These Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Crispy Treats are an easy no-bake dessert made with gooey marshmallows, creamy peanut butter, crispy cereal, and a rich chocolate topping. Perfect for parties, holidays, after-school treats, or an easy family dessert recipe.
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This recipe is pure childhood in dessert form. These Peanut Butter Rice Krispie treats are a family favorite at my house. I love peanut butter and chocolate together, and I'm always looking for new ways to combine them.
If you enjoyed this treat, you might also like my Moose Tracks ice cream and Holy Smoke Chocolate Dessert for more family favorites.
Reader Review: "I love making desserts with peanut butter and chocolate so when I saw this I had to try it. We loved it and will be making it again soon! " - Judi
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Easy and Quick - Super easy with no baking required. Perfect for a quick dessert.
- Simple pantry ingredients - Pantry staples you could already have on hand.
- Classic Flavor Combo - Peanut butter and chocolate are a match made in dessert heaven.
- Family-Friendly Favorite - Both kids and adults love this chewy, crispy texture with sweet flavor.
What are Rice Crispy Treats
These no-bake desserts date back to the late 1930's. They were developed as a simple treat for a fundraiser by two home economists working for the Kellogg Company. This became popular because it was inexpensive, easy to make, and did not require baking.
These were originally called "marshmallow squares", but over time, they became widely known as Rice Krispies Treats due to the cereal used in the recipe.
Equipment
- 9 x 13 baking dish - I love this dish because it has a lid for easy storage.
- Mixing Bowl - Perfect for measuring out your ingredients.
- Spatula - These are my favorite spatulas. Perfect for mixing and easy to clean.
Ingredients
- Butter: I used unsalted butter for this recipe.
- Mini Marshmallows: Perfect for melting and helping to bind the bars together.
- Peanut Butter: I used smooth in this batch.
- Rice Krispies Cereal: Light, crispy rice cereal that gives the crunch.
- Chocolate Chips: Melted and spread on top for a rich, chocolatey layer. I used semi-sweet for this recipe.
- Vegetable Oil: This will help thin the melted chocolate.
Tim's Tip: Optional to add some flaky sea salt on top before serving to help balance the sweetness.
How to make Peanut Butter Rice Crispy Treats
- Lightly grease a 9x13-inch pan with non-stick spray. Set aside.
2. In a large saucepan over low heat, melt the butter, mini marshmallows, and peanut butter, stirring gently until smooth.
3. Once melted, remove from the heat and stir in the Rice Krispies until evenly coated.
4. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan.
5. Melt the chocolate: Place the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth. Stir in vegetable oil until fully combined.
6. Pour the melted chocolate over the bars and spread evenly. Let it sit at room temperature until the chocolate is set, about 2 hours.
7. Cut into squares and enjoy!
Made this recipe? Let me know!
Substitutions and Variations
- For a holiday spin, add a sprinkle of holiday sprinkles while the chocolate is still soft.
- Add a drizzle of white chocolate or caramel on top for extra flavor and decoration.
- For a chocolate version, swap the Rice Krispies cereal with Cocoa Krispies.
- Peanut Butter swap - Use almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter for a different flavor.
Tim's Expert Tips
- Use your hands to press the mixture firmly into the baking pan. This helps the bars hold together and keeps them compact.
- Lightly spray your hands with non-stick cooking spray to prevent the mixture from sticking to your hands while pressing it into the pan.
- Store your Peanut butter Rice Krispie treats on the counter at room temperature. Storing them in the refrigerator can make them hard and less chewy.
- For easy cutting and cleaner slices, run your knife under hot water before slicing the bars.
- Wash your saucepan immediately after cooking for easy clean-up (marshmallows can harden quickly)!
Storage
These are best if eaten the day they are made. Store in an airtight container (try not to eat them all) and store on the counter for up to three days.
They are delicious if they are warmed in the microwave for 10 seconds to freshen them up.
FAQs
Yes, you can easily make these a day in advance. Make sure to store them in an airtight container for freshness.
You will need to make sure to check your brand. The brand "Rice Krispies" is not gluten-free, but there are many brands of gluten-free crispy rice cereal available.
Yes, place them in an airtight container with wax paper in between each layer of squares. You can freeze for up to two months.
More Delicious Chocolate Treats
- Chocolate Lava Cake in the Slow Cooker
- Moose Tracks Ice Cream
- No- Bake Chocolate pie
- Holy Smoke Chocolate Dessert
What are the "must-haves" on your family menus? Let me know your family's favorite recipes in the comments! I love gathering ideas from fellow cooks!
Recipe
Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Crispy Treats
Equipment
- 1 9 x 13 Baking Dish
Ingredients
- ¼ cup Butter
- 10 oz Mini Marshmallows (about 5 cups)
- ½ cup Peanut Butter Smooth
- 6 cups Rice Krispie Cereal
- 11.5 oz Chocolate Chips
- 2 teaspoon Vegetable Oil
Instructions
- Lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch pan with nonstick spray.
- In a large saucepan over low heat, melt the butter, mini marshmallows, and peanut butter, stirring gently until smooth.
- Once melted, remove from the heat and stir in the Rice Krispies until evenly coated.
- Press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan.
- Melt the chocolate: Place the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth. Stir in vegetable oil until fully combined.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the bars and spread evenly. Let it sit at room temperature until the chocolate is set, about 2 hours.
- Cut into squares and enjoy!
Notes
- Use your hands to press the mixture firmly into the baking pan. This helps the bars hold together and keeps them compact.
- Lightly spray your hands with non-stick cooking spray to prevent the mixture from sticking to your hands while pressing it into the pan.
- Store your Peanut butter Rice Krispie treats on the counter at room temperature. Storing them in the refrigerator can make them hard and less chewy.
- For easy cutting and cleaner slices, run your knife under hot water before slicing the bars.
- Wash your saucepan immediately after cooking for easy clean-up (marshmallows can harden quickly)!
Nutrition
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