Peanut Butter Crunch Hearts

Name: Peanut Butter Crunch Hearts
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 12 hearts
Ingredients: 1 cup creamy peanut butter; 1/2 cup honey; 3 cups crispy rice cereal; 1/2 cup chopped nuts (like almonds or peanuts); 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love making Peanut Butter Crunch Hearts, especially during the festive season! With the perfect balance of creamy peanut butter and crunchy cereal, these treats are always a hit. I can whip them up in no time, and they make a delightful addition to any gathering. What I enjoy most is how simple ingredients can create such a delicious and nostalgic flavor. Everyone who tries them ends up asking for the recipe, and I can't wait to share it with you!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-18T15:42:28.095Z

One of my favorite childhood memories is making Peanut Butter Crunch Hearts with my family. We would gather in the kitchen, and it was always a fun adventure mixing and shaping the treats. The wonderful aroma of peanut butter melting in the microwave was always exhilarating, and I couldn't wait to indulge in the final product.

Through experimenting with this recipe, I discovered that the key to extra crunchiness is to use a combination of crispy rice cereal and chopped nuts. This not only enhances the texture but adds a delightful nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the peanut buttery goodness. Trust me, it's a trick worth trying!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Irresistibly crunchy with a creamy peanut butter center
Perfect for sharing or a sweet snack anytime
Easy to make and requires no baking

      

Understanding Ingredients

The star ingredient of Peanut Butter Crunch Hearts is, of course, the creamy peanut butter. Its smooth and rich profile not only imparts great flavor but also helps bind the mixture together. Choose a high-quality, natural peanut butter for the best taste. Avoid the sugary varieties as they can alter the final flavor balance and texture. Remember, the consistency matters; a drippy peanut butter is ideal because it will coat the cereal better and provide an irresistibly creamy texture.

Honey plays a dual role in this recipe. Not only does it add sweetness, but it also acts as a natural adhesive, helping to hold the mixture together. If you need a substitution, agave syrup or maple syrup can work as excellent alternatives, although they may slightly change the final taste. Ensure the honey is fully melted before incorporating with the peanut butter, as this will prevent clumping and ensure a smooth mix.

Perfecting the Texture

Getting the right texture is essential for these treats. After mixing in the crispy rice cereal and chopped nuts, look for a fully coated mixture that is sticky but not overly wet. If it's too dry, a little more melted peanut butter can help. Conversely, if it’s too sticky, adding an extra handful of cereal will balance it out. Don’t hesitate to adjust based on the consistency you desire; it should be moldable but hold its shape when pressed.

When shaping the hearts, packing the mixture tightly into the cookie cutter will yield the best results. This ensures that the treats remain intact when removed. I recommend using a silicone mat or parchment paper underneath to prevent sticking and make clean-up easier. If you don't have a heart-shaped cutter, try using a small scoop to form bite-sized balls instead—just make sure to roll them densely.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to get started:

Ingredients

1 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup honey
3 cups crispy rice cereal
1/2 cup chopped nuts (like almonds or peanuts)
1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Once you've gathered everything, you're ready to start making your delicious treats!

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create your Peanut Butter Crunch Hearts:

Melt Peanut Butter and Honey

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the peanut butter and honey. Heat in the microwave for about 30-40 seconds until melted. Stir until well blended.

Mix in Cereal and Nuts

Add the crispy rice cereal and chopped nuts to the melted mixture. Stir until everything is evenly coated.

Shape the Hearts

Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter, press the mixture into the shape you want on a lined baking sheet. Make sure to pack it tightly.

Chill and Serve

Place the hearts in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to firm up. If desired, melt chocolate chips and drizzle over the tops before serving.

Enjoy these delightful treats with friends and family!

Pro Tips

For an extra twist, you can add a pinch of salt to the peanut butter mix for enhanced flavor. Also, feel free to substitute the nuts or add dried fruits for more variety.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

These Peanut Butter Crunch Hearts are perfect for making ahead of time. You can prepare them up to a week in advance. Once they’re firm, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This not only keeps them fresh but also enhances their texture, making them even crunchier when served cold. If you’re planning to serve them at an event, consider making a double batch to ensure there’s enough for everyone!

If you want to freeze these treats, you can! Just layer them between parchment paper in an airtight container. They can be kept in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. This ensures they retain their firmness without becoming too soft or lose their delightful crunchy texture.

Flavor Variations

Feel free to experiment with different nuts and add-ins to vary the flavors. Consider using chopped pecans or walnuts for a different nutty flavor profile. You can also mix in mini marshmallows or dried fruit for a sweeter bite. If you want to make these a bit healthier, you can substitute whole grain cereal for the crispy rice cereal. This not only adds fiber but can also provide an additional nutty flavor that complements the peanut butter.

For a tropical twist, try adding shredded coconut to the mixture before shaping. The coconut will complement the peanut butter beautifully while adding a chewy texture. Additionally, drizzling white or dark chocolate over the tops can elevate their presentation and flavor while enhancing the treat's indulgence.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use natural peanut butter?

Yes, natural peanut butter works well, but you may need to adjust the honey amount for sweetness.

→ How long do these treats last?

They can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze the Peanut Butter Crunch Hearts?

Absolutely! They can be frozen for up to three months. Just thaw them in the fridge before enjoying.

→ What other mix-ins can I add?

You can add mini marshmallows, dried cranberries, or even swap the cereal for granola for a different texture.