Oh my goodness, have you ever had one of those days where you’re just craving the perfect combination of chocolate and peanut butter? It’s like they were made for each other, right? Imagine that, but with the delightful crunch of rice crispy treats—it’s a bit like having a party in your mouth.
These easy Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Crispy Treats are not just a dessert, they’re an experience, a sweet, crunchy hug after a long day. Sometimes, I think they might just be the answer to the universe’s little annoyances.
Steps
- Prepare a 9×9-inch baking dish by either spraying it with nonstick spray or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat, being careful not to let it burn.
- Once the butter is melted, add the mini marshmallows and keep the heat on low. Stir continuously until the marshmallows start to melt, then add the peanut butter, making sure to mix constantly to avoid burning.
- After the marshmallow and peanut butter mixture is fully combined and smooth, remove it from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Add the Rice Krispies cereal to the saucepan and stir until all the cereal is coated with the sticky mixture. Make sure everything is well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Use a nonstick-sprayed hand to gently press and spread the mixture evenly across the dish. Allow the treats to set for 30-45 minutes before slicing into bars.
Ingredients
- Salted butter
- Mini marshmallows (10-ounce bag, approximately 5 cups)
- Creamy peanut butter (crunchy can be used as an alternative)
- Vanilla extract (optional)
- Rice Krispies cereal
Nutritional Values
Calories: 2570kcal | Carbohydrates: 360g | Protein: 48g | Fat: 112g | Sodium: 2040mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 168g
FAQ
- Can I substitute different cereals in this recipe?
- Yes, you can use store-brand cereals, marshmallows, butter, and peanut butter, and the treats will still be delicious. Cocoa Krispies are also a great option for a chocolate and peanut butter combination.
- How can I make thinner Rice Krispies treats?
- If you want thinner bars, use a 9×13-inch baking dish instead of a 9×9-inch one.
- What additional ingredients can I include in these treats?
- You can get creative by adding sprinkles, baking chips (like white chocolate, peanut butter, or dark chocolate chips), or crushed candies. You might also melt chocolate and drizzle it over the treats before slicing.
- Why did my treats turn out hard?
- Hard treats usually result from using too much heat. It’s important to melt the butter and marshmallows over low heat to prevent burning and ensure the treats remain soft.
- How should I store Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats?
- These treats are best enjoyed the day they are made. However, if you need to store them, keep them in an airtight container. If they start to get a bit stale, you can warm them in the microwave for 5-10 seconds to refresh them.
Tips
- Use low heat while melting the butter and marshmallows to prevent burning and ensure the treats remain soft and gooey. Resist the urge to increase the heat to speed up the process.
- For an easy removal and clean-up, line your baking dish with parchment paper or spray it with nonstick cooking spray before adding the mixture.
- Personalize your treats by adding extras like chocolate chips, sprinkles, or crushed candies. You can also drizzle melted chocolate over the top for an extra sweet touch.
- If you prefer a thinner treat, use a larger (9×13-inch) baking dish instead of a 9×9-inch one to spread the mixture more thinly.
Equipment
- 9×9-inch Casserole Dish (or 9×13-inch for thinner bars) – A specific size baking dish for shaping the treats.
- Nonstick Cooking Spray – To prevent the treats from sticking to the dish or your hands.
- Parchment Paper – Optional, for easier removal of the treats from the dish.
- Large Saucepan or Pot – If you don’t have a suitable large pot for melting and mixing ingredients.
