Description
Sweet holiday magic meets childhood nostalgia in classic Christmas Peanut Butter Rice Cereal Squares. Festive marshmallow-coated squares deliver delightful crunch and irresistible flavor you’ll savor with each cheerful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 6 cups rice krispies cereal
- 1 cup smooth peanut butter
- 1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter (for topping)
Sweeteners and Binding Agents:
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Garnish and Optional Toppings:
- 1/4 cup holiday sprinkles
- 1/4 cup chopped salted peanuts (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare a 9×13 inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage of the bottom and sides.
- Combine corn syrup, peanut butter, sugar, and vanilla in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring gently until ingredients meld together without reaching a boiling point.
- Transfer the warm mixture to a large mixing bowl containing Rice Krispies, carefully folding until every cereal piece is evenly coated.
- Spread the coated cereal mixture into the prepared pan, using a spatula or clean hands to create a uniform, compact layer.
- Melt chocolate chips and additional peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 30-second intervals and stirring between each interval until smooth and fully integrated.
- Pour the chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the cereal base, using an offset spatula to ensure complete and even coverage.
- Immediately garnish the surface with festive holiday sprinkles and optional chopped peanuts for a decorative touch.
- Allow the dessert to set at room temperature for approximately 2 hours, permitting the layers to solidify and flavors to meld.
- Once completely cooled, slice into square portions using a sharp knife for clean, precise cuts.
Notes
- Prevent Sticking Line the pan with parchment paper overhanging on sides for easy removal and clean cutting of squares.
- Smooth Mixing Stir peanut butter mixture gently but thoroughly to ensure even coating of Rice Krispies without crushing cereal.
- Melting Chocolate Use low microwave power and short intervals to prevent chocolate from burning, stirring between each interval for smooth consistency.
- Dietary Adaptations Swap regular peanut butter with almond or sunflower seed butter for nut-free version. Use gluten-free Rice Krispies for celiac-friendly treat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: None
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 110 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg