Peanut Butter Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats

These Peanut Butter Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats are the ultimate no-bake indulgence. A soft, chewy base made with creamy peanut butter and gooey marshmallows is topped with a smooth layer of chocolate for the perfect sweet treat. Whether you’re whipping these up for a party, school snack, or just a midnight craving, they’re guaranteed to disappear fast!

Want recipes like this delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe now to get the latest culinary creations you’ll love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick & Easy – No oven required and ready in just 30 minutes.
Sweet & Salty – The rich peanut butter and chocolate combo is a timeless favorite.
Perfect Texture – Chewy, crispy, and smooth in every bite.
Great for Any Occasion – From bake sales to lunchbox surprises, these bars are always a hit.
Kid-Approved – Easy to make and fun to eat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Rice Krispie Base:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 bag (10 oz) mini marshmallows
• 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

For the Chocolate Topping:

• 1½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup creamy peanut butter

Optional Toppings:

• Sea salt flakes
• Crushed peanuts
• Mini chocolate chips
• Drizzle of melted white chocolate

Tools You’ll Need

• Large saucepan
• Spatula
• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Parchment paper or nonstick spray
• Microwave-safe bowl
• Knife for slicing

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly with cooking spray. This makes removing the treats easier once set.

Step 2: Melt the Butter and Peanut Butter
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and 1 cup of peanut butter together. Stir until smooth and fully combined.

Step 3: Add Marshmallows
Lower the heat and stir in the marshmallows. Continue stirring until the mixture is completely melted and gooey. Add the vanilla extract and salt, and stir to combine.

Step 4: Mix in the Cereal
Remove the pan from heat. Gently fold in the Rice Krispies cereal, stirring until all the cereal is coated evenly with the marshmallow-peanut butter mixture.

Step 5: Press into the Pan
Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or lightly greased hands to gently press the mixture evenly into the pan. Don’t press too hard, or the treats may become too dense.

Step 6: Make the Chocolate Topping
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and ½ cup peanut butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each round, until the mixture is completely melted and smooth.

Step 7: Spread the Chocolate Layer
Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the Rice Krispie base. Spread it evenly with a spatula.

Step 8: Add Optional Toppings
Before the chocolate sets, sprinkle with sea salt, crushed peanuts, mini chocolate chips, or drizzle with melted white chocolate if desired.

Step 9: Chill to Set
Refrigerate the pan for at least 1 hour, or until the chocolate is firm. For a softer texture, let the treats set at room temperature for 2–3 hours.

Step 10: Slice and Serve
Once set, remove the treats from the pan using the parchment paper. Cut into squares or bars with a sharp knife and serve.

Tips for the Best Rice Krispie Treats
Use Fresh Marshmallows – They melt better and result in softer treats.
Don’t Overheat – Melt the ingredients slowly to avoid hardening the mixture.
Light Pressure – When pressing into the pan, be gentle to keep the treats light and chewy.
Mix Quickly – Once the cereal is added, stir fast before the mixture begins to cool and firm up.
Cut Clean Slices – Spray your knife lightly with cooking spray to get clean, smooth cuts.

Serving Suggestions
Dessert Trays – Add to a dessert platter for parties or gatherings.
Lunchbox Surprise – A perfect sweet snack for kids and adults.
Picnic Dessert – Easy to transport and enjoy on the go.
Gift Idea – Wrap in cellophane with a ribbon for a homemade treat gift.
After-Dinner Sweet – A simple, no-fuss dessert to finish off a meal.

How to Store & Freeze

Storing:
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer shelf life, refrigerate for up to 1 week.

Freezing:
Wrap individual bars in parchment paper and place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use natural peanut butter?
   Yes, but make sure it’s well-stirred and not too oily, or the mixture may not hold together well.
2. What if I don’t have mini marshmallows?
   You can use 4 cups of regular marshmallows, just chop them into smaller pieces first.
3. Can I use a different cereal?
   Sure! Try using Cheerios, cornflakes, or puffed rice as a variation.
4. Is this recipe gluten-free?
   If you use gluten-free cereal and check your chocolate chips and marshmallows for gluten, this recipe can be made gluten-free.
5. Can I add extra mix-ins?
   Absolutely! Stir in chopped nuts, pretzels, or even dried fruit before pressing the mixture into the pan.

Final Thoughts

These Peanut Butter Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats are a no-bake dream come true—easy to make, packed with flavor, and totally satisfying. Whether you’re making a batch for yourself or sharing with friends and family, these bars are always a hit. With their perfect balance of creamy, crispy, and chocolaty goodness, you might want to make a double batch—because they disappear fast!

Try them out and tag your photos online—I’d love to see how they turn out. Don’t forget to leave a review below!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 290 | Protein: 6g | Carbohydrates: 30g | Fat: 17g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 180mg

Print