There’s something comforting about chewy, nostalgic treats that bring a smile to both kids and adults alike. These Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats combine the classic crunch of cereal with creamy peanut butter and a luscious chocolate swirl, creating a delightful snack that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious.
Perfect for quick no-bake dessert moments or sharing at gatherings, these bars effortlessly marry rich flavors and an inviting texture, making them a go-to pantry staple for any sweet craving.
- Quick and easy no-bake treat ready in under two hours.
- Uses common pantry staples for an accessible sweet snack.
- The marbled peanut butter and chocolate topping adds an irresistible flavor and visual appeal.
- Perfectly chewy texture with a crunchy cereal base—ideal for sharing or lunchboxes.
Ingredients
- Rice Krispies cereal: Six cups of crispy rice cereal provide the crunchy, airy base for these chewy treats.
- Creamy peanut butter (base): One cup, blended with butter for smooth flavor throughout.
- Unsalted butter: Half a cup (one stick) melts evenly with peanut butter to create richness without extra saltiness.
- Mini marshmallows: A 10-ounce bag (about 5 1/2 cups) melts to bind ingredients and add sweetness and chewiness.
- Creamy peanut butter (topping): One cup, melted separately for a smooth, spreadable swirl.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: One and a half cups, melted for a glossy, decadent chocolate swirl topping.
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish
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Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for effortless removal later. This preparation ensures your bars won’t stick and come out cleanly after setting.
- Melt the Base Ingredients
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Over medium heat, melt together the butter and 1 cup peanut butter in a large saucepan. Stir frequently until the mixture becomes smooth and fully combined, ensuring an even flavor base.
- Add and Melt Marshmallows
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Stir in mini marshmallows and continue to cook until they melt completely. The glossy, cohesive mixture indicates everything is blended perfectly, which is key for binding the cereal.
- Incorporate the Cereal
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Remove the pan from heat and fold in the Rice Krispies cereal quickly. This prevents the marshmallow mixture from hardening before fully coating all cereal pieces, resulting in an evenly textured base.
- Transfer and Press Into Pan
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Pour the cereal mixture into your prepared dish and gently press down with a spatula or wax paper. Pressing evenly forms a smooth base layer while avoiding over-compressing, which helps keep the bars chewy and airy.
- Melt the Peanut Butter for Topping
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In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the remaining cup of peanut butter in 30-second bursts, stirring in between until it’s silky and pourable. Melting it separately keeps the topping smooth and spreadable.
- Melt the Chocolate
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In another bowl, melt the chocolate chips using the same method until fully smooth and glossy. Together with the peanut butter, this creates the beautiful swirl topping.
- Create the Swirl Topping
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Spread the melted peanut butter evenly over the cereal base, then drizzle the melted chocolate in lines or dollops on top. Using a toothpick or butter knife, swirl the two to form an attractive marbled pattern that looks impressive with minimal effort.
- Allow to Set
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Let your bars set at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours, or refrigerate for about 45 minutes to speed up the process. Setting ensures the topping firms properly for clean slices.
- Slice and Serve
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Use a sharp knife to cut the treats into squares, wiping the knife clean between cuts for neat edges. Serve immediately or store to enjoy later.
- Room temperature setting preserves chewiness, while refrigeration firms the topping more quickly but slightly hardens texture.
- For best cuts, use a warm knife and clean between slices to prevent sticking.
- Using creamy peanut butter ensures smooth melting and consistency; natural kinds with oil separation may affect texture.
Storage Tips
Store these treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to one week. To soften chilled bars, let them sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delightful bars as a quick dessert, after-school snack, or pack them into lunchboxes for a sweet treat. Pair with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee or tea for an enjoyable break.
- Press the base lightly to keep the treats chewy rather than dense and hard.
- Use a silicone spatula and wax paper to press down the mixture for an even surface and easy cleanup.
- Customize the swirl using different chocolate types like milk, dark, or white chocolate for variety.
FAQs
- Can I use natural peanut butter instead of creamy?
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Natural peanut butter can be used but may separate and result in a less smooth topping and base. Stir thoroughly and adjust melting time if necessary.
- How long do these bars stay fresh?
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Stored properly in an airtight container, they stay fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature or up to 1 week refrigerated.
- Can I substitute another cereal?
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Rice Krispies are best for the texture. You may try puffed rice or cornflakes, but results may vary in chewiness and structure.
- What if I don’t want the chocolate swirl?
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You can skip the chocolate or replace it with melted white chocolate or caramel for different flavors.
- Is it possible to make these gluten-free?
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Yes, just ensure your cereal is certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
- Can I add extras like nuts or dried fruit?
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Yes, fold in chopped nuts or dried fruit in the base stage before pressing to add texture and flavor.
- How to get clean slices without sticking?
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Use a sharp knife warmed in hot water, wipe clean between cuts, and slice gently to maintain neat edges.
Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats
Equipment
- 1 9x13-inch baking dish lightly greased or parchment lined
- 1 large saucepan
- 2 microwave-safe bowls
- 1 spatula
- 1 toothpick or butter knife for swirling topping
- 1 sharp knife for slicing bars
Ingredients
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter divided
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter 1 stick
- 10 oz bag mini marshmallows about 5 1/2 cups
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and 1 cup peanut butter, stirring until smooth and combined.
- Add mini marshmallows to the saucepan and stir until fully melted and mixture is glossy.
- Remove from heat and immediately fold in Rice Krispies cereal until fully coated.
- Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish using a spatula or wax paper without compacting too firmly.
- In one microwave-safe bowl, heat remaining 1 cup peanut butter in 30-second intervals until smooth and pourable.
- In another microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips similarly until silky and smooth.
- Pour melted peanut butter evenly over the cereal base.
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer and use a toothpick or butter knife to swirl both into a marbled pattern.
- Allow bars to set at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours or refrigerate for about 45 minutes until the topping is firm.
- Once set, cut into squares with a sharp knife, wiping the blade between cuts for clean slices.
- Serve immediately or store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Store at room temperature up to 3 days or refrigerate for 1 week.
- Chilled bars are firmer; let sit at room temperature before serving for softer texture.
- Use parchment paper for easier removal.
