Introduction

Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats are a delightful twist on the classic no-bake snack. Combining creamy peanut butter with marshmallows and crunchy Rice Krispies cereal, these treats are topped with a smooth milk chocolate layer for extra indulgence. They’re perfect for an easy dessert or a sweet snack that everyone will love.

The image shows a stack of six square snack bars on a white plate, arranged in two layers with four bars on the bottom and two on top. Each bar has two distinct layers: a thick, light brown crispy rice layer at the bottom with a rough texture and a smooth, glossy dark chocolate layer evenly spread on top. The bars look soft and chewy, with a slight shine on the chocolate. The plate is on a white marbled surface surrounded by scattered milk chocolate chips and blurred bowls of peanut butter and more chocolate chips in the background. The overall setting gives a clean and fresh feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

5 tablespoons salted butter, room temperature, divided
⅔ cup creamy peanut butter
10 ounce bag marshmallows
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
2 cups milk chocolate chips (approximately 1½ 11.5-ounce bags)

Instructions

Step 1: Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish with 1 tablespoon of the salted butter and set it aside.
Step 2: In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of salted butter together with the peanut butter and marshmallows. Stir frequently to prevent burning, about 3 to 5 minutes.
Step 3: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, then fold in the Rice Krispies cereal until evenly coated.
Step 4: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, gently pressing it into an even layer without packing it too tightly to keep the treats light and chewy.
Step 5: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the milk chocolate chips at 50% power for 1 minute, stirring. Continue heating in 30-second intervals, stirring each time until smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate.
Step 6: Spread the melted chocolate evenly over the peanut butter Rice Krispie layer.
Step 7: Chill the dish for 30 minutes to an hour until the chocolate sets, then slice into servings and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

For smaller batches, halve the recipe and use an 8×8-inch pan. Alternatively, double it for larger gatherings.
Spray your hands or tools with cooking spray to prevent the sticky mixture from clinging while mixing.
If you don’t want to use a microwave, melt the chocolate chips gently on the stovetop using a double boiler or low heat.
Place parchment paper between layers when stacking treats for storage to prevent sticking.

Storage

Store the treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To serve, allow them to come to room temperature for a few minutes for the best chewy texture. They also freeze well for longer storage; thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

How to Serve

The image shows six square dessert bars stacked in two layers on a white plate with a black rim, placed on a white marbled surface. Each bar has two layers: the bottom layer is a light golden puffed rice cereal mixed with a sticky binding ingredient, textured and slightly rough, while the top layer is a smooth, shiny, medium-dark brown chocolate spread evenly across the bars. In the background, there are small white bowls filled with chocolate chips and a creamy, light brown spread, adding context and contrast to the dessert. Loose chocolate chips are scattered on the surface in front of the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?

Yes, you can use natural peanut butter, but it may affect the texture slightly due to its oil separation. Stir well before measuring and melting to ensure even consistency.

What if I don’t want to use marshmallows?

Marshmallows are essential for binding the treats together and providing that classic chewy texture. If avoiding marshmallows, these treats won’t hold their shape well and the texture will differ significantly.