Peanut Butter Balls With Rice Krispies Recipe

Crunchy Peanut Butter Balls With Rice Krispies Recipe for Kids

Crafting delightful peanut butter balls with rice krispies can turn an ordinary afternoon into a sweet adventure.

Crunchy cereal meets creamy peanut spread in this irresistible treat.

Kids and adults alike will fall in love with these no-bake delights.

Simple ingredients dance together to create a mouthwatering snack that feels like pure comfort.

Mixing becomes a playful experience when you roll these delectable spheres of happiness.

Smooth and crispy textures combine for a magical bite that promises pure enjoyment.

Why Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Balls Are a Favorite

  • Quick and Easy Preparation: Whip up these peanut butter balls without turning on the oven, making them perfect for busy home cooks who want a delicious dessert without complicated steps.
  • Texture Explosion: Experience a magical combination of creamy peanut butter, crispy Rice Krispies, and smooth chocolate that creates an irresistible treat with multiple layers of enjoyment.
  • Kid-Friendly Cooking Adventure: Engage children in a fun kitchen activity where they can help roll balls and dip them in chocolate, turning dessert-making into a playful family bonding experience.
  • Versatile Party Pleaser: Serve these bite-sized delights at potlucks, movie nights, or holiday gatherings as a crowd-pleasing dessert that looks impressive but requires minimal culinary skills.

What’s in Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Balls

Peanut Butter Mixture:
  • Peanut Butter: Creamy and rich spread perfect for sweet treats.
  • Butter: Classic dairy ingredient that adds smoothness.
  • Powdered Sugar: Soft white sugar that helps bind the mixture.
Crunch Component:
  • Rice Krispies: Crispy cereal that provides a delightful texture.
Chocolate Coating:
  • Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips, Chocolate Melting Wafers: Rich chocolate for a delicious outer layer.
Optional Extras:
  • Parchment Paper: Helpful for easy ball placement and cleanup.

Making Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Balls

Step 1: Combine Peanut Butter and Butter

Start by blending smooth peanut butter with softened butter in a spacious mixing bowl.

Stir the mixture until it transforms into a silky, creamy consistency.

Ensure the butter is warm but not scorching hot to prevent fat separation.

Step 2: Introduce Crispy Crunch

Gently fold Rice Krispies cereal into the peanut butter mixture.

Carefully mix to distribute the cereal evenly, preserving its delightful crispiness without crushing the delicate pieces.

Step 3: Sweeten the Mixture

Gradually incorporate powdered sugar into the blend.

Add the sugar in small increments, allowing it to bind the ingredients together and create a more manageable texture that holds its shape perfectly.

Step 4: Shape Tasty Spheres

Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Scoop out portions of the mixture and roll them into bite-sized balls, approximately one inch in diameter.

Arrange the balls on the prepared sheet and chill in the refrigerator for half an hour to firm up.

Step 5: Prepare Chocolate Coating

Melt chocolate chips or chocolate melting wafers in a microwave-safe bowl.

Use 30-second intervals, stirring between each session, until the chocolate becomes completely smooth and glossy.

A double boiler works wonderfully as an alternative melting method.

Step 6: Dip and Coat

Remove the chilled peanut butter balls from the refrigerator.

Using a fork or toothpick, submerge each ball completely in the melted chocolate.

Allow excess chocolate to drip off before placing the coated balls back on the parchment-lined sheet.

Step 7: Finalize and Chill

Return the chocolate-covered balls to the refrigerator.

Let them set for 15-20 minutes until the chocolate becomes firm and glossy.

Once set, these irresistible treats are ready to devour and share with friends and family!

Tips for Peanut Butter Krispie Balls

  • Add powdered sugar gradually to help bind ingredients and create a smooth, easy-to-handle consistency that won't fall apart when rolling.
  • Fold Rice Krispies gently to preserve their crunch, avoiding crushing the cereal and keeping the distinctive crispy element in your peanut butter balls.
  • Melt chocolate in short intervals to prevent burning, stirring between each interval for a smooth, glossy finish that evenly covers the peanut butter balls.
  • Refrigerate the balls before and after dipping to help them hold their shape and allow the chocolate to set quickly and evenly.
  • Keep peanut butter balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, ensuring they maintain their delicious texture and flavor.

Keep PB Rice Krispie Balls Fresh

  • Store chocolate-covered peanut butter balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Layer them between parchment paper to prevent sticking and preserve their perfect texture.
  • Carefully place balls in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with wax paper. They'll keep well for 2-3 months without losing their delicious flavor or crunch.
  • Keep treats at cool room temperature for 2-3 days maximum. Avoid warm spaces that might cause chocolate to melt or soften the balls' structure.
  • Gently warm chilled peanut butter balls at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to restore their ideal creamy consistency and rich taste.

Serving Ideas for PB Rice Krispie Balls

  • Pair Chocolate Lovers' Dream: Dive into a rich, dark red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon that complements the deep chocolate coating and cuts through the creamy peanut butter sweetness.
  • Balance Sweet and Salty Beverage: Enjoy a cold milk stout beer that echoes the nutty, sweet flavors while providing a smooth, creamy contrast to the crunchy Rice Krispies texture.
  • Enhance Nutty Flavor Profile: Serve alongside a caramel macchiato or cappuccino, which brings out the roasted peanut notes and provides a warm, comforting drink to balance the cool chocolate-covered treat.
  • Refresh Palate Cleanser: Select a crisp, cold glass of whole milk or almond milk to cut through the richness and complement the dessert's sweet and creamy characteristics.

Variations on PB Rice Krispie Balls

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace Rice Krispies with gluten-free crispy rice cereal, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Vegan Alternative: Swap butter and chocolate with plant-based versions like coconut oil, vegan butter, and dairy-free chocolate chips. Use natural peanut butter without added oils or sugars.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Substitute powdered sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Use dark chocolate with higher cocoa content and less sugar for coating to reduce overall sugar intake.
  • Nut-Free Adaptation: For those with nut allergies, replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or alternative seed spreads. Choose nut-free chocolate and ensure all ingredients are processed in a nut-free facility.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of cereal instead of Rice Krispies?

Yes, you can substitute Rice Krispies with similar crispy cereals like cornflakes or graham cracker crumbs. Just ensure the substitute provides a comparable crunch to the original recipe.

  • How do I prevent the peanut butter mixture from being too sticky?

Keep your hands slightly damp or lightly coat them with cooking spray when rolling the balls. This prevents the mixture from sticking to your hands and helps create smoother, more uniform balls.

  • Is there a way to make these peanut butter balls without chocolate coating?

Absolutely! You can roll the chilled peanut butter balls in crushed nuts, powdered sugar, or cocoa powder as an alternative coating. This gives a different texture and flavor profile while still maintaining the delicious core of the recipe.

  • Can I make these peanut butter balls ahead of time?

Yes, these balls can be prepared in advance. They can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, making them perfect for make-ahead desserts or party preparations.

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Peanut Butter Balls With Rice Krispies Recipe

Peanut Butter Balls With Rice Krispies Recipe


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4.7 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Irresistible peanut butter balls with rice krispies deliver a perfect blend of creamy and crunchy textures that dance on your palate. Sweet, nutty, and packed with nostalgic charm, these no-bake treats promise to delight you with their simple yet addictive appeal.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter (no-stir)
  • 2 1/2 cups Rice Krispies cereal
  • 1 cup powdered sugar

Binding and Coating Ingredients:

  • 3 tablespoons salted butter (melted)
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) semi-sweet chocolate chips or chocolate melting wafers

Instructions

  1. Combine softened peanut butter with melted butter in a mixing bowl, creating a smooth, homogeneous blend that ensures even distribution of fats and flavors.
  2. Carefully introduce Rice Krispies cereal into the mixture, gently folding to preserve the delicate crunch while maintaining an even texture throughout.
  3. Incrementally incorporate powdered sugar, mixing thoroughly to create a malleable consistency that holds together without becoming too dense.
  4. Use clean hands or a small cookie scoop to form uniform spherical shapes, rolling the mixture into consistent bite-sized portions approximately one inch in diameter.
  5. Transfer the shaped balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, then chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to solidify their structure and enhance handling.
  6. Prepare the chocolate coating by melting semi-sweet chocolate chips using either microwave intervals or a double boiler method, stirring until achieving a silky, glossy finish.
  7. Extract the chilled peanut butter spheres and methodically dip each one into the molten chocolate, ensuring complete coverage while allowing excess to gracefully drip away.
  8. Carefully place the chocolate-enrobed balls back onto the parchment sheet, maintaining their individual spacing.
  9. Return the coated treats to the refrigerator, allowing the chocolate shell to set completely for approximately 15-20 minutes until firm and glossy.

Notes

  • Stabilize the mixture by ensuring butter is at the right temperature, preventing separation and maintaining a smooth, creamy consistency.
  • Crush Rice Krispies gently to preserve their iconic crunch, creating textural contrast in every bite.
  • Control sweetness by adjusting powdered sugar gradually, allowing you to customize the flavor profile to your preference.
  • Enhance chocolate coating by using high-quality chocolate and allowing proper cooling time for a glossy, professional finish.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 143
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 95 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 17 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 5 mg
Angelina Wiles

Angelina Wiles

Content Editor & Culinary Enthusiast

Expertise

Food Writing and Editing, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Baking and Pastry Arts, Sustainable Cooking Practices​

Education

Portland Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on sustainable cooking practices, vegetarian cuisine, and food writing.​

​Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized training in artisanal baking, pastry techniques, and dessert presentation.


Angelina’s love for cooking started with handwritten family recipes and weekend trips to farmers’ markets around Portland. She followed her passion with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Portland Community College, then perfected her sweet side with a Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts at Oregon Culinary Institute.
Angelina believes recipes should feel like a conversation, not a science project. She’s all about helping readers trust themselves in the kitchen with simple steps, fresh ideas, and easy twists on classic meals.
When she’s not editing recipes, she’s baking bread, sipping coffee, or getting inspired by the changing seasons.

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