These Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Cups are a delightfully simple, no-bake treat made with just three ingredients—rich dark chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and crispy brown rice cereal. Packed with texture and flavor, they’re a perfect freezer-friendly snack for both everyday cravings and special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a go-to for anyone seeking a quick, satisfying dessert with minimal effort. The combination of dark chocolate and peanut butter is timeless, while the crispy cereal adds an irresistible crunch. No oven required, gluten-free, and easily adaptable for vegan or dairy-free diets, these crunch cups are as convenient as they are delicious. Ideal for lunchboxes, post-workout snacks, or a sweet freezer stash.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- dark chocolate chips
- creamy peanut butter
- brown rice crisp cereal
Directions
- Prepare a silicone muffin tin or lightly grease a standard muffin tin. Silicone molds are recommended for easiest removal.
- In a microwave-safe bowl or using a double boiler, melt the dark chocolate chips until smooth and glossy.
- Stir in the creamy peanut butter until fully combined with the melted chocolate.
- Fold in the brown rice crisp cereal, mixing until the cereal is evenly coated in the chocolate-peanut butter mixture.
- Spoon the mixture into the muffin cups, dividing evenly to create about 9 crunch cups.
- Place the tin in the freezer and chill for at least 1 hour, or until the cups are completely set.
- Once frozen, remove the cups from the mold and enjoy.
Servings and timing
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Chilling Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 9 crunch cups
Calories per Serving: Approximately 210 kcal
Variations
- Nut-Free Version: Substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or almond butter for an allergy-friendly version.
- Milk or White Chocolate Swap: Use milk or white chocolate chips instead of dark chocolate for a sweeter variation.
- Add-Ins: Stir in shredded coconut, chopped nuts, or dried fruit for added texture and flavor.
- Topped Cups: Sprinkle flaky sea salt, crushed peanuts, or mini chocolate chips on top before freezing for extra flair.
- Mini Cups: Use a mini muffin tin to create bite-sized portions, perfect for parties or snacking.
storage/reheating
Store the crunch cups in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Allow them to thaw for 5–10 minutes before serving for the best texture—slightly soft with a satisfying crunch.
Do not reheat, as this treat is designed to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
FAQs
Can I use regular rice cereal instead of brown rice crisps?
Yes, regular puffed rice cereal can be used, though brown rice crisps provide a slightly nuttier flavor and firmer crunch.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use certified gluten-free rice cereal and chocolate, the recipe is gluten-free.
Can I make these with natural peanut butter?
Yes, but ensure it’s well stirred and not too runny to prevent the cups from becoming oily.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
Use dairy-free dark chocolate chips and ensure your peanut butter and rice cereal are vegan-certified.
Will the cups melt at room temperature?
They soften slightly but should hold their shape. For best results, keep them chilled until ready to serve.
Can I use a different nut butter?
Absolutely. Almond, cashew, or hazelnut butter work well for flavor variations.
How do I prevent sticking if I don’t have a silicone mold?
Grease your muffin tin lightly with oil or use paper liners to help with easy removal.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, the recipe scales easily. Simply double the ingredients and use additional muffin tins as needed.
Are these suitable for kids?
Yes, these treats are kid-friendly and make a great addition to lunchboxes or after-school snacks.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store in the freezer in a sealed container. Use parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Conclusion
Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Cups offer everything you want in a treat—rich, crunchy, and deeply satisfying, all without turning on the oven. With just three ingredients and a few minutes of prep, you can have a batch of these freezer-friendly snacks ready for any craving or occasion. Keep them on hand for a quick, wholesome indulgence that everyone will love.
PrintChocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Cups
A simple and satisfying no-bake treat made with just three ingredients—dark chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and crispy brown rice cereal—for the perfect crunchy, chocolatey bite.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 9 crunch cups 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2½ cups dark chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 cups brown rice crisp cereal
Instructions
- Prepare a silicone muffin tin (or grease a regular one). Silicone is preferred for easy removal.
- In a microwave-safe bowl or over a double boiler, melt the dark chocolate chips until smooth.
- Stir in the peanut butter until fully incorporated.
- Add the rice crisp cereal to the chocolate-peanut butter mixture and mix well to coat evenly.
- Spoon the mixture into each muffin cup, filling them evenly to make about 9 cups.
- Place the tray in the freezer for at least 1 hour or until fully set.
- Once set, pop the cups out of the mold and enjoy!
Notes
- Use natural or conventional peanut butter based on preference—both work well.
- For a nut-free version, use sunflower seed butter instead.
- Chop the chocolate before melting for quicker, more even melting.
- Let thaw for 5–10 minutes at room temperature before serving for best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 crunch cup
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 45 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg