Sooooo...I still haven't decided what I'm giving up for Lent. Eeep.
In years past, I was usually prepared to say a big "SEE YA" to soda for forty days, but I've (proudly) been soda-free since December, so that wasn't happening this year. Now I'm racking my brain thinking of something to forgo and trying to remember what I've eaten over the past week or so. Because while giving up something like chocolate would be a serious sacrifice, I don't think I've gotten through a work day without it.
Then there's peanut butter. I actually gave up peanut butter for five years (!!!) back in the day because my silly Web-MD-obsessed brain thought I had developed an intolerance to it. Guess what? Totally not true. Now I'm banned from Web MD (a mandate handed down from B), which is probably for the better. That tight calf muscle probably isn't Dengue fever anyway...
So in honor of two things I'm not giving up, I wanted to revamp ye old Rice Krispie treat. I switched up the cereal (...because I found PB Cap'n Crunch on sale) and added cocoa powder and my new favorite ingredient, powdered peanut butter, to the butter/marshmallow mixture. The powdered peanut butter is optional, but it bolsters the PB flavor, and more PB = yes, please in my book. At least nowadays. 🙂
Ingredients
- 6 cups peanut butter Cap'n Crunch cereal
- 4 cups mini marshmallows
- 3 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoon powered peanut butter optional
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips divided
Instructions
- In a large pot set over low heat, melt butter. Once butter is just melted, add marshmallows, cocoa powder, and powdered peanut butter (if using). Stir frequently using a spatula sprayed with cooking spray, until marshmallows have lost their shape and all ingredients are well combined.
- Remove pot from heat. Add cereal and stir so that the marshmallow mixture evenly coats the pieces.
- Using wet hands (or a wooden spoon sprayed with cooking spray), press cereal mixture into a greased 9" x 13" pan. Top with ¼ cup of the chocolate chips, lightly pressing them into the top of the mixture so that they adhere. Let treats cool to room temperature.
- For the chocolate drizzle, melt remaining ¾ cup of chocolate chips in microwave. Pipe the melted chocolate over top of the treats (I used the plastic-bag-snip-a-corner method). Let drizzle harden, then cut into pieces to serve.
Nutritional information is provided as an estimate. As it can vary due to many factors (brands used, quantities, etc.), we cannot guarantee its accuracy.
Food Safety and Nutrition Disclaimer
Helen @ Scrummy Lane says
I LOVE chocolate rice krispy treats, Alyssa! What a great idea to vamp them up a bit. I've been seeing this powdered peanut butter around quite a bit recently ... wha....?! It makes sense, though, to add to baking! I hope you enjoy NOT giving up chocolate and peanut butter for lent!!
Alyssa says
Thanks, Helen! Powdered PB is a new thing to me (saw it on the shelf at Target and couldn't resist), but I must say I love it! There are directions on the jar to add a bit of water and mix for a makeshift peanut butter, but I haven't attempted that. I've just been adding it to my baking (and marshmallow/butter melting) and it's working out great! 🙂
Chelsea @chelseasmessyapron says
I should give up peanut butter for lent - I eat way too much of it! Haha but glad I didn't, because then I could try these! They look awesome Alyssa!
Alyssa says
Haha I definitely overcompensated for awhile when I started eating PB again, that's for sure! Thanks Chelsea!
Jessica @ Jessiker Bakes says
I will say, I understand! I don't drink soda, I don't eat rice (except fried haha at Chinese restaurants) I also don't eat pork or beef...so any more food limitations and I'm done! These treats look so yummy! Two things I'm also not giving up haha.
Alyssa says
Thanks! And wow, definitely doesn't sound like you're lacking on food limitations! (and I'm such a sucker for fried rice, too! haha). Hold onto chocolate + PB tight! 🙂
Christine @ Cooking with Cakes says
YOU MADE A TREAT WITH CAP'N CRUNCH!? you are officially winning at life sista
Alyssa says
Haha love me some cap'n crunch! 🙂
Ashley @ My Midwest Table says
OH. YUM! I think I would have one too many of these treats. I'm a huge fan of powdered PB, so you know I'd be sure to add it!
Aahhhh. The perils of Web MD. 🙂
Alyssa says
I am becoming obsessed with powdered PB! It certainly gives these treats a little extra oomph. 🙂
Lynette says
I totally support your thinking. These look delicious!
Alyssa says
Thanks! 🙂
Deb says
Wow! What a tempting treat! My family would adore these fabulous sweets!
Alyssa says
My family gobbled these up in no time! 🙂
Natalie @ Tastes Lovely says
These sound so good! Glad you didn't give up chocolate or peanut butter for lent so you could make them. And congrats on no soda since December! That's great! I'm not much of a soda person either. I'll stick with my iced teas : )
Alyssa says
Thanks! I've totally been subbing in tea for soda, but cutting down on my artificial sweetener intake (diet soda) was my main reasoning, so I'll take a chamomile tea any day! Or a chai in the afternoon. Or a black tea in the late morning...
Kristi @ Inspiration Kitchen says
These look really good! But, I have to tell you - there's no way I could give up peanut butter! One of my all-time favorite things. I could give up chocolate pretty easy, but not peanut butter. And, I'm with you on the soda thing - I've almost given it up entirely! Have a great day!
Alyssa says
Thanks Kristi! 🙂 Giving up PB was a testament to my willpower if nothing else. I remember the first PB thing I ate after five years was a Reese's peanut butter cup, and I savored that baby BIG TIME.