Irresistible Peanut Butter Crunch Cups Recipe

Heavenly Peanut Butter Crunch Cups Recipe for Sweet Tooths

Chocolate and peanut butter create a magical combination in these irresistible peanut butter crunch cups that will make your taste buds dance with joy.

The delightful layers of creamy peanut butter nestled between crispy rice cereal and rich chocolate offer a perfect balance of textures and flavors.

Every bite promises a satisfying crunch that melts smoothly in your mouth.

These no-bake treats come together quickly with just a few simple ingredients.

The decadent dessert delivers a nostalgic sweet experience that reminds you of childhood favorites.

Each cup packs a delicious punch of sweetness and crunch that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Let’s find out this easy recipe and treat yourself to a mouthwatering snack that’s sure to become a new favorite.

Fun Ways to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

  • Sweet Dessert Companion: Pair these delightful crunch cups with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat that combines cool creaminess with rich chocolate and crispy texture.
  • Afternoon Pick-Me-Up: Enjoy these cups with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea, letting the chocolate and peanut butter flavors complement the warm beverage's robust notes.
  • Party Platter Presentation: Arrange the crunch cups on a beautiful serving plate, garnish with a light dusting of cocoa powder or crushed peanuts to elevate their visual appeal and add an extra layer of crunch.
  • Gifting Delight: Package these cups in small gift boxes or clear cellophane bags tied with a ribbon for a homemade sweet treat perfect for friends, family, or holiday gatherings.

How to Keep Chocolate Crunch Cups Fresh

  • Fridge Freshness Strategy: Keep these delightful crunch cups in an airtight container to maintain their crispy texture and rich flavor, preventing unwanted moisture from softening the treats.
  • Freezer Storage Hack: These chocolate peanut butter delights can be safely stored in the freezer for up to 3 weeks, making them a perfect make-ahead snack for unexpected cravings.
  • Temperature Control Tip: Always let the crunch cups sit at room temperature for 2-3 minutes before enjoying to soften slightly and enhance their creamy chocolate-peanut butter blend.
  • Portion Control Trick: Individually wrap each crunch cup in small pieces of parchment paper before storing, allowing easy grab-and-go access while preventing them from sticking together.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 172 kcal

Servings: 13

What’s in Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Cups

For Chocolate Base and Topping:
  • Dark Chocolate Chips: Rich, velvety chips that create a luscious shell and smooth chocolate layers, choosing high-quality chocolate ensures deeper flavor and better melting.
  • Peanut Butter: Creamy or crunchy spread that adds nutty richness and helps bind the chocolate, selecting natural peanut butter provides more authentic taste and healthier profile.
For Crunch Element:
  • Brown Rice Crisp Cereal: Delivers delightful crispy texture and light airy crunch, opt for organic or gluten-free varieties for additional nutritional benefits and dietary considerations.

Tools That Help Build Chocolate Crunch Cups Easily

  • Muffin Tin: Silicone or regular, greased lightly for easy removal of chocolate cups.
  • Microwave-Safe Bowl: Large enough to melt chocolate chips smoothly.
  • Double Boiler (Optional): Alternative method for melting chocolate chips.
  • Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring chocolate, peanut butter, and folding in crispy cereal.
  • Measuring Cups: To ensure accurate ingredient proportions.
  • Airtight Container: For storing leftover chocolate peanut butter crunch cups in fridge or freezer.

Making Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Cups From Scratch

  • Muffin Tin Preparation

Select a silicone muffin tin or lightly grease a standard muffin pan to ensure easy removal of the crunch cups.

  • Chocolate Melting Magic

Gently heat dark chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl or double boiler until they transform into a silky, smooth liquid that gleams with richness.

  • Peanut Butter Fusion

Swirl peanut butter into the melted chocolate, creating a decadent blend that promises creamy indulgence.

  • Crispy Coating

Gently mix brown rice crisp cereal into the chocolate-peanut butter mixture, ensuring each crunchy piece gets perfectly enrobed in the sweet and nutty coating.

  • Filling and Chilling

Carefully spoon the mixture into muffin cups, distributing evenly, then place in the freezer for about an hour until the treats become firm and irresistible.

  • Storage and Serving

Pop the crunch cups out of the tin and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer, ready to satisfy sudden sweet cravings.

Tips That Improve Chocolate Crunch Cup Texture

  • Add a drizzle of white chocolate on top for a beautiful marbled effect that looks professional and tastes incredible.
  • Swap rice crisp cereal with chopped almonds or crushed graham crackers to create different texture profiles and flavor dimensions.
  • These treats can be prepared up to two weeks in advance and stored in the freezer, making them perfect for spontaneous dessert cravings or unexpected guests.
  • Use dairy-free chocolate chips and alternative nut butters like almond or sunflower seed butter to accommodate different dietary needs without compromising taste.
  • Use mini muffin tins to create bite-sized versions that are excellent for parties, kids' snacks, or portion-controlled treats that look adorably impressive.
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Irresistible Peanut Butter Crunch Cups Recipe

Irresistible Peanut Butter Crunch Cups Recipe


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4.5 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Homemade peanut butter crunch cups deliver a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors. Chocolate-coated layers with crispy rice create an irresistible treat you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2.5 cups (595 ml) dark chocolate chips
  • 0.25 cup (59 ml) peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
  • 2 cups (474 ml) brown rice crisp cereal

Instructions

  1. Prepare Pan: Lightly grease a 12-cavity muffin tin or position a silicone muffin tray for effortless removal.
  2. Chocolate Base: Melt dark chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring in 30-second bursts until smooth and fully liquefied, ensuring no unmelted chocolate remains.
  3. Flavor Fusion: Whisk creamy peanut butter into the molten chocolate, creating a glossy, homogeneous mixture that blends rich chocolate with nutty undertones.
  4. Crispy Incorporation: Gently fold crispy brown rice cereal into the chocolate-peanut butter blend, coating each grain delicately to preserve the cereal’s texture and prevent crushing.
  5. Fill and Set: Evenly distribute the chocolate-cereal mixture across muffin cavities, tapping the tin to eliminate air bubbles and ensure a compact, uniform fill.
  6. Chill and Solidify: Freeze the filled tin for 45-60 minutes, allowing the cups to transform into a perfectly crisp, cold treat with a satisfying snap.
  7. Serve and Store: Carefully release the crunch cups by pressing the tin’s base or inverting the silicone tray, then preserve in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer for future enjoyment.

Notes

  • Melt Carefully: Use low microwave power and stir chocolate frequently to prevent burning and ensure smooth, glossy consistency.
  • Prevent Clumping: Fold rice cereal gently to maintain crisp texture and avoid crushing delicate grains during mixing.
  • Chill Completely: Freezing time is crucial for achieving perfect set and satisfying crunch; don’t rush the cooling process.
  • Storage Strategy: Keep treats in airtight container to maintain crisp texture and prevent moisture absorption, storing in freezer extends shelf life up to one month.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 172
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 50 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Sophie Reynolds

Sophie Reynolds

Co-Founder, Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • Home Cooking Innovation & Comfort Recipes
  • Flavor Development & Ingredient Pairing
  • Seasonal Produce Integration
  • Recipe Testing & Instructional Clarity
  • Culinary Education & Community Workshops

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO

  • Degree: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern culinary techniques, emphasizing sustainable cooking practices, kitchen professionalism, and real-world restaurant experience through externships.

Oregon State University

  • Degree: B.S. in Nutrition and Food Management
  • Focus: In-depth study of human nutrition, food safety, meal planning, and food-service operations, with a strong foundation in public health, dietetics, and community-based nutrition programs.

Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café. 

Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.

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