Chocolate Ribbon Bars Recipe
Cook Time: 5 minutes | Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Recipe Category: Dessert
Servings: 24 bars
Calories per Serving: 266.7 kcal
Difficulty: Easy
Keywords: Lunch/Snacks, Kid-Friendly, Potluck, Sweet, Microwave, < 30 Mins, No Cook, Easy
Description
This delightful recipe for Chocolate Ribbon Bars is perfect for anyone who loves the classic combination of peanut butter, chocolate, and rice krispies but prefers to avoid the sticky mess that often comes with making rice krispie treats. With a quick, no-cook approach, these bars are wonderfully crunchy, satisfying, and packed with rich chocolatey flavor. Thanks to the use of peanut butter and butterscotch chips, you’ll enjoy a creamy and smooth texture, while the top layer of semisweet chocolate provides a decadent finish. Whether you’re preparing a treat for a potluck, an after-school snack, or simply indulging in a sweet craving, these bars are a sure hit!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Peanut butter | 1 cup |
| Butter | 1 cup |
| Water | 8 tbsp |
| Confectioners’ sugar | 1/4 cup |
| Butterscotch chips | 12 oz |
| Semisweet chocolate chips | 2 cups |
| Rice cereal (like Rice Krispies) | 3/4 cup |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 266.7 kcal |
| Total Fat | 15.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 8 g |
| Cholesterol | 5.1 mg |
| Sodium | 147.4 mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 31.6 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.6 g |
| Sugars | 21.8 g |
| Protein | 4.2 g |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Peanut Butter and Butterscotch Base
Begin by melting the butterscotch chips and peanut butter together in a large microwave-safe bowl. Heat for about 2 to 3 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds, until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Depending on your microwave’s wattage, you may need a bit more or less time. Once melted, gradually fold in the rice cereal, ensuring that each piece is coated in the delicious peanut butter and butterscotch mixture. Press half of this cereal mixture into a greased 13×9-inch pan and set aside the remaining mixture. -
Prepare the Chocolate Layer
In another large microwave-safe bowl, place the semisweet chocolate chips and butter. Heat for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds, until the mixture is completely melted and smooth. Stir in the water until well-blended, and then gradually mix in the confectioners’ sugar until the chocolate layer is glossy and smooth. -
Assemble the Bars
Spread the chocolate mixture over the first layer of cereal mixture in the pan. Cover the pan with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for 10 minutes or until the chocolate layer is set. Once the chocolate layer has firmed up, gently spread the remaining peanut butter and butterscotch cereal mixture on top of the chocolate, pressing it down lightly to ensure it sticks. -
Chill and Serve
Return the pan to the refrigerator and chill for an additional 20 minutes or until the bars are firm enough to cut. Once chilled, cut the bars into squares and serve! These bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Pro Tips for Success
- Peanut Butter: For best results, use a standard, creamy peanut butter. Avoid using reduced-fat versions, as they may not hold up the structure of the bars as well.
- Cereal Choice: While Rice Krispies are the traditional choice, feel free to experiment with other crisp rice cereals for a different texture or flavor profile.
- Chilling Time: Patience is key—allow the bars to fully chill in the fridge before cutting to get clean, uniform squares without any mess.
Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Ribbon Bars
These no-bake bars offer the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and crunchy, making them an ideal dessert for all ages. They’re simple enough for kids to help make, but delicious enough to impress at your next potluck or family gathering. With minimal effort and just a few ingredients, you can create a dessert that’s both fun to make and satisfying to eat.
Enjoy making these Chocolate Ribbon Bars, and don’t forget to share them with friends and family for the ultimate treat!
