Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it takes the classic nostalgia of Rice Krispie treats and elevates it with the rich, creamy flavor of peanut butter, creating the perfect balance of sweet and salty. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, and every bite takes me back to simpler times with its gooey, chewy goodness.

I delight in crafting nostalgic snacks that merge memory and deliciousness, and my Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats do exactly that. With 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter, 1 cup of creamy peanut butter, and 10 ounces of mini marshmallows, these bars are so chewy—and packed with such satisfying, protein-rich goodness—that they’re next to impossible to resist.

Ingredients

Unsalted Butter:
Delivers dimension and texture; goes on creamy, comes on creamy.

Creamy Peanut Butter:
Protein source; flavor boosts taste with richness and nuttiness.

Mini Marshmallows:
Provides sweetness and chewiness; aids in binding ingredients.

Rice Krispies Cereal:
Delivers a satisfying crunch; primarily composed of rice, with very little fat.

Vanilla Extract:
Boosts sweetness; contributes warmth and depth of flavor.

Salt:
Sweetness is balanced; the overall flavor profile is enhanced.

Ingredient Quantities

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 10 ounces mini marshmallows
• 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)

Instructions

1. Butter or use cooking spray to prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish and set it aside.

2. In a sizable saucepan, combine the heat and the butter, using low heat to melt the unsalted butter.

3. Pour the melted butter into a mixing bowl and stir in the smooth peanut butter until well blended and creamy.

4. Add the mini marshmallows and continue cooking, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and the marshmallows are fully melted.

5. Take the saucepan off the heat and mix in the vanilla extract and salt, if you’re using it.

6. Slowly incorporate the Rice Krispies cereal into the marshmallow mixture, stirring gently until the cereal is entirely enrobed in the marshmallow.

7. Pour the mixture into the baking dish you’ve prepared, and use a spatula to ensure that the mixture is even across the dish and pressed nicely into the edges.

8. Let the sweets cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes and until set.

9. After cooling, the Rice Krispie treats should be cut into squares or rectangles.

10. Serve and enjoy your Rice Krispie Treats made with peanut butter!

Equipment Needed

1. 9×13 inch baking dish
2. Cooking spray or pastry brush (for buttering)
3. Sizable saucepan
4. Mixing bowl
5. Spatula
6. Knife (for cutting)
7. Measuring spoon (for vanilla extract and salt)

FAQ

• Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?Certainly! You can replace creamy peanut butter with chunky for a bit of added texture.
• How can I make the treats firmer?To make them more solid, think about using a little less butter or marshmallows.
• Are there any alternatives to marshmallows for binding?Fluff made from marshmallows or a syrup of home-cooked honey and sugar can be used as substitutions, but they will not produce the same culinary experience.
• Can I add chocolate to the recipe?Certainly! Pouring melted chocolate over the top or mixing in chocolate chips can add a delectable variation.
• How long do these treats stay fresh?Keep them in a container without air at room temperature for as long as a week, and they’ll be as good as they were when you first made them.
• Can I freeze these Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats?Certainly! They can be frozen for a month, but when thawed, they might have a texture that’s a little off.
• Is the vanilla extract necessary?It’s optional but adds a nice depth of flavor to the treats. Vanilla extract is not necessary to make the no-bake cereal treats you find in the next section.

Substitutions and Variations

You can substitute crunchy peanut butter for creamy peanut butter if you want a bit of added texture.
If you don’t have any mini marshmallows, you can use regular-sized marshmallows instead. You will need about 40 of the full-sized marshmallows to get the same amount of marshmallow you would have used if you had followed the recipe as written. You could also use marshmallow fluff as a substitute in this no-bake dish.
Substitute honey or maple syrup for some of the mini marshmallows to create different flavor profiles.
Other crisp rice cereals can be substituted for Rice Krispies cereal, or for a twist, use Cheerios or Corn Flakes.
You can use almond extract or simply leave it out if you don’t have vanilla extract on hand.
Substitute the unsalted butter with salted butter, and then leave out the additional salt if you wish.

Pro Tips

1. For easier removal of the treats from the baking dish, line the dish with parchment paper before adding the mixture. This will make it simple to lift the entire set block out and slice cleanly.

2. If you prefer a stronger peanut butter flavor, consider adding an extra tablespoon of peanut butter or using crunchy peanut butter for added texture.

3. To prevent the marshmallow mixture from sticking to your spatula or hands when pressing it into the baking dish, lightly grease your spatula or hands with butter or cooking spray.

4. For an added twist, you can sprinkle some mini chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate over the top before letting the treats set. This adds a delicious contrast to the peanut butter flavor.

5. When incorporating the marshmallows, make sure to keep the heat low to avoid scorching. Stir continuously to ensure a smooth, creamy texture without any burnt sections.