Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Balls
Delightful no-bake chocolate peanut butter balls made with just four wholesome ingredients. Gluten-free, vegan, and ready in 30 minutes, these bite-sized treats are perfect for snacking, meal prep, or sharing.
Equipment
- 1 microwave-safe bowl
- 1 spatula or spoon
- 1 cookie scooper or spoon
- 1 parchment-lined baking sheet
Ingredients
- 1 cup dark chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 2 1/2 cups crisped rice cereal
Instructions
- Prepare Your Workspace: Start by clearing a clean, flat surface in your kitchen. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Have your cookie scooper or spoon, microwave-safe bowl, and spatula ready. This preparation ensures a smooth workflow and keeps your workspace organized while making the process easier and faster.
- Melt Chocolate and Peanut Butter: Place the chocolate chips and creamy peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each interval. Continue this process until the mixture is completely melted, smooth, and glossy. Be patient and stir well—this step ensures the chocolate doesn’t burn and combines perfectly with the peanut butter for a rich, creamy base.
- Incorporate Maple Syrup: Once the chocolate and peanut butter are fully melted and smooth, add the maple syrup to the mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly until it’s completely blended. The syrup adds natural sweetness and helps bind the cereal together, creating the perfect texture for the balls. Make sure there are no streaks of syrup or chocolate left uncombined.
- Fold in Rice Cereal: Add the crisped rice cereal to the chocolate-peanut butter mixture. Using a spatula, gently fold the cereal in, making sure every piece is coated evenly with the chocolate mixture. Be careful not to crush the cereal while mixing—it’s important to maintain the crispiness that makes these treats so satisfying.
- Shape the Balls: Using a cookie scooper or a spoon, scoop small portions of the mixture. Roll each portion gently between your hands to form round, uniform balls. If the mixture is sticky, lightly dampen your hands with water to make rolling easier. Place each ball onto the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet, keeping a little space between each one.
- Chill to Set: Once all the balls are formed, transfer the baking sheet to the refrigerator. Chill for 20–30 minutes, or until the balls are firm to the touch. Chilling allows the chocolate to set fully and helps the balls hold their shape when handled or served.
- Serve and Enjoy: After chilling, remove the balls from the fridge and enjoy immediately. These treats are best served cold, providing a satisfying crunch and creamy chocolate-peanut butter flavor in every bite. They make an excellent snack, dessert, or portable treat for lunchboxes and gatherings.
- Optional Tips for Extra Flavor or Texture: For an added twist, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the balls before chilling, or roll them in finely chopped nuts, cocoa powder, or shredded coconut. These small additions can enhance the flavor and texture while keeping the snack vegan and gluten-free.
Notes
- Use dark or semi-sweet chocolate for a rich, balanced sweetness; vegan chocolate chips are perfect for a dairy-free version.
- Smooth peanut butter works best for easy mixing and coating; natural peanut butter can be used but may require extra stirring.
- Maple syrup not only sweetens but also binds the mixture; honey can be substituted for non-vegan versions.
- Crisped rice cereal should be fresh and crunchy; stale cereal can result in a softer texture.
- Chill thoroughly before serving to ensure the balls hold their shape and have a satisfying bite.
