Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Crispy Treats

Name: Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Crispy Treats
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 4 cups rice crispy cereal; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1 cup creamy peanut butter; 1/4 cup unsalted butter; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I love making these Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Crispy Treats when I need a quick and delicious dessert. The combination of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter creates an irresistible treat that's sure to delight anyone who tries it. I appreciate how easy it is to throw everything together and how satisfying it feels to bite into a crispy square of goodness. Perfect for parties or just a sweet snack at home, these treats are a staple in my dessert repertoire!

Created by

Evelyn Parker

Last updated on 2026-01-12T00:34:09.831Z

Creating these Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Crispy Treats is truly one of my favorite kitchen experiences. I remember the first time I whipped them up for a gathering; the delighted faces were priceless! Using both melted chocolate and peanut butter allows for that perfect balance of flavors that people just can’t resist. It’s like a party in every bite!

A little tip I discovered is to press down the mixture firmly into the pan before it sets. This ensures a nice, compact treat that holds its shape beautifully when cut. You really don’t want these delicious bites crumbling apart when you share them!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with creamy peanut butter
Crispy texture that adds a delightful crunch
Quick to prepare, making it perfect for last-minute cravings

      

Key Techniques for Perfection

To achieve the best texture for your Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Crispy Treats, it's crucial to melt the chocolate and peanut butter together over low heat. This method ensures that the mixture becomes smooth and glossy without burning the chocolate, which can happen if the heat is too high. Stir continuously using a silicone spatula for even melting, and remove from the heat as soon as everything is combined, typically around 3-5 minutes.

Another essential technique is gentle folding when incorporating the rice crispy cereal. Overmixing can cause the cereal to break down, resulting in a denser texture. Aim for a light hand, lifting the mixture from the bottom and letting it fall over the cereal until just combined. This preserves the airy crunch of the treats, ensuring they don’t become too compact.

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a significant role. The creamy peanut butter not only provides flavor but also contributes to the binding quality that keeps the treats together. If you're looking for a nut-free alternative, sunflower seed butter or a soy-based option can work well without sacrificing texture. Just be cautious of potential allergens when sharing with others.

Using semi-sweet chocolate chips is key for achieving that rich chocolate flavor without overwhelming sweetness. If you prefer a darker profile, switching to dark chocolate chips can add depth. Conversely, if you enjoy a sweeter treat, milk chocolate is a great substitute. Just keep in mind that this might alter the overall balance of chocolate and peanut butter flavor.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your delicious treats:

Ingredients

4 cups rice crispy cereal
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Once you have everything, you’re ready to start making these treats!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your delightful treats:

Melt Chocolate and Peanut Butter

In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter, and unsalted butter together, stirring continuously until smooth.

Combine with Rice Crispy Cereal

Once melted, remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until well combined. Gently fold in the rice crispy cereal until it is evenly coated.

Press into Pan

Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch pan. Use a spatula to firmly press down the mixture into an even layer.

Cool and Cut

Allow the treats to cool and set for about 30 minutes at room temperature. Once set, cut into squares and enjoy!

Now that you’ve made these treats, they’re ready to be enjoyed!

Pro Tips

For an added layer of flavor, try drizzling some extra melted chocolate over the top before they set.

Make-Ahead and Storage

These Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Crispy Treats can be made in advance, making them a fantastic option for parties or gatherings. Once they're cut into squares, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you live in a humid climate, consider refrigerating them to maintain their crispness, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

If you wish to freeze them for a longer shelf life, wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften slightly before serving.

Serving Ideas and Variations

These treats are delicious on their own, but you can elevate them by drizzling additional melted chocolate over the top or sprinkling a pinch of sea salt to enhance their flavor. For a festive touch, consider adding colorful sprinkles on top right before the chocolate sets, perfect for holidays or special celebrations.

Feel free to customize the treats by adding mix-ins such as mini marshmallows, chopped nuts, or even shredded coconut for added texture. Just ensure that any additional ingredients are mixed in gently to avoid crushing the rice crispy cereal. Experimenting with different flavors can lead to a fun twist that keeps these treats exciting for repeat make-aheads.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, using crunchy peanut butter will add an extra texture to the treats!

→ How should I store the rice crispy treats?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

→ Can I add other mix-ins?

Absolutely! Feel free to add mini marshmallows, nuts, or even sprinkles.

→ What’s the best way to cut the treats?

Using a sharp knife and lightly greasing it will help make clean cuts.