These Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Bars are a delightful mix of chocolatey, buttery, and crunchy goodness. Perfect for a snack or dessert, they’re quick to make and so delicious. Try this recipe and treat yourself to a sweet indulgence!
These Rice Krispies bars are made with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Traditional rice krispie treats use marshmallows, but we use peanut butter and regular butter to bind these bars, giving them a rich, nutty flavor. Since marshmallows aren’t used, they need to be refrigerated to set properly.
I’ve tested these bars many times to perfect the peanut butter to Rice Krispies ratio, ensuring they hold firm when cut and don’t crumble. These have become a favorite treat in our household, and nobody can resist grabbing a chocolate peanut butter rice krispie treats when they open the fridge.
If you’re like me and love quick dessert ideas, check out my cake mix cookies recipe and cookie bars too! And if you’re a chocolate peanut butter lover, you’ll love my chocolate peanut butter banana smoothie.
Why You’ll Love Our Recipe:
- Our recipe holds together well for perfectly firm bars every time
- Made with simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen
- These no bake bars are incredibly easy to make
- Absolutely delicious taste
This recipe has quickly become a family favorite, perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients and Substitutions
*Scroll below for the complete ingredient list, measurements, and printable recipe card.
- Rice Krispies: Any brand of puffed rice or crispy rice cereal will work perfectly.
- Peanut butter: I used natural creamy peanut butter. Be sure to stir it well before using, as the oil tends to separate in natural varieties. Regular peanut butter like Jif or Kraft can also be used, but you may need to adjust the sweetness since these are already sweetened. For extra crunch, substitute with crunchy peanut butter.
- Butter– I used salted butter for this recipe. Use coconut oil as an alternative.
- Maple syrup: Can be substituted with honey.
- Chocolate chips: Chocolate chunks, melting chocolate or even dark chocolate chips are also good substitutes.
How to Make Chocolate PB Rice Krispies Squares
*Scroll below for the printable recipe card for full list of ingredients and instructions.
Prepare the base: In a large saucepan, add butter, peanut butter, and maple syrup. Cook the mixture on medium-low heat until the butter is melted and bubbles appear.
Mix with rice krispies: Remove the pan from heat and add the rice krispies. Mix until the rice krispies are fully coated with the peanut butter mixture.
Set the base: Line a square pan with parchment paper and pour in the mixture. Spread it with a rubber spatula and press it down firmly.
Freeze the base: Place the pan in the freezer for 20 minutes until the bars are set.
Prepare the chocolate layer: In a microwave-safe bowl, add the chocolate chips and butter. Melt in the microwave in 30-second increments until the chocolate is melted. Mix until you get a smooth chocolate mixture.
Add the chocolate layer: Pour the chocolate ganache over the cooled bars and spread it evenly. Tap the pan lightly on the counter to smooth the top.
Set the chocolate: Keep the pan in the freezer for 10 minutes until the chocolate layer is set.
Cut the bars: Once fully set, lift them out using the parchment paper and place them on a cutting board. Cut into 16 pieces.
Enjoy your delicious chocolate peanut butter Rice Krispies bars!
Recipe Tip
After spreading the chocolate layer on top of the bars, tap the pan lightly on the counter to get a smooth, even surface.
Serving Suggestions
These bars are a great pick-me-up anytime you’re feeling peckish. If you’re a sports parent, pack them in a cooler bag for a perfect recovery snack—the kids will love them. Pair them with a side of Greek yogurt for a satisfying, protein-rich meal that will keep everyone energized and happy.
Storage
These Rice Krispie bars can be kept at room temperature for a few hours but beyond that needs to be refrigerated. Store them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 7 days.
You can also freeze them for up to a month. Just be sure to separate the layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking, and let them thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
If you make this recipe, don’t forget to leave a comment and rating below. We love to hear from you!
Recipe
Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup natural peanut butter
- ½ cup butter
- ⅓ cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups Rice Krispies cereal
Chocolate Topping
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- ¼ cup butter
Instructions
- Line a 8"x 8" inch square pan with parchment paper and keep it aside.
- In a large saucepan, add butter, peanut butter, and maple syrup. Cook the mixture on medium heat until the butter is melted and bubbles appear.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and add the rice krispies. Mix until the rice krispies are fully coated with the peanut butter mixture.
- Pour the mixture into the baking pan and spread it with a rubber spatula and press it down firmly. Place the pan in the freezer for 20 minutes until the bars are set.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, add the chocolate chips and butter. Melt in the microwave in 30-second increments until the chocolate is melted. Mix until you get a smooth chocolate mixture.
- Pour the chocolate ganache over the cooled bars and spread it evenly. Tap the pan lightly on the counter to smooth the top. Keep the pan in the freezer for 10 minutes until the chocolate layer is set.
- Once fully set, lift the bars out using the parchment paper and place them on a cutting board. Cut into 16 pieces.
Notes
Nutrition
Originally published on Sep 16, 2015. Updated on March 12, 2024.
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