Peanut Butter Chocolate Rice Krispie Treat Cups Recipe
If you have a sweet tooth and a love for that perfect crunch, then you are going to adore this Peanut Butter Chocolate Rice Krispie Treat Cups Recipe. This delightful treat combines the classic crispiness of Rice Krispies with the rich, creamy allure of peanut butter and chocolate in a fun, portable cup form. It’s an easy, no-bake snack that feels indulgent but is incredibly simple to make. Trust me, these cups will quickly become your go-to for parties, afternoon snacks, or anytime you want a bit of chocolate-peanut butter magic!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is the first step toward making a batch of irresistible Peanut Butter Chocolate Rice Krispie Treat Cups Recipe. Each component plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and visual appeal.
- 3 cups Rice Krispies cereal: The star that brings that signature crunch and lightness to every bite.
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips: Melts into a glossy, decadent topping that complements the nutty base perfectly.
- 1 cup chunky peanut butter: Adds creamy texture with a delightful bit of crunch for extra character.
- 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for vegan): Natural sweetness that keeps everything sticky and cohesive while adding a subtle depth of flavor.
- 1/8 teaspoon salt: Enhances the taste and balances the sweetness, lifting the overall flavor profile.
How to Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Rice Krispie Treat Cups Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Muffin Tin
Start by lining your muffin tin with paper or silicone liners. This simple step will make sure your treat cups come out easily and keep their shape without sticking. Think ahead so you can focus on the fun mixing part!
Step 2: Make the Peanut Butter Mixture
Place the peanut butter, honey, and salt in a saucepan over low heat. Stir gently until everything melts together into a smooth, fluid mixture. This warming step is crucial—it creates a luscious binding agent that coats every Rice Krispie perfectly.
Step 3: Combine Rice Krispies
Now, fold the Rice Krispies into the warm peanut butter mixture. Take your time here to make sure every crisp gets a generous coating—this is where the magic happens, turning everyday cereal into a rich, nutty delight.
Step 4: Shape the Cups
Spoon the mixture into your lined muffin cups, pressing down lightly to form an even base. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly smooth; the rustic texture is part of the charm and it’ll hold everything together beautifully.
Step 5: Add the Chocolate Layer
In a separate pan, gently melt the chocolate chips until glossy and silky. Spoon the melted chocolate over each peanut butter base, creating a decadent chocolate cap that will harden into a satisfying shell.
Step 6: Chill Until Set
Pop your tins into the refrigerator for at least one hour. The chilling step is important because it lets the chocolate firm up and the flavors meld, delivering that perfect bite of crunchy, creamy, and chocolatey goodness.
Step 7: Enjoy!
Once set, remove the cups from the fridge, carefully peel off the liners, and get ready to indulge. These Peanut Butter Chocolate Rice Krispie Treat Cups Recipe are best enjoyed fresh but will hold up nicely if stored correctly.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Chocolate Rice Krispie Treat Cups Recipe
Garnishes
Add some flair by sprinkling a few mini chocolate chips, crushed peanuts, or a dusting of cocoa powder on top right after pouring the chocolate. It’s a simple touch that makes your cups look bakery-worthy and adds a pop of texture and flavor.
Side Dishes
These treat cups stand wonderfully on their own but pair extra well with a glass of cold milk, a rich coffee, or a simple fruit salad. The sweetness and crunch make a nice contrast alongside fresh, juicy fruit for a well-rounded snack.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these cups in colorful mini cupcake liners or place them on a decorative platter lined with parchment. For a party, add little flags or edible glitter for a festive vibe. You can also experiment by layering them with whipped cream or adding a drizzle of caramel for a next-level presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Peanut Butter Chocolate Rice Krispie Treat Cups Recipe can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If your kitchen is warm, it’s better to keep them in the fridge to prevent the chocolate from melting and maintain their texture.
Freezing
If you want to make these ahead for a big event, freeze the cups in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They will keep well in the freezer for up to one month and thaw quickly at room temperature.
Reheating
These treats are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating is generally not necessary. If you want to soften the peanut butter slightly, let the cups sit out for 10-15 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving as it can melt the chocolate topping unevenly.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?
Absolutely! Natural peanut butter works well, but because it tends to separate, give it a good stir before using. You may need to adjust the amount slightly if it’s thinner than regular peanut butter.
Is there a vegan version of this recipe?
Yes, simply swap honey for maple syrup and make sure to use vegan chocolate chips. The texture and flavor remain just as delicious without any animal products.
Can I substitute Rice Krispies with another cereal?
Sure thing! While Rice Krispies give the classic crunch, you can use puffed wheat, cornflakes, or even gluten-free crispy cereal if needed. Just pick a cereal that holds up well to moisture and heat.
How long do these cups last?
Stored properly, they will stay fresh for about 3-5 days in the refrigerator. Beyond that, the peanut butter may start to dry out, and the cereal lose its crunch.
What’s the best way to melt the chocolate?
Melting chocolate slowly over low heat on the stovetop or using a double boiler is ideal to avoid burning. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently until smooth.
Final Thoughts
I’m so excited for you to try this Peanut Butter Chocolate Rice Krispie Treat Cups Recipe because it’s truly a snack that brings smiles with every bite. The perfect blend of creamy peanut butter, crunchy cereal, and luscious chocolate is a winning combination that never gets old. Whether you’re making it for a crowd or just a cozy treat for yourself, these cups are guaranteed to satisfy your cravings and brighten your day.
Print
Peanut Butter Chocolate Rice Krispie Treat Cups Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Peanut Butter Chocolate Rice Krispie Treat Cups are a delightful no-bake dessert combining the crunchy texture of Rice Krispies with creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate. Perfect for a quick treat or a party snack, these cups are easy to make and can be customized with vegan alternatives.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 3 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 cup chunky peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for a vegan version)
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Topping
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips (vegan options available)
Instructions
- Prepare the muffin tin: Line your muffin tin with paper or silicone liners to ensure the treats release easily once set.
- Make the peanut butter mixture: In a saucepan over low heat, combine the peanut butter, honey, and salt. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and fluid, then remove it from the heat to prevent burning.
- Combine with Rice Krispies: Fold the Rice Krispies into the warm peanut butter mixture, ensuring all cereal pieces are well-coated evenly.
- Form the cup bases: Spoon the mixture into the lined muffin tin cups, pressing down lightly to form compact bases.
- Melt the chocolate: In a separate pan, melt the chocolate chips over low heat until glossy and smooth, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Top the cups: Spoon the melted chocolate over the peanut butter base in each cup, spreading slightly if needed for even coverage.
- Chill to set: Place the muffin tin in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or until the chocolate layer is firm and fully set.
- Serve: Remove the cups from the refrigerator, peel off the liners, and enjoy your delicious treat!
Notes
- Use maple syrup instead of honey to make this recipe vegan.
- Ensure the peanut butter is warmed gently to avoid burning or separating.
- Press the Rice Krispie mixture firmly into the muffin liners for sturdy cups.
- You can use dark, milk, or vegan chocolate chips based on preference.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
