Introduction: Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Bars
Peanut butter Rice Krispie bars, sometimes known as O'Henry Bars (though these are usually made with oats) or Scotcharoos, are a dessert that I make every Christmas time though they are delicious any time of the year. I wanted to share this simple and delicious recipe so everyone can make them as well.
Instructable 367
Supplies
Base
- 1c Sugar or go crazy and use 1/2c white sugar + 1/2c brown sugar)
- 1c Corn syrup
- 1c peanut butter
- 6c Rice Krispies or similar puffed rice cereal
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Topping*
- 1 c. chocolate chips
- ½ c. butterscotch chips or peanut butter
Supplies
- 9 by 12 baking pan
- Spatula
- Measuring cups
- Cooking pot
- Large bowl
- Cooking spray (for the pan and also helpful for the measuring cups with peanut butter and corn syrup)
*The topping is really a personal preference. My husband doesn't like anything on these bars while my parents love a thicker layer of chocolate. I like a nice thin layer which is what you'll get with about 1.5 c. of unmelted topping. If you like it a bit thicker, I recommend doing about 2 - 2.5 cups. Just remember that if you use peanut butter, to use less peanut butter than chocolate chips or the topping won't harden up and be really messy.
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Step 1: Melt
Measure out your cereal into a large bowl.
Start by mixing together corn syrup and sugar in a pot and putting it on high. Mix well and don't let it burn.
(If you are going to mix it in another bigger bowl, you don't need a very big pot; if you plan on pouring the Krispies INTO the pot, you need a pretty big one.)
When the corn syrup and sugar start to boil, turn it off, and take it off the heat.
Step 2: And Mix
Mix your peanut butter and vanilla (if you are using any) into the corn syrup and sugar mixture. Stir well.
Once it's all mixed, pour into your cereal and, again, mix well.
Step 3: Pan It
Spray your pan with cooking spray to avoid sticking.
Pour your cereal mix into the pan and carefully press it down.
Step 4: Top It
Mix your topping if combining ingredients.
I mixed together semi-sweet chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, some butterscotch chips I had left over, and a bit of peanut butter.
Melt in the microwave until smooth and then spread over your bars. Like I mentioned earlier, about 1.5 cups of unmelted topping will give you a thin coating.
Step 5:

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20 Comments
5 days ago
Thank you for sharing this recipe. It includes everything that I love - peanut butter, chocolate and Rice Krispies. You can never have too many treats! Please share more recipes.
Reply 4 days ago
For sure! It's nice that they are so easy to make too!
9 days ago
These look great!!! Thanks for the recipe!!
Reply 8 days ago
Hope you enjoy!
5 weeks ago
Can't wait to try making these over the holidays!
Reply 5 weeks ago
Hope you enjoy!
Reply 4 weeks ago
Woop! I made these into tree shapes and covered in chocolate on both sides, then decorated... so popular I had to make them twice! Thanks so much.
5 weeks ago
Peanut butter and rice krispies? I am definitely in! Going to try it later this evening.
Thank you for a healthy recipe.
Reply 5 weeks ago
Oh yeah, healthy recipe ;)
5 weeks ago
Honestly didnt know rice krispie treats could be made without marshmallow!
Reply 5 weeks ago
For sure! Like I mention, I think it's a carryover from O'Henry bars so just like a variation on them.
5 weeks ago on Introduction
Thank you, great recipe, on my make list for sure.
Reply 5 weeks ago
Thank you! Hope you love it!
5 weeks ago
They look delicious!
The only thing I'd add is a caramel layer, like millionaire shortbread...
Reply 5 weeks ago
That does sound pretty nice :) I'm not sure I've had a lot of caramel and peanut butter though.
Reply 5 weeks ago
I'd have never have thought to mix peanut butter with rice crispies! :-D
6 weeks ago
Oh these are right up my street. Definitely need to give these a go with my daughters over the Christmas holidays.
Reply 6 weeks ago
I hope you enjoy! They are delicious!
6 weeks ago
These were such easy to follow instructions and tasted amazing! <3
Reply 6 weeks ago
Great to hear!