These No-Bake Peanut Butter Treats are irresistibly soft, chewy, and packed with sweet peanut butter flavor. With just five ingredients and no oven required, they’re perfect for quick desserts, parties, or satisfying your sweet tooth on the go.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes with no baking required.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples you likely already have.
- Customizable: Add your favorite mix-ins or swap candies for a personal touch.
- Kid-Friendly: Fun to make with little helpers and universally loved.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup corn syrup
- 1¼ cups peanut butter
- 6 cups corn flakes
- 1 cup peanut butter candy (e.g., Reese’s Pieces) (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Syrup Base
- In a large saucepan, combine the sugar and corn syrup.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture just begins to bubble. Avoid overcooking to prevent hardening.
Step 2: Add Peanut Butter
- Remove the saucepan from heat.
- Stir in the peanut butter until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
Step 3: Combine with Corn Flakes
- Gently fold in the corn flakes, taking care not to crush them too much.
- Stir until the cereal is evenly coated with the peanut butter mixture.
Step 4: Add Mix-Ins
- If using, fold in the peanut butter candy for extra flavor and texture.
Step 5: Form the Treats
- Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion the mixture into small mounds.
- Place the mounds onto waxed paper-lined cookie sheets.
Step 6: Set and Serve
- Refrigerate the treats for about 30 minutes, or until they’re firm and set.
- Serve and enjoy!
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large saucepan
- Cookie scoop or spoon
- Waxed paper-lined cookie sheets
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: Serve chilled or at room temperature as a snack or dessert.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Freeze the treats in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Variations
- Chocolate Drizzle: Melt chocolate and drizzle over the treats for a fancy touch.
- Crunchy Add-Ins: Add chopped peanuts, pretzel pieces, or mini marshmallows.
- Nut-Free Option: Substitute sunflower seed butter for peanut butter to make it allergy-friendly.
- Cereal Swap: Use crispy rice cereal or honey nut cheerios for a different flavor profile.
Helpful Notes and Tips
- Don’t Overheat: Cooking the sugar mixture too long can make the treats too hard. Remove from heat as soon as it starts to bubble.
- Gentle Mixing: Stir the corn flakes carefully to keep them intact for better texture.
- Uniform Size: Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized treats that look great on a platter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use honey instead of corn syrup?
Yes, honey can be used as a natural alternative, but it may slightly alter the texture and sweetness.
What if I don’t have peanut butter candies?
You can skip them or substitute with chocolate chips, M&Ms, or dried fruit.
Can I make these treats smaller or larger?
Absolutely! Adjust the size to your preference using a smaller or larger scoop.
Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes! These treats store well and can be made a day or two in advance.
How do I keep them from sticking to my hands?
Lightly grease your hands or the scoop with cooking spray for easier handling.
These No-Bake Peanut Butter Treats are a delightful, fuss-free dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Quick to make and endlessly customizable, they’ll become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. Enjoy!