Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Crispy Treats

Nothing brings back my childhood nostalgia like rice crispy treats. They are perfectly sweet, crisp, and satisfying. When I began my journey of reducing ultra-processed foods in my diet, I couldn't imagine never having rice crispy treats again. Unfortunately, many of the packaged versions and traditional recipes contained additives and preservatives that I wanted to avoid.

I set out to make rice crispy treats using simpler ingredients. My first recipe was rice crispy treats with marshmallow fluff that are gooey, sweet, and full of nostalgia. The recipe was a success, inspiring me to make more twists on a classic Rice Krispie Treat. And that's how this recipe was created!

The best thing about this recipe is it brings out nostalgic childhood memories for all my friends and family. The treats are a crowd pleaser. Some say they remind them of the best chocolate and peanut butter candy, while others claim they are the tastiest rice crispy treat they've ever had. They are a great addition to any cookie platter, and I love serving them alongside walnut biscotti, 3 ingredient brown sugar cookies, and pignoli cookies.

Ingredients

Ingredient Notes

• Crispy rice cereal: any crispy rice cereal should work, but I prefer those with simple ingredients. They can be hard to find! My favorite are the 365 by Whole Foods Organic Brown Rice Crisps that contain only whole grain brown rice, cane sugar, and sea salt. When choosing a cereal, it helps to check the label to see if it contains ultra-processed ingredients like artificial sweeteners, flavor, and coloring that you may wish to avoid.
• Honey: this binds the treats together, making them perfectly firm and crisp. Using a high quality honey gives the treats a complex sweetness with floral and fruity notes. When purchasing, I make sure "honey" is the only ingredient, avoiding products with artificial sweeteners. I love raw, organic honey that is minimally processed and not exposed to certain chemicals and pesticides. Local honey may be fresher and helps support the beekeepers in your community! Please keep in mind that honey should not be given to infants under the age of 12 months.
• Peanut butter: you can use creamy or crunchy peanut butter. I prefer creamy, natural peanut butter where the only ingredients are peanuts and salt. I find the salt brings out the natural sweetness of the peanuts, giving it balance. Using natural peanut butter may also avoid ultra-processed ingredients that can be found in conventional versions, like artificial sweeteners and hydrogenated oils.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: I love using chocolate with a cacao level between 50% - 60%. The rich chocolate flavor balances the sweetness of the rice crispy treats. I choose products with simple ingredients, avoiding those with added emulsifiers like soy lecithin that can be commonly found in chocolate. My favorites include Hu chocolate chips (60% cacao) and the 365 by Whole Foods organic semi-sweet chocolate baking chips (54% cacao). You could use a different type of chocolate if you prefer, such as milk or dark chocolate.
• Kosher salt: this is optional and only needed if your peanut butter does not contain salt.

See recipe card for quantities.

Substitutions and Variations

• Use maple syrup instead: you can use maple syrup instead of honey. I love using Grade A syrup with a dark color and robust flavor because the caramel and vanilla undertones balance the sweetness. Since maple syrup is thinner than honey, it may not bind the treats as firmly. They may be softer and less crisp.
• Garnish the top: after spreading the melted chocolate on top of the rice crispy treats, you can sprinkle coarse sea salt, shredded coconut, or chopped nuts on top for a hint of texture. Chopped pecans, walnuts, or air fryer roasted peanuts would be delicious.
• Use a different nut butter: instead of peanut butter, you could use a different nut butter of your choice. Almond or cashew butter would be great options.

Instructions

Step 1: grease a 9-inch by 13-inch baking dish with butter and set aside.

Step 2: in a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter and honey. Stir continuously with a heat resistant spoon until the mixture comes to a gentle boil and the butter is melted.

Step 3: remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the peanut butter until combined and smooth. Then stir in the vanilla extract. Add salt if your peanut butter does not contain it.

Step 4: pour in the crispy rice cereal, stirring until it is evenly coated.

Step 5: carefully transfer the cereal mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Then use a spatula to firmly press the cereal into the dish.

Step 6: place the chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave covered in 15 second intervals until the chocolate is melted, stirring after each interval until smooth. Alternatively, you can melt the chocolate using a double boiler over a pot of simmering water, stirring until melted. Once the chocolate is done melting, stir in the butter until fully melted and combined.

Step 7: pour the melted chocolate on top of the pan of rice crispy treats. Use a spatula to spread it evenly.

Step 8: allow the rice crispy treats to cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate them for 1 hour, until they are set and the chocolate topping is solid. Cut into even squares and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Storage

You can store leftover rice crispy treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week or in the freezer for up to 3 months. If freezing stacked, I recommend placing parchment paper between the layers to avoid sticking. Thaw in the refrigerator before enjoying.

For more helpful tips on storing leftovers safely, check out this USDA Leftovers and Food Safety guide.

FAQ

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