Peanut Butter and Chocolate Rice Krispie Bars

You know I like to keep things simple and effortless, but with a touch of brilliance (if i do say…) that transforms them from everyday to extraordinary. Let’s take this dessert from neighbourhood picnic level to dinner party level. The first way to do that with this recipe is the swirls… don’t just blob that peanut butter on there. Swirl away. Looks fancy and artistic – two things I am definitely not.

And… my personal fave pro-tip: flaky salt. A little sprinkle of flaky salt on top of these takes them from yum to YUMMMMMM. Even if you think you won’t like it do it anyway. Just try one bite. I promise you will be hooked. I find myself picking up the little wayward salt crystals from the tray and adding them to my piece. It’s that good. Trust me. I will not do you wrong.

Rice Krispies – I have nothing to say here. You understand.

Peanut Butter – the creamy type that is more than just peanuts and salt. We are not looking for the natural, drippy, runny, “healthy” stuff here friends. We want the grocery store stuff that contains all the things we’re probably not supposed to eat but tastes like heaven.

Corn Syrup – no substitutes here. I mean, go ahead and try honey or maple syrup but I make no guarantees or representations as to how your finished product will turn out.

Brown Sugar – yes more sugar. That’s why they’re delicious. I like the dark brown sugar for its deep flavour, but light will work too.

The Chips – the topping is made of a combination of milk chocolate chips and peanut butter chips. That’s how we make the swirl so pretty.

Flaky Salt – I’m sure I’ve already mentioned this above, but a little sprinkle of flaky salt on top of these is SO GOOD!

Peanut Butter and Chocolate Rice Krispie Bars Recipe Variations:

Extra Peanuty Version – instead of the flaky salt topping, sprinkle the top with 1/2 cup chopped, roatsed, salted, peanuts.

Dark Chocolate Version – use dark chocolate chips in place of the milk chocolate chips.

Healthy Version – haha. Actually thought I was going to say something there for a minute didn’t you?

Start by mixing together the brown sugar and corn syrup in a saucepan over low-ish heat. If your impatience threatens to get the better of you here and you are tempted to crank up that dial… don’t. Don’t do it. Too much heat too fast and these babies will go from delightfully chewy to hard as rock tooth breakers.

Allow this mixture to heat, stirring frequently until it’s all completely melted and the sugar is fully dissolved. A gentle simmer here is ok, but a full rolling boil is taking it a bit too far.

Remove the pot from the heat and whisk in the peanut butter. Mix well until the peanut butter is fully incorporated and then add in a good pinch of salt and some vanilla extract.

Now add in all the Rice Krispies all at once and get to mixing. A little elbow grease is required here to make sure everything is evenly combined.

Dump everything into a baking pan and press it down with a spatula or your hands to make sure it’s spread evenly. Place the pan in the fridge for about half an hour so that it cools slightly before adding the chocolate layer on top.

Melt the chocolate chips in a dish in the microwave at 15 second intervals, until melted and smooth and then pour the chocolate evenly over the bars. Use a knife or spatula to spread it into an even layer.

Melt the peanut butter and the peanut butter chips together in the microwave and drizzle it over the chocolate. Use a skewer or toothpick to swirl the peanut butter into the chocolate.

Sprinkle with flaky salt (optional but HIGHLY recommended) and allow to cool completely before cutting into squares.

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If you like this Peanut Butter and Chocolate Rice Krispie Bars Recipe let me know what you think in the comments below and please find and follow me on Social Media!