Chocolate Peanut Butter Caramel Cereal Bars
This Post May Contain Affiliate Links. Please Read Our Disclosure Policy
These Chocolate Peanut Butter Caramel Cereal Bars are the ultimate no-bake treat! With layers of rich chocolate, gooey peanut butter caramel, and classic Rice Krispies treats, these bars are a crowd-pleaser that’s incredibly easy to make. Make a batch today and enjoy a delicious homemade treat!
If you’re anything like me, you appreciate a recipe that’s both simple to make and delivers on flavor. That’s exactly what these Chocolate Peanut Butter Caramel Cereal Bars are all about. Think of them as an upgraded version of your favorite childhood treat. They’re the kind of treat that looks impressive, tastes decadent, and doesn’t require an oven, making them perfect for any time of year.
Can I also say that putting peanut butter and caramel together might be my new favorite thing. I love a really good peanut butter recipe and I’m adding this to the top of my list.
You might have seen on my Instagram last week that I made these for an event. Everyone was asking for the recipe, so I worked as quickly as I could to get it to you. I hope you’ll give these a try ASAP. I know they won’t disappoint.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No Oven Required: This recipe is a lifesaver when you want something sweet without heating up the kitchen. It’s all done with a microwave, making it perfect for those warm days or when you’re simply in the mood for a quick, no-fuss treat.
- Gourmet Twist on a Classic: If you’re a fan of Rice Krispies treats, get ready to fall in love all over again. The addition of creamy peanut butter, rich caramel, and smooth chocolate transforms these cereal bars into something truly special. It’s like a favorite classic dressed up in a tuxedo.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re bringing these to a potluck, sharing a batch with friends, or just enjoying them at home, these bars are sure to be a hit. The familiar flavors of peanut butter and chocolate, combined with the nostalgia of a Rice Krispies treat, make these a universally loved treat that’s hard to resist.
- Easy and Fun to Make: This recipe is as straightforward as it gets, with simple steps that anyone can follow. It’s a fun project whether you’re making them solo or with a little help from family or friends. Plus, the results are always impressive, making you feel like a kitchen rockstar.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these gourmet Chocolate Peanut Butter Caramel Cereal Bars.
- Unsalted Butter: The foundation of richness in this recipe, butter adds a creamy texture that helps bind everything together while imparting a subtle, irresistible flavor.
- Mini Marshmallows: These melt into a sticky, sweet glue that holds the puffed rice cereal in place, creating the familiar texture we all love in cereal bars.
- Flaky Sea Salt: A pinch of this brings out the sweetness in the other ingredients, while a sprinkle on top adds a touch of gourmet flair and a delightful contrast to the sweetness. I like Maldon flaky sea salt.
- Puffed Rice Cereal: The classic base for these bars, puffed rice cereal adds a light, crispy texture that perfectly balances the richness of the other ingredients.
- Soft Caramels: Melted into a smooth layer, these caramels bring a buttery sweetness that pairs beautifully with the peanut butter and chocolate. I like Kraft or Brach’s.
- Heavy Cream: This adds a luxurious creaminess to the caramel, making it smooth and easy to spread over the cereal layer.
- Creamy Peanut Butter: The star of the show, peanut butter brings a nutty richness that complements the caramel and chocolate, making these bars incredibly indulgent. Classic JIF peanut butter works well.
- Bittersweet Chocolate: Chopped and melted, this chocolate forms the final, decadent layer. It adds a deep, rich flavor that ties all the other elements together. I sometimes will do a combination of half bittersweet and half milk chocolate.
How to Make
It’s time to whip these up! I’ll walk you through the process below. I’ve also provided a full ingredient list and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card below.
- Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray and then line it with parchment paper, leaving a two-inch overhang on two sides. Spray again and set aside.
- In a large bowl, add the cereal and one cup of mini marshmallows. Set aside.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, add five tablespoons of butter, the remaining mini marshmallows, and a pinch of salt. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. Continue microwaving and stirring until all the marshmallows are melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Working quickly, pour the marshmallow mixture over the cereal mixture and stir to evenly coat. Press the mixture into the prepared pan in an even layer. Let cool for 15 minutes.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, add the caramels and heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. Continue microwaving and stirring until the caramels are melted and the mixture is smooth. Let cool for about 30 minutes.
- Whisk in the peanut butter. Spread the mixture evenly over the cereal layer and refrigerate until firm, about 30 minutes.
- In a small microwave-safe bowl, add the chocolate and the remaining four tablespoons of butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth.
- Spread the chocolate evenly over the caramel layer. Let stand for five minutes, then sprinkle with sea salt. Refrigerate until set, at least 30 minutes.
💌 SAVE THIS POST / RECIPE!
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later! Plus, I'll send you more inspiring ideas I think you'll love!
- Lift the bars from the pan using the parchment overhangs. Using a serrated knife, cut into squares. Store the Chocolate Peanut Butter Caramel Cereal Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator, with parchment paper between layers, for up to three days.
And that’s a wrap on these Chocolate Peanut Butter Caramel Cereal Bars. They are divine. I know you’re going to love them!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but be mindful of the added salt. If you do use salted butter, consider reducing or omitting the pinch of flaky sea salt in the recipe to avoid an overly salty flavor. The salt in the butter can still enhance the overall taste without overpowering the sweetness.
Can I substitute the Rice Krispies cereal with another type of cereal?
Absolutely! While Rice Krispies is the classic choice, you can experiment with other cereals like cornflakes or even a mix of your favorites for a different texture. Just be aware that different cereals may slightly alter the overall texture and flavor (but that’s part of the fun)!
How long do these cereal bars stay fresh?
These bars will stay fresh for up to three days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Be sure to place parchment paper between layers to prevent the cereal bars from sticking together. For the best texture, allow the cereal bars to reach room temperature before serving.
Can I freeze these cereal bars?
Yes, you can freeze them! After cutting the bars into squares, wrap them individually in plastic wrap or parchment paper, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy the cereal bars, just let them thaw at room temperature for a bit.
What if I don’t have a microwave?
No problem! You can easily make this recipe using a stovetop. Simply melt the butter and marshmallows together in a large pot over low heat, stirring constantly to avoid burning. For the caramels and chocolate, use a double boiler or heatproof bowl set over simmering water, stirring until smooth.
More Dessert Bars You’ll Love
- Salted Caramel Crumb Bars
- Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Bars
- Salted Peanut Bars
- Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Bars
- Cranberry Pumpkin Bars
- Gingerbread Cookie Bars
I hope you’re as excited to try these Chocolate Peanut Butter Caramel Cereal Bars as I am to share them with you. They’re the kind of recipe that brings a bit of indulgence to your day without much effort, which we can all appreciate. If you try this recipe and love it, please stop back and leave a comment and a 5-star rating below.
Want more from Inspired by Charm? Join the IBC Mailing List for inspiration in your inbox! Follow along on Instagram and TikTok for daily updates and behind-the-scenes looks at my processes. There’s even more inspiration on Facebook and Pinterest!
Chocolate Peanut Butter Caramel Cereal Bars
Ingredients
- 9 tablespoons unsalted butter divided, plus more for the pan
- 15 ounces mini marshmallows
- Pinch flaky sea salt such as Maldon, plus more for sprinkling
- 6 cups puffed rice cereal
- 12 ounces soft caramels unwrapped
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1¼ cup creamy peanut butter
- 5 ounces bittersweet chocolate chopped
Instructions
- Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray and then line it with parchment paper, leaving a two-inch overhang on two sides. Spray again and set aside.
- In a large bowl, add the cereal and 1 cup of mini marshmallows. Set aside.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, add 5 tablespoons of butter, the remaining mini marshmallows, and a pinch of salt. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. Continue microwaving and stirring until all the marshmallows are melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Working quickly, pour the marshmallow mixture over the cereal mixture and stir to evenly coat. Press the mixture into the prepared pan in an even layer. Let cool for 15 minutes.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, add the caramels and heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. Continue microwaving and stirring until the caramels are melted and the mixture is smooth. Let cool for about 30 minutes.
- Whisk in the peanut butter. Spread the mixture evenly over the cereal layer and refrigerate until firm, about 30 minutes.
- In a small microwave-safe bowl, add the chocolate and the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth.
- Spread the chocolate evenly over the caramel layer. Let stand for 5 minutes, then sprinkle with sea salt. Refrigerate until set, at least 30 minutes.
- Lift the bars from the pan using the parchment overhangs. Using a serrated knife, cut into squares. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator, with parchment paper between layers, for up to three days.