Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Bars for Dessert

A classic childhood favorite that’s still delicious at any age. Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Rice Krispie Treats are an easy no-bake dessert combining peanut butter and chocolate. Made with just five pantry ingredients and ready in about 15 minutes.

This recipe was originally published June 2015 and updated June 2021.

Rice Krispie treats are timeless. While I love dipped funfetti versions, sometimes I prefer something a bit less sweet and without marshmallows. These Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats skip the marshmallows but keep all the flavor and fun.

They’re simple to make, pantry-friendly, and satisfyingly chocolatey without being overly sweet.

Why these Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats are the Best:

• Only five ingredients.
• Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing.
• Sweet, but not cloying.
• Naturally gluten-free (when using gluten-free cereal).
• No-bake and ready in about 15 minutes.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats Ingredients:

This recipe uses common pantry staples you likely have on hand. It’s simple, fast, and reliable.

What you will need:

• Peanut butter (creamy, natural works best)
• Rice Krispies cereal (about 3 cups)
• Maple syrup or honey
• Vanilla extract
• Dark chocolate chips (¾–1 cup)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

These bars come together quickly and require no baking.

1. Heat the peanut butter, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla together just until smooth and combined. You can do this in a small saucepan over low heat or in the microwave in 20–30 second increments. If your peanut butter is already soft, heating may not be necessary.
2. Pour the mixture over the Rice Krispies in a medium bowl and gently stir until the cereal is evenly coated.
3. Firmly press the mixture into a parchment-lined 8×8-inch pan. Press down hard with a spatula, spoon, or the bottom of a glass so the bars hold together. Chill until cool.
4. Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave in 20-second increments, stirring well between each interval, or use a double boiler. When mostly melted, stir until smooth and pour over the chilled peanut butter layer. Spread evenly with a spatula.
5. Chill until the chocolate is set, then cut into squares and serve.

Recipe Notes and Tips:

• Microwave option: Combine peanut butter, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in short increments until smooth.
• Bar thickness: The finished bars are about 1 inch thick in an 8×8 pan. For thicker bars, use a 6×8 pan or double the recipe for a 9×9 pan.
• Best peanut butter: Use creamy, natural peanut butter that needs stirring. It mixes and coats the cereal best and gives a nice, slightly drippy texture.
• Melting chocolate: Melt chips in the microwave or with a double boiler. Avoid overheating—when most chips are melted, stirring will make them smooth.
• Extra garnish: A generous chocolate drizzle on top adds visual appeal and more chocolate flavor.

Variations:

• Chocolate ganache layer: Heat 1/2 cup heavy cream until warm, pour over 1 cup dark chocolate chips, let sit a few minutes, then stir until smooth and spread over the bars.
• Extra peanut butter: Use up to 1 cup peanut butter for gooier bars. Fold in chopped Reese’s Pieces or sprinkle chopped peanut butter cups on top of the chocolate.
• Add color: Stir in M&M’s or sprinkle them on top for a colorful, kid-friendly finish.

Other peanut butter chocolate recipes:

• No Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Oatmeal Bars
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
• Peanut Butter Cookies and Cream Ice Cream
• Peanut Butter Mocha Smoothie
• 5 Minute Peanut Butter Cup Mousse

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