Peanut Butter Chocolate Rice Krispie Treat Cups combine the crunch of classic Rice Krispies with the creamy, nutty goodness of peanut butter and the indulgence of chocolate. These no-bake treats are easy to make, quick to prepare, and ideal for parties, snacks, or dessert. The individual portions make them fun to serve and eat!
Ingredients
- 3 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup honey (or light corn syrup)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or butter (optional, for smoother melting)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Muffin Tin
- Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it with non-stick spray for easy removal.
Step 2: Make the Peanut Butter Mixture
- In a medium saucepan, combine the peanut butter, honey, and sugar over medium heat.
- Stir constantly until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth, about 3-4 minutes. Be careful not to overheat.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 3: Mix in the Rice Krispies
- In a large mixing bowl, pour the peanut butter mixture over the Rice Krispies cereal.
- Stir gently until all the cereal is evenly coated.
Step 4: Form the Rice Krispie Cups
- Spoon the Rice Krispies mixture evenly into the prepared muffin cups.
- Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to press the mixture firmly into the bottom of each cup, creating a slight indent in the center to hold the chocolate topping.
Step 5: Melt the Chocolate
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil (or butter) in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted.
- Alternatively, melt the chocolate on the stovetop using a double boiler.
Step 6: Add the Chocolate Topping
- Spoon the melted chocolate over each Rice Krispie cup, spreading it evenly to cover the top.
- Gently tap the muffin tin on the counter to smooth out the chocolate.
Step 7: Chill the Cups
- Place the muffin tin in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or until the chocolate is set and the treats are firm.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
- Once the cups are set, remove them from the muffin tin and enjoy! Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
Cook Notes
- Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter works best, but you can also use crunchy peanut butter if you want a bit more texture.
- Sweeteners: You can substitute honey with light corn syrup, maple syrup, or agave syrup. Just note that this may slightly alter the flavor.
- Chocolate: Feel free to use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or a mix of both depending on your preference.
Variations
Peanut Butter Cup Rice Krispie Treats
Place a mini peanut butter cup in the center of each Rice Krispie cup before topping with chocolate for an extra indulgent surprise.
Nutty Rice Krispie Cups
Add 1/4 cup of chopped peanuts or almonds to the Rice Krispie mixture for extra crunch and flavor.
Marshmallow Peanut Butter Cups
For a fun twist, add 1/2 cup of mini marshmallows to the Rice Krispies before mixing in the peanut butter for a gooey, sweet touch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make these cups ahead of time?
Yes! These Rice Krispie treat cups can be made 1-2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
How do I store leftover Rice Krispie treat cups?
Store the cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate them for up to 1 week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
Can I use other cereals?
Absolutely! You can substitute Rice Krispies with other puffed cereals like cornflakes, Cheerios, or puffed quinoa for a different texture.
Can I make these cups without sugar?
For a lower-sugar version, you can use a sugar-free sweetener like erythritol and sugar-free chocolate chips. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor may vary slightly.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Rice Krispie Treat Cups are a fun and easy no-bake dessert that combines classic flavors in a simple, portable form. With a crunchy base and a rich chocolate topping, these treats are sure to be a hit for kids and adults alike. Whether for a snack, a party, or just because, these cups are quick to make and absolutely delicious!
