Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats with Salted Peanuts and Chocolate Ganache
If you love classic peanut butter Rice Krispie treats, get ready for a seriously delicious upgrade. This recipe takes everything you adore about the original and makes it even better—with the crunch of salted peanuts and a rich layer of silky chocolate ganache instead of basic melted chocolate. One bite, and you'll never want to go back to the old version.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup salted peanuts
- 3 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 4 oz heavy cream
- 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Line an 8 x 8 pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Stir sugar and corn syrup in a 4 quart sauce pan over medium heat until mixture begins to boil (1-2 minutes). Remove from heat.
- Immediately stir in peanut butter until well blended. Add salted peanuts and stir until combined.
- Mix in the cereal and fold together until well combined.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of the pan. Allow to cool.
- Heat heavy cream in a small sauce pan on low heat until small bubbles form around the edges of the pot. Stir constantly to prevent scorching.
- Remove from heat and add chocolate chips. Allow to sit for a few minutes until chocolate melts. Stir until smooth.
- Pour still warm ganache over the cereal mixture. Spread evenly with a spatula.
- Once the ganache has set, grab the edges of the parchment paper and lift from the pan. Cut into 16 squares.
- Enjoy!
Notes
Do not overcook the sugar mixture or the bars will be too hard and stiff.
Add the peanut butter to the sugar mixture as soon as you remove it from the heat so it melts and combines well.
I tried to press the mixture in the pan with a spoon, but it kept sticking to the spoon. I had better success using my fingers. (If you use your fingers, make sure the mixture isn't too hot so you don't get burned).
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature. Separate layers with wax paper to prevent sticking.
I've noticed that the bars get a little softer and chewier after they sit in the airtight container for a day or two.