Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats take the classic, crunchy goodness of Rice Krispies treats and elevate them with the rich, creamy flavor of peanut butter. The combination of crispy cereal, gooey marshmallows, and peanut butter creates the perfect texture—chewy, crunchy, and slightly nutty. These treats are incredibly easy to make, require no baking, and are great for kids and adults alike. They’re perfect for parties, potlucks, or just as a simple homemade snack.

Ingredients

• 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter

• 1 (10 oz) package mini marshmallows

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

• A pinch of salt (optional, to balance sweetness)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Pan:

   • Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the treats later.

2. Melt the Butter and Marshmallows:

   • In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

   • Once the butter has melted, add the mini marshmallows and stir until completely melted and smooth.

   • Once the marshmallows are melted, stir in the peanut butter until fully incorporated. You may also add a pinch of salt at this stage to balance out the sweetness if desired.

3. Mix with Rice Krispies:

   • Remove the saucepan from the heat. Immediately add the Rice Krispies cereal to the marshmallow mixture, and stir gently until the cereal is evenly coated with the peanut butter mixture.

4. Press into the Pan:

   • Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Using a spatula or your hands (lightly greased to prevent sticking), gently press the mixture into an even layer. Be careful not to press too hard, as this can make the treats too dense.

5. Let it Set:

   • Allow the Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour, or until they are firm and set.

6. Serve:

   • Once cooled and set, cut the treats into squares or rectangles and serve.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe makes approximately 12-16 treats, depending on how large you cut them.

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes

• Cooling Time: 30-60 minutes

• Total Time: 40-70 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some chocolate chips and drizzle over the top of the treats for an added layer of sweetness and richness.

• Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl: Add some chocolate chips to the mixture before pressing into the pan, or drizzle melted chocolate on top after they have cooled for a chocolate-peanut butter combo.

• Nutty Crunch: Add chopped nuts (such as peanuts or almonds) to the mixture for extra crunch and flavor.

• Marshmallow-Peanut Butter Blend: You can increase the amount of marshmallows or peanut butter depending on how sticky or gooey you like your treats.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

• Refrigeration: For longer storage, you can refrigerate them, though they will lose some of their crispy texture.

• Reheating: If they become too firm, you can microwave them for a few seconds to soften slightly before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter for extra texture. The treats will still hold together well, and the added crunch will give the bites a bit more bite.

2. Can I add chocolate chips to the mixture?

Yes, chocolate chips make a great addition. You can stir in chocolate chips after melting the marshmallows and peanut butter for a chocolatey twist.

3. Can I use a different type of cereal?

Yes, you can use other cereals like Cornflakes or Special K, but Rice Krispies are the most traditional for this recipe.

4. Can I make these treats gluten-free?

Yes, Rice Krispies has a gluten-free version. Make sure to use gluten-free cereal and check that your marshmallows and other ingredients are also gluten-free.

5. Can I make these treats ahead of time?

Yes, these treats can be made up to 2 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

6. How do I keep them from being too sticky?

Make sure the treats are fully cooled before cutting. If they’re too sticky, you can also press them into the pan gently without over-compressing them to keep them from being overly dense.

7. Can I make them without peanut butter?

Yes, you can omit the peanut butter and use almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunbutter (sunflower seed butter) as an alternative. You can also make them completely nut-free if desired.

8. Can I freeze these treats?

Yes, you can freeze the treats for up to 1 month. Place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap before freezing.

9. Can I add dried fruit to the mixture?

Yes, dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates can be added for a sweet twist.

10. Can I make these treats vegan?

Yes, you can make them vegan by using vegan marshmallows and a plant-based butter substitute.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats are a simple, yet irresistible treat that blends the classic crunch of Rice Krispies with the creamy richness of peanut butter. This quick, no-bake dessert is perfect for all ages and can be customized with a variety of mix-ins like chocolate, nuts, or dried fruits. Whether you’re making them for a family snack, a party, or a special treat, these Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats are sure to be a hit!

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