Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats

Calling all peanut butter lovers! These peanut butter rice krispie treats are a peanut butter lover’s dream! This rice krispie treats recipe has double the peanut butter with creamy peanut butter and peanut butter chips stirred into the marshmallow cereal mixture. And the best part is they take about 10 minutes to prepare and are an easy no bake treat made on the stovetop.

 

I am such a sucker for rice krispie treats. They’re just one of my favorite treats in the summer. Ok all year round who am I kidding? Like these strawberry rice krispie treats drizzled in white chocolate or these Christmas rice krispie treats I make every year around the holidays. Or my brown butter rice krispie treats, basically any time of year!

Maybe it’s because they are so darn easy to make? I don’t need to turn the oven on? Maybe because they are also so friggin delicious? Or maybe it’s all of the above.

So I started dreaming up a delicious twist on the classic rice krispie treats when my brain went to a natural pairing with marshmallow….peanut butter. I mean peanut butter rice krispie and marshmallow – hello amazing pairing! Peanut butter and fluff were a classic sandwich I ate as a kid. Ok maybe as an adult too.

I knew I wanted this peanut butter rice krispie treats recipe packed full of peanut butter flavor so I decided that stirring in peanut butter wasn’t enough. I tried them with the addition of peanut butter chips and it made all the difference. This recipe starts with melting peanut butter and butter together on the stovetop. And then adding in the marshmallows.

I like to use mini marshmallows. Now hear me out…mini marshmallows are way better than using big ones. Here’s my logic: mini marshmallows means I get pockets of unmelted marshmallows throughout each bite. I use two bags of miniature marshmallows and reserve some to stir in with the rice krispies.

And my secret to these peanut butter rice krispie bars is to add a little vanilla extract. It really amps up the vanilla flavor of the marshmallows. I’m telling you don’t skip the vanilla!

Why This Recipe Works

• Made on the stovetop – As with any rice krispie treat recipe, these are no bake and made on the stovetop making them a perfect no bake treat for summer!
• Takes minutes to prepare – This peanut butter rice krispie treat takes about 10 minutes to prepare on the stovetop and  and is made with a handful of simple ingredients.. Who doesn’t love a delicious 10-minute dessert?
• Easy dessert to bring parties with – During the summertime, I love easy portable desserts to bring parties and peanut butter rice krispie treats are definitely that.

Ingredients Needed

• Butter – I always use unsalted butter but if you use salted butter I would omit the salt.
• Peanut butter – I used smooth peanut butter but I think a crunchy peanut butter would work just fine! And I haven’t used an all natural peanut butter (the kind you need to stir) and can’t say how it would work due to the extra oil content.
• Marshmallows – I use two bags of mini marshmallows. I reserve 2 cups of marshmallows to stir in at the end. If you only have large marshmallows then just stir in all the marshmallows to melt at the beginning. Or if you want to use marshmallow creme you can use two 7.5 ounce containers. You could also swap and use vegan marshmallows.
• Vanilla extract – Pure is best, but imitation would work just fine.
• Salt – I prefer sea salt for best flavor, but any salt will work.
• Rice Krispie cereal – I used classic rice krispies work, generic is fine, or try using cocoa krispies for a fun chocolate twist.
• Peanut butter chips – If you don’t have peanut butter chips, try stirring in regular chocolate chips!

How To Make Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats

In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, over low heat, melt butter and peanut butter together until completely melted and smooth.

Set aside 2 cups of the marshmallows to stir in at the end. When butter is melted, add the remaining marshmallows. Stir with a rubber spatula or a wooden spoon until melted.

Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla extract and salt. 

Stir in reserved marshmallows, crispy rice cereal and peanut butter chips. This can be a little tough to stir together so use a sturdy spatula or wooden spoon and do your best to get it all incorporated!

Spread the peanut butter mixture into the prepared in pan (use a piece of saran wrap lightly sprayed with cooking spray to help make this part easier or spray your hand with cooking spray) and press into the pan.

You want to let these rest for about an hour (if you can wait that long!) to set up before cutting into squares.

Recipe Variations

• Use your microwave. Melt butter and marshmallows in a microwave-safe bowl the microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring in between until melted. Then remove and stirin the rest of the ingredients into the mixing bowl.
• Top with melted chocolate – You can always melt some semi-sweet chocolate chips and spread over the top of these crispy treats! Try dark chocolate or milk chocolate!  Try my chocolate peanut butter rice krispie treats version instead!
• Try a different nut butter – You could always try and use almond butter or cashew butter to mix these krispy treats up. Or if you have a peanut butter allergy, try using sunflower seed butter.
• Add peanut butter cups – If you want more peanut butter flavor  in these cereal treats, try chopping up peanut butter cups and stirring in!
• Use a different pan – You could use a smaller pan for thicker treats, or a sheet pan for thinner bars but more to share!

Storage Instructions

I keep them covered at room temperature and they keep for up to 3 days. Do not store in the fridge because they will become dried out. Store in an airtight container so they don’t dry out and don’t store in the fridge or they will dry out

I don’t really recommend freezing rice krispie treats as they don’t thaw and have the same texture. But if you do want to try freezing be sure to wrap between layers of parchment or wax paper and place in a freezer bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Recipe FAQ’s

More Recipes To Try

If you’re craving more peanut butter then you have to make sure to try my peanut butter oatmeal cookies! 100% peanut butter in these cookies and super easy to make. Or my peanut butter pretzel bars (an easy no bake treat for summer!) and these peanut butter jelly bars will make you feel like a kid again.

If you’re looking for another easy peanut butter dessert then be sure to try my peanut butter fudge – it’s an easy stovetop fudge that comes together in minutes

And don’t forget to give my peanut butter cake recipe a try – with peanut butter frosting!