Name: Peanut Butter Dreams Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Yield: 60
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup butter; 4 cups confectioners' sugar; 2 cups creamy peanut butter; 3 cups crisp rice cereal; 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips; 4 tbsp shortening

Indulge in the delightful combination of peanut butter and chocolate, with a crispy twist! This recipe for Peanut Butter Dreams is a magnificent treat that's both easy to make and absolutely delicious. The harmony between the crunchy rice cereal, creamy peanut butter, and smooth chocolate creates a dessert that is truly dreamy. A definite must-try for all sweet-tooth enthusiasts.

Photos of Peanut Butter Dreams Recipe

All the ingredients listed for this recipe are commonly found in households. However, crisp rice cereal and shortening might not be readily available in your pantry. When heading to the supermarket, you might want to look in the cereal aisle for the rice cereal. Shortening is typically found in the baking section.

Ingredients for Peanut Butter Dreams

Butter: Used as a base for the sweet balls, gives it the creamy texture.

Confectioners' sugar: Adds sweetness to the treat.

Creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient, brings the delightful peanut butter flavour.

Crisp rice cereal: Adds a pleasant crunch to the peanut butter balls.

Semisweet chocolate chips: Used for the chocolate coating, gives a bittersweet taste.

Shortening: Used to thin the chocolate for a smoother coating.

One reader, Egbert Spears says:

This peanut butter dreams recipe is a game-changer! The combination of creamy peanut butter and chocolate is pure bliss. The crispy texture from the rice cereal adds a delightful crunch. It's a hit with my family and friends. I highly recommend trying it out for a heavenly treat!

Egbert Spears

Techniques Required for Peanut Butter Dreams Recipe

How to mix the ingredients: Combine the butter, confectioners' sugar, creamy peanut butter, and crisp rice cereal in a large mixing bowl. Mix thoroughly until well combined.

How to roll into small balls: Take small portions of the mixture and roll them into small balls using your hands. Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

How to melt the chocolate: In a small saucepan, melt the semisweet chocolate chips and shortening over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth and well combined.

How to coat the balls in chocolate: Using a fork or a dipping tool, dip each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate mixture, ensuring it is evenly coated. Place the coated balls back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet.

How to refrigerate: Place the baking sheet with the coated balls in the refrigerator and allow them to chill for several hours or until the chocolate coating is set.

These techniques will help in creating the delicious peanut butter dreams.

How To Make Peanut Butter Dreams

This peanut butter dreams recipe is a no-bake cookie recipe perfect for a peanut buttery version of classic chocolate-covered rice crispy treats.

Preparation: 30 minutes

Cooking:

Chill Time: 1 hour

Total: 1 hour 30 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

½cupbutter
4cupsconfectioners’ sugar
2cupscreamy peanut butter
3cupscrisp rice cereal
2cupssemisweet chocolate chips
4tbspshortening

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, mix butter, sugar, peanut butter, and crisp rice cereal together thoroughly.
Roll into small balls and set aside.
Melt chocolate chips and shortening in a small saucepan over low heat. Remove from heat.
Coat the small balls in the chocolate mixture. Refrigerate for several hours.

Nutrition

Calories: 134.15kcal
Fat: 8.54g
Saturated Fat: 3.10g
Trans Fat: 0.18g
Monounsaturated Fat: 3.55g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.43g
Carbohydrates: 14.21g
Fiber: 0.78g
Sugar: 11.87g
Protein: 2.21g
Cholesterol: 4.07mg
Sodium: 2.52mg
Calcium: 6.64mg
Potassium: 70.44mg
Iron: 0.56mg
Vitamin A: 12.94µg

Helpful Technique for Perfecting Peanut Butter Dreams

When melting the chocolate chips and shortening together, it's important to stir the mixture continuously to prevent it from burning. Also, using a double boiler can help distribute heat more evenly. When coating the peanut butter balls with the chocolate mixture, use a fork to dip and roll the balls in the chocolate. This will ensure an even coating and allow excess chocolate to drip off.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Recipe

Prep ahead: Prepare the peanut butter mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to make the balls. This can save you time on the day you plan to make the peanut butter dreams.

Use a melon baller: Use a melon baller to scoop out even portions of the peanut butter mixture, making it quicker and easier to roll into balls.

Double the batch: Make a larger batch and freeze the extra peanut butter balls for later. This way, you'll have a sweet treat ready to go whenever you need it.

Enlist help: Get friends or family involved in the process. Rolling the peanut butter balls can be a fun group activity and will significantly reduce the time it takes to make them.

Chill the mixture: Chill the peanut butter mixture in the refrigerator for a short time before rolling it into balls. This will make it easier to handle and shape.

Substitute Ingredients For Peanut Butter Dreams Recipe

butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine can be used as a substitute for butter in this recipe, providing a similar creamy texture and flavor.
confectioners' sugar - Substitute with granulated sugar: Granulated sugar can be used as a substitute for confectioners' sugar, although the texture of the final product may be slightly different.
creamy peanut butter - Substitute with almond butter: Almond butter can be used as a substitute for peanut butter, providing a different nutty flavor while still maintaining a creamy texture.
crisp rice cereal - Substitute with crispy wheat cereal: Crispy wheat cereal can be used as a substitute for rice cereal, providing a similar crunch and texture.
semisweet chocolate chips - Substitute with milk chocolate chips: Milk chocolate chips can be used as a substitute for semisweet chocolate chips, providing a sweeter flavor to the recipe.
shortening - Substitute with butter: Butter can be used as a substitute for shortening, providing a similar fat content and flavor to the recipe.

Presentation Tips for Serving Peanut Butter Dreams

Elevate the plating: Arrange the peanut butter dreams in a visually appealing manner on a pristine white plate, ensuring each element is showcased beautifully.
Incorporate contrasting textures: Introduce a crunchy element such as crushed peanuts or a delicate sprinkle of edible gold leaf to add visual and textural interest to the dish.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of minimalism by allowing the dish to breathe on the plate, creating a sense of balance and sophistication.
Garnish with finesse: Add a final touch of elegance by garnishing with a dusting of cocoa powder or a drizzle of caramel sauce, enhancing the overall presentation.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making This Recipe

Mixing bowl: A large container used for mixing and combining ingredients.
Saucepan: A deep cooking pan with a long handle, used for heating and cooking sauces, soups, and other liquids.
Small saucepan: A smaller version of a saucepan, used for melting chocolate, butter, or other small quantities of ingredients.
Spatula: A kitchen tool with a broad, flat, blunt blade, used for mixing, spreading, and lifting ingredients.
Refrigerator: An appliance used for cooling and preserving food items, including the chilling of the prepared peanut butter balls.

Storage and Freezing Instructions for Peanut Butter Dreams Recipe

Once the peanut butter dreams are fully set and coated in the chocolate mixture, store them in an airtight container lined with parchment paper or wax paper to prevent sticking.
Separate each layer of peanut butter dreams with additional parchment paper or wax paper to maintain their individual shapes and prevent them from sticking together.
Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, ensuring that the peanut butter dreams remain cool and firm.
For longer storage, you can freeze the peanut butter dreams for up to 3 months:
- Place the fully set and coated peanut butter dreams on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they are not touching each other.
- Freeze the baking sheet for about 2 hours, or until the peanut butter dreams are completely frozen.
- Once frozen, transfer the peanut butter dreams to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, separating each layer with parchment paper or wax paper to prevent sticking.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy reference.
To thaw frozen peanut butter dreams, remove the desired amount from the freezer and place them in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight, allowing them to thaw gradually.
Avoid leaving the peanut butter dreams at room temperature for extended periods, as the chocolate coating may melt and the peanut butter filling can become too soft.

Interesting Trivia About Peanut Butter Dreams

Peanut butter is a great source of protein and healthy fats, making it a nutritious addition to your diet.

Is This Recipe Budget-Friendly for Home Cooking?

The cost-effectiveness of this peanut butter dreams recipe is quite high. The ingredients are commonly found in households, making it a budget-friendly choice. The use of butter and peanut butter may be slightly more expensive, but the recipe yields a large quantity, making it suitable for a family of four. The addition of crisp rice cereal and chocolate chips adds a delightful texture and flavor. Overall, I rate this recipe an 8 for cost-effectiveness. The approximate cost for a household of four people is around $10, making it an affordable and delightful treat.

Is This Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?

The peanut butter dreams recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main ingredients - butter, confectioners' sugar, peanut butter, and chocolate chips - are all high in fat and sugar. The crisp rice cereal does add some texture, but it doesn't contribute much in terms of nutritional value. Consuming these treats in excess could lead to weight gain and other health issues associated with a high-fat, high-sugar diet.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Reduce the amount of butter and replace it with a healthier alternative like coconut oil or Greek yogurt
Use natural peanut butter with no added sugar or oil
Swap out the confectioners' sugar for a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup, and use less of it
Choose dark chocolate chips instead of semisweet, as dark chocolate contains more antioxidants and less sugar
Add in some rolled oats or ground flaxseed to boost the fiber content
Experiment with using protein powder to increase the protein content and make the treats more satiating

Editor's Opinion on Peanut Butter Dreams Recipe

This recipe for Peanut Butter Dreams is a delightful combination of sweet and salty flavors. The creamy peanut butter and confectioners' sugar create a rich and indulgent filling, while the crisp rice cereal adds a satisfying crunch. The chocolate coating provides a luscious finish, making these treats irresistible. However, I would suggest adding a pinch of salt to enhance the overall flavor profile. Overall, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser and perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth.

Enhance Your Peanut Butter Dreams Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Vegetables: Try serving a colorful array of roasted vegetables, such as carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini, to complement the rich and sweet peanut butter dreams.

Grilled Chicken Skewers: For a savory contrast to the sweetness of the dessert, consider serving grilled chicken skewers with a tangy marinade.

Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad with a variety of seasonal fruits would provide a light and juicy accompaniment to the decadent peanut butter dreams.

Similar Recipes to Try If You Enjoy Peanut Butter Dreams

Savory Stuffed Bell Peppers: Combine ground beef, rice, and seasonings, then stuff into bell peppers and bake until tender.

Mango Coconut Popsicles: Blend mango, coconut milk, and a touch of honey, then freeze in popsicle molds for a refreshing treat.

Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Risotto: Sauté chicken and mushrooms, then simmer with arborio rice and broth for a rich and creamy risotto.

Suggested Starters and Main Dishes to Serve with This Recipe

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Delight your taste buds with a savory blend of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs stuffed inside tender mushroom caps. The perfect bite-sized appetizer to kick off any meal.

Spinach and Artichoke Dip: Indulge in a creamy and cheesy dip loaded with spinach and artichoke hearts. Pair it with crispy tortilla chips or warm bread for a crowd-pleasing starter.

Main Courses:

Chicken Alfredo: Create a creamy and indulgent pasta dish that combines tender chicken with a rich and flavorful Alfredo sauce. Serve it over your favorite pasta for a satisfying and comforting meal.

Beef Stir Fry: Whip up a quick and delicious stir fry using thinly sliced beef and an assortment of fresh vegetables. The savory and slightly sweet sauce will perfectly coat the tender beef and crisp veggies for a delightful and satisfying dish.

Why trust this Peanut Butter Dreams Recipe:

This recipe is a guaranteed hit for all peanut butter lovers! The combination of creamy peanut butter and crisp rice cereal creates a delightful texture, while the rich chocolate chips coating adds a decadent touch. The use of butter ensures a smooth and creamy consistency, and the addition of confectioners' sugar provides just the right amount of sweetness. With these high-quality ingredients, you can trust that this recipe will deliver irresistible peanut butter dreams every time.

Want to share your own peanut butter creations or discuss this Peanut Butter Dreams recipe further? Head over to the Recipe Sharing section of our forum and join the conversation!

FAQ:

What is the best way to store these peanut butter dreams?

The best way to store peanut butter dreams is to keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help maintain their freshness and prevent them from melting or becoming too soft.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy peanut butter?

Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter if you prefer the added texture. It will give the peanut butter dreams a delightful crunch.

How long do these peanut butter dreams last?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, peanut butter dreams can last for up to 1-2 weeks. However, they are so delicious that they are usually enjoyed long before that!

Can I use milk chocolate instead of semisweet chocolate for the coating?

Absolutely! You can use milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter flavor. It will still pair wonderfully with the peanut butter filling.

Can I freeze these peanut butter dreams?

Yes, you can freeze peanut butter dreams for longer storage. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.