If you’re on the hunt for an irresistible no-bake treat that nails the sweet-salty combo, Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats will steal your heart. These chewy, gooey bars bring together classic marshmallow cereal squares with a rich swirl of creamy peanut butter. With just a handful of pantry staples and barely any time at the stove, you’ll have a snack that disappears as fast as you can cut it. Trust me, this is a recipe you’ll turn to whenever you need a foolproof crowd-pleaser.

Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

All you need for these Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats are a few uncomplicated ingredients, but each one truly matters. They work together to create that perfect texture—soft, chewy, and a little bit crisp—with a flavor that balances sweetness and saltiness just right.

Unsalted butter (3 tbsp): Gives the treats a rich, buttery flavor and ensures a chewy bite without being too greasy.
Creamy peanut butter (1/2 cup): The real star, adding nutty depth and making each square deliciously decadent.
Mini marshmallows (1 10-oz bag): Melts down for that signature gooeyness and binds everything together beautifully.
Rice Krispies cereal (6 cups): Provides crisp texture and structure—the essential “krispie” element!
Vanilla extract (1/2 tsp): Just a splash brightens up all the flavors and adds a luscious aroma.
Optional pinch of salt: A tiny bit sharpens the flavor and balances out the sweetness, especially if you love that sweet-salty edge.

How to Make Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish

Start by greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with either a bit of butter or nonstick spray. This helps your Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats release effortlessly once they’re set—no prying or sticky situations required.

Step 2: Melt Butter and Peanut Butter

In a large pot set over medium heat, add your butter and creamy peanut butter. Stir them together gently as they melt down into a smooth, glossy mixture. This is the foundation of the treats, so make sure you give it a good whisk until completely combined.

Step 3: Add Marshmallows

Toss in the mini marshmallows and continue stirring constantly. As they melt, you’ll notice the mixture turning luxuriously sticky and smooth. Be patient—make sure all the marshmallows are melted without overheating, which keeps the final treats soft rather than hard.

Step 4: Remove from Heat and Flavor

Once it’s all melted, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and that optional pinch of salt for a little flavor lift. Don’t skip this step—the vanilla especially makes the peanut butter pop.

Step 5: Mix in Cereal

Immediately add the Rice Krispies cereal. Use a sturdy spatula to gently fold the cereal into the gooey mixture until every single puff is coated. Work with a light hand to avoid crushing the cereal and keep the treats airy.

Step 6: Press and Cool

Scrape the mixture into your prepared baking dish and press it down evenly. A buttered spatula or a piece of wax paper works wonders for keeping everything tidy. Let the Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats cool completely at room temperature—patience pays off with the perfect texture.

Step 7: Slice and Enjoy

Once cool, cut into generous squares. That first bite is always the best—chewy, nutty, and loaded with sweet nostalgia!

How to Serve Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats

Garnishes

A drizzle of melted chocolate across the top not only looks incredible but adds a rich, fudgy flavor that pairs delightfully with peanut butter. If you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or even a handful of mini chocolate chips can make each square pop.

Side Dishes

Pair your Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats with a tall glass of cold milk (always a classic), a mug of hot cocoa, or even fresh berries for a touch of tartness. These crisp, sweet bars also sit pretty on a dessert table alongside cookies, brownies, or fruit platters.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the treats into fun shapes using cookie cutters for birthdays, holidays, or special occasions. Stack them Jenga-style on a platter, wrap individual bars in parchment for sweet lunchbox surprises, or serve alongside a DIY toppings bar featuring drizzled chocolate, sprinkles, and chopped peanuts for a build-your-own treat experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll taste their very best for up to three days, but chances are they’ll disappear long before then! Layer squares between sheets of wax paper to prevent sticking if you’re stacking them.

Freezing

Need to make them ahead? Go ahead and freeze individual squares, separated by wax paper, in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to one month. Thaw at room temperature for about an hour for treats that taste freshly made.

Reheating

If your bars seem a bit too firm from storage or the fridge, give them a quick zap in the microwave for 5 to 10 seconds. This brings back just a hint of that gooey, freshly-made texture—just be careful not to overheat and make them too soft.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter?

Natural peanut butter can work, but since it’s often more oily or runny than regular creamy peanut butter, you may need to stir it very well and possibly reduce the amount slightly to keep your treats from turning greasy.

What’s the best way to avoid sticky hands when pressing the mixture into the pan?

Grease your spatula or use a sheet of wax paper for pressing—the mixture won’t stick, and your Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats will have a gorgeous, smooth top every time.

Do these treats work with other cereals?

Absolutely! While Rice Krispies give the classic crunch, you can swap in Chex, cornflakes, or even cocoa-flavored cereals for a fun twist, though texture and sweetness may change slightly.

Can I make these treats vegan?

Yes, simply use a vegan butter substitute, plant-based marshmallows, and check that your cereal is vegan-friendly—easy swaps for a treat everyone can enjoy!

Why are my bars so hard?

If your bars turned out too hard, it’s likely the marshmallow mixture was cooked a bit too long or at too high a heat. Next time, melt everything gently and mix thoroughly off the heat for perfect, pliable squares.

Final Thoughts

These Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats are everything you want in a simple, homemade dessert: quick, customizable, and undeniably delicious. There’s something magical about the combo of peanut butter, marshmallow, and crispy cereal that keeps you coming back for seconds (or thirds!). I hope you’ll gather your ingredients, give them a try, and share the sweet joy with your favorite people—happy snacking!

Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 20 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 12 squares 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats are a delightful twist on the classic recipe, adding a rich and nutty flavor to the beloved marshmallow and cereal combination. Quick and easy to make, these no-bake treats are perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings in a flash.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

3 tbsp unsalted butter
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1 (10 oz) bag mini marshmallows
6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
optional pinch of salt

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Instructions

Grease the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
Melt Butter and Peanut Butter: In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter and peanut butter together until smooth.
Add Marshmallows: Add mini marshmallows and stir constantly until completely melted.
Combine Ingredients: Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract and salt if using. Add Rice Krispies cereal and gently stir until coated.
Transfer and Press: Transfer mixture to prepared dish, press evenly with spatula. Let cool, then cut into squares and serve.