Heavenly Peanut Butter Chocolate Cups

Turn everyday ingredients into bite-size wonders with these chocolate and peanut butter rice krispie cups. They're sweet, a bit salty, and super crunchy—everyone's gonna want a second one. The crispy cereal, creamy peanut butter, and smooth chocolate hit that cozy, throwback vibe but still feel totally special.

These started out as a last-minute fix at my nephew's birthday when the oven quit on us. The crowd went wild—now we make them all the time, not just when kitchen disasters strike!

Tasty Ingredients

• Salt: ⅛ teaspoon makes every flavor pop and hits you with that just-right salty-sweet combo
• Honey: 6 tablespoons holds it all together with gentle sweetness and keeps things sticky in a good way
• Chunky peanut butter: 1 cup gives a flavorful crunch and richness—go for natural if you can, it's more peanut-y
• Chocolate chips: 1½ cups melt into a dreamy lid of chocolatey goodness—choose nice ones for a smoother melt
• Rice Krispies cereal: 3 cups layer in that crunchy magic, making these cups light and full of snap

Simple How-To Steps

Chill and set:

Pop the muffin tin in your fridge for at least one hour (two is even better) so the cups get totally firm and that chocolate locks in.

Add the chocolate layer:

Melt chocolate chips in the microwave (stir every half minute so they don't scorch) or use a double boiler. Spoon the chocolate over your cups, landing it right in that dip you made in the center.

Form the cups:

Put the coated cereal mixture into each muffin liner—try to split it evenly between all 12. Press softly with your knuckles or a damp spoon to make a little well in the middle for the chocolate to settle in.

Combine with Rice Krispies:

Take the pan off the heat and pour in the cereal. Gently and thoroughly fold for a couple minutes, so every crispy piece gets a peanut butter hug. Try not to smash them.

Create the peanut butter mixture:

Drop peanut butter, honey, and salt into a pan on low. Keep stirring the whole time—after about 3-4 minutes everything should look silky and easy to pour. Go low and slow, so nothing burns.

Get the muffin tin ready:

Line a muffin tin with paper or silicone cups so the treats pop out easily. Trust me, don't skip it or you'll fight to get them unstuck later.

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I'll tell you, chunky peanut butter is what makes these magic. When my kid was little, she’d dig all the peanuts out like a little treasure hunt and save them for last! She's a teenager now, but every bite still brings on that same huge smile when she finds those tasty peanut hunks.

Fun Ways To Serve

Scoop up one alongside vanilla ice cream and you're set. The cold, creamy ice cream paired with the chewy, crispy cup is a blast. Warm up the treat a bit before plating and the chocolate will get dreamy and soft right up against the cold ice cream—total win for the taste buds.

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Storage & Make-Ahead Secrets

A day in a container really lets the flavors come together. Lay down parchment paper between layers so nothing sticks. Keep them airtight and they'll stay good on the counter for 3 days, a week in the fridge, or even 3 months in the freezer. Want the best bite? If they're frozen, let them chill out on the counter 20 minutes before you dig in.

Switch Things Up

Once you know the basics, it’s easy to play. Swap in almond butter if you want a softer nutty flavor. Like it sweeter? Use white chocolate on top for a creamier finish. Sprinkling sea salt, chopped nuts, or fun sprinkles onto melted chocolate makes every batch feel special—especially for holidays.

Common Questions

→ Will smooth peanut butter work instead of chunky?

Definitely! It blends right in. Chunky just adds some crunch so go with what you like.

→ What's the best way to make this treat vegan?

Swap in your favorite vegan chocolate chips and try maple or agave syrup for sweetness.

→ Are special muffin tin liners needed?

Just use silicone or plain old paper ones. Either helps you pop them out without a mess.

→ How should I save leftovers?

Stick 'em in an airtight container in the fridge for about a week or toss them in the freezer if you want them to last longer.

→ Can I toss any fun toppings on?

Yep! Crushed nuts, flaky salt, or even some mini marshmallows are fun before your chocolate hardens up.