Peanut butter Rice Krispie treats are a delicious spin on a timeless classic. With gooey and soft rice crispies and a great peanut butter flavor, you have a snack everyone can enjoy!
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Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats are a classic dessert that combines the delightful flavors of peanut butter, marshmallows, and crispy rice cereal. These treats are not only incredibly delicious but also easy to make, making them a popular choice for satisfying your sweet cravings.
Regular Rice Krispie treats are delicious- it's a known fact. But the different flavorful spins on them are always fun! Just like my Smores Bars Recipe, these tasty treats stand alone in their awesomeness.
For a peanut butter lover or someone looking for a slightly more savory twist to a sweet snack, these peanut butter rice crispy bars are it.
For more rice crispy recipes, be sure to check out my Rice Krispie Treat in a Mug, Oreo Rice Krispie Treats, and Dairy Free Rice Krispie Treats.
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💛 Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make. Adding peanut butter doesn't add extra steps. These treats are just as simple to make as classic Rice Krispie treats.
- Big flavor. Peanut butter adds a rich, savory twist, giving each square a fluffernutter style flavor.
- Kid approved. These disappear fast. If you're feeding a crowd, consider doubling the recipe and making it in a 9×13 pan so there's plenty to go around.
🛒 Ingredients
Rice crispy cereal- This cereal is the base of the recipe, but you can feel free to use other brands of similar cereal. (I like the crispy rice cereal from Aldi).
Peanut butter- You will need some creamy peanut butter. I recommend not using a natural peanut butter because those tend to have more oil in the mix.
Mini marshmallows- Use mini marshmallows for that gooey texture and chewy consistency.
See the recipe card below for full ingredients and instructions.
🔀 Substitutions & Variations
Peanut butter choice. Use creamy for smooth bars or chunky for added texture.
Chocolate topping. Melt chocolate chips with 3 tablespoons coconut oil or heavy cream in 30 second microwave intervals, stirring until smooth. Pour over the bars and let set, or chill briefly to speed things up.
💰 Budget-Friendly Tips
Use store-brand cereal and marshmallows. Generic Rice Krispies-style cereal and marshmallows work just as well for a lower cost.
Choose affordable peanut butter. Standard creamy peanut butter works best and is usually budget-friendly.
Use an 8x8 pan for thicker bars. This can make the treats feel more substantial without increasing ingredients.
🥄 Instructions for Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats
Step 1: Add your butter to a large pot over low heat (Image 1).
Step 2: Let the butter melt fully (Image 2).
Step 3: Add in the marshmallows (Image 3).
Step 4: Stir occasionally to prevent burning (Image 4).
Step 5: Once the marshmallows have almost completely melted, add in the peanut butter (Image 5).
Step 6: Stir until the marshmallows are completely melted and the peanut butter is well incorporated (Image 6).
Step 7: Remove the pot from the heat. Add in the cereal (Image 7).
Step 8: Stir to combine (Image 8).
Step 9: Pour the cereal into a greased 9x13 baking dish or an 8x8 baking dish if you want them thicker (Image 9).
Step 10: Press into the pan until they're an even layer (Image 10).
Step 11: Let them cool for about an hour to set before slicing into them.
Serve and enjoy.
👩🏻🍳 Expert Tips
- Grease well. Butter or nonstick spray keeps the bars from sticking to the pan.
- Grease your hands. Lightly grease your hands before pressing the mixture into the pan to prevent sticking.
- Melt gently. Melt marshmallows over low heat and stir only as needed. Over stirring can make the treats tough.
- Dairy free option. Use plant based butter to make these treats dairy free. Always double check ingredient labels.
❄️ Storage and Make Ahead
Storage: Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
Make Ahead: These treats can be made a day in advance and kept covered until ready to serve.
🥗 Side Dishes or Pairing Ideas
These peanut butter Rice Krispie treats pair well with fresh fruit, lunchbox snacks, party dessert trays, or served alongside simple desserts and kid-friendly meals.
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❓ Recipe FAQs
If you melt your marshmallows over too high of a heat you're cooking them too much and that will result in a much harder square when you're done. If you leave it on low, it might take a few extra minutes, but it's so much more worth it for the perfect tender treat we want.
While the two are very similar, they aren't exactly the same. Pescotcheroo bars have butterscotch chips melted into the peanut butter cereal bars for a unique flavor and there's melted chocolate on top. You can see for yourself with my Scotcheroos Recipe.
Absolutely! Just grab a large mixing bowl (microwave safe) and heat your butter and peanut butter for about 30 seconds until melted. Add in the marshmallows and heat for about 2 minutes, stirring at the 1 minute mark. Add in the cereal and combine. Pour into a baking dish and let set.
🍽️ More Recipes You'll Love
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🐝 If you tried these Peanut Butter Krispie Treats, please leave a ⭐️ star rating and share your buzz in the 💬 comments below. I'd truly appreciate it!
📖 Recipe
Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats
Equipment
- 9x13 Baking Dish or an 8x8 baking dish
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - ($0.50)
- 1 bag (10 ounces) mini marshmallows - ($1.12)
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter - ($0.40)
- 5 ½ cups Rice Krispie cereal - ($0.88)
Instructions
- Melt Butter: In a large pot over low heat, melt the butter.
- Melt Marshmallows: Add the marshmallows and stir occasionally until mostly melted, keeping the heat low to prevent scorching.
- Add Peanut Butter: Stir in the peanut butter until the marshmallows are fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Add Cereal: Add the cereal and stir gently until evenly coated.
- Press into Pan: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Use a 9 by 13 inch dish for thinner bars or an 8 by 8 inch dish for thicker bars. Press gently to flatten without compacting too firmly.
- Set & Slice: Let the treats cool for about 1 hour until set, then cut into bars and serve.
Notes
- Pan Prep: Grease the pan with butter or nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Pressing Tip: Lightly grease your hands or spatula before pressing the mixture into the pan.
- Heat Control: Use low heat and stir gently when melting marshmallows to keep the treats soft and tender.
- Dairy Free Option: Use plant based butter to make this recipe dairy free.
- Microwave Method: Melt the butter and peanut butter together in a microwave safe bowl for about 30 seconds. Add the marshmallows and microwave for about 2 minutes, stirring at the 1 minute mark. Stir until smooth, then add the cereal and press into the pan to set.
Nutritional Information
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