You know those classic Rice Krispie treats that practically melt in your mouth? Now imagine them amped up with a hefty dose of peanut butter—gooey, crunchy, soft, and downright irresistible. Say hello to your next obsession: the Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats Recipe that’ll have peanut-butter fanatics doing a happy dance by the stove.
Why You Need These in Your Life
Ever thought, “What if my Rice Krispies drank a peanut butter smoothie?” That’s exactly the vibe here. My crew adores traditional cereal bars, but my husband is basically a peanut butter connoisseur—so I figured, why not unite their powers? The result? A snack so perfect, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
- Texture trifecta: crunchy cereal, melty marshmallows, and rich peanut butter.
- Zero complicated steps: one pot, five ingredients, and minimal cleanup.
- Totally customizable: swap in your fave nut butter or even toss in chocolate chips.
Classic Meets Creative
If you’re craving something a little different, try a Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats No Marshmallow version. Yep, you can skip the sweets and rely on extra peanut butter plus a touch of honey to bind the cereal together—still delivers that chew-factor, minus the sticky.
Or go all out and riff on fun twists like:
- Reese’s Pieces Rice Crispy Treats: stir in a handful of miniature candy bits for bursts of peanut-buttery chocolate.
- Reese’s Puff Rice Krispie Treats: swap half the cereal for Reese’s Puffs—because why settle for plain when you can snack in technicolor?
- Reese’s Cereal Rice Krispie Treats: fold in those crunchy cereal loops for a serious flavor upgrade.
FYI, I also call these Peanutbutter Ricekrispies in my house—just rolls off the tongue, right?
The Simple How-To
- Melt & Mix: In a large saucepan over low heat, melt ½ cup unsalted butter. Stir in 1½ cups of your trusty peanut butter until silky.
- Marshmallow Magic: Add 6 cups mini marshmallows and stir until puffed and smooth. If you’re doing the no-mashmallow route, swap marshmallows for ⅓ cup honey and stir until glossy.
- Cereal Time: Remove from heat and fold in 6 cups crispy rice cereal—coat every last flake.
- Press & Set: Transfer to a greased 9×13 pan. Use wax-paper-sprayed hands to press the mixture evenly. Let cool, then slice into squares.
Pro Tip: Spray your hands or spatula with nonstick spray before packing—no one enjoys sticky fingers!
Beyond Peanut Butter
Want even more flavor fireworks? Here are a few shout-outs to level up your batch:
- Peanut Butter Rice Crispy Treats with a swirl of chocolate ganache on top.
- A batch of Peanut Butter Rice Crispies drizzled with butterscotch sauce for extra gooeyness.
- Sneak in 1 cup mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts for crunch contrasts.
IMO, there’s nothing wrong with a little extra chocolate.
Kid- and Adult-Approved
Got little ones bouncing off the walls? These bars are snack-time gold. Need an adult-only dessert? Serve them alongside coffee or a glass of cold milk for nostalgic delight. Plus, they store like champs:
- Airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freeze between parchment sheets for grab-and-go breakfasts or on-the-road treats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use natural peanut butter?
A: Natural PB tends to separate oil and can make the bars too greasy—stick with a shelf-stable brand like Skippy or Jif for best results.
Q: What about cereal alternatives?
A: Feel free to swap in gluten-free crispy rice or even Cocoa Krispies for a chocolatey twist.
Q: How do I get perfect squares?
A: Chill the pan for 15 minutes before slicing—this firms up the bars and keeps edges crisp.
The Bottom Line
Whether you stick to the OG formula or go wild with Reese’s Puff Rice Krispie Treats mash-ups, these peanut-buttery cereal bars guarantee cheers at any gathering. They’re quick, they’re gooey, and they’re 100% addicting.
So next time you’re hunting for a snack that’s part nostalgia, part peanut-butter heaven, drop everything and whip up this Peanut Butter Ricekrispies dream. Trust me—you’ll be the hero of crunch time.
Happy snacking! 🍯🥜
Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats Recipe – Quick & Gooey
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
Description
These bars cram your favorite cereal with a hefty dose of peanut butter, giving you gooey centers and crispy edges—all without turning on the oven!
Ingredients
- 9 cups crispy rice cereal
- 15 oz marshmallows (about one standard bag)
- 8 Tbsp (1 stick) unsalted butter
- ¾ cup smooth peanut butter
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prep Your Pan
- Line a 9×13″ baking pan with foil or parchment.
- Lightly coat the lining with nonstick spray.
- Gather the Cereal
- Pour 9 cups of cereal into a roomy mixing bowl and set aside.
- Create the Peanut Butter Melt
- In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter.
- Stir in the peanut butter until it becomes a silky mixture.
- Incorporate the Marshmallows
- Add the marshmallows to the pot.
- Stir continuously until they’ve fully melted and blended with the peanut butter.
- Remove from heat and whisk in the vanilla.
- Combine & Press
- Quickly fold the cereal into the marshmallow-peanut butter mix, ensuring each puff is coated.
- Transfer the sticky mixture to your prepared pan.
- Using sprayed wax paper or a greased spatula, press the mixture evenly and firmly into the pan.
- Set & Slice
- Let the bars cool at room temperature until they hold their shape—about 30 minutes.
- Lift out of the pan, peel away the lining, and cut into squares or rectangles.
Notes
Tips & Storage
- Marshmallow Size: Mini or large work—just use 15 oz total.
- Fresh Ingredients: Fresh marshmallows and crisp cereal make for the best texture.
- Keep Them Gooey: Store bars in an airtight container at room temp for up to 3 days.
- Freezer Friendly: Wrap individual bars in wax paper, then seal in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Desserts
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1serving
- Calories: 474kcal
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 514mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 91g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 11mg