Vegan PB & J Caramel Chewies
These inventive no-bake treats combine the nostalgic flavors of peanut butter and jelly in an unexpected caramel-bound cereal cup. Crunchy Special K cereal and broken pretzel pieces are held together with a sweet peanut butter caramel, then shaped into edible cups and filled with fresh strawberry jam made from scratch. The contrast of textures - from the crispy cereal base to the smooth, fruity filling - creates a delightful bite-sized dessert that's perfect for parties, lunch boxes, or afternoon snacking. This playful twist on the classic sandwich appeals to both kids and adults.
Ingredients
- ½ tablespoon cornstarch
- ¾ cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1 cup strawberries, fresh or frozen and thawed, diced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 cups Special K cerealRice Krispies1:1vegetarianvegan
similar texture
- ½ cup pretzel sticks, broken into thirdschopped nuts1:1vegetarianvegan
adds crunch
Instructions
- 1
Combine cornstarch and sugar in a medium saucepan, add strawberries and lemon juice and mix well
- 2
Bring strawberry mixture to a boil and cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened
- 3
Remove strawberry mixture from heat and set aside to cool
- 4
Heat remaining sugar and corn syrup in another medium saucepan over medium high heat
- 5
Stir with a wooden spoon until mixture comes to a rolling boil
- 6
Remove caramel from heat and stir in peanut butter
- 7
Add cereal and pretzels to caramel mixture and mix until well coated
- 8
Press mixture by tablespoonfuls into cups of a nonstick mini muffin pan
- 9
Use wooden spoon handle to make an indentation in the middle of each cup without creating a hole at the bottom
- 10
Let cool in mini muffin pan for about 30 minutes until cups are firm
- 11
Remove cups from pan and fill with strawberry jam
- 12
Serve immediately
Tips
Don't skip the cooling time for the strawberry jam - it will thicken significantly as it cools and become easier to spoon into the cups.
When making indentations, press gently with the wooden spoon handle to avoid breaking through the bottom of the cups.
Fill the cups with jam just before serving to prevent the cereal base from getting soggy.
Good to Know
Store filled cups in refrigerator for up to 2 days in airtight container
Cups can be made 1 day ahead and filled just before serving
Best served immediately after filling to maintain texture contrast
Common Mistakes
Avoid overfilling cups with jam to prevent overflow
Don't press too hard when making indentations to avoid breaking through bottom
Substitutions
similar texture
adds crunch
FAQ
Can I use store-bought jam instead of making it fresh?
Yes, you can substitute with about 1/2 cup of your favorite jam or preserves, though the fresh version provides better flavor balance.
How long will these keep at room temperature?
The unfilled cups can sit at room temperature for several hours, but once filled with jam they should be refrigerated and consumed within 2 days.
Can I freeze these treats?
The cereal cups freeze well for up to 1 month, but add the fresh jam filling after thawing for best texture and flavor.