This Caramilk Peanut Butter Rice Slice is a game-changer for your dessert repertoire! With just a handful of ingredients and 10 minutes of prep time, you’ll create a deliciously addictive treat that perfectly balances the sweetness of Caramilk chocolate with creamy peanut butter and crispy rice cereal. It’s the no-bake dessert that will have everyone begging for the recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ridiculously Quick: From start to finish, you’ll spend just 10 minutes of active time making this slice. The hardest part is waiting for it to set!
- No Baking Required: Your oven gets to stay off, making this perfect for hot summer days or when you need a last-minute treat.
- Kid-Friendly Project: Little ones can help mix and press the mixture into the pan, making this a fun family activity.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of Caramilk chocolate and peanut butter creates an irresistible flavor that appeals to almost everyone.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Rice Cereal: The foundation of our slice, providing that satisfying crunch. Rice Crispies, Rice Bubbles, or brown rice cereal all work beautifully here, so use whatever you have on hand.
- Peanut Butter: Adds creaminess and that distinctive nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with chocolate. Use smooth for the best texture, though crunchy can work if you prefer extra texture.
- Maple Syrup: Our natural sweetener that helps bind everything together. The mild caramel notes complement the Caramilk chocolate beautifully.
- Caramilk Chocolate: The star of the show! This caramelized white chocolate creates the distinctive flavor that makes this slice special. You can use either Caramilk bars broken into pieces or baking chips.
- White Chocolate: A small amount for decorative swirls on top, adding visual appeal and a complementary flavor note.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Variations
Dietary Adaptations
- Gluten-Free: Ensure your rice cereal is certified gluten-free if needed.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based peanut butter and vegan caramelized white chocolate alternatives.
Flavor Twists
- Chocolate Lovers: Mix in 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips to the base for extra chocolatey goodness.
- Nutty Delight: Add 1/2 cup chopped nuts (almonds or hazelnuts work wonderfully) to the base mixture.
- Salted Caramel Upgrade: Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the frosting before it sets for a sophisticated sweet-salty balance.
How to Make Caramilk Slice
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Cereal
Line a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later. Pour your rice cereal into a large mixing bowl and set aside.
Step 2: Create the Binding Mixture
In a microwave-safe bowl or in a saucepan on low heat, combine the Caramilk chocolate, peanut butter, and maple syrup. Heat gently until the chocolate has completely melted. Whisk everything together until you have a smooth, glossy mixture.
Step 3: Combine and Press
Pour the melted Caramilk mixture over the rice cereal and stir thoroughly until every piece of cereal is coated. Transfer this mixture to your lined baking pan and press down firmly using the back of a spoon or your hands (slightly dampened hands prevent sticking). Aim for an even, compact layer. Place the pan in the refrigerator while you make the topping.
Step 4: Create the Frosting
For the luxurious topping, combine the remaining Caramilk chocolate and peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl or saucepan. Heat gently until melted and whisk until smooth. Pour this decadent mixture over your cereal base, spreading it evenly to the edges.
Step 5: Add Decorative Swirls
Melt the white chocolate separately and drizzle it over the Caramilk frosting. Use a toothpick or skewer to create beautiful swirls by gently dragging through both chocolates.
Step 6: Chill and Set
Return the pan to the refrigerator and let it set for at least two hours (though overnight is even better for the perfect texture).
Step 7: Slice and Serve
Once set, lift the entire slice out using the parchment paper overhang. Use a sharp knife to cut into squares or rectangles. For the cleanest cuts, wipe your knife between slices.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Don’t Rush the Melting: Melt your chocolate on low heat to prevent it from seizing or burning.
- Press Firmly: The more compact your base, the better your slices will hold together when cut.
- Clean Cuts: Warm your knife under hot water and wipe dry before each cut for professional-looking slices.
- Room Temperature: Allow the slice to sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving for the perfect texture – straight from the fridge it can be too hard.
How to Serve
Perfect Pairings
- Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a next-level dessert.
- Pair with a hot cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon treat.
- Include on a dessert platter with fresh berries for color contrast and flavor balance.
Presentation Ideas
- Stack small squares in a pyramid for an impressive party display.
- Wrap individual pieces in parchment paper for a beautiful homemade gift.
- Serve on a wooden board with a drizzle of extra melted Caramilk chocolate for special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These slices keep beautifully at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. In hot weather, refrigeration is recommended to prevent the chocolate from softening too much.
Freezing
This recipe freezes exceptionally well! Place cut slices in a single layer in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They’ll keep for up to 6 months in the freezer.
Reheating
No reheating necessary! Simply allow frozen slices to thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before enjoying. If you’re in a hurry, 10 minutes at room temperature will take the chill off while still giving you a delightfully firm texture.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of chocolate if I can’t find Caramilk?
Absolutely! While Caramilk gives this slice its signature flavor, you can substitute with caramelized white chocolate, butterscotch chips, or even regular milk chocolate. Each will give a different but equally delicious result.
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My slice seems too soft. What went wrong?
This typically happens if the ratio of wet to dry ingredients is off. Try adding an extra 1/2 cup of rice cereal next time. Also, make sure you’re giving it enough time to set in the refrigerator – at least 2 hours, but preferably 4+ hours for the perfect texture.
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Can I reduce the sweetness of this recipe?
Yes! Try using natural peanut butter with no added sugar and reduce the maple syrup to 3/4 cup. You could also add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
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Is there a nut-free version I can make for school lunches?
Definitely! Substitute the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or cookie butter (Speculoos). The flavor will be different but still delicious, and it makes the slice safe for nut-free environments.
Final Thoughts
This Caramilk Peanut Butter Rice Slice truly represents the perfect balance between minimal effort and maximum reward. In just 10 minutes of actual work, you’ll create a treat that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re making it for a school bake sale, family gathering, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, these slices are guaranteed to impress. The hardest part? Trying not to eat the entire batch in one sitting!
PrintCaramilk Peanut Butter Rice Slice Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: Australian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Caramilk Slice is a no-bake, easy dessert bar made with crispy rice cereal, rich Caramilk chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and maple syrup, all topped with a decadent Caramilk and peanut butter frosting. This perfect sweet treat comes together quickly and is perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying as a simple homemade snack.
Ingredients
Main Slice
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- 7 cups rice cereal (Rice crispies, Rice bubbles, or brown rice cereal)
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup maple syrup
- 2/3 cup Caramilk chocolate (chopped chocolate bar or baking chips)
For the Frosting
- 1 cup Caramilk chocolate (chopped chocolate bar or baking chips)
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons white chocolate
Instructions
- Prepare the pan: Line a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and set aside. This ensures easy removal of the finished slice.
- Mix dry ingredients: Place rice cereal in a large mixing bowl and set aside. Make sure the bowl is large enough to combine everything evenly later.
- Melt wet ingredients: In a microwave-safe bowl or using a stovetop, combine the Caramilk chocolate, peanut butter, and maple syrup. Gently heat until the chocolate is fully melted, whisking until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- Combine and shape the slice: Pour the melted Caramilk mixture over the rice cereal and stir well to combine, ensuring all cereal is coated. Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan and press it down firmly and evenly to create a smooth base. Place the pan in the refrigerator to set while preparing the frosting.
- Prepare the frosting: In a microwave-safe bowl (or on the stovetop), melt 1 cup Caramilk chocolate with 1/4 cup peanut butter, stirring until smooth. Pour this frosting evenly over the chilled rice mixture in the pan.
- Add white chocolate swirls (optional): Melt the white chocolate, then drizzle or swirl it over the Caramilk/peanut butter topping for a decorative finish.
- Chill and set: Return the pan to the refrigerator for at least two hours, or until firm. Once set, slice into bars and enjoy!
Notes
- Caramilk slice can be stored at room temperature, covered, for up to 2 weeks.
- For longer storage, keep the slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- To freeze, place leftover slices in a ziplock bag or airtight container and store in the freezer for up to 6 months.
- Feel free to substitute almond butter or other nut butters if you prefer.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure the rice cereal used is gluten-free.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 218
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 84mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg