No-Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Rice Krispie Bars
Chewy and crunchy bars combining peanut butter and chocolate flavors with classic crispy rice cereal, ready in under 30 minutes without baking. This desserts-inspired desserts ready in about 20 minutes layers unsalted butter, creamy peanut butter, mini marshmallows 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
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 4 cups mini marshmallows
- 6 cups crispy rice cereal
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 3 tbsp unsalted butter with 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter, stirring until smooth and combined, about 2 minutes.
- Step 2: Add 4 cups mini marshmallows to the saucepan and stir continuously for 3-4 minutes until the marshmallows are completely melted and the mixture is glossy.
- Step 3: Remove from heat and immediately fold in 6 cups crispy rice cereal until every piece is evenly coated with the peanut butter marshmallow mixture.
- Step 4: Press the mixture firmly into a greased 9x13-inch pan using a spatula or lightly buttered hands.
- Step 5: Melt 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between, until smooth, then drizzle or spread over the top.
- Step 6: Let the bars set at room temperature for 30 minutes before slicing into squares.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does No-Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Rice Krispie Bars take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 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 No-Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Rice Krispie 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 No-Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Rice Krispie 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 No-Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Rice Krispie 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 No-Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Rice Krispie Bars?
Desserts 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.
