Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats are a perfect blend of textures and flavors. The combination of crispy Rice Krispies, creamy peanut butter, and gooey marshmallows creates the ultimate chewy treat. Topped with a marbled swirl of melted peanut butter and chocolate, these bars are decadent and irresistible. Whether you’re making them for a party, a snack, or a quick dessert, they are guaranteed to be a hit with family and friends.

Ingredients

For the Base:

  • 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
  • 1 (10 oz) bag mini marshmallows (about 5 ½ cups)

For the Topping:

  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (or milk chocolate, if preferred)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

  1. Prep the Pan: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easier removal. Set aside while you prepare the mixture.
  2. Make the Base: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and peanut butter together, stirring frequently until smooth and fully combined. Add the mini marshmallows and stir until they melt completely and the mixture becomes cohesive and glossy.
  3. Add the Cereal: Remove the pan from heat and immediately stir in the Rice Krispies cereal. Fold quickly and thoroughly to coat all the cereal before the mixture cools and sets. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and press it down gently using a spatula or wax paper to create an even layer without compacting too firmly.
  4. Melt the Topping: In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the remaining 1 cup of peanut butter in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth and pourable. In a separate bowl, melt the chocolate chips the same way, stirring until fully melted and silky.
  5. Add the Swirl: Pour the melted peanut butter over the base and spread it evenly to cover the surface. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the top in lines or dollops, then use a toothpick or butter knife to swirl the two together in a marbled pattern.
  6. Let Set: Allow the bars to set at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours, or refrigerate for about 45 minutes if you need them to set more quickly. The topping should be firm before slicing.
  7. Slice and Serve: Once set, use a sharp knife to cut the bars into squares. For cleaner cuts, wipe the knife blade between slices. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container.

Servings and Timing

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Additional Time: 1 hour (for setting)
  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: About 12-16 bars (depending on how large you slice them)

Variations

  1. Add Nuts: For extra crunch, add chopped peanuts, almonds, or cashews into the Rice Krispies mixture.
  2. Try Different Chips: Use milk chocolate, white chocolate, or even butterscotch chips for the topping to create new flavor combinations.
  3. Marshmallow Fluff Version: For a fluffier, stickier texture, you can substitute the mini marshmallows with marshmallow fluff.
  4. Vegan Option: Substitute the butter with a plant-based butter and use dairy-free chocolate chips for a vegan version of this treat.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store the Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or refrigerate them for longer freshness.
  • Freezing: You can freeze these bars for up to 3 months. To freeze, place the bars in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag.

FAQs

1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter?

Yes, crunchy peanut butter can be used for extra texture, but it will change the consistency of the bars slightly. The creamy version is more traditional.

2. Can I use a different cereal?

Rice Krispies are the traditional choice, but you can substitute with another crispy rice cereal, cornflakes, or even gluten-free cereal.

3. How do I prevent the bars from getting too hard?

Be sure not to press the mixture too firmly into the pan when preparing the base. Gently pressing it will maintain a soft and chewy texture.

4. Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, these bars can be made ahead of time. Simply store them in an airtight container for up to a week.

5. How do I make the chocolate topping smoother?

Make sure the chocolate chips are fully melted and smooth. If necessary, add a teaspoon of coconut oil or shortening to make it more glossy and pourable.

6. Can I use a different type of chocolate for the topping?

Yes! You can substitute semi-sweet chocolate with milk, dark, or white chocolate depending on your preference.

7. Can I add other mix-ins to the Rice Krispies base?

Definitely! You can mix in mini chocolate chips, dried fruit, or even marshmallows for a fun twist.

8. How do I make these bars more chocolatey?

Increase the amount of chocolate topping or drizzle a chocolate ganache over the bars for an extra chocolatey finish.

9. Can I make these bars without the chocolate swirl?

Yes, you can skip the chocolate swirl and just top the bars with a simple peanut butter topping for a more classic flavor.

10. Can I make these bars with less sugar?

These bars are meant to be sweet, but you can reduce the amount of powdered sugar slightly for a less sugary treat, or try a sugar substitute for a healthier version.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats with Chocolate Swirl are a fun and indulgent treat that’s easy to make and full of flavor. The combination of creamy peanut butter, chewy Rice Krispies, and the delicious marbled chocolate topping makes these bars a crowd-pleaser every time. Whether you’re making them for a party, as an after-school snack, or just for a treat, these bars are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth! Enjoy every bite of this classic, no-bake treat!


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Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

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Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats with a Chocolate Swirl are a fun, no-bake dessert combining the chewiness of Rice Krispies cereal, the richness of peanut butter, and a smooth chocolate topping.

  • Author: Amy
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 12-16 bars
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Bake
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

6 cups Rice Krispies cereal

1 cup creamy peanut butter

½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)

1 (10 oz) bag mini marshmallows (about 5 ½ cups)

1 cup creamy peanut butter (for topping)

1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (or milk chocolate, if preferred)

Instructions

  1. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easier removal. Set aside.
  2. In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and peanut butter together, stirring frequently until smooth and fully combined. Add the mini marshmallows and stir until they melt completely and the mixture becomes cohesive and glossy.
  3. Remove the pan from heat and immediately stir in the Rice Krispies cereal. Fold quickly and thoroughly to coat all the cereal before the mixture cools. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and press it down gently using a spatula or wax paper to create an even layer.
  4. In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the remaining 1 cup of peanut butter in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth and pourable. In a separate bowl, melt the chocolate chips the same way, stirring until fully melted.
  5. Pour the melted peanut butter over the base and spread evenly. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the top and swirl them together using a toothpick or butter knife to create a marbled pattern.
  6. Allow the bars to set at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours, or refrigerate for about 45 minutes until the topping is firm. Slice into squares and serve.

Notes

Crunchy peanut butter can be used for texture, but the consistency of the bars will change slightly.

Rice Krispies can be substituted with other crispy rice cereals, cornflakes, or gluten-free cereals.

To make the chocolate topping smoother, add a teaspoon of coconut oil or shortening to the melted chocolate.

If you prefer a less sweet treat, reduce the powdered sugar or use a sugar substitute.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 100mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 10mg
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