Crunchy Peanut Butter Bars
Crunchy Peanut Butter Bars offer a delightful combination of creamy peanut butter, crispy rice, and rich chocolate coating, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings and sharing with friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat peanut butter and oleo until smooth.
- Remove from heat.
- Add Rice Krispies and confectioners sugar, then mix thoroughly.
- Form the mixture into 1 to 1½-inch balls.
- In a double boiler, heat the Hershey bar, chocolate chips, and paraffin until smooth.
- Dip each peanut butter ball into the chocolate mixture to coat.
- Place dipped balls on wax paper and allow to cool and set.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, try using natural peanut butter instead of crunchy. You can substitute oleo with unsalted butter if preferred. If you want a different flavor, add a pinch of sea salt or a splash of vanilla extract to the mixture. Ensure to mix the Rice Krispies gently to avoid crushing them. This recipe is a great way to use up leftover ingredients from other American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
These crunchy peanut butter bars make a delightful dessert or snack. They pair beautifully with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee. For a fun twist, serve them alongside Juju'S Chocolate Chip Cookies for a sweet treat platter. Consider garnishing with crushed nuts or a sprinkle of sea salt for added texture and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover peanut butter bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, refrigerate them, which can keep them fresh for up to two weeks. If you want to freeze them, wrap each bar in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Allow them to thaw before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crunchy Peanut Butter Bars contains roughly 644 calories, with 6g protein, 117g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (18% of the Daily Value), protein (12% of the Daily Value), and iron (12% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use smooth peanut butter instead of crunchy?
Yes, you can definitely use smooth peanut butter if you prefer a creamier texture. Just keep in mind that it will alter the crunchy texture of the bars, making them softer. The flavor will still be delicious, and they will coat well in chocolate.
Is it necessary to use paraffin in the chocolate coating?
Paraffin is often used to help the chocolate coating set and maintain a shiny finish, but it's not strictly necessary. You can omit it and simply melt the chocolate chips and Hershey bar together. The bars may be a bit softer, but they will still taste great.
How can I make these bars healthier?
To make these bars healthier, consider using natural peanut butter with no added sugar or preservatives. You could also replace some of the confectioners sugar with a sugar substitute or use less sugar overall. Adding some oats or protein powder can also boost the nutritional content while maintaining the delicious flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).