Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

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

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

Rice Krispie treats never go out of style. If you want a less sugary version of the classic, these chocolate peanut butter bars skip marshmallows but keep all the nostalgia and flavor.

These bars are simple, fast, and use ingredients you likely already have in the pantry. They offer the familiar crunch of cereal with a creamy peanut butter base and a rich chocolate topping.

Why these Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats are the Best:

• Only five ingredients.
• Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing.
• Sweet, but not overly sweet.
• Naturally gluten free (check cereal label).
• No-bake and ready in about 15 minutes plus chilling time.

Ingredients

These bars rely on simple pantry staples. Adjust quantities if you prefer a thicker or thinner bar.

You’ll need:

• Peanut butter (creamy, natural works best)
• Rice Krispies cereal
• Maple syrup or honey
• Vanilla extract
• Dark chocolate chips (or milk chocolate if you prefer)

Step-by-Step Instructions

These treats are very straightforward to make.

1. Warm the peanut butter, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla together until smooth and combined. Use a small saucepan over low heat or microwave in 20–30 second increments, stirring between each until drippy and even.
2. Place the Rice Krispies in a mixing bowl and pour the peanut butter mixture over them. Stir gently until the cereal is evenly coated.
3. Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment and firmly press the mixture into the pan (use the bottom of a spoon, spatula, or a glass). Pressing firmly helps the bars hold together. Chill until cool.
4. Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring well after each interval, or melt using a double boiler. When mostly melted, stir until smooth.
5. Pour the melted chocolate over the chilled peanut butter layer and spread evenly with a spatula. Chill until the chocolate sets.
6. Cut into squares and serve. For cleaner slices, chill for several hours. Store in an airtight container for up to five days; refrigerating will keep them firmer.

Recipe Notes and Tips

• You can heat the peanut butter, syrup, and vanilla in the microwave instead of on the stove—20-second intervals work well.
• Bars will be about 1 inch thick using an 8×8 pan. For thicker bars, use a 6×8 pan or double the recipe and bake in a 9×9 pan.
• Creamy natural peanut butter that needs stirring tends to give the best texture and a drippy consistency for easy mixing.
• Melt chocolate slowly to avoid burning—either microwave in short bursts or use a double boiler.
• For extra finish, drizzle additional chocolate over the set layer or sprinkle chopped peanut butter cups, M&M’s, or chopped candies on top.

Variations

• Chocolate ganache: heat 1/2 cup heavy cream and pour over 1 cup dark chocolate chips, let sit a few minutes then stir until smooth and spread over the bars.
• Extra peanut butter: increase the peanut butter to 1 cup for gooier bars. Stir in mini peanut butter cups or Reese’s Pieces for added texture.
• Add color with M&M’s or other candies sprinkled on the chocolate before it sets.

Other peanut butter & chocolate ideas

• 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