This recipe for Peanut Butter Bars with Crispies heightens the experience of plain ‘ol peanut butter bars with caramelly notes and a surprising crunch.When the holidays roll around, many times we find ourselves simply out of time and when baking is involved there is a plethora of things that could go wrong. Instead suit up for this easy and delicious no bake peanut butter bar for simplicity’s (and deliciousness) sake!

I came across adding Rice Krispies to my peanut butter bars a few years back when I wanted a peanut butter truffle. The hidden crisp was so darn popular that I’ve just been meaning to bring it back again to the blog (there’s no better time like the present). In reality these no bake peanut butter bars are super easy and can be transformed in a ton of ways such as with truffles or even as out of the freezer snacks during the humid months.

Peanut Butter Truffles using this recipe just flattened very thin and cut into small squares then dipped individually into chocolate. While still wet, I placed cocoa butter transfers on top for beautiful presentation!

Of course America’s favorite peanut butter and chocolate combination is Reese’s, and it’s easy enough to copy thanks to the internet . But there’s probably stuff in there that isn’t so good for you, or some of us want things like a higher quality chocolate or more sustainable ingredients. How does one keep the delicious combination of peanut butter and chocolate and keep everyone’s specific tastes in mind? Actually it’s very easy if you make it from scratch! And because I made it from scratch there’s a lot of delicious ways to update it to further enhance it. For example with some caramel and puffed rice cereal.

A typical recipe for peanut butter bars aka Reese’s taste-a-likes always contain graham crackers, peanut butter and sugar. I have a lot of gluten free friends that this just doesn’t work for. It’s at this point where I decided to keep those caramelly notes of graham crackers, but do it instead with more sugar (hey, you can’t cut all my carbs out). From there it’s just a matter of putting it all together.

Caramel and peanut butter added together, don’t you want to just dig right in?

The mixture with added confectioners sugar helps to firm everything up and look extra yummy.

Things to think about to help personalize your experience and make these extra super delicious.

• Use fresh Rice Krispies or your desired puff rice cereal, the semi-stale ones end up being chewy and gross.
• Consider adding Cocoa Rice Krispies just because extra chocolate is always a good thing.
• If you are eating gluten-free, then by all means use Gluten Free Rice Krispies.
• For a sweet and salty combo, omit the Rice Krispies and add chopped pretzels on after your chocolate.
• Consider using honey or agave syrup instead of brown sugar.
• For my vegan friends and fans, use your favorite butter substitute in lieu of the butter.

Using two sheets of parchment paper or wax paper, cut to size horizontally and vertically for ease of removal.

Peanut butter mixture pressed into the pan.

The warm chocolate mixture which has been poured on top. Yes it was hard not to stick my fingers in it!

The bars which have set. You can try and make neat patterns like I did, or just swoop it.

As always, enjoy your chocolate and your holiday baking (or lack thereof thanks to this recipe).

To full plates and eating your tarte out,

A stack of peanut butter bars with crispies ready to devour.

Peanut Butter Bars with Crispies

1/2 cup of butter
1/2 cup of brown sugar
2 teaspoons of vanilla
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1 cup of peanut butter
2 cups of confectioners sugar
1 cup of puffed rice cereal
12 oz of bittersweet chocolate chips
1 tablespoon of butter

In a small saucepan, heat your butter and brown sugar together over medium heat. Continually stir until sugar has completely dissolved, about five minutes. Remove from heat and stir in your vanilla and salt. Be careful as the mixture will violently bubble. Let cool to room temperature.

Line a baking pan with parchment paper going up the sides of the pan. Set aside.

Combine the caramel with peanut butter until completely incorporated. Sift the confectioners sugar over this mixture and completely mix together. Fold in your puffed rice cereal as gently as possible. Spread the mixture into your pan and press out into an even layer.

Melt your chocolate and butter together over a double boiler or in a microwave. Allow to cool to room temperature and spread over peanut butter layer. Refrigerate for thirty minutes before slicing and serving.