan.
- 9×13-inch baking dish: The perfect size to press the treats evenly.
- Non-stick spray or parchment paper: To line your pan and prevent sticking.
- Large mixing bowl: To combine your cereal and mix-ins before adding the syrup mixture.
- Microwave-safe bowl: For melting chocolate and peanut butter to drizzle.
Cooking Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats: The Process
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start by lining your 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or spraying it generously with non-stick spray. This will make removing your treats a breeze later on and ensure they keep their shape.
Step 2: Mix the Syrup and Sugars
In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup light corn syrup, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar. Stir continuously until the sugars dissolve and the mixture starts to bubble gently. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Be careful not to let it boil too vigorously or burn.
Step 3: Add Peanut Butter and Salt
Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately stir in 1 cup creamy peanut butter and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth and fully combined, creating a velvety, sweet, and nutty sauce.
Step 4: Combine with Rice Krispies and Mix-Ins
In a large mixing bowl, add 5 cups of Rice Krispies cereal. Pour the peanut butter syrup over the cereal and gently fold it in with a spatula until every crispy piece is coated evenly. Then, fold in 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1 cup butterscotch chips, and 2 cups chopped mini peanut butter cups. The warmth from the syrup will start to slightly melt the chips, binding everything together deliciously.
Step 5: Press Into Pan
Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Using a spatula or the back of a spoon, press the treats firmly and evenly into the pan. Don’t be shy here—pressing them down well helps them hold together once cooled.
Step 6: Melt Extra Peanut Butter and Chocolate for Drizzle
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 2 tablespoons peanut butter with 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth and glossy. Drizzle this over the pressed treats for an extra layer of peanut butter-chocolate yum.
Step 7: Chill and Cut
Place the baking dish in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to set. Once firm, lift the treats out using the parchment paper edges and cut into bars or squares.
Dietary Customizations
- Nut-free option: Replace peanut butter and mini peanut butter cups with sunflower seed butter and sunflower seed butter cups to avoid nuts.
- Vegan adaptation: Use vegan-friendly chocolate and butterscotch chips along with a plant-based butter substitute.
- Lower sugar: Reduce granulated and brown sugar slightly and use natural peanut butter with no added sugar.
- Add-ins: Toss in toasted coconut flakes, chopped pretzels for crunch, or dried fruit for a flavor twist.
Avoid These Mistakes
- Overheating the syrup: High heat can burn the sugars, resulting in a bitter taste. Keep the heat medium and watch closely.
- Not pressing firmly: If you don’t press the mixture down well, the treats will fall apart when cutting.
- Skipping the chilling step: Cutting too soon can cause the treats to crumble and lose their shape.
- Adding all chips too early: Adding chips while the mixture is too hot can cause them to melt completely, losing that delightful texture contrast.
Storage & Reheat Guide
These Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats store beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months. When freezing, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
If you want to enjoy them warm and gooey, simply microwave an individual treat for 10-15 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat as they can get too soft and sticky.
Popular Questions
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add a nice texture contrast inside the treats, but keep in mind it may make the mixture slightly less smooth and cohesive.
What if I don’t have butterscotch chips? Can I skip them?
You can definitely skip the butterscotch chips or substitute them with white chocolate chips or caramel chips for a similar sweetness and texture.
How do I make sure my treats don’t stick to the pan?
Line your pan with parchment paper or grease it well with non-stick spray. This step is crucial for easy removal and clean edges.
Can I add other nuts or seeds to the recipe?
Yes! Chopped roasted peanuts, almonds, or even pumpkin seeds can add a nice crunch and complement the peanut butter flavor beautifully.
Similar Recipes
- Classic Rice Krispie Treats – For the purists who love the original crispy marshmallow bars.
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars – A rich, no-bake bar full of chocolate and peanut butter layers.
- No-Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars – Quick and simple peanut butter and chocolate bars with no baking required.
- Peanut Butter Cup Blondies – For a baked treat with peanut butter cups baked right in.
Before You Go
If you try these Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats, don’t forget to share your experience! These bars are a total crowd-pleaser and perfect for gifting or indulging in yourself. Whether you’re new to making rice krispie treats or a seasoned pro, this recipe offers a delicious upgrade with every bite. Happy snacking and may your kitchen be filled with the irresistible aroma of peanut butter and chocolate!
These treats are a simple, fun, and utterly delicious way to satisfy your sweet tooth without turning on the oven. Ready to dig in? Let’s make some magic happen!
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Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Line your 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or spray generously with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup light corn syrup, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar. Stir continuously until sugars dissolve and mixture bubbles gently, about 3-5 minutes. Avoid boiling vigorously or burning.
- Remove saucepan from heat and immediately stir in 1 cup creamy peanut butter and a pinch of salt until smooth and fully combined.
- In a large mixing bowl, add 5 cups Rice Krispies cereal. Pour the peanut butter syrup over the cereal and gently fold with a spatula until evenly coated.
- Fold in 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1 cup butterscotch chips, and 2 cups chopped mini peanut butter cups.
- Transfer mixture into the prepared baking dish and press firmly and evenly with a spatula or back of a spoon.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 2 tablespoons peanut butter and 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between, until smooth and glossy.
- Drizzle the melted peanut butter and chocolate mixture over the pressed treats.
- Place the baking dish in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to set. Once firm, lift treats out using parchment edges and cut into bars or squares.
Notes
- Press the mixture firmly into the pan to ensure treats hold together well when cutting.
- Chill for at least 2 hours before cutting to prevent crumbling.
- For a nut-free version, substitute peanut butter and cups with sunflower seed butter and sunflower seed butter cups.
- Store treats in an airtight container at room temperature up to 5 days or refrigerate up to 2 weeks.
- Reheat individual treats in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a warm, gooey snack.
