Reese’s Stuffed Cocoa Pebbles Cereal Treats

Happy National Rice Krispie Treat Day!

It’s a classic. An original. And boring. There, I said it. It had to be said! Rice Krispie treats are many young chefs’ first attempt at cooking with their parents. It’s easy, there’s minimal clean-up involved, and it’s a great way to make memories in the kitchen that are pretty low stakes for the final product’s result.

It was not, however, a memory maker in my household. No one really craved a crispy marshmallow square quite the way they would a Dove dark chocolate square (my mom) or a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup (me and my brother). That got me thinking – why couldn’t I make a chocolate/peanut butter Rice Krispie style treat that my family would actually want to eat?

This leads me to my inspiration – the humble Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup.

It’s a staple of every kid’s Halloween candy stash, and one of the first things to run out in a candy bowl at the office. Growing up, these were the prize items that you could earn for chores, homework, and early bedtimes – it was all worth it for a bite of that creamy peanut butter center. Sometimes, it would actually start melting in our hands thanks to trying to slowly savor every bite. Nowadays, I make sure to stock up on king size sleeves to help cement our reputation as the “cool” trick or treating house in the neighborhood. It also makes sure kids are willing to walk all the way up our steep driveway.

For those who may have too many Halloween peanut butter cups leftover (I need to meet you, you clearly have way more self-restraint than me) or want to make a special treat for friends and family that literally FLY off the plate, this recipe is for you. The chocolate and peanut butter are really well-balanced, and the bars are gorgeous after being cut thanks to the Reese’s peek-a-boo on the sides. A quick drizzle of white melting chocolate on top help the bars pop and give them just the right hint of sweetness.

Easy, quick, and fun, these surprise-inside cereal treat bars really make the grade. Rice Krispie Treats will never be the same. Enjoy!

Reese’s Stuffed Cocoa Pebble Cereal Treats

Makes 24 Bars|Prep: 10 Minutes|Chill: 45 Minutes

Ingredients

• 15 oz. Family Size Box Cocoa Pebbles (about 12 cups)
• 1 Cup Smooth Peanut Butter
• 10 Tbs. Unsalted Butter
• 20 oz. Mini Marshmallows
• Large Pinch Kosher Salt
• 25 Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (Regular Size)
• ½ Cup White Chocolate Melting Wafers

Steps

1. Spray a 9 x 13” pan with cooking spray and set aside.
2. In a large stockpot over medium heat, combine marshmallows, peanut butter, butter, and salt. Once marshmallow mixture is completely melted and combined, add in Cocoa Pebbles and stir until fully mixed.
3. Add ½ of the Cocoa Pebbles mixture to the greased 9 x 13” pan, pressing flat with the back of a mixing spoon.
4. Press the Reese’s Cups on top of the layer of Cocoa Pebbles, breaking up the last few to fill in any gaps.
5. Top the Reese’s Cups with the other ½ of the Cocoa Pebbles mixture, pressing down with the back of a mixing spoon to ensure the peanut butter cups are completely covered.
6. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
7. Melt the white chocolate melting wafers in a microwave in 30 second increments until fully melted and smooth.
8. Using a spoon, drizzle the white chocolate on top of the refrigerated Cocoa Pebbles. Cover and return to the fridge until white chocolate sets (about 15 – 20 minutes).
9. Cut into squares and enjoy!