Peanut Butter Chocolate Rice Krispies

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We’re excited to share our favorite recipe for Peanut Butter Chocolate Rice Krispies! This is a delicious and healthier twist on a classic treat–"scotcheroos." These tasty treats are a perfect balance of sweet and salty, with a few simple ingredient swaps that set them apart from the traditional recipe. So, whether you're a fan of traditional Rice Krispies treats or simply love the combination of peanut butter and chocolate, you're sure to love this recipe.

Growing up, I was and still am a fan of the classic “scotcheroos.” This recipe reminds me of a childhood favorite! Instead of using traditional ingredients like corn syrup, white sugar, butterscotch chips, and butter, we use natural peanut butter, honey, and dark chocolate. I’d be lying if I didn’t say these bars have been a pre and post-workout snack from time to time! I love a sweet treat throughout the day, and these definitely satisfy my sweet tooth.

This is a simple recipe that only requires seven ingredients–all of which I typically have on hand in the pantry! I love making these treats for a party or to drop off at a friend’s house.

What ingredients do you need?

Natural Peanut Butter

For this recipe, it is best to use natural peanut butter. Natural peanut butter is usually made with just two ingredients–peanuts and salt. Since we’re adding honey to the mixture, we don’t recommend using peanut butter with added sugar, as it can make the treats overly sweet. Natural peanut butter also helps to ensure the best texture. The consistency of natural peanut butter is a little bit grainier and more drippy. When combined with honey and rice krispies, it helps set up the perfect base! 

Honey

Honey is what gives these treats the perfect sweetness! If you aren’t the biggest fan of honey, you’ll be pleasantly surprised that the peanut butter and dark chocolate mask the signature honey flavor.

Vanilla

Vanilla extract is used to enhance the flavor of the peanut butter and chocolate in the rice krispies treats, adding a subtle sweetness that complements the overall taste of the dish.

Rice Krispies

Rice Krispies may remind you of your childhood with their unique texture. For this recipe, you can use regular rice krispies or brown rice krispies. If you are gluten-free, ensure that the rice krispies are labeled certified gluten-free.

Sea Salt

I promise that the sea salt in this recipe is the perfect match for the rich peanut butter and dark chocolate. Salt is an essential ingredient because it helps to balance the sweetness and enhance the flavors of the other ingredients. The salt also helps to balance the acidity in the chocolate, making the dessert taste more rounded and well-balanced.

Chocolate Chips

The luscious layer of chocolate on top is what makes the entire treat. We recommend using dark or semisweet chocolate, but if you have milk on hand that will work too. If you are looking for a gluten and dairy-free brand, I suggest Enjoy Life, Lily’s, or Trader Joe's.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil in the chocolate layer of peanut butter rice krispies helps to smooth out the texture and make it more pourable, allowing for an even distribution of chocolate on top of the bars. It also adds a light coconut flavor that complements the peanut butter and chocolate in the dish and gives the final result the perfect shine.

What equipment do you need?

To make peanut butter chocolate rice krispies treats, you will need the following equipment.

• Large mixing bowl
• Small microwave-safe bowl
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• 9x13-inch baking dish
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Knife and spatula to cut and serve the treats

How is it done?

• Line a 9x13-inch pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• In a large bowl, add the peanut butter, honey, vanilla, and salt. Mix well. Add the rice krispies and mix well.
• Add the rice krispies mixture to the pan and press the mixture until it is evenly spread across the pan. Place the pan in the fridge to chill and start to make the chocolate topping.
• In a microwave-safe bowl, add the chocolate chips, 2 tbsp peanut butter, and coconut oil. Microwave for 30-second increments, mixing every 30 seconds, until the mixture is melted and smooth. 
• Take the rice krispies out of the fridge. Spoon the chocolate mixture over the rice krispies and spread evenly.
• Place the pan back in the fridge and chill for at least 30 minutes before cutting it into 20 pieces.

Anything else to consider?

I prefer to store these treats in the freezer. I will pop one out of the freezer and let it thaw for 20 minutes before eating. I find that this method keeps the treats crispy and fresh. It’s always a pleasant surprise to dig through the freezer and find these buried in the back!

Is it GF/DF/V?

To ensure the recipe is gluten-free, use gluten-free rice cereal. To ensure the recipe is dairy-free, use dairy-free chocolate chips. This recipe is not suitable for vegans who do not consume honey. As always, ensure that the specific ingredients you use and labeled according to your dietary needs.

If you make these peanut butter chocolate rice krispie bars, please let us know how they turn out in the comments below and/or rate the recipe! Don’t forget to tag us on Instagram to show us your finished product—it makes our day every time we see you trying the recipes we love!

The recipe can be found on My Fitness Pal by searching "BWB PB Chocolate Rice Krispies." 

The nutrition content provided for each recipe is an estimate created through the My Fitness Pal database. Please be aware that the nutritional content of each recipe may vary based on the products you use, the precision of your measurements, and the source you use to obtain nutrition data. While we try to provide accurate information, we give no guarantee regarding the accuracy of the nutritional information provided.