Chocolate Frosted Peanut Butter Crispy Rice Cereal Bars

• cup light corn syrup↗1⁄2 cup
• cup white sugar↗1⁄2 cup
• cup margarine or 1/2 cup butter, softened↗1⁄2 cup
• cup peanut butter↗3⁄4 cup
• teaspoon vanilla↗1 teaspoon
• (16 ounce) package mini marshmallows0.5 package
• cups crispy rice cereal↗5 1⁄2 cups
• cup chopped peanuts (optional)1⁄4 cup
• TOPPING
• cups semisweet chocolate morsels↗2 cups
• tablespoons shortening↗2 tablespoons

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Pour the rice cereal and chopped peanuts (if using) in a large bowl; set aside.

2. 2

   In a heavy-bottomed saucepan combine the light corn syrup and white sugar; bring to a boil; continue to boil for 1 minute.

3. 3

   Reduce heat to low and stir in butter or margarine, peanut butter and vanilla until melted and smooth.

4. 4

   Add in mini marshmallows and stir until blended.

5. 5

   Pour the marshmallow mixture into the rice cereal and stir with a wooden spoon until well combined.

6. 6

   Press the mixture into an greased 11 x 7-inch baking pan, flatten with the back of a buttered spoon.

7. 7

   In a microwave-safe bowl microwave the chocolate chips with shortening on HIGH until melted, removing once to stir.

8. 8

   Immediately spread the hot chocolate mixture evenly over the bars; chill to harden the chocolate.

9. 9

   Cut into desired size bars.