If you are craving a nostalgic treat with a delightful twist, this Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats Recipe is the answer to your sweet tooth prayers. Classic Rice Krispie treats get an irresistible upgrade by adding creamy peanut butter and a luscious chocolate topping that sets the flavor soaring to new heights. This recipe is simple enough to whip up any day yet special enough to impress at parties or as a heartfelt homemade gift. Once you try these chewy, gooey, and chocolatey bars, they might just become your new go-to comfort snack!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward and pantry-friendly ingredients is all you need to create magic. Each item plays a key role in balancing texture, flavor, and that perfect melt-in-your-mouth feel you’re after.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup): Provides richness and helps melt the marshmallows smoothly without adding extra saltiness.
- Mini marshmallows (1 10 oz bag): The gooey binder that makes these treats irresistibly chewy.
- Peanut butter (1/2 cup): Adds creamy nuttiness and a subtle savory note that elevates the classic treat.
- Rice Krispie cereal (6 cups): The crispy, airy base that provides wonderful texture contrast.
- Chocolate chips (8 oz): Melts beautifully for a shiny, indulgent chocolate layer on top.
- Vegetable oil (2 teaspoons): Keeps the melted chocolate smooth and silky, preventing it from seizing.
How to Make Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Start by lightly greasing a 9×13 inch pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray. This simple step ensures your treats will come out cleanly without sticking or breaking apart.
Step 2: Melt Butter, Marshmallows, and Peanut Butter
In a large saucepan over low heat, melt the butter, mini marshmallows, and peanut butter together. Stir gently and consistently to avoid burning, until the mixture becomes smooth and fully combined, creating a luscious base for your treats.
Step 3: Combine with Rice Krispies
Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately stir in the Rice Krispie cereal. Mix well to coat all the cereal evenly in the gooey peanut butter marshmallow combo, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor and crunch.
Step 4: Press Mixture Into Pan
Transfer the mixture to your prepared pan and press it down firmly and evenly. To make this easier and avoid sticky fingers, lightly spray your hands with non-stick cooking spray before pressing.
Step 5: Melt Chocolate Chips
Place the chocolate chips in a medium heatproof bowl and microwave them at 45-second intervals on medium power. Stir between each burst so the chocolate melts gently and doesn’t scorch, paying close attention as it gets close to melting.
Step 6: Add Vegetable Oil and Stir
Once the chocolate is nearly melted, stir until completely smooth and then add the vegetable oil. This small addition gives the chocolate a beautiful glossy finish and perfect spreading consistency.
Step 7: Spread Chocolate Over Bars
Pour the silky chocolate over the pressed bars and spread it out evenly. Let the whole pan rest at room temperature for about 2 hours, allowing the chocolate to harden into a satisfying shell.
Step 8: Cut and Store
When the chocolate has set, cut the treats into squares and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and chewy for days—though they rarely last that long!
How to Serve Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Garnishes
Consider sprinkling chopped peanuts or a small drizzle of peanut butter over the chocolate topping before it hardens for added texture and peanutty goodness. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt can also enhance the candy’s flavor by balancing sweetness with a touch of savory.
Side Dishes
These treats pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a creamy coffee drink. For an extra indulgent dessert spread, add some fresh fruit or simple vanilla ice cream to complement the rich peanut butter and chocolate flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings or gift-giving, cut the bars into small bite-sized pieces and arrange them in decorative boxes or jars tied with a rustic ribbon. You can also make layered parfaits by crumbling the bars and layering them with yogurt or pudding and fruit for a playful twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover treats in an airtight container at room temperature. They retain their chewy texture and fresh taste for up to 4 or 5 days, making them a convenient sweet snack on hand.
Freezing
You can freeze these bars by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze well for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature for a few hours before eating.
Reheating
If you prefer your bars slightly softer or just want to refresh their gooey texture, warm individual portions in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. Avoid overheating to maintain their signature chewy, not mushy, consistency.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter in this Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats Recipe?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add delightful bits of peanuts, giving a nice texture contrast to the smooth bars. Just make sure to stir well while melting to incorporate all elements evenly.
Is it possible to make these treats gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free Rice Krispies cereal and double-check that the other ingredients don’t contain gluten, these treats can be enjoyed by those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I skip the chocolate topping?
You can omit the chocolate if you prefer a more classic peanut butter Rice Krispie treat. The bars will still be deliciously chewy and nutty, but the chocolate adds a wonderful finishing touch both in taste and presentation.
How sticky are these treats to make and eat?
The marshmallow and peanut butter mixture is quite sticky to handle while assembling, so spraying your hands with cooking spray helps a lot. Once set, they are chewy but not overly sticky when you bite into them.
Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?
Natural peanut butter can be used, but be aware it may make the bars a bit denser and could slightly change the texture since it sometimes separates. Stir well before measuring and melting to keep a smooth consistency.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend this Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats Recipe enough if you want a fun, quick, and deeply satisfying treat. Its perfect blend of crunchy, chewy, nutty, and chocolatey elements means every bite brings a smile. Give it a try soon, and you might find yourself making these bars again and again for yourself and everyone you love.
Print
Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 18 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats with a decadent chocolate topping. Combining the classic ooey-gooey marshmallow and peanut butter blend with crispy Rice Krispies and a glossy chocolate drizzle, these treats are perfect for parties, snacks, or anytime indulgence.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 (10 oz) bag mini marshmallows (about 5 cups)
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 6 cups Rice Krispie cereal
Chocolate Topping
- 8 oz chocolate chips (about 1 1/3 cups)
- 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy removal of the treats once set.
- Melt Ingredients: In a large saucepan, melt together the butter, mini marshmallows, and peanut butter over low heat. Stir gently and continuously to achieve a smooth, combined mixture without burning.
- Add Cereal: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the Rice Krispie cereal thoroughly, ensuring all the cereal is coated evenly with the marshmallow-peanut butter mixture.
- Press Mixture into Pan: Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan and press it down firmly and evenly. Lightly spray your hands with non-stick spray to prevent sticking while pressing.
- Melt Chocolate: Place chocolate chips in a medium heatproof bowl. Microwave in 45-second intervals on medium power, stirring between bursts until the chocolate is almost melted. Stir until completely smooth.
- Add Oil & Pour Chocolate: Stir vegetable oil into the melted chocolate to achieve a glossy finish. Pour the chocolate evenly over the pressed cereal mixture in the pan.
- Set and Harden: Allow the chocolate topping to harden at room temperature for about 2 hours until firm.
- Cut and Store: Once set, cut into squares. Store the treats in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Spraying your hands with cooking spray helps prevent the sticky mixture from adhering while pressing it into the pan.
- Microwaving chocolate on medium power prevents burning and ensures smooth melting.
- The treats can be stored at room temperature but are best consumed within 3-4 days.
- For a nut-free version, omit the peanut butter and substitute with sunflower seed butter.
