Pin it I stumbled onto this combination during a chaotic afternoon when the pantry was bare but the cravings were loud. The texture contrast between crispy rice and frozen chocolate became an instant obsession in my house. Now they are the first thing to disappear whenever I set a plate out.
My roommate walked in while I was melting chocolate and looked at me like I had lost my mind until she tried one. She ate three in a row and demanded I write down the recipe immediately. Now we keep a constant stash in the freezer for emergency chocolate situations.
Ingredients
- Rice cakes: Plain ones work best because they let the peanut butter and chocolate shine without competing flavors
- Creamy peanut butter: Unsweetened gives you control over the sweetness but sweetened works fine too
- Chocolate: Semi-sweet hits the perfect balance but dark chocolate makes it feel more sophisticated
- Coconut oil: This little trick makes the chocolate coating smoother and helps it set faster
- Garnishes: Chopped peanuts add crunch while sea salt cuts through all that richness
Instructions
- Prep your station:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so nothing sticks and cleanup is nonexistent
- Break and arrange:
- Break those rice cakes into generous chunks and spread them out like puzzle pieces on your tray
- The peanut butter layer:
- Spread a tablespoon of peanut butter over each piece like you are tucking it in for a nap
- Melt the chocolate:
- Zap the chocolate and coconut oil in short bursts stirring religiously between each one until you have liquid silk
- Coat everything:
- Drizzle that melted chocolate all over the peanut butter pieces until they are swimming in it
- Add the finale:
- Scatter chopped peanuts and sea salt over the top while the chocolate is still wet
- Freeze into submission:
- Pop the whole tray in the freezer for at least 45 minutes until everything is solid
- Cut and store:
- Cut them into whatever size pieces your heart desires and keep them stashed in the freezer
Pin it These became a regular thing after I brought them to a picnic and people kept asking where I bought them. The homemade messy look is part of the charm anyway. Something about eating frozen chocolate makes everyone feel like a kid again.
Make It Yours
Almond butter creates this fancy grownup version that feels more expensive than it is. Cashew butter is surprisingly mellow and lets the chocolate take center stage. A tiny swirl of honey in the peanut butter layer transforms it into something dessertlike.
Chocolate Choices
Dairyfree chocolate melts differently so you might need slightly less coconut oil to get the right consistency. White chocolate is overwhelming but milk chocolate lovers swear by it. The quality of chocolate you use shows up in the final result so grab something you would eat plain.
Storage Strategy
These keep forever in the freezer which is dangerous and wonderful at the same time. Layer them between parchment paper so they do not fuse into one giant block. They are actually better after a few days when the flavors have had time to become friends.
- Double the recipe immediately because one batch is never enough
- Use an offset spatula if you want the chocolate layer to look Instagram perfect
- Let them sit at room temperature for two minutes before serving for the ideal texture
Pin it Simple fast and completely unfair to anyone trying to eat just one.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use different nut butters?
Yes, almond or cashew butter can be used for a unique flavor twist while maintaining a creamy texture.
- → How long should the bars freeze?
Freeze the layered rice cakes for at least 45 minutes until the chocolate hardens for easy cutting and serving.
- → Is it possible to make this dairy-free?
Using dairy-free chocolate allows this snack to be enjoyed in a vegan or dairy-free diet.
- → What is the best way to melt the chocolate?
Melting the chocolate with coconut oil in short microwave bursts and stirring ensures a smooth, even coating.
- → Can I add extra sweetness?
A drizzle of honey or maple syrup over the peanut butter layer adds natural sweetness without overpowering the flavors.