Now this is what I call a Happy Friday.
Luckily for my little baking ‘habit’, there is always a reason to bake.
My friends have birthdays. Their significant others have birthdays. My family have birthdays. It’s December. It’s the 3rd Tuesday of the month. Eric’s coworkers hit the 3pm slump. It’s storming outside. There is an old lady down the road who doesn’t know who I am but enjoys my baked goods. Valentine’s Day. This blog. Eric. You.
This creates a sense of purpose in my life.
But don’t get me wrong, I will bake for no other reason other than just wanting to bake. And wanting to eat what I bake. Yes, I do enjoy that quite a bit come to think of it. Baking for sheer enjoyment is a good reason in itself, but it does make me happy when I have others I can bake for too.
And really, what could be better to drool over on a Friday morning when you are anxiously watching the clock, anticipating the fun weekend ahead, and planning all the delicious things that you are going to eat?
My friend Julie had a birthday get together last night and she is a huge chocolate and peanut butter fan. When she heard that I made Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter she made a double batch that very same day, as well as a Dark Chocolate Almond Butter batch for good measure. Her love for chocolate and peanut butter is quite intense. Obviously, I made the girl a chocolate peanut butter dessert and the end result was so fantastic, I wished it was my birthday. Only 3.5 months to go…
No Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Crispies with PB Fudge
Yield
16 squares
Prep time
Cook time
0 minutes
Chill time
1 hour
Total time
Like a chocolate rice crispie square amped up and packed with crispy, chewy goodness. The chocolate peanut butter fudgy ‘frosting’ is the perfect compliment to this not too sweet dessert. Inspired by Joy of Baking. The Fudge is adapted from my Chocolate Peanut Butter.
Ingredients
For the squares
- 1/2 cup all natural peanut butter (chunky or smooth)
- 1/2 cup brown rice syrup
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/2 cup sifted cocoa powder
- 1/4-1/2 tsp kosher salt, to taste
- 3 cups crisp rice cereal (I use GF Nature’s Path)
- 1/4 cup chopped unsalted peanuts (optional, but adds a nice texture)
- 1/2 cup non-dairy chocolate chips
For the Dark Chocolate Coconut Peanut Butter ‘Fudge’
- 1 cup all-natural peanut butter
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 tsp coconut oil
- Kosher salt, to taste
- 1/3 cup unsweetened coconut + coconut for sprinkling (optional)
Directions
- Line an 8 inch square pan with 2 pieces of parchment paper going each way.
- In a medium sized saucepan, stir together the peanut butter, brown rice syrup, vanilla, and almond milk together over low-medium heat. Once combined, slowly add in the sifted cocoa power and the kosher salt. Stir over low heat being careful not to burn.
- Mix in the 3 cups of rice crispies and remove from heat. Now add I the 1/2 cup of chocolate chips and optional peanuts. stir well. Spread this mixture into the square pan lined with parchment paper. Press down firmly and evenly. Place in the freezer for at least 10 minutes to firm up.
- Meanwhile, make the Dark Chocolate Coconut Peanut Butter by melting the 1/2 cup chocolate chips and coconut oil in a small bowl in the microwave for 30-60 seconds. Be careful not to burn. Now stir in the 1 cup peanut butter, 1/3 cup coconut (optional), and kosher salt to taste. Mix until completely combined.
- Remove the pan from the freezer when firm to touch and spread on as much of the Dark Chocolate PB ‘fudge’ as you prefer. I think I used about 3/4-1 cup. Sprinkle with coconut if desired.
- Place in the freezer for 45-50 minutes until firm (yes it takes longer to firm up than you think!). Cut into squares and enjoy! Store in the freezer or fridge.
I’m obviously really into the no-bake (i.e. fast and easy) treats lately so I tried to come up with something that would fit the bill, but still make a show-stopping and drool-worthy dessert for any birthday girl.
The peanuts are optional in this recipe, but they provided a nice texture in the squares.
The first thing you do is mix together the vanilla, brown rice syrup, peanut butter, and almond milk over low-medium heat on the stovetop.
Now add in the kosher salt, sifted cocoa power, and peanuts. Stir well until smooth.
Add in the 3 cups rice crisp and the 1/2 cup chocolate chips. Oh yeaaaaa.
Scoop into your square pan and spread out.
Place in freezer for about 10 minutes to firm up.
Meanwhile, on the ranch…
Make the Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter! I had some leftover in the fridge so I just softened it in the microwave for about 25 seconds or so and then stirred.
However, if you are making it from scratch, it is very quick…
Melt chocolate. Stir in the remaining ingredients. EASY!
I also added in some shredded coconut for a fun texture in this fudgy frosting.
Once the square mixture is firm, pour on your desired amount of fudgy frosting. I think I used 3/4 cup or so.
Spread the goodness all around.
Now place in the freezer, uncovered, for 45-50 minutes to set.
Remove from pan and cut into squares.
Dear me.
Quality control.
I had no idea how these were going to turn out, but I was blown away. These are one of my favourite desserts to ever cross this kitchen. You can get creative with the ingredients too. It might be fun using Dark Chocolate Almond Butter and chopped almonds, or other mix ins like raisins, walnuts, or pecans too!
Or what about White Chocolate Dreams Peanut Butter? Mmm.
I ended up saving a square for Eric and after he tried it he said if we weren’t already married he would have proposed to me upon first bite. bahaha.
I think I know what dessert I’m making him for Valentine’s Day now!
These squares would go perfectly with my Choco Peanut Butter Hot Cocoa too…
you kill me!!! these look freakin amazing, angela!! I can’t wait to get home and test them out! :) yayayayayaya it’s friday! have a great weekend!
Yum Yum YUM!! Can’t wait to try these out this weekend!!
These look so good. The combination of chocolate, krispies and peanut butter it to die for!
These are so adorable!!!
I love any type of rice krispie/crunch treat. Oh and the use of PB and chocolate means I will love it too :)
Have a great weekend!
hey! i started reading your blog about a month ago, when i embarked on my “almost vegan” experiment! i got a lot of great tips, thanks! your food pics are beautiful! i am trying to get my pics to start looking better! i also think your kitty is gorgeous! when you have a second check out my food blog, i recently revamped it! thanks for the inspiration!
Thanks Bree :) I will check out your blog!
Ohhhhh my goodness, I can’t wait to try these!! It’s Indulgence Friday over at my bloggity blog, and this looks like the perfect way to celebrate! :)
I don’t know what to say… as always, this recipe sounds amazing! The pics are beautiful… I have to make this NOW!
Ahh!! My mom used to make something similar to these all the time, but they were more peanut buttery than chocolatey. I miss them. And her. Who knew a post about chocolate rice krispie squares would get me all choked up and sentimental?
Um hello I think I would have proposed to you on the spot if I was given a square of that gloriousness. Though I imagine my husband wouldn’t approve. :)
These look AMAZING lady! You have out done yourself.
I do!
You + me + dark chocolate peanut butter will have a gifted life!
only if I can bring Dark chocolate almond butter too ;)
Wow Angela, these look AMAZING! I can’t wait to test them out!
I love no-bake recipes…they are so easy and delicious! Have a good Friday!
You have completely outdone yourself with these! I am so excited to try them!!
Oh my goodness those look scrumptious. Every time you post, I want to run to my kitchen and start baking!
Happy Friday indeed! Personally, I’d be content with just a tub of the dark chocolate peanut butter!
Angela, these look amazing and I know they will be after I make them! I plan on making these for my hubby on valentine’s day. It’s our first valentines as a married couple! :)
my oh my! those look awesome. might have to try making those when i get back home from holidays, just in time for V-day, id even just make them for myself for valentines haha
yes you should!
These look unreal! You are a baking genius!
That is a happy Friday, yum.
Oh. My. Goodness. These look amazing! My boys (5 1/2 and almost 4) I love to make treats together. I love your no-bake recipes because they can really get in there and help. We had lots of fun making your rice crispie balls (both kinds!), and I know they will love this one too. Thanks for another winner!
Aww that is cute…I hope they enjoy these ones too!
My boys and I had a blast making these together tonight. We made a double batch because they will make great treats for my busy little ski racers :) I’m enjoying 1/2 of one right now (they’re very rich) and it is absolutely divine. Definitely a keeper!
So glad you enjoy them! They are really fun. :) I can’t wait to try different combos of nuts, dried fruit, etc. The sky is the limit!
Those look SO delicious…love anything that’s choclately, peanut buttery, and crispy :)