Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies – There’s something, about the combination of peanut butter and crispy rice cereal. Our recipe for Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies showcases this pairing! Whether you’re a dessert enthusiast or a peanut butter lover this simple yet scrumptious treat is bound to impress. It brings together either crunchy or creamy peanut butter, sweet powdered sugar, and delightful crispy rice cereal all coated in chocolate. These bite-sized delights are perfect for any occasion. Are sure to be a crowd pleaser!
The first time I whipped up a batch of these Peanut Butter Balls was for a family get-together. While the kids were happily playing and the adults were engaged in conversation I found myself in the kitchen forming these balls of happiness. When I brought them out the room fell silent momentarily before it was filled with sounds of delight—’mmms and ‘ahhs echoed throughout. Even my husband, who usually isn’t big on sweets couldn’t resist having one. As for my child? Well, let’s just say that plate was empty before I even realized it!
What makes these Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies truly special?
What sets these Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies? Firstly it’s the combination of textures—the velvety smoothness of peanut butter blends, with the satisfying crunch of rice cereal. Secondly, they’re incredibly simple to make without any baking required; you only need a handful of ingredients. Lastly—and excitingly—they offer versatility! Whether you have a preference, for smooth peanut butter or if you want to add peanuts or chocolate jimmies on top these treats can be easily customized to your liking.
What You Need To Make This Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies Recipe?
Peanut Butter: Whether you prefer the version or opt, for the crunchy variety with a bit of extra texture peanut butter is more than just an ingredient in this recipe. It truly embodies the essence of these balls bringing forth creaminess, richness, and that beloved nutty flavor that makes them absolutely irresistible.
Unsalted Butter: Softened unsalted butter plays a role here. It acts as a binding agent. Adds a creamy backdrop that allows the peanut butter to shine while ensuring that the texture is just right. Not overly crumbly or excessively gooey.
Powdered Sugar: This isn’t just about adding sweetness to the mix. Powdered sugar helps achieve the consistency. It’s all about striking a balance between creamy peanut butter and butter providing structure to your balls without overpowering their peanut flavor.
Vanilla Extract: Though it may seem like just a teaspoonful vanilla extract serves as a touch when it comes to baking by enhancing and elevating the flavors around it. It imparts a complexity to the nutty profile of these treats.
Crispy Rice Cereal: This is where we introduce an element of fun texture play! The crispy rice cereal brings in crunchiness creating a contrast against the creamy peanut butter mixture. Each bite becomes its celebration, in your mouth.
Chocolate Candy Coating: For the chocolate candy coating it’s best to go for a top-notch option, like Ghirardelli melting wafers. These will give your peanut butter balls a silky and decadent layer of chocolate that not only tastes amazing but also makes them visually appealing.
Optional Decorations: Now comes the fun part. Decorating! You have the freedom to get creative here. Sprinkling some chocolate jimmies will add a touch while adding chopped salted peanuts will introduce an element of texture and a subtle salty kick. This will perfectly complement the combination of chocolate and peanut butter.
Steps To Make Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies:
Step 1: Start by preparing a baking sheet, with parchment paper. It’s like setting the stage for our peanut butter stars!
Step 2: In a mixing bowl lovingly combine the peanut butter. Softened butter. Mix in a dash of vanilla extract.
Step 3: Gradually incorporate the sugar. Aim for a pliable mixture that feels like playdough but tastes heavenly.
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Step 4: Here comes the exciting part. Gently stir in the crispy rice cereal. Don’t hesitate to use your hands to combine everything!
Step 5: Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls. Let them cool on the baking sheet in the refrigerator. This is where the magic happens as they firm up perfectly.
Step 6: Follow the instructions on the chocolate coating package to melt it smoothly. Patience is key here.
Step 7: Dip each ball, into the chocolate. Place them back on the parchment paper. For a touch, you can sprinkle your toppings over them if you’re feeling fancy.
Step 8: Now comes the challenging part. Waiting until the chocolate sets! I know it takes some willpower but trust me it’s absolutely worth it.
Tip:
When you’re melting the chocolate candy coating, for the peanut butter balls it’s worth considering tempering the chocolate. It may sound fancy but trust me it makes a difference. Tempering chocolate involves heating and then cooling it to temperatures. This process stabilizes the chocolate giving it a finish and a satisfying snap when you take a bite. It helps the chocolate coating set firmly so that it doesn’t easily melt on your fingers.
You have two options for tempering; using a microwave or a double boiler. Just make sure to keep an eye on the temperature with a chocolate or candy thermometer. For chocolate aim for 88 to 90°F (31 to 32°C) while milk chocolate should be slightly lower. By following these temperature guidelines your Peanut Butter Balls, with Rice Krispies not only taste delicious. Also look like they were professionally made with that extra touch of gourmet elegance.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter?
Sure you can definitely use almond butter instead of peanut butter. It’s a choice if you’re looking for a nutty flavor.
How long can these treats be stored?
As for the storage of these treats if you store them in an airtight container in the fridge they should be good for a week. Although I have a feeling they won’t last long because they are so delicious!
Can I make these peanut butter balls vegan?
If you want to make these peanut butter balls vegan friendly you can substitute butter with vegan butter. Use vegan chocolate coating. That way they will be suitable, for those following a vegan diet.
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<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies
Ingredients
- 2 c crunchy or creamy peanut butter
- ½ c 1 stick unsalted butter, softened
- 3-4 c powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 c crispy rice cereal
- 16 oz chocolate candy coating e.g., Ghirardelli melting wafers
- Optional decorations: ¼ c chocolate jimmies ¼ c roughly chopped salted peanuts
Instructions
- Start by lining a baking sheet, with parchment paper.
- In a bowl combine peanut butter. Softened butter. Stir in some vanilla extract.
- Gradually incorporate sugar into the mixture until it becomes smooth.
- Gently fold in crispy rice cereal.
- Form the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on the baking sheet. Let them chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Follow the instructions on the chocolate candy coating package to melt it properly.
- Using a dipping tool dip each ball into the melted chocolate. Then place it back on the parchment paper to set.
- While the chocolate is still wet sprinkle some chocolate jimmies. Chopped peanuts on top of each ball.
- Let the chocolate coating firm up, before serving these treats.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
