Crunchy Homemade Rice Crispy Peanut Butter Balls Recipe

Chocolate-lovers unite for a sweet and nostalgic treat that combines the classic rice crispy peanut butter balls recipe with irresistible crunch and creamy richness.

These delightful bite-sized morsels pack a punch of flavor in every single bite.

No fancy equipment or complicated techniques are needed to create these delectable snacks.

The simple combination of crispy rice cereal, smooth peanut butter, and melted chocolate makes these balls a crowd-pleaser for every occasion.

Each morsel delivers a perfect balance of sweet and salty notes that dance across your taste buds.

Rolled by hand and coated in smooth chocolate, these little gems are sure to become your new favorite no-bake dessert.

Whip up a batch and watch them disappear in moments.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 174 kcal

Servings: 13

Rice Crispy Peanut Butter Ball Ingredients

• Corn Syrup: Provides smooth, glossy texture and helps bind ingredients together, choose light corn syrup for consistent sweetness.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates creamy consistency and adds delicate sweetness, sift to prevent lumps for silky smooth mixture.

• Peanut Butter: Delivers rich, nutty taste and creamy texture, select natural or creamy style for best results.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic depth to the overall flavor, use pure vanilla for most authentic taste.

• Rice Krispies Cereal: Introduces delightful crispy element and light crunch, ensure cereal is fresh and crisp for maximum texture.

Mixing Tools for Peanut Butter Balls

• Large saucepan: Essential for heating and mixing the syrup, sugar, and peanut butter.
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients smoothly without scratching the pan.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Silicone mats or waxed paper: Provides a non-stick surface for cooling and shaping the balls.
• Baking sheet: Useful for setting the Rice Crispy Peanut Butter Balls while they cool.

Rolling These Treats with Ease

• Sweet Syrup Creation

Blend corn syrup and powdered sugar in a large pan, stirring gently over medium heat until bubbling begins. The mixture will transform into a glossy, smooth base ready for magic.

• Nutty Fusion

Remove pan from heat and introduce creamy peanut butter and vanilla. Stir until everything melds into a silky, aromatic mixture that promises delightful flavor.

• Crispy Transformation

Fold Rice Krispies into the peanut butter blend, ensuring every crunchy morsel gets a perfect coating of sweet goodness. The texture will become wonderfully sticky and irresistible.

• Ball Formation

Using clean hands, roll spoonfuls of the mixture into compact, bite-sized spheres. Place these delectable treats on parchment paper, letting them take shape naturally.

• Final Resting

Allow the peanut butter balls to set at room temperature. Once firm, transfer to a sealed container where they’ll stay fresh and tempting for several days.

Optional Coatings and Flavor Ideas

• Swap Rice Krispies for other crispy cereals like Corn Flakes or Chex to add unique textures and flavors to your peanut butter balls.
• Dip cooled peanut butter balls in melted dark, milk, or white chocolate for an extra decadent treat that adds rich, smooth layers of flavor.
• Adjust the amount of powdered sugar to make the balls less sweet or more intense, tailoring the recipe to your personal taste preferences.
• Incorporate chopped nuts like almonds, pecans, or crushed peanuts into the mixture for additional crunch and deeper nutty undertones.
• Replace corn syrup with honey or maple syrup for a more natural sweetener, and use natural peanut butter to reduce added sugars while maintaining delicious flavor.

Serving Suggestions for These Bites

• Party Plate Presentation: Arrange these sweet treats on a colorful platter with mini cupcake liners for an elegant, festive look that makes guests feel special.
• Dessert Companion Ideas: Pair these peanut butter balls with cold milk, chocolate milk, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to enhance the creamy, sweet flavor profile.
• Kid-Friendly Snack Moment: Create a fun after-school snack station where children can help roll the balls or add sprinkles on top for extra excitement and interactive enjoyment.
• Holiday Gift Potential: Package these balls in clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons, making them perfect homemade gifts for teachers, neighbors, or family gatherings during Christmas and birthday celebrations.

Keeping Peanut Butter Balls Firm and Fresh

• Fridge Fresh Strategy: Store these delightful treats in an airtight container, separating layers with wax paper to prevent sticking. Keeps perfectly chilled for 7-10 days.
• Counter Comfort Zone: Let balls sit at room temperature for soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture when serving guests or enjoying a quick snack. Best consumed within 2-3 days.
• Freezer Friendly Hack: Wrap individual balls in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen treats stay delicious for up to 3 months – perfect for make-ahead dessert planning.
• Moisture Management Tip: Keep treats away from humid areas to maintain their crispy texture. A cool, dry spot ensures maximum crunchiness and prevents potential sogginess.

Crunchy Rice Crispy Peanut Butter Balls

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4.7 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Sweet rice crispy peanut butter balls deliver a nostalgic treat with creamy peanut butter and crispy rice cereal. Chocolate coating adds rich indulgence for dessert lovers seeking simple, delightful snacks you can quickly prepare.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup peanut butter (chunky)
• 4 cups rice krispies cereal
• 1 cup corn syrup
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Caramelization Stage: Combine corn syrup and powdered sugar in a spacious saucepan, whisking over medium heat until the mixture bubbles vigorously and transforms into a smooth, glossy liquid.
2. Flavor Infusion: Remove from heat and swiftly integrate peanut butter and vanilla extract, stirring until the mixture achieves a luxurious, uniform texture with rich, aromatic undertones.
3. Cereal Integration: Delicately fold Rice Krispies into the peanut butter base, ensuring each crisp kernel becomes thoroughly coated, creating a harmonious blend of creamy and crunchy elements.
4. Shaping and Cooling: While the mixture remains warm, tenderly shape spoonfuls into perfect spheres using your palms, then arrange on silicone mats or waxed paper to cool and set.
5. Storage and Preservation: Once completely cooled and solidified, transfer the Rice Crispy Peanut Butter Balls to an airtight container, where they will retain their irresistible texture and remain fresh for up to a week, ready to satisfy spontaneous sweet cravings.

Notes

• Manage Heat Carefully: Watch the corn syrup and powdered sugar closely during boiling to prevent burning or scorching, which can ruin the entire batch’s flavor and texture.
• Blend Thoroughly: Mix peanut butter and vanilla extract completely to ensure a smooth, consistent coating that evenly distributes flavor throughout the Rice Crispy balls.
• Roll with Precision: Use slightly damp hands when shaping balls to prevent sticking and create uniform, professional-looking treats that hold their shape perfectly.
• Storage Strategy: Keep the Rice Crispy Peanut Butter Balls in a cool, dry place to maintain their crisp texture and prevent them from becoming soggy or losing their delightful crunch.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 174
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 68 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 3.5 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg