If you’re on the hunt for a sweet treat that combines nostalgia with a peanut buttery twist, look no further than this Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats Recipe. It takes the classic marshmallow and cereal combo you know and love and kicks it up a notch with creamy peanut butter and a luscious chocolate topping. The result is a crunchy, gooey, and utterly addictive snack that’s perfect for sharing or indulging all to yourself. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll quickly become your go-to for parties, school snacks, or anytime you’re craving something irresistibly comforting.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass rectangular dish filled with one thick layer of light brown, puffed rice cereal bars with a dry texture. On top, smooth, shiny dark brown chocolate is being poured from a glass bowl held slightly above the dish, creating a flowing stream that pools in the center of the puffed rice layer. The scene is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of the Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from the rich butter that smooths everything out, to the peanut butter adding depth and flavor, and the chocolate topping bringing that finishing touch of decadence. These ingredients are straightforward and easy to find, making this recipe a no-fuss winner.

Unsalted butter, 1/4 cup: Provides a creamy base that helps melt the marshmallows smoothly.
Mini marshmallows, 1 (10 oz) bag (about 5 cups): The sticky sweetness that binds everything together perfectly.
Peanut butter, 1/2 cup: Adds a nutty richness that takes the treat to the next level.
Rice Krispie cereal, 6 cups: The crispy crunch that defines this classic dessert’s texture.
Chocolate chips, 8 oz (about 1 1/3 cups): Melted for a silky chocolate layer that balances the peanut butter flavor.
Vegetable oil, 2 teaspoons: Keeps the chocolate topping smooth and glossy when melted.

How to Make Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Start by lightly greasing a 9×13 inch pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray to ensure your treats don’t stick. This simple prep step sets you up for easy removal and clean cuts later.

Step 2: Melt Butter, Marshmallows, and Peanut Butter

In a large saucepan over low heat, melt the butter, mini marshmallows, and peanut butter together, stirring gently. This slow melting prevents burning and ensures a creamy, well-blended mixture that forms the base of your treat.

Step 3: Combine With Rice Krispies

Remove the saucepan from heat and fold in the Rice Krispie cereal. Mixing gently keeps those crispy pieces intact, giving you that perfect crunch in every bite.

Step 4: Press Into Pan

Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan. Lightly spray your hands with cooking spray to avoid sticky fingers as you press the mixture down evenly, creating a uniform layer that will set beautifully.

Step 5: Melt the Chocolate

Place chocolate chips in a medium heatproof bowl. Microwave in 45-second bursts on medium power, stirring in between, until almost melted. Stir until smooth, then mix in the vegetable oil for a glossy finish.

Step 6: Add Chocolate Topping

Pour the melted chocolate over the pressed Rice Krispie mixture, spreading it evenly. Let it set at room temperature for about 2 hours to harden into a delicious coat.

Step 7: Cut and Store

Once the chocolate topping has fully hardened, cut the bars into squares. Store in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh and chewy.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

A stack of five square dessert bars sits on a white plate with a white marbled surface underneath. Each bar has two clear layers: a thick, bubbly light tan base made of crispy rice cereal, and a smooth, shiny dark brown chocolate layer on top. The bars are neatly cut with clean edges, and one bar is placed on top of the stack at an angle, showing the texture inside. In the background, there is a clear glass filled with white milk and a gray cloth. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While the chocolate topping is stunning on its own, feel free to sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top before it hardens to enhance the peanut butter’s depth. Or try crushed peanuts for added texture and extra nutty flavor to make each bite pop.

Side Dishes

These treats pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a creamy hot chocolate, especially when serving little ones or having a cozy movie night. Fresh fruit like strawberries or bananas also complements the richness, offering a refreshing contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, try cutting the Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats into fun shapes using cookie cutters. Wrap individual squares in colorful parchment or cellophane for adorable, portable gifts that everyone will enjoy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft and chewy while maintaining that irresistible chocolate layer flawlessly.

Freezing

If you want to save them longer, wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months, making them a perfect make-ahead snack to thaw when needed.

Reheating

No need to reheat these treats—just let frozen squares thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before enjoying. This way, you’ll preserve the perfect chewy texture without melting the chocolate topping.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?

Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds a delightful texture contrast inside the treats. Just be sure to stir well as it melts to avoid clumps.

What if I don’t have Rice Krispie cereal?

You can swap with any similar crispy rice cereal, but the texture might be slightly different. Puffed wheat or cornflakes can work in a pinch, but Rice Krispies give that classic crunch.

Can I skip the chocolate topping?

Yes, the base peanut butter and marshmallow mixture is delicious alone. The chocolate adds richness and visual appeal but isn’t mandatory.

How can I make these treats nut-free?

Simply omit the peanut butter or substitute with a nut-free spread like sun butter or soy nut butter for an allergy-friendly version.

Are these treats gluten-free?

Rice Krispies cereal typically contains malt flavoring derived from barley, which contains gluten. For a gluten-free version, look for certified gluten-free crispy rice cereals.

Final Thoughts

This Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats Recipe is one of my all-time favorites when I want a quick, crowd-pleasing dessert that feels homemade and extra special. It’s simple, fun to make, and promises that perfect blend of buttery, peanut buttery, and chocolatey goodness with every bite. I truly can’t recommend it enough—give it a try and watch it become a beloved staple in your snack lineup!

Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

3.8 from 14 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 18 servings

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Description

These Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats are a deliciously nostalgic snack made with gooey marshmallows, creamy peanut butter, and crispy Rice Krispies cereal, topped with a smooth layer of melted chocolate. Perfect for parties, lunchboxes, or an anytime sweet treat that combines crunchy, chewy, and rich chocolate flavors in every bite.

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

Topping

8 oz chocolate chips (about 1 1/3 cups)
2 teaspoons vegetable oil

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Instructions

Prepare Pan: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Melt Ingredients: In a large saucepan over low heat, combine the butter, mini marshmallows, and peanut butter. Stir gently until the mixture is completely melted and smooth.
Add Cereal: Remove the saucepan from heat, then immediately stir in the Rice Krispie cereal until evenly coated with the melted mixture.
Press Mixture: Transfer the cereal mixture into the prepared pan and press it down firmly and evenly. To avoid sticking, lightly spray your hands with non-stick cooking spray before pressing.
Melt Chocolate: Place the chocolate chips in a medium, heatproof bowl and microwave at medium power for 45-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is almost melted. Stir until the chocolate is fully smooth.
Add Oil to Chocolate: Stir in the vegetable oil into the melted chocolate to give it a nice shine and smoother texture.
Top Bars: Pour the melted chocolate evenly over the pressed Rice Krispie mixture in the pan, spreading it gently if needed.
Set and Serve: Let the bars harden at room temperature for about 2 hours until the chocolate topping is firm. Then, cut into squares and store in an airtight container at room temperature.

Notes

For easier handling, spray your hands with non-stick spray before pressing the sticky mixture into the pan.
You can substitute the peanut butter with almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a different flavor or if there are allergies.
Use medium power in the microwave to avoid burning the chocolate during melting.
Store bars at room temperature to keep the chocolate topping firm and the treats chewy.
If you prefer a firmer texture, you can refrigerate the bars, but they may become less chewy.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Snack
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American