If you love easy, no-bake desserts, you’re going to love these Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Crispy Treats! Made with just four simple ingredients—chocolate chips, peanut butter, maple syrup, and crispy rice cereal—this recipe comes together in no time and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
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Growing up, one of my favorite childhood treats was traditional Rice Krispie treats made with melted marshmallows and crispy rice cereal. My mom would whip up a batch, and I could barely wait for them to cool before sneaking a little slice. Now, I’ve taken that nostalgic recipe to a whole new level by adding creamy peanut butter and delicious chocolate. Trust me—this is the ultimate treat for any chocolate peanut butter lover!
These chocolate treats are perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a quick weeknight dessert, a crowd-pleasing dessert for a party, or a sweet afternoon snack. With simple ingredients like crispy rice cereal, peanut butter, and melted chocolate, you can whip up this easy recipe in no time.
These no-bake bars are incredibly easy to make with just a handful of simple ingredients. All you need is crispy rice cereal, creamy peanut butter, and melted chocolate to transform a classic dessert into something truly irresistible.
The best part? There’s no need to turn on the oven! Everything comes together in a large pot on the stove top or in a microwave-safe bowl, making this an ideal recipe for when you want to whip up a quick sweet treat.
For more no bake dessert ideas, try making this delicious peanut butter pie, these easy cookie dough bites, or these dark chocolate covered raspberry treats. Of course there's always banana ice cream, caramel nice cream, or pumpkin pie ice cream for the ultimate no bake dessert!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Only Four Ingredients: No need for a long grocery list—just grab chocolate chips, natural peanut butter, maple syrup, and crispy rice cereal, and you’re all set.
- No-Bake and Quick: This recipe requires no baking and can be whipped up in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute cravings or get-togethers.
- Rich Chocolate Flavor: With a combination of peanut butter and melted chocolate, these bars have a perfect balance of sweet and salty.
- Ideal for Sharing: Cut these into bite-sized squares for parties or make a full batch to store in the fridge or freezer for an anytime snack.
Recipe Ingredients
You'll need the following ingredients to make chocolate peanut butter rice crispy treats:
Ingredient Notes:
- Chocolate chips or chopped chocolate: Use semi-sweet chocolate chips or dark chocolate for a rich, chocolatey base. I like to use dairy-free chocolate.
- Natural peanut butter: Adds creaminess and a nutty flavor to complement the chocolate. Make sure it's creamy and not too dry. You can swap with sunflower seed butter or tahini for a nut-free option.
- Maple syrup: Adds a little extra natural sweetness and helps bind the ingredients together. Honey will work well too.
- Crispy rice cereal: Adds the crispy texture that makes these crispy bars so irresistible. Make sure it's gluten-free as Kellogg's Rice Krispies and Cocoa Krispies has malt flavor, which is not gluten-free, in the ingredients.
See recipe card below for all ingredients and quantities.
How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Crispy Treats
- Step 1: In a large pot over medium-low heat, combine the chocolate chips or chopped chocolate, natural peanut butter, and maple syrup. Stir constantly until melted and fully combined, creating a smooth, creamy mixture. If the mixture is not getting creamy, add coconut oil - it's optional but helps with the creamy texture if your peanut butter is a little dry.
- Step 2: Remove the pot from the heat. Using a silicone spatula, gently fold in the crispy rice cereal.
- Step 3: Mix until every piece is evenly coated with the chocolate-peanut butter mixture and there are no dry patches left.
- Step 4: Press the mixture firmly into an 8-inch or 9-inch square baking pan lined with parchment paper. Make sure it’s packed firmly into an even layer using a lightly greased spoon, finger tips, or the back of a measuring cup. Freeze for about 30 minutes, or until set.
Expert Tips
- Use Room Temperature Creamy Peanut Butter: This helps it mix smoothly with the chocolate and prevents clumping.
- Don’t Overheat the Chocolate: Melt the mixture over medium-low heat to prevent the chocolate from burning or seizing. This can also be done in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second increments.
- Press Firmly: Packing the mixture tightly into the baking pan helps ensure the bars hold together well when you slice them.
Common Questions
Yes, chunky peanut butter adds a nice texture to these bars. Just be aware that it may make them slightly more crumbly.
Yes, you can use regular peanut butter. However, keep in mind that regular peanut butter often contains added sugars and oils, which may change the texture and sweetness of the treats. For best results, stick to creamy, natural peanut butter without added ingredients, or make your own homemade peanut butter.
Absolutely! Melt 1 cup of chocolate chips with 3 tablespoons of coconut oil and pour over the rice crispy treats and smooth evenly before refrigerating.
Absolutely! If you love the classic marshmallow flavor, feel free to add mini marshmallows to the mixture after folding in the cereal. This will create a delicious combination of crunchy and chewy textures. If you prefer, opt for vegan marshmallows with no artificial flavors for an equally tasty alternative.
Serving Suggestions
- Party Platter: Cut the bars into small squares for a fun, bite-sized party snack anytime or during the holiday season. They’re easy to make and are sure to be a crowd favorite. Add these peppermint coconut macaroons, pumpkin pie sugar cookies, and chocolate tahini cookies to round out your platter.
- Layer with More Toppings: Try sprinkling flaky sea salt like I do on these chocolate raspberry bites, or drizzling additional melted chocolate on top for an extra indulgent touch.
- Pair with Ice Cream: Serve these bars alongside a scoop of roasted banana ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- Weeknight Treat: Whip up a batch for a quick weeknight dessert or afternoon snack to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: To maintain a firm texture, store the treats in an airtight container or zip lock bag in the fridge. They will last for up to 10 days.
- Freezer: Freeze the bars in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and enjoy.
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📖 Recipe
Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Crispy Treats
Equipment
- 1 large pot or microwave-safe bowl
- 1 silicone spatula
- 1 8-inch or 9-inch square baking dish lined with parchment paper
Ingredients
Rice Crispy Treats
- 1½ cup (270 grams) chocolate chips or chopped chocolate, dark or semi-sweet chocolate
- 1 cup (258 grams) natural peanut butter
- ⅓ cup (107 grams) pure maple syrup
- 5 cups crispy rice cereal, I didn’t provide a weight measurement since some brands vary in density, making their weights differ
Optional
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, mixed in before crispy rice cereal
- ⅓ cup (72 ⅔ grams) (73 grams) coconut oil, melted, only if you need to smooth the chocolate peanut butter mixture
Instructions
- Line an 8-inch or 9-inch square pan with parchment paper, ensuring there’s enough overhang to lift the bars out easily later. Set aside.
- In a large pot over medium-low heat, combine the chocolate chips or chopped chocolate, peanut butter, and maple syrup. Stir constantly until melted and fully combined, creating a smooth, creamy mixture. If the mixture is not getting creamy, add coconut oil - it's optional but helps with the creamy texture if your peanut butter is a little dry. Careful not to overheat the chocolate, it will seize. Remove the pot from the heat.
- Or, in a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate, peanut butter and maple syrup in 20-second increments, until smooth and creamy.
- Using a silicone spatula, gently fold in the crispy rice cereal until every piece is evenly coated with the chocolate-peanut butter mixture and there are no dry patches left.
- Press the mixture firmly into a square baking pan lined with parchment paper. Make sure it’s packed firmly into an even layer using a lightly greased spoon, finger tips, or the back of a measuring cup to prevent crumbling. Freeze for about 30 minutes, or until set.
- Once set, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper, and cut into squares. Enjoy these chewy, chocolatey treats right away or store them in the fridge for later!
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Notes
- Don’t Overheat the Chocolate: Melt the mixture over medium-low heat to prevent the chocolate from burning or seizing. This can also be done in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second increments.
- Press Firmly: Packing the mixture tightly into the baking pan helps ensure the bars hold together well when you slice them.
- Store: To maintain a firm texture, store the treats in an airtight container or zip lock bag in the fridge. They will last for up to 10 days. Or freeze for up to 3 months.
michelle lansky says
Can I use chunk 0
PB?
Jacqui Wilson says
Hi Michelle, I haven't tried it with chunky peanut butter but it should work. I would make sure it's fully set in the fridge before cutting into squares so that it doesn't crumble with the extra texture from the chunks of peanuts.
Rose says
can I use regular pnut butter like jiff?
Jacqui Wilson says
Hi Rose, I haven't tried regular peanut butter in this recipe but it should work. The rice crispy treats may be a little sweeter due to the sugar in the peanut butter. Let me know how they turn out!
Jacqui Wilson says
My family loves this recipe, especially the kids. It's so easy to make and I keep a batch in the fridge for a grab-and-go snack.
Chris says
These look so good. I'm not a fan of maple flavor; can you taste the maple in these? Alternatively, could I use honey?
Thanks.
Jacqui Wilson says
Hi Chris, I don't really taste the maple syrup in these squares. However, you can certainly substitute with honey, they just may be a little sweeter.
Melissa says
What can I use instead of maple syrup and honey?
Jacqui Wilson says
Hi Melissa, I haven't tried other sweeteners but you could try agave nectar or brown rice syrup. You could also try coconut nectar but that may impart a slight coconut flavor to the rice crispy treats. Let me know how it turns out.