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Crunchy PB Balls with Rice Krispies need no oven time. They mix smooth peanut butter and yummy chocolate with crispy cereal for that perfect snap. They're super simple to whip up and work great on holiday platters, as little gifts, or just when you want something sweet. Trust me, their nutty taste and fun texture will have everyone asking for more.
What Makes These Snacks So Special
These crunchy PB Balls bring back memories but with an extra twist. Adding Rice Krispies gives you that satisfying pop with every bite, making them better than plain old peanut butter balls. You can throw them together quickly without turning on the oven, and change them up however you want. Make them days ahead for parties, special occasions, or just as a fun project with the kids.
What You'll Need for PB Balls
- Smooth Peanut Butter: 2 cups, creates that yummy base taste.
- Butter: ¼ cup at room temp, makes everything blend nicely.
- Powdered Sugar: 3 cups, adds sweetness and holds it all together.
- Rice Krispies Cereal: 2 cups, gives that awesome crunch.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon, makes everything taste better.
- Chocolate Chips: 16 ounces, for the outer layer (pick milk or dark).
- Shortening: 2 tablespoons, thins out chocolate for easy dipping.
Steps to Create PB Balls
- Blend the Foundation
- Grab a big bowl and mix peanut butter, soft butter, and vanilla until everything looks smooth.
- Mix in Dry Stuff
- Slowly add powdered sugar while stirring. It'll get pretty thick as you go.
- Throw in the Crunch
- Carefully stir in Rice Krispies until you see them everywhere in the mix.
- Shape Your Treats
- Roll everything into little 1-inch balls and put them on a tray with parchment paper. Cool them in the fridge for 30 minutes until they're firm.
Adding the Chocolate Layer
- Get Chocolate Ready
- Put chocolate chips and shortening in a bowl and microwave for 30 seconds at a time, stirring between until it's all melty.
- Cover Each Ball
- Use a fork to dunk each cold peanut butter ball into the chocolate, letting extra drip off.
- Finish Them Off
- Put the chocolate-covered balls back on the paper and add any toppings you want while the chocolate's still wet.
- Let Them Harden
- Pop them back in the fridge for about 15 minutes until the chocolate feels solid.
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Keeping Your PB Balls Fresh
Keep your PB Balls in a sealed container in the fridge and they'll stay good for about a week. Want them to last longer? Stick them in the freezer in a sealed container and they'll keep for several weeks. They're great to make ahead for giving as gifts or just having around when you want something sweet.
Tricks and Twists
* PB Choices: Smooth peanut butter makes silkier centers. Go with crunchy if you want more texture.
* Better Chocolate Look: For a shiny coating, temper your chocolate first.
* Make Them Pretty: Add some smashed Rice Krispies, a bit of sea salt, or fun sprinkles on top before chocolate hardens.
* Smart Storage: Freeze balls separately on a tray before putting them together in a container so they won't stick.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I store these treats in the freezer?
Absolutely! These can be frozen for weeks without issues. Layer them in an airtight box with parchment or wax paper in between so they don't stick together.
- → Why use a bit of shortening in the chocolate?
Adding shortening makes the melted chocolate smoother and easier to handle. Plus, it stops the coating from cracking or setting rock-hard.
- → Is natural peanut butter okay to use?
Stick to classic creamy or crunchy peanut butter. Natural versions are often too oily and might mess up the consistency.
- → Should I crush the Rice Krispies completely?
No need to go overboard. Just break them up a bit so you still get lots of texture—they shouldn’t be turned into dust.
- → Why do these need to chill before dipping in chocolate?
Chilling firms them up so they don’t fall apart when coated in chocolate. It also makes the process way less messy.