Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Cups

If you love the combination of chocolate and peanut butter, you’re in for a treat! These Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Cups are the ultimate no-bake dessert that delivers creamy, crunchy, and chocolatey goodness in every bite. Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or a quick sweet snack, these cups are easy to make, require minimal ingredients, and will satisfy any chocolate-peanut butter craving.

With their rich chocolate layer, smooth peanut butter base, and crisp Rice Krispies, these little cups are both fun to eat and visually appealing. Plus, they can be whipped up in just 20 minutes, making them an ideal go-to treat for last-minute occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, no baking required.
• No-Bake Dessert: Perfect for warm weather or whenever you don’t want to turn on the oven.
• Kid-Friendly: Fun, sweet, and simple enough for kids to help make.
• Party-Ready: Great for holidays, birthday parties, or potlucks.
• Customizable: Add sprinkles, sea salt, or drizzle with extra chocolate for flair.
• Perfectly Balanced: Creamy peanut butter, sweet chocolate, and crispy cereal in each bite.

Ingredients Breakdown

Base & Filling

• 3 cups Rice Krispies cereal
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup mini marshmallows

Chocolate Topping

• 1 cup chocolate chips
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
• Pinch of sea salt (optional)

Yield: 20 cups
Total Time: 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook)

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Medium saucepan
• Large mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Muffin tin
• Paper liners for muffin tin
• Microwave-safe bowl (for melting chocolate)
• Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Melt the Base

In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and marshmallows together. Stir consistently to prevent burning. Cook until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

2. Add Peanut Butter

Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the peanut butter and optional vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined into a silky, uniform mixture.

3. Combine with Cereal

Pour the Rice Krispies into a large mixing bowl. Add the peanut butter-marshmallow mixture and gently fold until every piece of cereal is coated evenly. Be careful not to crush the cereal to maintain its signature crunch.

4. Shape the Cups

Line a muffin tin with paper liners. Spoon the mixture evenly into each cup and press down gently to form a flat, even surface. Avoid pressing too hard, as this can crush the cereal.

5. Add Chocolate Layer

Melt chocolate chips in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each interval until smooth. Spoon the melted chocolate over each cup, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt if desired to enhance the chocolate-peanut butter flavor.

6. Set & Serve

Allow the cups to cool at room temperature for 20 minutes or place them in the refrigerator to set faster. Once the chocolate is firm, remove the paper liners and serve.

Tips & Variations

• Low Heat is Key: Keep the heat low while melting butter, marshmallows, and peanut butter to avoid burning. Stir constantly for a smooth texture.
• Press Gently: Avoid crushing the Rice Krispies when pressing them into the muffin tin.
• Chill for Firmness: Refrigerating ensures the chocolate layer sets fully and maintains its shape.
• Flavor Variations: Add mini chocolate chips to the peanut butter base, or swirl in Nutella for an extra chocolate twist.
• Holiday Edition: Mix in festive sprinkles for holidays or birthdays.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

• Taste: Sweet and creamy peanut butter, rich chocolate, slight vanilla aroma, and a hint of salt.
• Texture: Crunchy Rice Krispies, gooey marshmallow, and smooth chocolate topping.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve as a dessert after dinner, pack in lunchboxes, or enjoy as a snack with milk or coffee.

Nutritional Overview (Per Cup)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~150 kcal
Protein	3 g
Carbohydrates	20 g
Fat	7 g
Saturated Fat	3 g
Fiber	1 g
Sugar	12 g
Sodium	45 mg

Dietary Notes: Vegetarian-friendly, gluten-free (ensure Rice Krispies are certified GF), and no baking required.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

• Prepare Ahead: Make the cups in advance and store them in the fridge for 3–4 days.
• Transporting for Parties: Keep cups in an airtight container. Layer parchment paper between tiers to prevent sticking.
• Freezing: Freeze individual cups for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before serving to maintain texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Yes, but the texture will be chunkier, which can be fun and adds extra crunch.

2. Can I use almond butter or other nut butters?
Absolutely! Almond butter or cashew butter works well for a slightly different flavor profile.

3. Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes, use a plant-based butter and dairy-free chocolate chips to make a vegan version.

4. How do I prevent the chocolate from melting when storing?
Keep the cups in the fridge in an airtight container. Avoid warm environments.

5. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double all ingredients and use multiple muffin tins or larger silicone molds.

Cooking Timeline (at a Glance)

Step	Time
Prep Ingredients	5 min
Melt Butter & Marshmallows	5 min
Combine with Peanut Butter & Cereal	2 min
Shape in Muffin Tin	3 min
Melt Chocolate & Top Cups	3 min
Set	10–20 min
Total Time	20 min

Serving Suggestions

• Serve these Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Cups with a glass of cold milk for an extra indulgent snack.
• Arrange on a festive platter for parties or holiday celebrations.
• Top with crushed peanuts, shredded coconut, or extra chocolate drizzle for a gourmet presentation.

Recipe Variations

1. Nutella Swirl: Add 2 tablespoons of Nutella to the peanut butter base for a rich chocolate-hazelnut flavor.
2. Salted Caramel Cups: Drizzle caramel over the chocolate topping and sprinkle with sea salt.
3. Mini Cup Version: Make bite-sized cups for kid-friendly snacks or party favors.
4. Holiday Edition: Mix in red and green sprinkles or crushed candy canes during festive seasons.

Ingredient Spotlight

Peanut Butter: Provides creaminess, richness, and the classic sweet-salty flavor combination. Use smooth peanut butter for the best texture.

Marshmallows: Create the gooey base that holds the cereal together while adding subtle sweetness. Mini marshmallows melt faster and more evenly.

Chocolate Chips: Melted chocolate adds a decadent layer that balances the peanut butter perfectly. Opt for semi-sweet or milk chocolate based on preference.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Stir Constantly: When melting marshmallows and peanut butter, constant stirring prevents burning and ensures a smooth mixture.
• Low Heat: Keep the saucepan on low to avoid scorching the marshmallow-peanut butter base.
• Even Layering: Press the mixture gently in the muffin tin to create uniform cups.
• Chocolate Topping: Use a silicone spatula for smooth spreading and even coverage.
• Chill for Texture: Refrigerate to set the chocolate layer fully for a professional finish.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze cups in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month.
• Reheating: Let frozen cups thaw in the refrigerator for 1–2 hours before serving. Avoid microwaving as chocolate may melt unevenly.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Cup)

Nutrient	Amount	Notes
Calories	150 kcal	Quick snack
Protein	3 g	From peanut butter
Carbs	20 g	From Rice Krispies & marshmallows
Fat	7 g	From butter & peanut butter
Saturated Fat	3 g	Butter content
Fiber	1 g	Minor contribution
Sugar	12 g	Sweet treat
Sodium	45 mg	Can reduce with unsalted butter

Expanded Conclusion

These Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Cups are the ultimate no-bake treat: crunchy, creamy, chocolatey, and peanut buttery. They’re fast, fun, and foolproof, making them perfect for last-minute desserts, family snacks, or party platters.

With simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can whip up a batch in just 20 minutes and delight everyone with this classic combination of chocolate and peanut butter. From casual snacking to festive celebrations, these cups are versatile, delicious, and irresistibly addictive.

Next time you want a sweet snack that’s easy to make and loved by all, try this recipe and enjoy the perfect balance of chocolate, peanut butter, and crisp cereal in every bite.

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