Five-Ingredient Peanut Butter Chocolate Rice Krispies Bars
Quick and chewy rice krispies bars combining peanut butter and chocolate in a simple five-ingredient no-bake recipe. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 15 minutes layers unsalted butter, softened cream cheese, smooth peanut butter into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 12, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 oz, softened cream cheese
- 1 cup smooth peanut butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 6 cups rice krispies cereal
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt 3 tbsp unsalted butter for 30 seconds, then stir in 4 oz softened cream cheese and 1 cup smooth peanut butter until smooth and creamy.
- Step 2: Add 2 cups powdered sugar to the peanut butter mixture and stir until fully combined.
- Step 3: Fold in 6 cups rice krispies cereal gently until all the cereal is coated evenly.
- Step 4: Press the mixture firmly into a greased 9x13-inch baking pan using a spatula.
- Step 5: Melt 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips in the microwave for 30 seconds, stir, then microwave an additional 15 seconds if needed until smooth.
- Step 6: Drizzle the melted chocolate evenly over the top of the pressed bars and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set before cutting into squares.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Five-Ingredient Peanut Butter Chocolate Rice Krispies Bars take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Five-Ingredient Peanut Butter Chocolate Rice Krispies Bars?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Five-Ingredient Peanut Butter Chocolate Rice Krispies Bars?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Five-Ingredient Peanut Butter Chocolate Rice Krispies Bars for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Five-Ingredient Peanut Butter Chocolate Rice Krispies Bars?
American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
