Decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Crispy Treats
Indulge in the ultimate sweet treat with these Decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Crispy Treats. Perfectly combining the gooeyness of peanut butter and marshmallows with the crunch of crispy rice cereal, these bars are topped with a rich chocolate glaze that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Ideal for parties or as an after-school snack, you can easily double the recipe to feed a crowd. For best results, slice the bars while the chocolate topping is still slightly warm to avoid cracking and ensure clean edges. Treat yourself and your loved ones to a deliciously crunchy, chewy, and chocolaty delight that is both kid-approved and adult-friendly!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Light corn syrup
1/2 cup
White sugar
1/2 cup
Margarine or Butter, softened
1/2 cup
Peanut butter
3/4 cup
Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon
Mini marshmallows
8 ounces
Crispy rice cereal
5 1/2 cups
Chopped peanuts (optional)
1/4 cup (chopped)
Semisweet chocolate morsels
2 cups
Shortening
2 tablespoons
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, pour in the crispy rice cereal and chopped peanuts (if using), and set aside.
2
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the light corn syrup and white sugar. Stir and bring to a boil over medium heat, allowing to bubble vigorously for 1 minute.
3
Reduce the heat to low, then add the softened butter or margarine, peanut butter, and vanilla extract. Stir continuously until everything is melted and well combined, achieving a smooth mixture.
4
Add the mini marshmallows to the saucepan, stirring until they are fully incorporated and melted into the mixture.
5
Pour the warm marshmallow mixture over the rice cereal in the large bowl. Using a wooden spoon, gently fold the cereal until fully coated and evenly mixed.
6
Grease an 11 x 7-inch baking pan and pour the mixture into it, pressing down firmly with the back of a buttered spoon or spatula to create an even layer.
7
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semisweet chocolate morsels and shortening. Heat in the microwave on HIGH in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until melted and smooth.
8
Immediately spread the melted chocolate mixture over the top of the pressed rice cereal bars, using a spatula to ensure an even coating.
9
Refrigerate the bars for about 30-60 minutes to allow the chocolate topping to harden.
10
Once the chocolate is set but still slightly soft, cut the bars into desired sizes and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Crispy Treats?
They are a sweet snack that combines the gooeyness of peanut butter and marshmallows with the crunch of crispy rice cereal, topped with a rich chocolate glaze.
What kind of cereal is used in this recipe?
This recipe specifically uses 5 1/2 cups of crispy rice cereal.
How do I prepare the sweetener base for the treats?
Combine 1/2 cup of light corn syrup and 1/2 cup of white sugar in a heavy-bottomed saucepan and bring them to a boil.
How long should the sugar and syrup mixture boil?
Allow the mixture to bubble vigorously for exactly 1 minute over medium heat.
Can I use butter instead of margarine?
Yes, you can use either 1/2 cup of softened butter or margarine in this recipe.
What type of chocolate is used for the topping?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of semisweet chocolate morsels.
Is the peanut butter added to the syrup mixture?
Yes, once the heat is reduced to low, you stir in the peanut butter along with butter and vanilla extract.
When do I add the marshmallows?
Add the mini marshmallows to the saucepan after the peanut butter and butter have melted and the mixture is smooth.
What size pan is recommended for these treats?
You should use a greased 11 x 7-inch baking pan.
How do I prevent the cereal mixture from sticking to my spoon?
Press the mixture into the pan using the back of a buttered spoon or spatula to prevent sticking.
Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes an optional 1/4 cup of chopped peanuts for added crunch.
How do I melt the chocolate for the glaze?
Combine the chocolate morsels and shortening in a microwave-safe bowl and heat on HIGH in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
Why is shortening added to the chocolate topping?
Shortening helps the chocolate melt more smoothly and creates a better consistency for the glaze.
How long should I refrigerate the bars?
Refrigerate the bars for about 30 to 60 minutes to allow the chocolate topping to harden properly.
What is the secret to cutting the bars without the chocolate cracking?
For clean edges and to avoid cracking, slice the bars while the chocolate topping is still slightly warm or soft.
Can this recipe be doubled for parties?
Yes, you can easily double the recipe if you need to feed a larger crowd.
Are these treats suitable for children?
Yes, they are described as kid-approved and are perfect for after-school snacks.
Is this a no-bake recipe?
Yes, these are no-bake treats, though they require some stovetop cooking and microwave melting.
What kind of peanut butter works best?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of peanut butter; standard creamy peanut butter is typically used for a smooth consistency.
Can I use dark chocolate instead of semisweet?
While the recipe specifies semisweet morsels, you can substitute them with dark chocolate if you prefer a less sweet topping.
How do I ensure the cereal is evenly coated?
Pour the warm marshmallow mixture over the cereal and use a wooden spoon to gently fold it until every piece is coated.
What if I don't have an 11 x 7-inch pan?
You can use a similar sized pan, though the thickness of the bars may vary.
What does vanilla extract add to the recipe?
The 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor of the peanut butter and marshmallow base.
Should I use mini or large marshmallows?
This recipe specifically calls for 8 ounces of mini marshmallows as they melt faster and more evenly.
What is the final texture of these bars?
They are designed to be deliciously crunchy, chewy, and chocolaty.
How do I spread the chocolate glaze?
Once the chocolate and shortening are melted, immediately spread the mixture over the treats using a spatula.
Is it necessary to grease the pan?
Yes, greasing the pan is essential to ensure the bars can be easily removed after they set.
What should the heat setting be when melting the marshmallows?
You should reduce the heat to low before adding the marshmallows to prevent burning.
How much shortening is needed for the topping?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of shortening to be mixed with the chocolate.
How long does it take for the chocolate to set?
The chocolate topping usually takes between 30 and 60 minutes to harden in the refrigerator.