Peanut Butter Rice Crispy Bites with Chocolate Topping
Peanut Butter Rice Crispy Bites are one of those timeless, no-bake desserts that never go out of style. Made with creamy peanut butter, crispy rice cereal, and a smooth chocolate topping, they’re the kind of treat that feels nostalgic, comforting, and effortlessly crowd-pleasing. With Super Bowl Sunday around the corner, these bites are perfect for make-ahead parties and game day gatherings—no oven required, minimal prep, and guaranteed to disappear fast.
What makes this recipe even more special is that I’m making it alongside my dear friend and God’s Table Hollywood co-host, Dyan Cannon. While Dyan is a true Hollywood icon, what I cherish most is her love for connection, faith, and bringing people together around food. These Peanut Butter Rice Crispy Bites reflect that spirit—simple, joyful, and meant to be shared.
Christine’s Healthier Swaps + Nutrition Tips
Want to elevate these just a bit? Here are my favorite ways:
Boost Fiber
Use brown-rice crispy cereal for extra whole-grain fiber to support digestion and blood sugar balance.
Reduce Refined Sugar
Swap half the marshmallows for 1 cup natural nut butter plus 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup.
Upgrade the Chocolate
Choose 70–85% dark chocolate or naturally sweetened chocolate chips for antioxidants that support heart and brain health.
Better Fats
Use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil for a cleaner fat option.
Add Superfoods (Optional)
Mix in chia seeds, ground flaxseed, or crushed almonds for omega-3s, protein, and texture.
Peanut Butter Rice Crispy Bites
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Equipment
- Large saucepan or pot
- rubber spatula or wooden spoon
- 8×8-inch baking pan (9×9 for thinner bars)
- Parchment Paper
- microwave-safe bowl
Ingredients
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 1 10 oz bag mini marshmallows (about 5 cups)
- ½ cup natural peanut butter (unsweetened, no hydrogenated oils)
- 6 cups crisp rice cereal (or brown-rice crispy cereal for a fiber boost)
- 8 oz semisweet chocolate chips (about 1⅓ cups)
- 2 tsp vegetable oil or coconut oil
Instructions
Step 1 - Prepare the Pan
- Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang so the bars lift out easily. Lightly grease the parchment or pan.
Step 2 – Melt and Mix
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the mini marshmallows and stir until smooth and creamy. Once melted, stir in the peanut butter until fully combined.¼ cup unsalted butter, 1 10 oz bag mini marshmallows, ½ cup natural peanut butter
Step 3 – Add the Cereal
- Remove the pan from heat and immediately fold in the rice cereal. Stir gently but thoroughly so every piece is coated.6 cups crisp rice cereal
Step 4 – Press into the Pan
- Transfer the mixture to your prepared pan and press it in evenly. Tip: press gently — packing it too firmly can make the bars tough.
Step 5 – Chocolate Topping
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and oil in 20-second intervals, stirring between each round until smooth. Pour over the bars and spread evenly.8 oz semisweet chocolate chips, 2 tsp vegetable oil or coconut oil
Step 6 – Set and Serve
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes until the chocolate sets. Lift out, slice into squares, and serve.
Video
More About This Recipe
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need (and Why)
You don’t need anything fancy for these Peanut Butter Rice Crispy Bites, which is part of what makes them perfect for game day and casual gatherings.- Large saucepan or pot – Gives you enough room to melt the marshmallows evenly and stir without scorching. Crowded pans lead to sticky messes.
- Rubber spatula or wooden spoon – Helps gently fold the cereal into the peanut butter mixture without crushing it.
- 8×8-inch baking pan – Creates thick, satisfying bites. Use a 9×9 if you prefer slightly thinner bars.
- Parchment paper – Makes removing and slicing the bites effortless and keeps cleanup simple.
- Microwave-safe bowl – Ensures smooth, evenly melted chocolate without burning.
This is one of those recipes where having the right basic tools keeps the process quick and stress-free.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Rice Crispy Bites
- Remove the pan from heat before adding the cereal. This prevents the mixture from drying out and keeps the bites soft.
- Press gently, not firmly. Packing the mixture too tightly can make the bites hard instead of chewy.
- Melt chocolate slowly. Use short microwave intervals and stir often to avoid overheating and seizing.
- Chill just until set. About 30 minutes is perfect—longer chilling can make the chocolate too firm to slice cleanly.
- Cut with a warm knife. Run your knife under hot water, wipe dry, and slice for clean, bakery-style edges.
Nutrition
Why These Work So Well for Women Over 50
This is still a treat — but it’s one that can work with you, not against you.
- Peanut butter provides healthy fats that help support satiety and steady energy, especially helpful during long game days.
- No-bake desserts reduce kitchen stress, which matters more than we admit.
- Portion-friendly squares make it easy to enjoy without overdoing it.
And honestly? Joy and nostalgia are nutrients too.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
These bars can be made up to 24 hours ahead, making them ideal for Super Bowl prep.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate if you prefer a firmer bite.
Why Peanut Butter Rice Crispy Bites Always Belong on Game Day
There’s something special about desserts that bring people together without a lot of fuss, and Peanut Butter Rice Crispy Bites do exactly that. They’re simple, nostalgic, and made to be shared — whether you’re gathered around the TV for Super Bowl Sunday or hosting a casual get-together with friends and family. With no baking required and easy make-ahead flexibility, these bites let you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the moment.
This recipe is a reminder that good food doesn’t have to be complicated to be meaningful. Sometimes the best memories are made with familiar flavors, a little chocolate, and the people you love most. From my kitchen to yours, I hope these Peanut Butter Rice Crispy Bites become part of your game day tradition — and maybe even your go-to no-bake dessert all year long.