Craving a quick and delicious treat that doesn’t require turning on the oven? Look no further than Peanut Butter Balls with Chocolate Rice Krispies. These no-bake snacks blend creamy peanut butter, crispy rice cereal, and rich chocolate to create an irresistible dessert that’s perfect for holidays, parties, or an anytime indulgence.
Whether you’re a busy parent, a beginner in the kitchen, or just someone with a sweet tooth, these treats are easy to make, require minimal ingredients, and are always a crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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No baking required – quick and mess-free
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A perfect balance of sweet, salty, and crunchy
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Ideal for holiday platters, gifting, or a midnight snack
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A fun cooking activity for kids and families
Ingredients at a Glance
To make these delightful bites, you only need a handful of pantry staples:
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Peanut butter (creamy)
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Butter (unsalted)
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Vanilla extract
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Powdered sugar
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Rice Krispies cereal
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Chocolate chips (semisweet)
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Coconut oil or shortening
These ingredients are affordable and easy to find in any grocery store. For an extra touch of shine and smooth texture, adding a bit of coconut oil to the chocolate is key.
The Step-by-Step Process
Making these chocolate peanut butter rice balls is as easy as mixing, forming, and dipping:
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Cream together butter and peanut butter.
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Add vanilla extract and powdered sugar.
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Fold in Rice Krispies cereal for a delightful crunch.
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Roll the mixture into balls and chill.
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Melt chocolate and coconut oil, then dip each ball.
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Let set in the fridge.
Expert Tips for Perfect Results
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Use parchment paper to prevent sticking.
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Chill before dipping to keep the shape.
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Use a fork or dipping tool for smooth chocolate coating.
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Experiment with toppings like crushed nuts, sprinkles, or sea salt for extra flair.
And if you want to switch things up, you can replace peanut butter with almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option.
Nutrition Information
Each ball contains approximately:
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Calories: 180 kcal
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Fat: 12g
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Carbs: 16g
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Protein: 3g
You can make them slightly healthier by reducing the powdered sugar or using dark chocolate instead of semisweet.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
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Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
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Freeze for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge before serving.
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Perfect for prepping in advance for events or gifting.
Ways to Customize
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Add crushed pretzels for extra crunch.
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Use white chocolate or dark chocolate instead.
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Add mini marshmallows or dried fruits for texture.
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Sprinkle with sea salt flakes after dipping for a gourmet touch.
FAQs
Q: Can I use natural peanut butter?
A: Yes, but make sure to stir it well so it’s not too oily or runny.
Q: What can I use instead of coconut oil?
A: You can use vegetable shortening or even a small bit of butter to thin the chocolate.
Q: Can I make these dairy-free?
A: Absolutely! Use a dairy-free butter substitute and vegan chocolate chips.
Q: How long do these keep?
A: Stored in the fridge, they’ll stay fresh for up to 2 weeks, and up to 3 months in the freezer.
Q: Can I make them gluten-free?
A: Yes! Just make sure to use certified gluten-free rice cereal.
Related LSI & NLP Keywords
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Explore other decadent desserts like the Ultimate Slutty Brownie Recipe, which combines layers of cookie dough, Oreos, and brownies for an indulgent treat