Name: Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: What it does: Butter adds richness and helps melt the marshmallows smoothly, creating that classic buttery base.; Why it matters: It balances the sweetness and enhances flavor while helping to bind the mixture together.; What they do: Most of the mini marshmallows get melted to form the gooey base, while some are stirred in at the end for extra pockets of chewiness.; Why they matter: Using mini marshmallows ensures they melt evenly and give the treats that soft, gooey texture everyone loves.; What it does: Infuses the treats with bold, nutty flavor and helps make the mixture soft and chewy.; Best type to use: Stick with a non-natural peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy). Natural peanut butter can separate and make the bars greasy or too loose.; What it does: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile, rounding out the sweetness and nutty notes.; Why it matters: It elevates the treats from simple to bakery-worthy with just a teaspoon.; What it does: A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness from the marshmallows and peanut butter.; Tip: If using salted butter, you can skip or reduce the added salt.; What it does: The crispy base that gives Rice Krispie treats their signature light, crunchy texture.; Why it matters: Acts as the structure of the treat, binding with the gooey mixture and providing that satisfying crisp bite in every square.

Description

Soft, chewy, and packed with rich peanut butter flavor, these no-bake Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats come together in just minutes and deliver big on nostalgic comfort. They’re the perfect quick treat for after-school snacks, bake sales, parties, or anytime you’re craving something sweet and satisfying.

Ingredients

Ingredients & Details

Butter

What it does: Butter adds richness and helps melt the marshmallows smoothly, creating that classic buttery base.
Why it matters: It balances the sweetness and enhances flavor while helping to bind the mixture together.

Mini Marshmallows

What they do: Most of the mini marshmallows get melted to form the gooey base, while some are stirred in at the end for extra pockets of chewiness.
Why they matter: Using mini marshmallows ensures they melt evenly and give the treats that soft, gooey texture everyone loves.

Creamy Peanut Butter

What it does: Infuses the treats with bold, nutty flavor and helps make the mixture soft and chewy.
Best type to use: Stick with a non-natural peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy). Natural peanut butter can separate and make the bars greasy or too loose.

Vanilla Extract

What it does: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile, rounding out the sweetness and nutty notes.
Why it matters: It elevates the treats from simple to bakery-worthy with just a teaspoon.

Salt

What it does: A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness from the marshmallows and peanut butter.
Tip: If using salted butter, you can skip or reduce the added salt.

Crispy Rice Cereal

What it does: The crispy base that gives Rice Krispie treats their signature light, crunchy texture.
Why it matters: Acts as the structure of the treat, binding with the gooey mixture and providing that satisfying crisp bite in every square.

Instructions

Melt butter and marshmallows:
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add all but 2 cups of the mini marshmallows and stir until completely melted and smooth.
Stir in peanut butter and vanilla:
Remove from heat and stir in the peanut butter, vanilla, and salt until well combined.
Add cereal:
Fold the crispy rice cereal into the melted mixture until fully coated.
Add extra marshmallows:
Stir in the reserved 2 cups of mini marshmallows for that signature gooey finish.
Press into pan:
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×9-inch baking dish and gently press it in. Avoid pressing too firmly to keep the treats soft.
Cool and cut:
Let the bars cool at room temperature for at least one hour. Then slice into squares and enjoy.

Notes

Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days. Use parchment or wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezer-friendly: Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 6 weeks. Let thaw at room temperature for about 15–20 minutes before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Dessert, Snack
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American