Frequently Asked Questions
What are Chewy Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats?
These are a no-bake dessert made from a combination of Cocoa Krispies cereal, melted marshmallows, creamy peanut butter, and butter, topped with a rich dark chocolate and peanut butter glaze.
Is this a no-bake recipe?
Yes, this recipe is entirely no-bake, making it a quick and easy dessert option that doesn't require an oven.
What type of cereal is used in this recipe?
This recipe specifically calls for 6 cups of Cocoa Krispies to provide a chocolatey crunch.
How many marshmallows do I need?
You will need one 16-ounce package of marshmallows.
How much peanut butter is required for the entire recipe?
The recipe uses a total of 1 and 1/4 cups of creamy peanut butter: 3/4 cup for the cereal base and 1/2 cup for the chocolate topping.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can use either 1/4 cup of butter or 1/4 cup of margarine for the marshmallow mixture.
What is the best way to prevent the treats from sticking to the pan?
The instructions recommend greasing the bottom and sides of a 9x13 inch pan with peanut butter to prevent sticking.
What size pan should I use?
A 9x13 inch cake pan is the ideal size for these treats.
How do I melt the marshmallow mixture?
Combine marshmallows, 3/4 cup peanut butter, and butter in a large saucepan over low heat, stirring continuously until smooth.
What should I do if the mixture is too sticky to press into the pan?
You can dust your hands with a bit of peanut butter or use a greased spatula to press the mixture evenly into the pan.
What ingredients are in the topping?
The topping is a blend of one 8-ounce package of dark chocolate chips and 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter.
How do I prepare the chocolate topping?
Melt the dark chocolate chips and peanut butter together in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth.
How long do the treats need to set?
Allow the bars to sit at room temperature for at least one hour until the chocolate topping has firmed up.
Are these treats suitable for kids?
Yes, these are described as a kid-friendly favorite and are perfect for parties or snacks.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
The recipe calls for creamy peanut butter for a smooth texture, but you can substitute crunchy if you prefer extra texture.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 main ingredients: Cocoa Krispies, marshmallows, creamy peanut butter, butter, and dark chocolate chips.
Can I use regular Rice Krispies instead of Cocoa Krispies?
Yes, you can substitute regular Rice Krispies, but you will lose the specific chocolate flavor of the base cereal.
How should I store these treats?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them chewy.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and is suitable for beginners.
Can I add extra toppings?
While the recipe specifies a chocolate-peanut butter glaze, you could add sea salt or crushed nuts on top for variation.
What is the preparation for the butter?
The butter should be cut into pieces for easier and more even melting.
Should I melt the ingredients over high heat?
No, you should use low heat to avoid burning the marshmallows or the chocolate topping.
Are these bars gluten-free?
You would need to ensure your specific brand of Cocoa Krispies and marshmallows are certified gluten-free to make this recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
What categories does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized as a dessert, bars, cookies, and treats.
How many cups of cereal are needed?
You will need exactly 6 cups of Cocoa Krispies.
Can I make these treats in advance?
Yes, they can be made a day in advance as long as they are stored properly to maintain freshness.
What if I don't have dark chocolate chips?
Semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips can be used as a substitute, though the flavor profile will be sweeter.
Do I need to refrigerate the bars to set the topping?
The recipe suggests room temperature for one hour, but you can refrigerate them briefly if you need the chocolate to set faster.
How should I cut the treats?
Once the topping is firm, use a sharp knife to cut them into even squares.
What makes these treats 'chewy'?
The combination of a high marshmallow-to-cereal ratio along with the addition of peanut butter and butter keeps the bars soft and chewy.