My 5-Ingredient Peanut Butter Chocolate Rice Crispy Bars are a heavenly combo of my two favorite things—peanut butter & chocolate. They’re gooey, perfectly sweet, refined sugar free treats! Made with rice cereal, sweetened with maple syrup and topped with Lily’s chocolate chips. Not only are they delicious, but they’re so quick & simple. It can’t get much better than that! 🥜🍫
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How to Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Rice Crispy Bars
The bars are my go-to sweet tooth cure. If you’re a sweet tooth like me, you’re definitely going to want to make a batch. Ok, now that I’ve spent all this time raving, let’s whip them up! They’re no-bake, so very quick & easy!
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Creamy Peanut Butter unsweetened
- 2 Cups Rice Cereal
- ½ Cup Pure Maple Syrup
- 1 Cup Chocolate Chips my favorite brand is Lily’s
- 1 Teaspoon Sea Salt
Check out the recipe video on Instagram!
Step-By-Step Instructions
In a medium bowl mix the peanut butter, maple syrup, and rice cereal. Mix well until all of the ingredients are combined and the rice cereal is completely coated. Once you’re done mixing, press the mixture into a pan. I like to use a small square pan because it makes this layer thicker. But if you want thinner layers and more treats, use a larger pan.
Next you’ll melt the chocolate chips. Drizzle the chocolate mixture over the layer in the pan & sprinkle a little sea salt on top. You’ll want to chill the treats in either the fridge or freezer until the chocolate is hardened! Once the chocolate is hard, cut into squares and ENJOY! 🍫
What Kind of Cereal Should I Use for These Peanut Butter Chocolate Rice Crispy Bars?
As always, my goal is to provide you with a healthier option when you crave something sweet and delicious! This recipe is made with all natural sugars and no gluten. Traditional Rice Krispies have added refined sugar so I chose to use Nature’s Path Organic Rice Puff’s Cereal. It’s made with only 1 ingredient—organic whole grain brown rice and free of any added sugars. Of course feel free to use the type of cereal you like best! I’ve even used crushed rice cakes or gluten free rolled oats for this recipe instead of cereal.
Can I Use Any Sweetener In These Peanut Butter Chocolate Rice Crispy Bars?
Yes! Of course, I always opt for a refined sugar free sweetener. I used maple syrup, but honey, agave, date syrup, or coconut sugar would work really well in this recipe. Personally, I love the sweet maple flavor the maple syrup brings!
Why These Are One of My Favorite Desserts!
These are one of my favorite healthier desserts to make for many reasons! Of course, the combination of peanut butter, chocolate, sea salt, and the crunch of the rice cereal work together so perfectly to make a wonderful treat. They’re a delightful twist on the classic rice krispie treat, swapping out the usual ingredients for healthy alternatives! They’re no-bake, and SO quick and easy when I’m craving something sweet. Also, they’re made with only 5-ingredients you may already have in your pantry! I love not having to gather a whole list of things I don’t have when going to make a treat.
Another thing I love about these treats is their versatility! I like to add a scoop of my favorite protein powder in with the peanut butter, maple syrup, and rice cereal! This makes them an amazing post-workout snack.
I've been making these treats since college, and they've become a staple in my sweet tooth repertoire. They're honestly perfect for any time you're craving a sweet, but healthier treat! I hope you love them as much as I do!
Frequently Asked Questions?
These tasty chocolate peanut butter rice crispy bars tend to melt easily, so I suggest storing them in the refrigerator or freezer. Personally, I keep them chilled until I'm ready to enjoy them.
Yes! They are completely gluten-free. You can also make them dairy free if you use dairy free chocolate, or make your own chocolate with coconut oil, cocoa powder, and a sweetener.
You will need peanut butter, maple syrup, rice cereal, chocolate, and sea salt.
Yes, you can use regular Rice Krispies, but I prefer to use a refined sugar free brand!
Yes! That is my go-to method of storage for these treats. They will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer!
Yes! You can use any type of nut butter in this recipe! My go-to is the Trader Joe’s creamy unsweetened version. But almond butter, cashew butter, or any other type of nut butter will work just as well.
Yes! Feel free to substitute the maple syrup in this recipe with your sweetener of choice. Honey, agave, date syrup, or coconut sugar are great alternatives!
Definitely! Simply add it into the mix when you’re mixing the peanut butter, maple syrup and rice cereal!
Enjoy This Sweet Tooth’s Dream!
I’m not kidding, these are in my dreams. Like actually. We were on our honeymoon in Sri Lanka for 3 weeks, and the night before coming home I woke up dreaming about making these! Ridiculous…I know. But that’s how good they are. I hope these Peanut Butter and Chocolate Rice Crispy Bars have you dreaming about them too.
Tag me on Instagram @entirelyemmy when you decide to make them and let me know what you think! ENJOY 🤎
Peanut Butter and Chocolate Rice Crispy Bars
Ingredients
Method
- In a medium bowl combine the peanut butter, maple syrup, and rice cereal. Stir until the rice cereal is completely coated. Press the mixture into a pan. I typically use a square baking pan.
- Melt the chocolate chips then drizzle over the rice cereal peanut butter layer. Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the freezer or fridge until the chocolate is hardened. I usually wait at least 15 minutes. Cut into squares and enjoy!
Lana says
The perfect healthier treat! Thanks Emmy!