Simple, four-ingredient Chocolate Rice Krispies Treats made with chocolate and peanut butter. These bars are irresistibly tasty and a real crowd-pleaser. Compared with classic Rice Krispies treats, they’re lighter on sugar and made without butter or marshmallows.
A friend brought these to a dinner we hosted and they disappeared almost immediately. Even though we were full, everyone came back for seconds. The leftovers were gone the next day — my husband finished them off — and everyone wanted the recipe. We’ve made them repeatedly since, even my least-cooking friends.
They’re that good. Consider yourself warned: they’re addictive and it’s hard to stop at just one.
How to make chocolate rice krispies treats – step by step
- Step 1 – Put chopped chocolate (dark or semisweet), smooth peanut butter and honey into a large microwave-safe bowl. Choose a bowl big enough to hold all the puffed rice later.
- Step 2 – Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each burst. When the chocolate is almost melted, remove and stir until silky smooth.
- Step 3 – Add the puffed rice cereal to the melted chocolate mixture.
- Step 4 – Mix thoroughly until every grain of rice is coated with the chocolate-peanut butter blend.
- Step 5 – Transfer the mixture to a 9×13″ baking dish (or similar). If your dish is non-stick, line it with parchment paper to make removing and cutting the bars easier.
- Step 6 – Press the mixture down very firmly using the back of a spoon, a measuring cup, or any flat-bottomed object. Compacting well helps the bars hold together.
- Step 7 – Freeze for about one hour until the bars are firm enough to cut. Slice into squares and enjoy.
Tips and variations
- Chocolate: Use your favorite chocolate — dark or semisweet. Chocolate chips or a chopped chocolate bar both work.
- Nut butter: Smooth peanut butter is classic and delicious, but almond butter or another nut butter works well too.
- Cutting size: For dessert portions, cut into 24 squares. For parties or snacks, cut into smaller mini-bars (about 48 pieces).
- Syrup: Stick with honey here; maple syrup does not give the same texture and is not recommended.
- Storage: Keep the bars in the freezer for extra firmness or in the refrigerator for a softer bite. They’ll keep well for at least 10 days when chilled.
Chocolate Rice Krispies Treats
Easy four-ingredient recipe for chocolate rice krispies treats with a peanut butter-honey binder. Quick to prepare, naturally nutty and chocolaty, and perfect for gatherings or an everyday treat.
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Freezing Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 24 squares
Calories: 131 kcal per square
Author: The Passolt Family
Ingredients
- 7 ounces (200 g) chocolate, dark or semisweet, roughly chopped
- 1 cup smooth peanut butter (natural, without added oil or sugar works best)
- 1/2 cup honey
- 5 cups unsweetened puffed rice cereal
Instructions
- Place chocolate, peanut butter and honey in a large microwave-safe bowl.
- Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate is just about melted. Remove and stir until smooth.
- Stir in the puffed rice until fully coated with the chocolate mixture.
- Transfer to a 9×13″ baking dish lined with parchment paper if desired. Spread evenly and press down very firmly.
- Freeze for about one hour, then cut into squares and serve.
- Store in the refrigerator for a softer texture or the freezer for extra-firm bars. Properly stored, they keep for at least 10 days.
Recipe Notes
How to cut the bars:
- For dessert-sized squares: cut the pan into 6 slices lengthwise and 4 slices crosswise to yield 24 bars.
- For mini-bars (great for parties): cut into 8 by 6 pieces to make 48 mini-bars.
Can you use sweetened cereals like Rice Krispies® or Cocoa Krispies®?
Texturally, sweetened cereals will work, but they add extra sugar. You may need to experiment with the honey amount since reducing it could affect binding and texture.
Substitutions:
- Nut butter: Any smooth nut butter (almond, cashew) can be substituted.
- Honey: Honey is recommended for texture and binding; alternatives may not produce the same result.
- Chocolate: Chocolate chips are a convenient alternative to a chopped bar.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Calories: 131 | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 59mg | Potassium: 102mg | Carbohydrates: 17g | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 11g | Protein: 3g
If you try this recipe, please rate it and share how it turned out — feedback is always welcome.