I first sketched out these No Bake Crispy Peanut Butter Balls/ one weekend when the kids begged for something crunchy and sweet. After three trial batches—tweaking the peanut butter to butter ratio and chilling time—I found the exact balance of creamy, crisp, and melt-in-your-mouth texture. The gentle snap of Rice Krispies under tender peanut centers became our new family favorite. If you love easy no-bake treats, you’ll also enjoy No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Balls.
About No Bake Crispy Peanut Butter Balls/
These little clusters of peanut butter and cereal are a breeze to whip up, requiring no oven and just minutes of active prep. I first served them at a budget-friendly family game night—and they disappeared before I could grab one. Their timeless flavors suit any season, whether you need a quick after-school snack or a simple holiday nibble.
- Ready in under 15 minutes—perfect for last-minute cravings or weeknight treats
- Uses pantry staples—budget-wise and versatile
- Crunchy and soft textures—kids and adults both love them
- Fun twist on classic peanut butter balls with crispy cereal for extra snap
Key Ingredients & Their Roles
- Creamy Peanut Butter: Provides rich flavor and binds ingredients. Tip: Use room-temperature for smooth blending.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds creaminess and helps firm up balls. Swap for coconut oil in warmer climates.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens mixture. Sift if clumpy for easier mixing.
- Vanilla Extract: Brightens flavor. Pure extract yields the best aroma.
- Rice Krispies Cereal: Delivers signature snap. Stir gently to keep pieces intact.
How to Make No Bake Crispy Peanut Butter Balls/
- In a medium saucepan over low heat, stir together 1 cup creamy peanut butter and ½ cup unsalted butter until melted and smooth, about 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat, then whisk in 2 cups powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until fully combined and glossy.
- Fold in 3 cups Rice Krispies cereal until every flake is coated and the mixture holds together.
- Let cool 5 minutes on the counter so it’s easier to handle without sticking.
- Use a 1-tablespoon scoop to shape into balls, placing them on a parchment-lined tray.
- Chill in the refrigerator until firm, about 30 minutes, before serving.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
- During my second test, chilling the melted mix just 3 minutes made rolling much smoother—no sticky fingers.
- If balls crumble, add a tablespoon more peanut butter to bind better.
- Stir in mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts for a seasonal twist.
- Want half the yield? Simply halve all ingredients; doubling works just as well for gift batches.
Storage & Make-Ahead Guide
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days. Freeze in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. (I tested freezer storage and found the texture remained crisp after 4 weeks.) Thaw 10 minutes at room temperature before serving.
Serving Suggestions
These No Bake Crispy Peanut Butter Balls/ are delightful alongside fresh berries or a cold glass of milk. Try them with a bright Watermelon Feta Salad or a refreshing No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy? Yes—you’ll get an extra nutty crunch. Just note the texture will be slightly grainier.
- Why are my peanut butter balls too soft? Chill longer or reduce butter by 1 tablespoon. Ensure powdered sugar is well incorporated.
- How do I prevent sticking? Cool the mixture briefly, then dip your hands in cold water before rolling.
- Can I add mix-ins? Absolutely—mini chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, or a sprinkle of sea salt make great variations.
- How long do these balls last at room temperature? Best enjoyed within 2 hours out of the fridge to keep their crispness; then refrigerate.
Final Thoughts
Having perfected these No Bake Crispy Peanut Butter Balls/ through several rounds of tweaking, I love their nostalgic crunch and simple prep. They’re my go-to when I want a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing snack. Give them a whirl and let me know how they turn out!
More Recipes You’ll Love
- No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Balls – similar no-bake ball format
- No-Bake Sugar Cookie Truffles – no-bake indulgent truffles
- No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake – light no-bake cheesecake treat
- Easy Peanut Butter Cookies – classic peanut butter flavor
No Bake Crispy Peanut Butter Balls
Ingredients
Main
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter room temperature
- 2 cups powdered sugar sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups Rice Krispies cereal
Instructions
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan over low heat, stir together 1 cup creamy peanut butter and ½ cup unsalted butter until melted and smooth, about 2 minutes.1 cup creamy peanut butter, 0.5 cup unsalted butter
- Remove from heat, then whisk in 2 cups powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until fully combined and glossy.2 cups powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Fold in 3 cups Rice Krispies cereal until every flake is coated and the mixture holds together.3 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- Let cool 5 minutes on the counter so it’s easier to handle without sticking.
- Use a 1-tablespoon scoop to shape into balls, placing them on a parchment-lined tray.
- Chill in the refrigerator until firm, about 30 minutes, before serving.