When I made this Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats recipe for the first time, I couldn’t stop sneaking another piece… and another! The sweet, salty, and gooey combination is absolutely addictive. Plus, they’re so simple to put together that it feels like a fun and effortless dessert.

If you love peanut butter as much as I do, these bars are going to be your next obsession. Whether it’s a family gathering, a potluck, or just a treat for yourself, they won’t disappoint. You can also enjoy similar no-bake desserts, like these cream cheese brownies for more indulgent ideas.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things simple with just six ingredients. Each one plays an important role in creating the perfect bar, so here’s why they’re essential.

Butter – Provides richness and helps hold the bars together. I recommend unsalted butter for better control over the overall flavor.
Mini marshmallows – These melt quickly and evenly. Stirring some extra marshmallows into the mix creates a soft and gooey texture.
Vanilla extract – A touch of vanilla deepens the flavor and adds warmth to the treats.
Sea salt – Balances the sweetness beautifully. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top is a game-changer.
Creamy peanut butter – The star ingredient! It binds everything together while adding a nutty, irresistible flavor.
Crispy rice cereal – The foundation of these bars, providing their beloved crunch.

Note: This recipe makes 12 thick squares. You can double the ingredients for a larger batch if needed.

Variations to Make Them Your Own

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas to tailor these treats to your preferences.

Dairy-Free: Substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and ensure your marshmallows are dairy-free.
Sugar-Free: Opt for sugar-free peanut butter and marshmallows made without added sugar.
Add-ins: Toss in mini chocolate chips, crushed pretzels, or chopped peanuts for extra crunch and flavor.
Nut-Free: Swap peanut butter with sunflower seed butter for an allergy-friendly option.

Cooking Time

To make these Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats, you won’t need much time at all:

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

Equipment You Need

Here’s the equipment you’ll need to make these treats:

8×8-inch or 9×9-inch square pan – Perfect for thick, even bars.
Large pot – To melt butter and marshmallows seamlessly.
Wooden spoon or spatula – For gentle stirring without breaking the cereal.
Nonstick cooking spray – To grease the pan and prevent sticking.

How to Make Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats

This recipe is delightfully easy, and the results are stunning. Here’s how to do it step-by-step.

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Start by greasing your square pan with nonstick cooking spray. This step ensures the treats won’t stick when you try to cut and serve them later.

Step 2: Melt Butter and Marshmallows

Set a large pot over medium heat and melt your butter. Once melted, toss in the mini marshmallows and stir constantly until they’re fully melted and smooth. It only takes a few minutes, so keep an eye on it.

Step 3: Add the Flavor

Remove the pot from the heat and stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of sea salt. Then, whisk in the creamy peanut butter. The peanut butter will blend beautifully with the melted marshmallows, creating a rich and flavorful base.

Step 4: Incorporate the Cereal

Add the crispy rice cereal to the pot and gently fold it into the peanut butter mixture until evenly coated. For an extra gooey texture, stir in one cup of mini marshmallows at this stage.

Step 5: Transfer to Pan and Press

Pour the mixture into your prepared pan, then lightly press it down with a greased spatula or your hands. Be careful not to pack it too tightly, as pressing too hard can make the treats overly dense. Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top for a final touch.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Allow the treats to cool for about an hour. Once they’ve set, cut them into squares and enjoy!

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

From my experience, these small tweaks make a huge difference when preparing this recipe:

Don’t rush the stirring process. Ensuring the marshmallows melt gradually prevents clumps.
If you like extra gooey bites, increase the amount of added marshmallows by half a cup.
Grease your hands lightly with butter for pressing down the mixture without sticking.
For a decadent twist, drizzle melted chocolate over the bars before they cool.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats

Presentation matters, even with simple desserts like this! Here’s how I like to serve these treats:

Arrange the squares on a cooling rack or a pretty platter.
Garnish the top with a drizzle of melted chocolate or caramel sauce for extra flair.
Add a sprinkle of crushed peanuts or sea salt for decoration.

You can also pair these bars with a warm cup of tea or coffee. If you love experimenting, try other indulgent snacks like brown butter bourbon pecan cookies alongside these for a crowd-pleasing dessert spread.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick look at the nutrition per serving for these peanut butter delights:

Calories: 256
Protein: 5g
Carbohydrates: 44g
Fat: 11g

How to Store These Treats

Here are some tips for keeping your treats fresh:

Room Temperature: Store them in an airtight container on the counter for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Wrap each square individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating: While they don’t require reheating, you can microwave them for a few seconds if you prefer a warm, gooey texture.

For even more dinner-to-dessert inspiration, explore our dinner recipes here.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats have so much going for them. Here’s why you’ll fall head over heels:

Quick and Easy: With minimal effort, you can whip these up in just 10 minutes.
Customizable: The recipe allows plenty of room for variations and add-ins.
Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone, from kids to adults, loves the sweet and salty combo.
No-Bake Convenience: No oven is required, making it perfect for hot days.
Perfect Texture: Chewy, gooey, and just the right amount of crunch.

FAQs

Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, you can! Chunky peanut butter will add a bit of texture to your treats with small peanut bits.

Why are my treats too hard?

This could happen if you pressed the mixture too firmly into the pan or overcooked the marshmallows. Be gentle in both steps.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Use a larger pan (9×13-inch) or two smaller square pans to accommodate the extra batch.

Are these treats gluten-free?

Most crispy rice cereal brands are gluten-free, but double-check the label to be sure.

Ben Carraoli