There’s something magical about combining the childhood nostalgia of Rice Krispies with the rich, creamy decadence of peanut butter and chocolate. These no-bake peanut butter Rice Krispie treats are perfect for any occasion—quick, healthy, and irresistibly delicious!
Check out my step-by-step video recipe below for these amazing peanut butter Rice Krispies. Don’t forget to like and subscribe for more delicious no-bake recipes!
8 Reasons to Love Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Bar Recipe
- Quick and No-Bake: Ready in just 15 minutes without needing an oven.
- Healthier Ingredients: Uses natural peanut butter, sugar-free maple syrup, and coconut oil instead of marshmallows or refined sugar.
- Perfect Texture: A delightful mix of crunchy cereal, creamy peanut butter, and smooth chocolate.
- Customizable: Easily adapted to vegan, gluten-free, or nut-free diets.
- Balanced Sweetness: Subtle sweetness without being overly sugary.
- Crowd Favorite: Loved by kids and adults alike, perfect for gatherings or meal prep.
- Rich Chocolate Topping: A luxurious layer that elevates the flavor.
- Convenient and Versatile: Great for anytime snacking or as a quick dessert option.
What You’ll Need to Make These Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats
Here’s everything you need to whip up these delicious peanut butter rice crispy treats — simple, quick, and no fancy ingredients required!
- 12 tablespoons (180 grams) natural smooth peanut butter
- 5 tablespoons (75 milliliters) sugar-free maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) vanilla extract
- 1 pinch of sea salt
- 3 cups (75 grams) brown rice krispies
- 1 cup (175 grams) semi-sweet chocolate
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) coconut oil (for chocolate layer)
I used these sprouted brown rice crisps below in these treats. They’re made with sprouted brown rice, which makes them more nutritious, and being organic, they just feel like a cleaner, better option. Plus, the brown rice gives a subtle nuttiness that works really well here.
I used a sugar-free syrup with monk fruit and allulose for this recipe. It’s perfect because it keeps the treats sweet without adding sugar or carbs, and it works so well with the peanut butter and chocolate flavors.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s make these peanut butter rice crispy treats step by step—it’s simple, and they come out perfectly chewy, crunchy, and chocolatey every time.
Step 1: Prepare the Peanut Butter Mixture
In a small saucepan, combine peanut butter, maple syrup, coconut oil, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Heat on low, stirring constantly, until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 2: Mix the Cereal
In a large mixing bowl, add the rice cereal. Pour the warm peanut butter mixture over the cereal and gently fold with a spatula until all the cereal is evenly coated.
Top Tip: Use a spatula lightly coated with cooking spray or a bit of oil to prevent the peanut butter mixture from sticking while folding it with the cereal.
Step 3: Prepare the Pan
Pour the coated cereal mixture into the dish and press it down firmly with a spatula to create an even layer. If you want, you can line the dish with parchment paper to make it easier to remove later.
Step 4: Melt the Chocolate Topping
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is completely smooth and melted.
Top Tip: When melting the chocolate, stir frequently to avoid overheating it. Chocolate can burn quickly, so keep an eye on it while microwaving.
Step 5: Add the Chocolate Layer
Pour the melted chocolate over the pressed cereal layer, spreading it evenly to cover the surface completely.
Top Tip: For an extra decorative touch, sprinkle chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, or shredded coconut on top of the melted chocolate before it sets.
Step 6: Chill and Slice
Refrigerate the dish for about 30 minutes or until the chocolate is set and the bars are firm. Slice into squares or bars and serve.
Looking for the ultimate pairing? Check out my Easy Caramel Recipe — This caramel has a rich, buttery flavor and a smooth, creamy texture that makes it super easy to pour over desserts.
Check out also: High-Protein Rice Krispies recipe – These are way better than any store-bought protein bars.
Frequently Asked Questions About Making These Rice Krispie Treats
Are These Vegan Rice Krispie Treats?
They can be! Use vegan chocolate chips and check that your rice cereal is vegan-friendly, as some brands may include non-vegan ingredients.
Can I freeze them?
Absolutely! Wrap the bars individually in parchment paper, then store them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature before eating.
What if I don’t have parchment paper?
No problem! You can grease the baking dish lightly with oil or butter to prevent sticking. Just make sure the mixture is fully set before attempting to remove it from the pan.
How To Store and Serve Peanut Butter Rice Krispies?
These treats are best stored in an airtight container in the fridge to keep their firmness and freshness. They last up to a week but are so delicious, they rarely last that long! Serve them chilled for a refreshing snack or at room temperature for a softer, chewier texture.
Why Did My Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats Turn Out Hard?
If your Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats ended up hard, it’s likely due to using too much heat during the preparation.
Melting ingredients like peanut butter, maple syrup, or marshmallows (in traditional recipes) requires low heat to maintain their creamy, smooth texture.
While it might be tempting to turn up the heat to save time, this can cause the mixture to overcook or even burn, leading to hard, crunchy bars—something nobody wants!
If you make these no-bake peanut butter Rice Krispie treats, I’d love to hear how they turned out! Drop a comment below or share your thoughts on YouTube. Your feedback means the world to me! – Jen