Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Bars

Directions

1. Prepare Your Pan:

• Start by lining a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or greasing it lightly with cooking spray. This will make it easier to remove the bars once they’re set.

1. Make the Peanut Butter Mixture:

• In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the corn syrup and granulated sugar. Stir continuously until the mixture comes to a gentle boil. Allow it to boil for about 1 minute, then remove it from heat.
• Stir in the peanut butter and vanilla extract until well combined and smooth.

1. Mix in the Cereal:

• In a large mixing bowl, add the Rice Krispies cereal. Pour the peanut butter mixture over the cereal, stirring gently to coat all the cereal evenly. Be careful not to crush the cereal too much; you want to keep that signature crunch.

1. Press into the Pan:

• Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Using a spatula or your hands, press the mixture firmly and evenly into the dish. This helps the bars hold together when cut.

1. Melt the Chocolate:

• In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval until melted and smooth. Alternatively, you can melt the chocolate using a double boiler on the stove.

1. Spread the Chocolate:

• Pour the melted chocolate over the pressed Rice Krispies mixture, spreading it evenly with a spatula. For an extra touch, you can sprinkle a few more chocolate chips on top before it sets.

1. Cool and Cut:

• Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes or until the chocolate is set. For quicker cooling, you can place the dish in the refrigerator. Once set, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper and cut them into squares or rectangles.

Serving Suggestions

Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Bars can be enjoyed in various ways:

• As a Snack: Perfect for lunchboxes or an afternoon pick-me-up.
• At Parties: Cut into smaller squares for a bite-sized treat that guests will love.
• With a Glass of Milk: These bars pair wonderfully with milk or your favorite dairy-free alternative.

Storage Tips

To keep your Rice Krispie Bars fresh:

• Room Temperature: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
• Refrigerate: For longer freshness, you can store them in the fridge, where they’ll last up to two weeks.
• Freezing: If you want to make them ahead of time, these bars freeze well! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months.

Conclusion

Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Bars are a delicious, quick, and satisfying treat that’s sure to please everyone. With their crunchy texture and rich flavor, they’re perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a party, an afternoon snack, or just because, this recipe is bound to become a staple in your dessert repertoire. So gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy these delightful bars!