Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats are the ultimate blend of nostalgia and indulgence, ready in just 15 minutes. These chewy, crunchy delights combine creamy peanut butter with the light crispiness of Rice Krispies, creating a texture that’s impossible to resist. The rich, nutty flavor pairs perfectly with the sweet marshmallow base, making every bite a comforting treat. Whether you’re whipping them up for a quick snack or a crowd-pleasing dessert, they’re guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth effortlessly.
With only 10 minutes of prep, these treats are a lifesaver for busy days or last-minute cravings. The gooey marshmallow binds the crispy cereal and smooth peanut butter into a harmonious mix that’s both decadent and wholesome. Each serving offers a delightful balance of sweetness and nuttiness, making them a hit with kids and adults alike. Perfect for parties, lunchboxes, or a cozy night in, these treats are as easy to make as they are delicious to enjoy.
What You’ll Need for Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats
- 6 Tablespoons (85 g) salted butter (plus extra for greasing the pan)
- ½ cup (118 ml) light corn syrup (can substitute with honey or golden syrup)
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 10 oz (285 g) mini marshmallows (divided into two portions)
- 1 cup (245 g) creamy peanut butter (use crunchy for added texture if preferred)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 6 cups (175 g) crisped rice cereal
- Flaky sea salt (optional, for sprinkling on top)
How to Make Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats
- Prepare the pan: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch dish with butter. Set aside.
- Melt the base: In a large pot, combine butter, corn syrup, sugar, and salt. Place over medium-low heat and stir frequently until the butter is melted and the mixture is fully combined.
- Add marshmallows: Stir in half (5 oz/142 g) of the mini marshmallows. Continue stirring constantly until the marshmallows are about halfway melted.
- Incorporate peanut butter: Reduce the heat to the lowest setting. Add the peanut butter and vanilla extract. Stir constantly until the peanut butter is melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Finish the mixture: Remove the pot from the heat. Add the remaining marshmallows and crisped rice cereal. Stir until everything is completely combined.
- Set and cool: Immediately spread the mixture into the prepared pan. Allow it to cool completely before cutting into squares. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired.
Creative Topping Ideas for Extra Flavor
Take your Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats to the next level by adding fun toppings! Sprinkle flaky sea salt for a sweet-and-salty twist, or drizzle melted chocolate over the top for a decadent finish. You could also mix in crushed pretzels or mini chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.
Perfect Serving Suggestions
These treats are great on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a party, cut them into bite-sized squares and serve on a platter with other desserts. They’re also a perfect lunchbox treat for kids (or adults!).
Easy Storage Tips for Freshness
Store your treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need them to last longer, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Quick Recipe Variations to Try
Switch things up by using chunky peanut butter for added crunch or swapping the crisped rice cereal for cornflakes or cheerios. For a nut-free version, replace the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter. You can even add a layer of melted chocolate between two layers of treats for a sandwich-style dessert!
Time-Saving Tips for Busy Bakers
To save time, measure all your ingredients before starting. Use a non-stick pot to make cleanup easier, and press the mixture into the pan with a piece of parchment paper to avoid sticky hands. If you’re in a rush, pop the pan in the fridge for 15 minutes to speed up the cooling process.
Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats
Ingredients
- 6 Tablespoons salted butter plus additional for greasing pan
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 10 oz mini marshmallows divided
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 6 cups crisped rice cereal
- Flaky sea salt for sprinkling optional
Instructions
- Lightly grease a 9×13 dish with butter. Set aside.
- In a large pot, combine butter, corn syrup, sugar, and salt. Place over medium-low heat and stir frequently until butter is melted and mixture is combined.
- Add half (5oz/142g) of the mini marshmallows and stir constantly until marshmallows are about halfway melted.
- Reduce stovetop heat to the lowest setting and add peanut butter and vanilla extract. Stir constantly until peanut butter is melted and mixture is smooth.
- Remove from heat and add remaining marshmallows and cereal and stir until completely combined. Immediately spread into prepared pan and allow to cool completely before cutting and serving.