These Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Cakes are a delicious, addicting treat that’s perfect for anyone who loves the combination of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate. Inspired by Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, these rice cakes are topped with smooth peanut butter, melted chocolate, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to elevate the flavor. They’re easy to make, naturally gluten-free, and can be made dairy-free/vegan by using the right ingredients. Perfect as a snack or dessert, they keep well in the fridge or freezer, making them great for meal prep.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 13 plain rice cakes (lightly salted or unflavored)

• 16 oz creamy peanut butter

• 12 oz chocolate chips (dairy-free for a vegan option)

• Flaky sea salt (optional but highly recommended)

• Optional: chopped peanuts (for garnish)

Directions

1. Melt the Chocolate:
   In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until fully melted. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate.

2. Spread the Peanut Butter:
   Spread 1-2 tablespoons of peanut butter evenly over each rice cake. You can spread it all the way to the edges or leave a little border for easy handling.

3. Top with Melted Chocolate:
   Pour the melted chocolate over each rice cake, spreading it gently to cover the surface. Optionally, sprinkle some chopped peanuts on top for extra crunch.

4. Add Flaky Salt:
   Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the chocolate-covered rice cakes. This adds a delicious contrast to the sweetness.

5. Chill:
   Place the rice cakes in a single layer on a baking sheet and refrigerate or freeze them until the chocolate has set. This will take about 10 minutes in the freezer or 45 minutes in the fridge.

6. Serve and Store:
   Once the chocolate is set, transfer the rice cakes to an airtight container. They can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to a couple of weeks.

Nutrients (Approximate per serving)

• Calories: 366 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 32g

• Protein: 10g

• Fat: 25g

  • Saturated Fat: 8g

• Sodium: 243mg

• Fiber: 4g

• Sugar: 17g

• Cholesterol: 0mg

Why Rice Cakes Make the Perfect Base

Rice cakes provide the ideal base for this treat, offering a light and crunchy texture that complements the creamy peanut butter and smooth chocolate. The neutral taste of plain rice cakes allows the flavors of the peanut butter and chocolate to shine without overpowering the dish. They also provide a satisfying crunch with every bite, making the experience of eating these treats both enjoyable and fulfilling.

Rice cakes are also naturally gluten-free, which makes this dessert a great option for those following a gluten-free diet. Since rice cakes are light and airy, they create a contrast with the dense richness of the peanut butter and chocolate, adding an element of lightness to the overall treat. The mild flavor of rice cakes provides the perfect canvas for the bold, savory peanut butter and sweet, melty chocolate topping.

The Creamy Peanut Butter Layer

Peanut butter is the star of this treat, providing the rich, creamy texture that makes these rice cakes so delicious. The combination of smooth peanut butter with chocolate is a timeless pairing that never goes out of style. Peanut butter offers a satisfying, nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of chocolate, creating a well-balanced flavor profile that is both indulgent and comforting.

In addition to its great taste, peanut butter is a source of healthy fats and protein, making it a filling addition to these rice cakes. It provides energy, keeps you satisfied longer, and offers a variety of essential nutrients, including vitamin E, magnesium, and potassium. For those who prefer a dairy-free or vegan option, creamy peanut butter is naturally plant-based and can be used to make these rice cakes suitable for various dietary preferences.

The Rich Chocolate Topping

The chocolate topping brings an indulgent sweetness and richness to the rice cakes, creating a luscious contrast with the savory peanut butter. You can use regular milk chocolate or opt for dairy-free chocolate chips to make the treat vegan-friendly. The chocolate is melted and poured over the peanut butter-covered rice cakes, resulting in a glossy, smooth finish that complements the creamy peanut butter beneath.

The chocolate adds a satisfying sweetness that balances the saltiness of the peanut butter, and when chilled, the chocolate firms up to create a nice snap when you bite into the rice cakes. Whether you prefer dark, milk, or dairy-free chocolate, this topping is customizable to suit your personal preference. Chocolate is also packed with antioxidants, especially dark chocolate, which offers additional health benefits, such as improved heart health and increased cognitive function.

Flaky Sea Salt: The Perfect Finishing Touch

A sprinkle of flaky sea salt is the secret ingredient that takes these rice cakes from delicious to extraordinary. The salt enhances the flavors of the peanut butter and chocolate by balancing their sweetness and adding a touch of savory contrast. The subtle crunch of the sea salt provides a nice textural contrast to the smooth peanut butter and chocolate, making every bite even more satisfying.

The salt also helps to bring out the natural flavors of the peanut butter and chocolate, making them taste richer and more complex. The addition of flaky sea salt is optional but highly recommended, as it elevates the overall flavor profile of the rice cakes. It’s the perfect finishing touch that makes this treat feel like a gourmet snack or dessert, despite being easy to make and requiring minimal ingredients.

Customization and Dietary Considerations

One of the best aspects of these Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Cakes is how easy they are to customize. Whether you’re looking for a specific flavor, texture, or dietary modification, there are plenty of ways to adjust the recipe to suit your preferences.

For those who want extra crunch or flavor, consider adding chopped peanuts on top of the melted chocolate. This provides a delightful contrast in texture and enhances the peanut flavor. You can also experiment with different nut butters, such as almond butter or cashew butter, for a different flavor base.

For those following specific dietary restrictions, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, and by using dairy-free chocolate and skipping the Parmesan (if any) or substituting with a dairy-free version, you can make these treats suitable for vegans as well. Additionally, if you’re looking to reduce sugar content, you can use unsweetened or lower-sugar chocolate chips and adjust the amount of added sugar accordingly.

Storage and Meal Prep Benefits

These Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Cakes are perfect for meal prep or as a make-ahead treat. Once the chocolate has set and the rice cakes are fully assembled, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you prefer a longer shelf life, these rice cakes can also be frozen for up to a couple of weeks. Freezing them allows you to prepare a large batch in advance, making them a convenient snack or dessert whenever you need something sweet and satisfying.

When stored in the fridge or freezer, the rice cakes maintain their texture, with the chocolate staying firm and the peanut butter retaining its creamy richness. These treats are easy to grab and go, making them a perfect snack to have on hand for when cravings hit. Their portability also makes them ideal for lunch boxes, picnics, or sharing with friends and family.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Benefits

While these Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Cakes are a treat, they also offer some nutritional benefits. Peanut butter provides healthy fats, protein, and important nutrients like magnesium and vitamin E. The chocolate, particularly dark chocolate, is rich in antioxidants, which are known to have heart-healthy benefits. Additionally, the addition of rice cakes makes the recipe gluten-free, and they provide a light, crunchy base without adding too many calories.

Of course, these rice cakes should be enjoyed in moderation, as they are still a sweet treat with sugar content due to the chocolate and peanut butter. However, by using healthier alternatives such as dark chocolate, natural peanut butter, and reducing sugar, you can make them a more wholesome indulgence. The beauty of this recipe lies in its balance of indulgence and nutrition, offering a satisfying sweet treat without compromising too much on health.

Serving Suggestions

These rice cakes make a wonderful snack, but they can also be served as part of a dessert spread at a party or gathering. If you’re entertaining guests, you can serve them alongside other treats like fruit salad, yogurt parfaits, or cookies. For a more substantial dessert, pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce.

For a healthier snack option, pair them with a side of fresh fruit or a smoothie to balance out the richness. The chocolate and peanut butter pair beautifully with fruits like strawberries, bananas, or apples, which also provide additional fiber and vitamins to round out your snack.

Conclusion

Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Cakes are a simple yet indulgent treat that combines the creamy, nutty flavor of peanut butter with the sweetness of melted chocolate, all atop a light, crunchy rice cake. With the added depth of flaky sea salt and the optional garnish of chopped peanuts, these rice cakes are a gourmet snack that’s easy to prepare and customize. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a make-ahead treat, or a dessert to impress your guests, this recipe is perfect for any occasion.

These rice cakes are naturally gluten-free and can be made vegan and dairy-free with a few simple substitutions, making them accessible for those with dietary restrictions. They store well in the fridge or freezer, making them a great option for meal prep, and their simplicity ensures that you can whip them up in no time. With their delicious balance of salty, sweet, and creamy flavors, Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Cakes are sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.