I love the crispy texture the puffed rice gives these bars! They rival any rice krispy treat and are like a healthier chocolate peanut butter fudge.
These bars are:
Fudgy
Chocolatety
Sweet
Salty
Crispy 
I don’t know what else I can say to convince you to get in the kitchen immediately and make these bars. I stuck half the batch in the freezer to keep them out of site, out of mind. Who am I kidding, though? I know they are in there…
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Peanut Butter and Chocolate Fudge with Pepitas
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: Makes 16 1x
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
Crispy puffed rice and chewy dried cherries add fun texture to this rich peanut butter and chocolate fudge. Perfect for a sweet treat!
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
- 1 cup puffed rice cereal
- 1/4 cup dried cherries, roughly chopped
Instructions
- Line a 6×6 inch pan with parchment paper.
- Add all ingredients except puffed rice cereal to a large bowl and mix to combine. Once combined, add in puffed rice 1/2 cup at a time and fold to combine.
- Pour mixture into the pan and press down with the back of a spoon to smooth.
- Place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 1 hour to set. Store in the refrigerator or freezer.
Notes
- For a less intense peanut butter flavor, use a smooth, less intense peanut butter.
- To make this recipe vegan, ensure your chocolate chips and peanut butter are both dairy-free.
- Cut the fudge into small squares for easier serving and portion control.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20
- Sodium: 50
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Unsaturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 5
- Cholesterol: 5
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to toast the pepitas before adding them?
Toasting the pepitas in a dry skillet for 2 to 3 minutes brings out a nuttier flavor and adds crunch. You can skip this step, but toasting makes a noticeable difference in texture.
Can I use natural peanut butter in these fudge bars?
Natural peanut butter works, but the bars may be slightly softer since natural varieties have more oil. Stir the peanut butter well before measuring so it’s evenly mixed.
How should I store leftover fudge bars?
Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The chocolate layer firms up nicely when chilled, which also makes them easier to slice cleanly.
