Chocolate Peanut Butter Crispy Treats

Chocolate Peanut Butter Crispy Treats

Indulge in this easy treat featuring creamy peanut butter and crispy rice cereal for a delightful, chewy texture-crunchy, sweet snack.

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Prep Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Servings: 20

Course: Dessert

Calories: 250

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 tablespoons salted butter or coconut oil
• 1/3 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
• 4 cups brown rice crisps
• 1/3 cup coconut oil
• 1/2 cup real maple syrup
• 3 rounded tablespoons almond or cashew butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 8 ounces semi sweet chocolate, melted

Method

 

1. Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper. In a large, microwave-safe bowl, melt together the butter and honey until smooth. Stir in the peanut butter. Add the rice crisps and stir until combined.
2. Press the mixture into the prepared pan in an even layer. Place in the freezer until firm.
3. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, microwave the coconut oil and maple syrup until smooth. Stir in the almond or cashew butter and vanilla until smooth and drizzle-able.
4. Let the peanut butter mixture cool until it’s thick, but still pourable.
5. Pour the peanut butter mixture over the frozen rice crisps. Cover and place in the freezer until firm, at least 1 hour or until completely firm and frozen.
6. Use a 2-inch circle cookie cutter to cut the crispy treats into circles. Dip each into melted chocolate and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
7. Transfer to the fridge to firm up. Keep stored in the fridge, covered, until ready to eat.

Notes

– Use a quality salted butter for the best flavor balance.
– Ensure your rice crisps are fresh for maximum crunch.
– For a cleaner dip, ensure the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
– Store in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain crispness.

Allergens: Peanuts, Wheat, Soybeans.

Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.

The technique that makes it

The key to achieving the perfect chewy-yet-crispy texture in these chocolate peanut butter treats lies in the careful melting and mixing of the base ingredients. You’ll start by melting the butter (or coconut oil) and honey (or maple syrup) together over low heat. It’s crucial not to overheat this mixture, as excessive heat can cause the sugars to crystallize, resulting in a brittle, hard treat rather than a chewy one. Once melted and combined, you’ll whisk in the peanut butter until smooth. This emulsification step is important for distributing the peanut butter flavor evenly and contributing to the chewiness. The brown rice crisps are then gently folded in, ensuring they are coated but not crushed, as over-mixing can break down the crisps and lead to a mushy texture. The final step involves drizzling the melted semi-sweet chocolate over the mixture. For the best chocolate coating, ensure the chocolate is fully melted and smooth before drizzling. Allowing the treats to set properly in the refrigerator is also a critical technique; this allows the fats to solidify, binding everything together and firming up the structure without making it hard.

Troubleshooting

• Problem: Treats are too hard and brittle.
  Fix: This often happens if the honey/maple syrup mixture was overheated, causing sugar crystallization. Next time, use lower heat and stir constantly. Ensure you’re not over-baking or over-cooking the initial mixture.
• Problem: Treats are too soft or sticky.
  Fix: The mixture might not have been cooked long enough, or there’s too much liquid binder (honey/maple syrup). Try reducing the liquid slightly in your next batch or allowing the initial mixture to simmer gently for an extra minute before adding crisps. Ensure they set completely in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours.
• Problem: Peanut butter is clumpy in the mixture.
  Fix: Ensure the peanut butter is at room temperature and smooth before adding it to the melted butter/honey. Whisk it thoroughly into the warm liquid until fully incorporated and emulsified before adding the crisps.
• Problem: Chocolate topping is streaky or seized.
  Fix: Ensure the melted chocolate is smooth and free of any water droplets, which can cause it to seize. Melt the chocolate gently, either in a double boiler or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring frequently.

Substitutions

• Nut Butter: While creamy peanut butter is called for, you can substitute almond butter or cashew butter for a different nutty flavor profile. The texture will remain similar, though the specific taste will change.
• Sweetener: If you don’t have honey, real maple syrup can be used as a direct substitute. Agave nectar is also an option, but it may result in a slightly less chewy texture. Avoid granulated sugars as they won’t provide the necessary binding and chewiness.
• Fat: Coconut oil can be used interchangeably with salted butter for melting the base. For the chocolate coating, if semi-sweet chocolate isn’t available, dark chocolate or milk chocolate can be used, adjusting sweetness expectations accordingly.
• Crisps: While brown rice crisps provide a light, airy crunch, puffed quinoa or even corn flakes (though less healthy) can be used in a pinch. The texture and flavor will be altered.

Pro tips

• Use a quality salted butter for the best flavor balance.
• Ensure your rice crisps are fresh for maximum crunch.
• For a cleaner dip, ensure the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
• Store in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain crispness.

Try these delightful peanut butter crispy treats for an easy yet impressive dessert. Customize with your favorite chocolate or nut butter for a personal touch. Enjoy!

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