Chocolate Swirl Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats

Get ready to experience a delightful twist on a childhood classic! These Chocolate Swirl Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats take everything you love about traditional Rice Krispie treats – that satisfying crunch and gooey marshmallow goodness – and elevate it with the rich flavors of dark chocolate and creamy peanut butter. The beautiful chocolate swirl not only looks stunning but adds a decadent touch that will have everyone reaching for more. This recipe is perfect for potlucks, parties, or simply a sweet treat to brighten your day. Plus, we’re using high-quality dark chocolate for a sophisticated flavor profile that balances the sweetness perfectly. Let’s dive into what you’ll need to create these irresistible treats!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 60g (¼ cup) Unsalted Butter, melted: Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the treats. Melting it ensures it combines seamlessly with the marshmallows, creating a smooth and cohesive base.
• 200g (7oz) Mini Marshmallows: Mini marshmallows melt more evenly and create a wonderfully chewy texture. We recommend using fresh marshmallows for the best results – older marshmallows can become hard and difficult to melt.
• 120g (½ cup) Creamy Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter provides that classic peanut butter flavor and adds a lovely richness to the treats. Ensure it’s well-stirred before measuring for consistent results.
• 120g (4 cups) Rice Krispie Cereal: The star of the show! Rice Krispie cereal delivers that signature crispy texture. Using a generous amount ensures every bite is perfectly crunchy.
• 100g (3½oz) Dark Chocolate (70% cacao, halal-certified): We’re opting for 70% cacao dark chocolate for a balanced sweetness and a deep, complex flavor. Halal-certified ensures it meets specific dietary requirements. The quality of the chocolate significantly impacts the final taste, so choose one you enjoy!
• 60ml (¼ cup) Heavy Cream (or Coconut Cream): Heavy cream creates a luscious and silky ganache. For a dairy-free option, coconut cream works beautifully, providing a similar richness and texture.
• ¼ tsp Sea Salt – for ganache: A pinch of sea salt enhances the chocolate flavor and balances the sweetness of the ganache.
• 30g (2 Tbsp) Toasted Chopped Peanuts – garnish: Toasted peanuts add a delightful crunch and nutty aroma as a garnish. Toasting them brings out their natural flavors.
• Extra 20g (¼ cup) Dark Chocolate for drizzle: This extra chocolate is for creating a decorative drizzle over the finished treats, adding a final touch of elegance.

Ingredient Substitutions

While this recipe is fantastic as is, here are a few substitutions you can make:

• Peanut Butter: Almond butter or sunflower seed butter can be used for a nut-free alternative.
• Dark Chocolate: Milk chocolate or white chocolate can be substituted, but the flavor profile will change significantly.
• Heavy Cream: Full-fat coconut milk can be used as a dairy-free alternative.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Chocolate Swirl Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats

1. Prepare the Pan: Begin by lining a 20×20 cm (8×8 inch) square pan with parchment paper. This is crucial for easy removal of the treats later. Ensure the parchment paper extends slightly over the edges of the pan to create ‘handles’ for lifting.
2. Melt Butter and Marshmallows: In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the mini marshmallows. Stir constantly to prevent sticking and burning. Continue stirring until the marshmallows are completely melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy. A low and slow melt is key to prevent scorching.
3. Incorporate Peanut Butter: Remove the saucepan from the heat. This prevents the peanut butter from overheating and potentially separating. Add the creamy peanut butter to the melted marshmallow mixture and stir vigorously until fully incorporated. The mixture will transform into a glossy, beautiful blend.
4. Add Rice Krispies: Gently fold in the Rice Krispie cereal. Folding, rather than stirring, helps maintain the airiness of the cereal and prevents the treats from becoming too dense. Ensure every piece of cereal is evenly coated with the marshmallow-peanut butter mixture.
5. Press into Pan: Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Using a greased spatula (greasing prevents sticking!), spread the mixture into an even layer. Press down *lightly* – avoid over-compacting, as this will result in hard treats.
6. Make the Chocolate Ganache: While the base is cooling slightly, prepare the chocolate ganache. In a small saucepan, bring the heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option) to a gentle simmer. Do not boil! Pour the hot cream over the chopped dark chocolate in a heat-proof bowl. Let it sit undisturbed for 1 minute to allow the heat to melt the chocolate.
7. Stir Ganache: After 1 minute, gently stir the chocolate and cream together until the mixture is silky smooth and emulsified. Whisk in the sea salt to enhance the chocolate flavor.
8. Swirl the Ganache: Drop spoonfuls of the warm chocolate ganache over the rice cereal layer. Using a thin skewer, toothpick, or knife, swirl the ganache through the surface to create beautiful, visible ribbons of chocolate. Don’t over-swirl, as you want distinct ribbons, not a fully mixed chocolate layer.
9. Set and Chill: Let the treats set at room temperature for about 20 minutes to allow the ganache to begin to firm up. Then, refrigerate for an additional 15 minutes to fully set the ganache.
10. Cut into Bars: Lift the parchment paper ‘handles’ to easily remove the slab of Rice Krispie treats from the pan. Cut into 12 even bars using a sharp knife.
11. Chocolate Drizzle & Garnish: Melt the remaining 20g of dark chocolate in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between each burst to prevent burning. Drizzle a thin line of melted chocolate over each bar in a decorative zigzag pattern. Sprinkle the toasted chopped peanuts evenly over the drizzled chocolate.
12. Final Set & Serve: Allow the chocolate drizzle and peanuts to set briefly before serving.

Tips for the Perfect Ganache

The ganache is the star of the show in these treats, adding a rich, decadent layer. Using high-quality dark chocolate (70% cacao or higher) is essential for a deep, complex flavor. If your ganache seems too thick, add a teaspoon of warm cream at a time until you reach the desired consistency. Conversely, if it’s too thin, let it cool slightly before swirling.

Peanut Butter Variations

Feel free to experiment with different types of peanut butter! Crunchy peanut butter will add a delightful textural contrast, while natural peanut butter will offer a more intense peanut flavor. If using natural peanut butter, be sure to stir it well before measuring, as the oil tends to separate.

Why This Recipe Works: The Science of Rice Krispie Treats

Rice Krispie treats aren’t just a nostalgic childhood favorite; there’s a bit of science behind their perfect texture. The marshmallows contain gelatin, which creates a network that holds the Rice Krispie cereal in place. The butter adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together. The key is to avoid overmixing, which can break down the cereal and result in dense, chewy treats. The ganache adds a layer of moisture and richness, preventing the treats from becoming overly dry.

Storage Instructions

These Chocolate Swirl Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats are best enjoyed within 2-3 days. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid storing them in the refrigerator for extended periods, as this can make them hard and stale. If you live in a humid climate, storing them in the refrigerator is recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I use a different type of chocolate? Yes, you can! Milk chocolate or white chocolate will also work, but the flavor profile will be different.
• Can I make these gluten-free? Rice Krispies are generally gluten-free, but always check the packaging to confirm.
• Can I substitute the heavy cream? Coconut cream is a great dairy-free alternative.

These Chocolate Swirl Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats are a delightful twist on a classic dessert. The combination of creamy peanut butter, rich chocolate, and crispy Rice Krispies is simply irresistible! Don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest for later inspiration!

Chocolate Swirl Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats

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• Author: Elina Mirkle
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 12 bars 1x
• Diet: General

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Description

These Chocolate Swirl Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats elevate the classic dessert with rich dark chocolate and creamy peanut butter, creating a delightful and satisfying treat. Perfect for parties or a sweet indulgence.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 60g (¼ cup) Unsalted Butter, melted
• 200g (7oz) Mini Marshmallows
• 120g (½ cup) Creamy Peanut Butter
• 120g (4 cups) Rice Krispie Cereal
• 100g (3½oz) Dark Chocolate (70% cacao)
• 60ml (¼ cup) Heavy Cream
• ¼ tsp Sea Salt
• 30g (2 Tbsp) Toasted Chopped Peanuts, garnish
• 20g (¼ cup) Dark Chocolate, for drizzle

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Instructions

1. Prepare Pan: Line a 20x20cm pan with parchment paper.
2. Melt Butter & Marshmallows: Melt butter and marshmallows, stirring until smooth.
3. Incorporate Peanut Butter: Remove from heat and stir in peanut butter.
4. Add Rice Krispies: Gently fold in Rice Krispie cereal.
5. Press into Pan: Transfer to pan and press lightly.
6. Make Chocolate Ganache: Simmer cream, pour over chocolate, and stir until smooth.
7. Stir Ganache: Whisk in sea salt.
8. Swirl Ganache: Drop ganache over cereal layer and swirl.
9. Set & Chill: Let set at room temperature, then refrigerate.
10. Cut into Bars: Remove from pan and cut into 12 bars.
11. Drizzle & Garnish: Melt chocolate and drizzle over bars, sprinkle with peanuts.
12. Final Set & Serve: Allow to set briefly before serving.

Notes

Using high-quality dark chocolate enhances the flavor. For a dairy-free option, use coconut cream.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No Bake
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar
• Calories: 250 kcal
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 100 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg

Keywords: rice krispie treats, chocolate, peanut butter, dessert, easy, no bake, party, snack