If you’re on the hunt for an addictive, no-bake dessert that merges velvety peanut butter with crunchy rice cereal and decadent chocolate, you’ve come to the right place. My son, Charlie, adores these melt-in-your-mouth delights. While the original version features a sweet, snappy chocolate shell, Charlie’s absolute favorite spin uses a silky chocolate ganache topping, yielding an even creamier, more luxurious finish. Trust me—once you’ve tried these pillowy bites of bliss, your dessert table may never be the same.
The Magic of Peanut Butter and Chocolate
There’s a reason this timeless pairing consistently tops dessert charts. Peanut butter delivers a smooth, slightly salty richness that cuts through the natural sweetness of the chocolate, creating a balanced flavor profile people of all ages can’t resist. Crispy rice cereal adds the perfect crunch, ensuring that each bite has a satisfying snap to contrast the creamy centers.
- Ridiculously Easy: No baking required. Whip up a batch any time you need a stress-free sweet fix.
- Irresistibly Textured: Who can say no to a combination of chewy peanut butter filling and crisp rice cereal?
- Chocolate Heaven: Whether you opt for the classic chocolate coating or Charlie’s beloved chocolate ganache version, each ball is enveloped in a rich layer of sweetness.
- Kid-Approved: If your little ones are anything like Charlie, they’ll be fighting over who gets to lick the spoon.
Move Over, Traditional Chocolate Coatings—Ganache is Taking Center Stage
Charlie’s favorite trick? Ditch the plain melted chocolate and swap in a glossy chocolate ganache. This optional finishing touch elevates each peanut butter ball from casual sweet treat to gourmet indulgence. With just a little heavy cream, chopped dark chocolate, and a pat of butter, you can transform the coating into a lavish blanket of chocolate that’s sure to impress friends and family alike.
Tips to Make Them Your Own
- Balance the Sweetness: Adjust the powdered sugar to your taste. If you like a less sweet dessert, start with a bit less; prefer a burst of sugary goodness? Add a little extra.
- Mix Up the Crunch: While crisp rice cereal is the classic go-to, feel free to switch in crushed graham crackers or even chopped pretzels for a fun flavor twist.
- Get Creative with Toppings: A sprinkle of sea salt, crushed peanuts, or even a dusting of cocoa powder can turn these simple balls into a photo-worthy dessert.
- Make Ahead: These heavenly bites freeze wonderfully, so you can prepare a large batch and keep them on hand for upcoming potlucks, bake sales, or late-night sweet cravings.
Ready to Roll Out the Peanut Butter Perfection?
Once you’ve introduced Charlie’s Peanut Butter Rice Crispy Chocolate Balls to your kitchen routine, you’ll understand why these no-bake treats are poised to take over social media feeds everywhere. They’re simple enough for beginners to master yet delicious enough to make seasoned dessert connoisseurs swoon. Trust me—if you’re searching for your next internet-breaking recipe, you’ve found it.
Whether you favor the classic chocolate shell or the velvety ganache, each bite captures the essence of sweet peanut butter bliss. Whip up a batch (or two), snap some photos, and watch your followers light up with delight. Your taste buds—and your blog traffic—will thank you.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls
Ingredients
2½ cups creamy peanut butter
½ cup butter (1 stick), cut into pieces
3 to 3 ½ cups powdered (confectioners’) sugar
3 cups crisp rice cereal
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips, that's about 12 oz if you wanted to use semisweet Baker's chocolate
- Optional Alternative Ganache Topping (instead of chocolate chips):
4 oz (113g) dark chocolate (60–70% cacao), finely chopped
½ cup (120ml) heavy whipping cream
1/2 - 1 TBSP unsalted butter, at room temperature
Directions
- Melt the peanut butter and butter: Place peanut butter and butter in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until fully melted and smooth.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, stir together the powdered sugar and crisp rice cereal until well blended.
- Mix in melted peanut butter: Pour the warm peanut butter mixture over the sugar-cereal mixture. Stir until everything is thoroughly combined. (It may look crumbly but should form into balls easily when pressed together.)
- Shape the balls: Scoop or pinch off pieces of the mixture and roll them into 1-inch balls. Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours (or up to overnight) to help them firm up.
- Melt the chocolate: Just before coating, melt the semisweet chocolate chips in a double boiler (or heatproof bowl set over barely simmering water) on low heat. Stir until smooth and keep warm on the lowest heat setting.
- Coat the peanut butter balls: Use a toothpick or fork to dip each chilled ball into the melted chocolate, letting any excess drip back into the bowl. Place coated balls back on the parchment-lined sheet.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate until the chocolate shell is set. Store any extras in the fridge (they also freeze well).
- Optional Chocolate Ganache Topping:
- If you read my write up, you would know that my kids prefer these delicious treats covered in chocolate ganache, instead of just melted chocolate. To make chocolate ganache, Heat ½ cup heavy whipping cream until steaming (not boiling). Pour over finely chopped dark chocolate. Let sit about 2 minutes; stir in butter and stir gently until glossy and smooth. Dollop over the delicious peanut butter balls prepared in step 4 (before they are coated in chocolate but after the refrigeration for the minimum of 3 hours.)
