If your sweet tooth craves a perfect pairing of chocolate and peanut butter, you have to try Chocolate Peanut Butter Stacks. These no-bake wonders are the best of both worlds: crunchy, creamy, chocolatey, nutty, and so easy to make that you’ll want to whip them up whenever a treat is called for. Whether you’re planning a party, a bake sale, or just an evening snack, this irresistible dessert will have everyone reaching for seconds. Chocolate Peanut Butter Stacks make snacking feel like an event, and they’re as delightful to share as they are to devour.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Semisweet Chocolate Chips:
1 cup
Peanut Butter Chips:
1 cup
Creamy Peanut Butter:
1 cup
Crisp Rice Cereal:
3 cups
Chopped Peanuts (optional):
1/2 cup
How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Stacks
Step 1: Prep Your Pan
Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step is more important than it looks — it prevents sticking and makes transferring your finished Chocolate Peanut Butter Stacks to a container a total breeze.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate & Peanut Butter
In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the semisweet chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, and creamy peanut butter. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring thoroughly each time, until everything is completely melted and glossy. This gentle heating keeps the chocolate silky without scorching.
Step 3: Stir in the Crunch
Immediately stir in the crisp rice cereal and, if you love that nutty bite, the chopped peanuts. Fold gently to coat every bit of cereal evenly in the luscious chocolate-peanut butter mixture, so each stack is satisfyingly packed.
Step 4: Stack and Shape
Using a heaping tablespoon, drop mounds of the mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. If you want perfect stacks, gently shape them into rounded piles with the back of your spoon. Leave space between each for easy chilling and removal.
Step 5: Chill to Set
Slide the baking sheet into the refrigerator and chill the Chocolate Peanut Butter Stacks for at least 30 minutes, or until they’re firm to the touch. Refrigeration is the secret to their neat, satisfying snap and hold.
How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Stacks
Garnishes
For a bakery-style finish, drizzle the tops with melted white chocolate, sprinkle on extra chopped peanuts, or even a touch of sea salt. These extras make your Chocolate Peanut Butter Stacks look as incredible as they taste.
Side Dishes
Serve these stacks with a cold glass of milk, a mug of coffee, or fresh sliced strawberries for a bright, fruity contrast. They also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a full-on dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange stacks on a pretty tiered platter at parties, tuck them into cellophane bags tied with ribbon for gifts, or skewer them on lollipop sticks for a playful, bite-sized treat. Chocolate Peanut Butter Stacks shine anywhere you need dessert with personality.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place your Chocolate Peanut Butter Stacks in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They’ll keep fresh for up to a week, making them ideal for snacking or tucking into lunchboxes all week long.
Freezing
Want to save some for a rainy day? Layer stacks in a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers, and freeze for up to two months. Let them thaw for 10 to 15 minutes at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
These treats are designed to be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so you won’t need to reheat them. If they do get a little too cold, a quick five-minute rest on the counter softens them up beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds even more texture and nutty flavor to Chocolate Peanut Butter Stacks. It’s a great swap if you’re a fan of that satisfying peanut crunch.
Can I substitute other cereals for crisp rice?
Yes, you can experiment with cereals like cornflakes or shredded wheat for a fun texture twist, but rice cereal gives the classic light, crispy effect that makes these stacks so poppable.
How do I make these treats vegan?
Simply choose dairy-free chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, and ensure your peanut butter is vegan-friendly. Check cereal and add-ins for hidden dairy, too.
Are Chocolate Peanut Butter Stacks gluten free?
They easily can be! Use a certified gluten-free crisp rice cereal and double-check all ingredients. With these tweaks, they’re a fantastic gluten-free dessert option.
Can I make a larger batch?
Definitely! This recipe scales up beautifully. Just melt your ingredients in a bigger bowl, stir in the extras, and drop more stacks — perfect for parties or gifting.
Final Thoughts
Chocolate Peanut Butter Stacks are the kind of treat that gets you a chorus of “Can I have the recipe?” every single time. There’s just something magical about chocolate, peanut butter, and crunch coming together in an easy, no-bake dessert. Whether you’re making them for loved ones or stashing a secret batch for yourself, give this recipe a go — you’re about to discover your new favorite sweet snack!
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Chocolate Peanut Butter Stacks Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 20 stacks
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the perfect combination of chocolate and peanut butter with these easy, no-bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Stacks. These sweet treats are simple to make and delightful to enjoy for any occasion.
Ingredients
Semisweet Chocolate Chips:
1 cup
Peanut Butter Chips:
1 cup
Creamy Peanut Butter:
1 cup
Crisp Rice Cereal:
3 cups
Chopped Peanuts (optional):
1/2 cup
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Melt the Ingredients: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, and creamy peanut butter in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Combine: Stir in the crisp rice cereal and chopped peanuts if desired until coated.
- Form Stacks: Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the baking sheet, shaping into stacks.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes until firm.
- Store: Keep the stacks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Notes
- For a sweeter taste, drizzle melted white chocolate over the stacks before chilling.
- Crunchy peanut butter can be used for added texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stack
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 70 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
