Peanut Butter Chocolate Rice Krispie Treat Cups

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

1. 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

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the peanut butter, honey, and sugar over medium heat.
2. Stir constantly until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth, about 3-4 minutes. Be careful not to overheat.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 3: Mix in the Rice Krispies

1. In a large mixing bowl, pour the peanut butter mixture over the Rice Krispies cereal.
2. Stir gently until all the cereal is evenly coated.

Step 4: Form the Rice Krispie Cups

1. Spoon the Rice Krispies mixture evenly into the prepared muffin cups.
2. 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

1. 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.
2. Alternatively, melt the chocolate on the stovetop using a double boiler.

Step 6: Add the Chocolate Topping

1. Spoon the melted chocolate over each Rice Krispie cup, spreading it evenly to cover the top.
2. Gently tap the muffin tin on the counter to smooth out the chocolate.

Step 7: Chill the Cups

1. 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

1. 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!