Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats are not just treats; they’re an experience! Dive into an extra gooey, wonderfully chewy masterpiece, generously studded with peanut butter cups throughout. But it doesn’t stop there – a luscious chocolate and peanut butter topping elevates these bars to an entirely new level of deliciousness, making them truly unforgettable.
Author’s Note
Reese’s Stuffed Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats: A Dream Come True!
From childhood, I’ve cherished the simple joy of classic Rice Krispie Treats. My mom often whipped them up, and the debate over who got to scrape the last bits of gooey marshmallow from the pot was a cherished family tradition. As I grew older and began experimenting in the kitchen, I quickly discovered the boundless fun of playing with different flavors and textures in these beloved no-bake bars.
The moment I introduced peanut butter into the mix, I knew I had stumbled upon something truly special. This recipe takes that love affair to the next level. Imagine incredibly gooey marshmallows, perfectly complemented by the creamy richness of peanut butter, all infused with pockets of mini Reese’s peanut butter cups. To crown this delightful creation, a thick, luxurious layer of chocolate-peanut butter ganache is spread generously on top. The combination is simply unbeatable and creates a dessert that’s truly hard to resist.
If you’re as enthusiastic about unique Krispie treat variations as I am, be sure to explore my other inventive recipes. You might love the colorful and fun Fruity Pebbles Rice Krispies Treats, the refreshing Rice Krispie Ice Cream Bars, or the decadent Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats. Each one offers a simple, unique twist on a classic, promising a delicious experience every time.
Why These Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats Are a Must-Try
These aren’t your average Rice Krispie Treats. We’ve taken a beloved classic and infused it with rich peanut butter flavor, creating a dessert that stands out from the crowd. Here’s why these gooey, chewy bars will become your new favorite:
- Unmatched Gooeyness: We’ve perfected the marshmallow-to-cereal ratio, ensuring every bite is wonderfully soft and delightfully chewy. The addition of brown sugar and heavy cream creates a caramel-like base that locks in moisture and maximizes that irresistible gooey factor.
- Peanut Butter Overload: Not only is creamy peanut butter mixed into the marshmallow base, but mini Reese’s peanut butter cups are generously folded in, providing bursts of chocolate and peanut butter in every mouthful. It’s a true celebration of this iconic flavor pairing.
- Decadent Chocolate Topping: A thick, smooth layer of melted chocolate chips combined with extra peanut butter forms a glorious topping. This creates a visually appealing finish and adds another layer of rich, complementary flavor that ties everything together.
- Simple No-Bake Recipe: Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, this recipe requires no oven, making it ideal for hot summer days or when you need a quick and easy dessert. With minimal cooking time, you can have these delicious treats ready in under an hour.
- Crowd-Pleaser: From casual gatherings to holiday parties, these Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats are always a hit. Their nostalgic charm combined with an elevated flavor profile makes them universally loved by kids and adults alike.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats
Crafting the perfect Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats begins with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that signature gooey texture and rich flavor. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and some helpful tips for each:
| Ingredient | Swaps & Tips for Best Results |
|---|---|
| Crisp Rice Cereal | Always opt for fresh, high-quality crisp rice cereal for the best flavor and texture. Stale cereal can impart an off-putting taste and won’t contribute to the delightful crunch these treats are known for. |
| Unsalted Butter | Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the recipe. If you only have salted butter on hand, feel free to use it, but reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe by half to maintain balance. |
| Light Brown Sugar | Brown sugar is crucial here for its deep, caramel-like notes and its ability to keep the treats soft and chewy. While white granulated sugar can be used as a substitute, the treats will lack the rich, nuanced flavor and may be slightly firmer. Ensure your brown sugar is packed when measuring for accuracy. |
| Heavy Cream | Heavy cream is essential for creating a rich, thick, and wonderfully gooey base. Its fat content helps emulsify the mixture and contributes to a luxurious mouthfeel. Avoid using regular milk, as it won’t thicken in the same way and can lead to a less cohesive and less flavorful result. |
| Creamy Peanut Butter | For these treats, creamy processed peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy) is highly recommended. Natural peanut butter tends to separate and has a different oil content, which can prevent the bars from setting correctly and achieving the desired texture. Its smoother consistency also blends perfectly into the gooey marshmallow mixture. |
| Miniature Marshmallows | Fresh miniature marshmallows are key to the ultimate gooey texture. Older, harder marshmallows may not melt smoothly, resulting in a lumpy mixture and a less appealing final product. Always check the freshness of your marshmallows for optimal melting. |
| Mini Reese’s Cups | These unwrapped mini peanut butter cups are a game-changer, adding bursts of chocolate and peanut butter throughout the treats. If miniature Reese’s cups are unavailable, you can substitute by chopping regular Reese’s Miniatures into quarters. Ensure they are small enough to distribute evenly. |
| Chocolate Chips (for topping) | Semi-sweet chocolate chips offer a balanced sweetness for the topping, beautifully complementing the rich peanut butter. If you prefer a sweeter treat, milk chocolate chips are a delightful alternative. Dark chocolate can also be used for a more intense chocolate flavor. |
| Salt | A pinch of salt is vital to balance the sweetness and enhance all the flavors, particularly the peanut butter. Don’t skip it! |
| Vanilla Extract (Optional) | A touch of vanilla extract adds an extra layer of warmth and complexity to the overall flavor profile. While optional, it’s highly recommended for an even more delicious treat. |
Quick Tip for Reese’s Cups
If you’re having trouble finding mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, don’t worry! You can easily use Reese’s Miniatures instead. Simply chop each Miniature into quarters before adding them to the mixture for perfect bite-sized inclusions.
How To Make the Best Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats: Step-by-Step Guide
Creating these irresistible Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats is a straightforward process, making them perfect for a quick snack or an impressive party dessert. Follow these steps for gooey, delicious results every time:
- Prepare Your Pan: Start by lining a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Make sure to leave a slight overhang on the sides; this creates “handles” that will make lifting the finished treats out of the pan much easier. Lightly spray the parchment/foil with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Set this prepared pan aside.
- Create the Caramel-Marshmallow Base: In a very large, heavy-bottomed pot, melt the unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Once melted, add the packed light brown sugar and stir continuously until the sugar is completely dissolved into the butter, typically taking about 1-2 minutes. Next, pour in the heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then continue to stir constantly for exactly 1 minute. This crucial step helps create a stable, chewy base. Immediately reduce the heat to medium-low after the minute.
- Incorporate Peanut Butter and Marshmallows: To the caramel mixture, add the creamy peanut butter, miniature marshmallows, and salt. Stir gently but continuously until all the marshmallows have fully melted and are smoothly incorporated into the peanut butter-caramel base. Once smooth, remove the pot from the heat. If you’re using vanilla extract, stir it in now to preserve its delicate flavor.
- Combine with Cereal and Add-Ins: Pour the crisp rice cereal into the pot with the warm peanut butter-marshmallow mixture. Using a rubber spatula, stir vigorously until all the cereal is thoroughly coated. Work quickly to ensure the mixture doesn’t cool too much before all ingredients are combined. If desired, gently fold in an additional 1/2 cup of miniature marshmallows for extra pockets of gooeyness. Allow the mixture to cool for just a couple of minutes – it should still be warm but not scorching hot – then carefully fold in the mini Reese’s cups. They will soften and get delightfully melty, distributing their flavor throughout.
- Press into Pan: Transfer the entire cereal mixture into your prepared 9×9-inch pan. Lightly spritz your hands with cooking spray or butter and gently press the mixture down into an even layer. The key here is to press *lightly* and evenly. Avoid compacting the mixture too firmly, as pressing too hard can result in dense, hard treats instead of soft, chewy ones.
- Prepare and Apply the Topping: In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and the remaining creamy peanut butter. Microwave the mixture in short 15-second intervals, stirring well after each interval, until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy. Pour this luscious chocolate-peanut butter topping evenly over the pressed Rice Krispie treats in the pan, spreading it with a spatula.
- Chill and Serve: Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the chocolate topping to set and the bars to firm up slightly for easier cutting. Once chilled, remove the pan from the fridge and let the bars come to room temperature for about 10-15 minutes (this makes for softer, less brittle cuts). Use a sharp knife, warmed under hot water and then dried, to make firm, clean slices into individual bars. Serve and enjoy!
The Secret to Extra Gooey Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats
Achieving that perfect, ultra-gooey texture is the hallmark of an exceptional Rice Krispie treat. While our recipe guides you through the process, understanding the science behind it ensures success every time:
- The Brown Sugar & Heavy Cream Base: This is where the magic truly happens. The combination of brown sugar and heavy cream, boiled for exactly one minute, creates a caramel-like foundation that goes beyond a simple marshmallow melt. This caramel base contributes significantly to the chewiness and prevents the treats from becoming overly stiff or crumbly. It adds moisture and elasticity that plain melted marshmallows can’t achieve alone.
- Proper Marshmallow Melting: Ensure your marshmallows are fresh and melt them over medium-low heat. Overheating marshmallows can cause them to become tough or crystallized, leading to a hard treat. Gentle heat ensures they melt into a smooth, pliable mass.
- Working Quickly but Gently: Once the cereal is added, work swiftly to coat it thoroughly before the mixture cools and stiffens. However, when pressing into the pan, be gentle! Over-compacting the cereal can crush the air pockets, resulting in dense, brick-like bars. A light, even press is all that’s needed to keep them wonderfully soft.
- Avoid Overcooking the Sugar Mix: The 1-minute boil for the butter, brown sugar, and heavy cream mixture is precise. Too little boiling time, and the treats might not set properly, remaining too sticky. Too much boiling, and the sugar will caramelize too far, resulting in rock-hard treats once cooled. Stick to that one-minute mark for optimal gooeyness and structure.
Expert Tips for the Best Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats
Achieving bakery-quality Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats is easier than you think with these expert tips:
- Always Use Fresh Ingredients: This cannot be stressed enough. Fresh crisp rice cereal ensures a delightful crunch, while soft, fresh marshmallows are crucial for that perfectly gooey, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Stale ingredients can compromise both flavor and consistency.
- Master the Caramel Base Boil Time: The specific boiling time for the butter, brown sugar, and heavy cream mixture is critical. Boiling for too short a time means the treats won’t set properly and will be overly sticky. Boiling for too long, on the other hand, will cause the sugar to over-caramelize and result in treats that are hard and brittle. Aim for exactly 1 minute of constant boiling.
- Work Efficiently and Quickly: Once the cereal is added to the warm marshmallow-peanut butter mixture, it’s a race against time. The mixture cools and stiffens rapidly. Stir quickly and thoroughly to ensure every piece of cereal is evenly coated before it becomes too difficult to mix.
- Press Lightly, Not Firmly: When transferring the mixture to the prepared pan, resist the urge to press down aggressively. Gently and evenly press the mixture into the pan. Pressing too hard will compact the cereal, removing air pockets and resulting in dense, stiff, and less enjoyable bars. Light pressure yields tender, soft, and chewy treats.
- Achieve Clean Cuts: For neat, professional-looking squares, use a sharp knife. For an even cleaner cut, run the knife under hot water for a few seconds and wipe it dry before each slice. The warmth helps the knife glide through the sticky and chocolatey layers without dragging. Repeat this warming and drying process as needed for pristine cuts.
- Don’t Substitute Natural Peanut Butter: While healthy and delicious in other applications, natural peanut butter (the kind that separates) does not work well in this recipe. Its oil content and texture will prevent the treats from setting correctly, leading to an oily, crumbly mess. Stick to creamy, processed peanut butter for the best results.
- Let Them Cool Properly: Although these are a no-bake treat, giving them adequate chilling time in the fridge (as specified in the recipe) is important for the chocolate topping to set and the bars to firm up slightly. However, allowing them to come to room temperature for 10-15 minutes before cutting can make them even softer and easier to slice.
Storage Guidelines
Storing Your Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats for Maximum Freshness
- Best When Fresh: These delightful treats are at their absolute peak of gooey, chewy goodness on the very day they are made. The flavors are vibrant, and the texture is perfectly soft.
- Room Temperature Storage: To keep them fresh for longer, store any leftover Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain delicious for up to 2-3 days, though the texture might firm up slightly over time. Avoid refrigerating the finished bars unless specifically instructed for setting, as the cold can make them too hard.
- Freezing for Longer Enjoyment: For extended storage, these treats freeze beautifully! Once cooled and cut into individual bars, wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe resealable bag or airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. To enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature for an hour or two until soft.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are answers to some common questions about making Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats:
- Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
- While creamy peanut butter is recommended for the smoothest texture, you can certainly use crunchy peanut butter if you enjoy extra texture. Just be aware it will change the overall consistency slightly.
- My treats are too hard. What went wrong?
- This is usually due to overcooking the butter, brown sugar, and heavy cream mixture, or over-compacting the cereal into the pan. Ensure you boil the caramel base for exactly 1 minute and press the mixture very gently into the pan.
- Can I add other candies or nuts?
- Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile. Feel free to experiment with chopped pretzels for a salty crunch, M&M’s, or even chopped nuts like peanuts or pecans for added flavor and texture.
- How can I make them even gooier?
- You can increase the marshmallow content slightly (e.g., use 2.5 cups in the base instead of 2). Also, ensuring your marshmallows are very fresh is key.
- Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
- Heavy cream is highly recommended for its richness and thickening properties. While milk can be used, the texture won’t be as rich or gooey. If you must substitute, use full-fat milk, but expect a slight difference in consistency.
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Print Recipe
Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats
Chelsea Lords
25 minutes
30 minutes
55 minutes
12
bars
Video Overview
Equipment
- 9 x 9-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper or aluminum foil
- Large pot
- Rubber spatula
- Small microwave-safe bowl
Ingredients
For the Treats:
- Cooking spray
- 5 cups crisp rice cereal (like Rice Krispies)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (avoid natural peanut butter)
- 2 cups miniature marshmallows
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Optional Add-Ins
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup miniature marshmallows (for extra gooeyness)
- 3/4 cup Reese’s minis (unwrapped, see note 1)
For the Topping
- 1-1/2 cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate, see note 2)
- 2-1/2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
Instructions
- Line a 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper or foil, ensuring a slight overhang for easy removal. Lightly spray the paper with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- In a very large pot over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add the brown sugar and stir until it is completely dissolved, approximately 1-2 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream, bring the mixture to a boil, and continue stirring constantly for exactly 1 minute. Reduce the heat to medium-low immediately after.
- Add the creamy peanut butter, miniature marshmallows, and salt to the pot. Stir until all the marshmallows are fully melted and the mixture is smooth and well combined. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract, if using.
- Add the crisp rice cereal to the pot and stir briskly until every piece of cereal is fully coated with the gooey mixture. If desired, stir in the extra 1/2 cup of marshmallows. Allow the mixture to cool slightly for a few minutes (it should still be warm but not hot), then gently fold in the mini Reese’s cups. They will soften and integrate beautifully.
- Pour the cereal mixture into the prepared pan. Lightly spritz your hands with cooking spray and gently press the mixture down into an even layer. Remember, press lightly to keep the bars soft and chewy; pressing too hard will make them dense.
- In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and the 2.5 tablespoons of creamy peanut butter. Microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each interval, until the mixture is completely melted and smooth. Spread this rich chocolate-peanut butter topping evenly over the bars.
- Chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the chocolate topping to set and the bars to firm up. Once chilled, remove them from the fridge and let them come to room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before cutting. To cut, use a sharp knife warmed under hot water and thoroughly dried, then make firm, clean slices. Serve and enjoy your homemade Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats!
Recipe Notes
Note 2: My personal preference is milk chocolate for a sweeter topping, but semi-sweet or even dark chocolate chips can be used if you prefer a less sweet or more intense chocolate flavor.
Critical Tip for Texture: Pay close attention to the boiling time of the butter, brown sugar, and heavy cream mixture. Boiling for too short a time will prevent the treats from setting properly, making them too sticky. Boiling for too long will over-caramelize the sugar, resulting in treats that become hard and difficult to chew once cooled. Exactly 1 minute is the sweet spot!
Storage: These bars are most delicious and gooey on the same day they are made. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. For longer storage, refer to the freezing instructions in the main post.
Nutrition Facts
Serving:
1 bar
Calories:
611kcal
Carbohydrates:
87g
Protein:
6g
Fat:
29g
Saturated Fat:
15g
Polyunsaturated Fat:
3g
Monounsaturated Fat:
8g
Trans Fat:
0.3g
Cholesterol:
29mg
Sodium:
205mg
Potassium:
245mg
Fiber:
1g
Sugar:
64g
Vitamin A:
1120IU
Vitamin C:
7mg
Calcium:
60mg
Iron:
4mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation. Actual values may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Enjoy these incredibly delicious and easy-to-make Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats! They’re sure to become a cherished recipe in your household.
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