Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats

Best Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats Recipe You’ll Ever Make

I use plenty of marshmallows because I want the finished bars chewy and gooey, not dry or overly crisp. Melting everything over low heat also keeps the peanut butter and marshmallow mixture smooth without overheating it.

Once the cereal goes in, I fold it gently and press it lightly into the pan. Packing the mixture too firmly can give you dense, hard bars instead of that classic crispy and chewy texture.

If Rice Krispies treats always disappear quickly at your house, try my Under the Sea Rice Krispie Treats for a fun themed version. My classic single-serving Rice Krispie Treats Recipe is always worth keeping handy, while Neapolitan Rice Krispies Treats combine strawberry, chocolate, and vanilla flavors in one colorful dessert.

Rice Krispies Peanut Butter Treats Ingredients

See the recipe card below for the full list of ingredients and exact measurements.

• Unsalted Butter: Butter gives the marshmallow mixture a rich flavor and helps keep the bars soft.
• Creamy Peanut Butter: Stick with regular creamy peanut butter for the smoothest mixture and consistent results.
• Vanilla Extract: A little vanilla rounds out the peanut butter flavor and adds extra sweetness.
• Mini Marshmallows: Mini marshmallows melt quickly and give the bars their soft, gooey texture.
• Rice Krispies Cereal: The crisp cereal gives these treats their signature crunch and keeps them light.

Substitutions and Variations

• Add Chocolate Chips: Fold mini chocolate chips into the cereal mixture once it has cooled slightly for a chocolate-peanut butter version.
• Drizzle With Chocolate: Finish the cooled bars with melted milk or semi-sweet chocolate for an easy topping.
• Try Crunchy Peanut Butter: Use crunchy peanut butter if you want little pieces of peanuts throughout the bars.
• Add Sprinkles: Top the bars with colorful sprinkles before they set for holidays, birthdays, or parties.

How to Make Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats(Step-by-Step Directions)

STEP 1: Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease the bottom and sides.

STEP 2: Melt the butter in a large pot over low heat. Add the peanut butter and stir until completely smooth.

STEP 3: Add the mini marshmallows and continue stirring over low heat until they’re completely melted.

STEP 4: Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

STEP 5: Add the Rice Krispies cereal and gently fold until all the cereal is evenly coated.

STEP 6: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Gently press it into an even layer using a greased spatula or lightly buttered hands.

STEP 7: Let the treats set at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cutting them into 24 bars.

Tips for Making Rice Krispies Treats with Peanut Butter

• Keep the Heat Low: High heat can overcook the marshmallows and leave you with hard treats once they cool.
• Use a Large Pot: Ten cups of cereal takes up plenty of room, so give yourself enough space to fold everything together.
• Work Quickly: The marshmallow mixture begins setting as it cools, so fold in the cereal and transfer it promptly.
• Grease Your Spatula: A little butter or cooking spray keeps the sticky mixture from clinging to your spatula.
• Wait Before Cutting: Let the bars set so you can cut cleaner squares without them falling apart.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making This Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats Recipe

• Packing the Bars Too Firmly: Pressing hard removes the air between the cereal and can make the finished treats dense.
• Overheating the Marshmallows: Melt them slowly and remove the pot from the heat as soon as the mixture becomes smooth.
• Overmixing the Cereal: Fold gently so you don’t crush the cereal and lose its crispy texture.
• Using a Pan That’s Too Small: A 9×13-inch pan gives this larger batch enough room and keeps the bars from becoming overly thick.
• Refrigerating to Speed Things Up: Let the treats set at room temperature so they stay softer and chewier.

How to Store

Storage: Keep the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Freezing: Place the bars between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months.

Thawing: Let frozen bars come to room temperature before serving so they regain their softer, chewy texture.

Serving Suggestions

These peanut butter Rice Krispies treats make an easy dessert after a casual family dinner. Start with Crispy Baked Chicken Drumsticks, add Oven Roasted Baby Potatoes with Rosemary and Slow Cooker Glazed Carrots, then bring out a plate of these bars for an easy finish.

FAQs

Other Peanut Butter Dessert Recipes to Try

• My Peanut Butter Pie with Chocolate Ganache combines a creamy peanut butter filling with a chocolate cookie crust and ganache drizzle.
• Butterfinger Cheesecake is a rich dessert packed with peanut butter and chocolate candy flavor.
• My Chocolate Bark Recipe combines peanut butter, banana, and chocolate for an easy homemade treat.
• Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Fudge is a classic choice when you’re craving something rich and packed with peanut butter flavor.
• These Peanut Butter Cup Cookie Bars are loaded with chocolate and peanut butter for an easy shareable dessert.