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Turn traditional Rice Krispie Treats into Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats. Creamy peanut butter and mini Reese’s cups make it an extra special sweet!
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Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats are quickly taking the place of the traditional chewy goodies in our house. I make these as an after school snack on special occasions for my children and they go crazy for them! they are a fun twist on the classic treat. Add your favorite mix-ins for different flavors and textures or keep them plain. They’re perfect for family trips, picnics, potluck parties or just about any time.
Ingredients to Make Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats
- Rice Krispies Cereal (or any generic crispy rice cereal works fine)
- Butter
- Marshmallows – both regular sized and “mini”
- Peanut butter – creamy works best
- Peanut butter chips – like chocolate chips but made with peanut butter
- Chocolate chips
- Reese’s Pieces, mini peanut butter cups, or any of your favorite candy mix-ins
Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats
- If you can’t find the mini Reese’s PB cups, you can also just chop up regular-sized. I have done it both ways. It doesn’t look quite as pretty but they still taste the same!
- Top these treats with any kind of candy you like! Of course peanut butter cups and Reese’s Pieces pair perfectly with the peanut butter inside, but you could use M&Ms, Hershey bars, mini marshmallows, just about anything!
- Get your stirring arm ready! These treats don’t take long to make, but you will need to stir the marshmallow and butter mixture constantly so it doesn’t burn or stick to the pan.
- Be sure to heat on low to medium heat to keep marshmallows from burning or from reaching too high of a temperature (this will make your Rice Krispies hard and dry).
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature to keep these treats nice and soft. They’ll last for about three to five days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Marshmallows are going to be your best bet to get the perfect consistency for this recipe. Marshmallow fluff or Zephyr (Russian Marshmallows) can be used but I can’t promise you will have similar results.
These treats can get a rubbery texture if too much butter is added. By following this recipe exactly you can avoid this issue.
You may have heated the marshmallows too quickly or for too long. You want to heat the marshmallows over low to medium low heat and then remove from the heat when creamy and just melted.
More Peanut Butter Desserts
Peanut butter lovers, you’re in luck! We’ve gathered some of our very favorite rich peanut butter desserts and treats recipes right here for you. Try some and find your favorites.
- Peanut Butter Bon Bons
- Peanut Butter Popcorn
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge Swirl
- Peanut Butter Fudge Cookies
If you are looking for a simple Rice Krispie Treat recipe, try our 5-Minute Microwave Rice Krispie Treats!
Read Next:25+ Christmas Dessert Ideas
How to Make Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats
Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats
Equipment
- 9×9 inch pan (or 12×8 inch pan)
Ingredients
- 10 ounces regular sized marshmallows
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 5 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
For the Topping/ Mix Ins
- 1 cup Reese's peanut butter morsels
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter
- 1 cup Reese's Mini Peanut Butter Cups (optional)
- 1 cup Reese's Pieces (optional)
Instructions
- Line a 9×9" or 12×8" baking dish with parchment paper (or spray very well with cooking spray). Set aside until ready to use. In a large pot, melt butter over low to medium low heat. Add marshmallows and turn heat to low. Stir constantly until marshmallows are just melted and completely smooth.
- Remove from heat and quickly stir in peanut butter.
- Add Rice Krispies.
- Fold in the mini marshmallows (you can also stir in a few handfuls of the Reese's pieces and peanut butter cups if desired to incorporate the candies into the bars).
- Pour mixture into prepared baking dish. DO NOT PRESS them in tightly. Just very gently even the top of the treats (use the butter wrapper to press it in).
- In a microwave safe bowl, add the peanut butter chips, chocolate chips, and 1 tablespoon peanut butter.Microwave at 50% power for 45 seconds at a time, stirring each time, until melted and chocolate is shiny.
- Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the top of the Rice Krispie treats and smooth with a rubber spatula. Top with peanut butter cups and Reese's Pieces.
- Allow to set, about one hour. Cut into squares and store in an airtight container.
Notes
- The Reese’s candies and chocolates are totally optional. If you want to keep the Rice Krispie treats plain, you can leave them out completely.
- If you are in a hurry, you can refrigerate the Rice Krispie treats before serving. Just cover and place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to harden the chocolate topping
- For maximum freshness, wait to cut into squares until right before serving
Nutrition Information
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This was a huge hit with my kids!! They really loved it!
So yummy and easy to make!! Nice to switch it up now and then from the classic rice krispies treats.
Oh my goodness these are going to be a hit in this house! My husband and daughter are going to love these! I can’t wait to give these a try!
I think you forgot the step where you pour the melted morsels over the top, before adding the pb cups. Is that right?
Hi there! They look awesome! I will be making these soon! In your picture though, yours look like you actually poured a little topping on the top and then pushed in the mini peanut butter cups. Are we supposed to reserve out a little of the peanut butter and marshmallow and glaze it on the top? Just wondering. Thanks!
They look gorgeous to me!!! Glad everyone loved them 🙂
@ Aimee- You are the best– seriously! These were amazing!