The traditional snack or dessert treat of families everywhere gets an update in this delicious recipe for Chocolate Peanut Butter Krispy Bars!
I made these dessert snack bars about a month ago, while trying to think of a way to make Krispy treats with a twist. I slightly tweaked a recipe for the bars I found on a box of puffed rice cereal (a generic brand), then came up with a simple, quick and easy chocolate peanut butter topping for the bars, that would add another layer of flavor!
They turned out GREAT! The addition of chocolate and peanut butter… really yummy! One of my favorite flavor combinations!!! Even my hubby (who doesn’t typically like plain rice “krispy” treats) kept getting into these treats, once made! They are really very simple to prepare… here’s how!
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How To Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Krispy Bars
Butter bottom and sides of a 9×13 rimmed pan, then set aside. Measure and pour krispy cereal into large mixing bowl; set aside. Place butter, peanut butter, vanilla and marshmallows in a large saucepan. Cook on low until these ingredients have completely melted, stirring often to prevent sticking (sorry, no picture).
Once completely blended and smooth, remove from stove and pour immediately over krispy cereal. Stir very well, to fully coat cereal with marshmallow mixture. Pour the mixture into the buttered 9×13 inch rimmed pan. Press down on the mixture with your fingers, spreading it out to cover the entire pan. Press hard to compress the layer. Let cool.
While krispy bars are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a medium saucepan, melt together butter, peanut butter, and cocoa powder until completely smooth.
Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in vanilla extract, then add powdered sugar and enough milk (approx 2-3 Tablespoons plus) to make the frosting easily spreadable.
Pour the frosting over the surface of the krispy bars, then quickly spread to fully cover the entire top.
Ready To Cut Into Bars
This is how it looks once all the frosting is evenly spread over top surface. This will cover it all with a thin layer of frosting. NOTE: If you want a THICKER layer of frosting, simple double the ingredients! Use a knife to cut into 24 bars. Once cut, let the frosted bars sit for a while to let the frosting firm up a bit.
Now We’re Ready To EAT!
All that’s left to do is grab one… and take a big bite! Want one? There’s plenty for everyone, and I enjoy sharing.
The bars are chewy, and have a wonderful chocolate peanut butter flavor… a perfect after school treat or after dinner dessert bar! Try not to eat them all at one time!
Hope you enjoy these simple, delicious treats! Have a GREAT day… and thank God for each and every breath you have been given – it truly is a gift!
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Recipe for bars (only) adapted from box of Kroger Crispy Rice Cereal
- 6½ cups puffed rice cereal (like Rice Krispies)
- 1/4 cup butter
- 4 cups miniature marshmallows
- 1 Tablespoon (heaping) peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 1½ Tablespoons (heaping) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 Tablespoon (heaping) peanut butter
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 (or more) Tablespoons milk (enough to make frosting spreadable)
Butter bottom and sides of a 9x13 rimmed pan; set aside. Measure krispy cereal into large mixing bowl; set aside. Place butter, peanut butter, vanilla and marshmallows in a large saucepan. Cook on low until they have completely melted, stirring often to prevent sticking. Once completely blended/smooth, remove from stove; pour immediately over krispy cereal. Stir well, to fully coat cereal. Pour mixture into buttered 9x13 pan. Press mixture down with fingers to compress; spread to cover entire pan. Let cool.
In a medium saucepan, melt butter, peanut butter, and cocoa powder until completely smooth, stirring often until smooth. Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla extract, then add powdered sugar and enough milk (approx 2-3 Tablespoons +) to make the frosting easily spreadable. Pour frosting over surface of krispy bars, then quickly spread, to fully cover.
Let frosted bars sit for a while to let frosting firm up slightly, then use a knife to cut into 24 equal sized bars. When ready, serve and ENJOY!