Chocolatey Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats: A No-Bake Delight
Rice Krispies treats are a classic for a reason: they’re easy, delicious, and infinitely adaptable. This recipe takes the traditional treat to the next level by combining the irresistible flavors of chocolate and peanut butter. These Chocolatey Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats are a no-bake dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, from a quick weeknight treat to a crowd-pleasing party snack. Get ready for a symphony of textures and tastes that will have everyone begging for more!
## Why You’ll Love This Recipe
* **No-Bake Bliss:** No need to turn on the oven! This recipe comes together entirely on the stovetop and in the fridge, making it ideal for warm weather or when you’re short on time.
* **Easy and Quick:** With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you can whip up a batch of these treats in under 30 minutes.
* **Chocolate and Peanut Butter Perfection:** The combination of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter is a flavor match made in heaven.
* **Customizable:** Easily adjust the recipe to your liking by adding other mix-ins like chocolate chips, pretzels, or sprinkles.
* **Kid-Friendly:** A guaranteed hit with kids of all ages (and adults too!).
* **Perfect for Sharing:** These treats are easy to cut and serve, making them ideal for parties, potlucks, or lunchboxes.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
* **Rice Krispies Cereal:** The foundation of our treats, providing that signature crispy texture. (6 cups)
* **Butter:** Unsalted butter adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together. (1/2 cup or 1 stick)
* **Marshmallows:** Mini marshmallows melt quickly and evenly, creating a smooth and gooey base. (10 oz package)
* **Peanut Butter:** Creamy peanut butter adds a delicious nutty flavor and helps to hold everything together. (1 cup)
* **Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips:** For the decadent chocolate topping. (1 cup)
* **Coconut Oil:** A touch of coconut oil helps to melt the chocolate smoothly and gives it a glossy finish. (1 tablespoon)
* **Optional Mix-Ins:** Chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, pretzels, sprinkles, mini M&Ms – the possibilities are endless! (1/2 cup – 1 cup total)
## Equipment You’ll Need
* **Large Saucepan:** For melting the butter and marshmallows.
* **9×13 Inch Baking Pan:** For pressing the treats into.
* **Parchment Paper:** To line the baking pan for easy removal.
* **Rubber Spatula:** For stirring the ingredients together.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate measurements.
* **Microwave-Safe Bowl:** For melting the chocolate topping.
## Step-by-Step Instructions
### Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper. This will prevent the treats from sticking and make them easy to remove once they’re set. Make sure the parchment paper hangs over the sides of the pan to create “handles” for lifting the treats out later.
### Step 2: Melt the Butter and Marshmallows
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Once the butter is melted, add the marshmallows and stir constantly until they are completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to burn the marshmallows; keep the heat low and stir frequently.
### Step 3: Add the Peanut Butter
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the peanut butter and stir until it is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth and creamy. The residual heat from the marshmallows will help to melt the peanut butter.
### Step 4: Incorporate the Rice Krispies
Add the Rice Krispies cereal to the saucepan. Gently fold the cereal into the marshmallow-peanut butter mixture until it is evenly coated. Be careful not to crush the cereal. Work quickly to ensure the cereal is coated before the marshmallow mixture starts to cool and harden.
### Step 5: Press into the Pan
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan. Using a rubber spatula or your hands (lightly dampened with water to prevent sticking), gently press the mixture evenly into the pan. Avoid pressing too hard, as this can make the treats dense. You want them to be slightly compact but still retain their light and airy texture.
### Step 6: Prepare the Chocolate Topping
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. The coconut oil helps to create a smooth, glossy finish and prevents the chocolate from seizing up.
### Step 7: Spread the Chocolate Topping
Pour the melted chocolate over the Rice Krispies treats, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Make sure to cover the entire surface of the treats.
### Step 8: Add Optional Mix-Ins (if using)
If you’re adding any mix-ins, such as chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, pretzels, or sprinkles, sprinkle them evenly over the chocolate topping while it’s still wet. This will ensure that the mix-ins adhere to the chocolate.
### Step 9: Chill and Set
Place the baking pan in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is completely set and the treats are firm. This will make them easier to cut and serve.
### Step 10: Cut and Serve
Once the treats are set, use the parchment paper “handles” to lift them out of the pan. Place them on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut them into squares or rectangles. The size of the squares is up to you! Serve immediately and enjoy!
## Tips for Perfect Chocolatey Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats
* **Use Fresh Marshmallows:** Fresh marshmallows melt more smoothly and evenly than older ones.
* **Don’t Overcook the Marshmallows:** Overcooked marshmallows will become hard and brittle. Melt them over low heat and stir constantly.
* **Don’t Press Too Hard:** Pressing the mixture too firmly into the pan will result in dense, hard treats. Gently press them down to create a slightly compact but still airy texture.
* **Use a Warm Knife:** To prevent the chocolate from cracking when cutting the treats, dip a sharp knife into warm water and dry it before each cut.
* **Store Properly:** Store the Rice Krispies treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be stored in the refrigerator for longer storage, but they may become slightly harder.
* **Get Creative with Mix-Ins:** Feel free to experiment with different mix-ins to create your own unique variations of these treats. Consider adding chopped nuts, dried fruit, candies, or even a drizzle of caramel.
* **Make Them Vegan:** Substitute the butter with vegan butter, the marshmallows with vegan marshmallows (available at many health food stores or online), and the chocolate chips with dairy-free chocolate chips. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan!
* **Control the Sweetness:** If you find the treats too sweet, you can reduce the amount of marshmallows or use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet.
* **Make a Double Batch:** These treats are so delicious that they disappear quickly! Consider making a double batch if you’re serving a large crowd or want to have some leftovers.
* **Add a Pinch of Salt:** A pinch of salt to the marshmallow mixture can enhance the flavors of the chocolate and peanut butter.
## Variations to Try
* **White Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats:** Substitute the semi-sweet chocolate chips with white chocolate chips for a sweeter, creamier topping. You can even add a swirl of peanut butter to the melted white chocolate for extra peanut butter flavor.
* **Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats:** Use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a richer, less sweet topping. The bitterness of the dark chocolate pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the marshmallows and the nuttiness of the peanut butter.
* **Peanut Butter Cup Rice Krispies Treats:** Chop up some peanut butter cups and add them to the Rice Krispies mixture for an extra dose of peanut butter flavor. You can also use them as a topping instead of chocolate chips.
* **Salted Caramel Rice Krispies Treats:** Drizzle the treats with salted caramel sauce after spreading the chocolate topping for a sweet and salty treat.
* **S’mores Rice Krispies Treats:** Add graham cracker crumbs to the Rice Krispies mixture and top the treats with mini marshmallows and a drizzle of chocolate for a s’mores-inspired treat.
* **Nutella Rice Krispies Treats:** Substitute the peanut butter with Nutella for a hazelnut-chocolate flavor. This variation is especially popular with kids.
* **Birthday Cake Rice Krispies Treats:** Add sprinkles to the Rice Krispies mixture and top the treats with frosting and more sprinkles for a festive birthday treat.
## Serving Suggestions
* **As a Snack:** These treats are perfect for an afternoon snack or a quick dessert after dinner.
* **For Parties:** Cut the treats into small squares or rectangles and serve them on a platter for parties or potlucks.
* **In Lunchboxes:** Wrap the treats individually and pack them in lunchboxes for a sweet surprise.
* **With Ice Cream:** Serve the treats warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
* **Dipped in Chocolate:** Dip the treats in melted chocolate and sprinkle with your favorite toppings for an extra-special treat.
* **As a Gift:** Wrap the treats in cellophane bags and tie them with a ribbon for a homemade gift.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)
* Calories: 250-300 per serving (depending on ingredients and serving size)
* Fat: 12-15g
* Saturated Fat: 6-8g
* Cholesterol: 15-20mg
* Sodium: 100-150mg
* Carbohydrates: 30-35g
* Sugar: 20-25g
* Protein: 3-4g
*Please note that nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.* You can calculate your nutritional values with online tools such as myfitnesspal.
## Conclusion
These Chocolatey Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats are a delightful twist on a classic dessert. They’re easy to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight treat or a crowd-pleasing party snack, this recipe is sure to be a hit. So gather your ingredients, grab your saucepan, and get ready to enjoy the irresistible combination of chocolate and peanut butter in every bite!
Enjoy your treats! Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family and let us know in the comments below what variations you tried! We love to hear from you.
## Recipe Card
**Chocolatey Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats**
A no-bake dessert combining the classic Rice Krispies treats with the irresistible flavors of chocolate and peanut butter.
**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Chill Time:** 30 minutes
**Total Time:** 45 minutes
**Servings:** 12-16
**Ingredients:**
* 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
* 10 oz package mini marshmallows
* 1 cup creamy peanut butter
* 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
* 1 tablespoon coconut oil
* Optional: 1/2 – 1 cup mix-ins (chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, pretzels, sprinkles)
**Equipment:**
* 9×13 inch baking pan
* Parchment paper
* Large saucepan
* Rubber spatula
* Microwave-safe bowl
**Instructions:**
1. Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted and smooth.
3. Remove from heat, add peanut butter, and stir until smooth.
4. Add Rice Krispies cereal and gently fold until evenly coated.
5. Pour mixture into the prepared pan and gently press evenly.
6. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips and coconut oil in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth.
7. Pour melted chocolate over the Rice Krispies treats and spread evenly.
8. Sprinkle with optional mix-ins.
9. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or until chocolate is set.
10. Lift treats out of the pan using parchment paper and cut into squares.
**Notes:**
* Use fresh marshmallows for best results.
* Don’t overcook the marshmallows.
* Press the mixture gently into the pan.
* Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Enjoy!