Print

Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 83 reviews

These Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats are a delightful twist on the classic dessert, combining the rich flavor of brown butter with creamy peanut butter and crispy rice cereal for a chewy, sweet snack with a nutty aroma and delicious marshmallow pockets.

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter (or cookie butter)
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

  • 6 cups Rice Krispie Cereal
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Marshmallows

  • 8 cups mini marshmallows, divided (6 cups + 2 cups)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pan: Lightly grease a 9×9 inch pan with baking spray or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Set aside.
  2. Brown the Butter: In a large light-bottomed Dutch oven over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir constantly with a heat-resistant spatula or wooden spoon to prevent the milk solids from sticking. Continue until the butter turns a chestnut brown color and emits a nutty aroma, indicating the brown butter stage.
  3. Melt Marshmallows: Immediately add 6 cups of mini marshmallows to the browned butter. Stir with a wooden spoon until the marshmallows fully melt, then remove the pan from heat and turn off the burner.
  4. Add Flavorings: Stir in the vanilla extract and salt thoroughly. Then incorporate the creamy peanut butter, mixing well until smooth and combined.
  5. Combine Cereal: Add the 6 cups of Rice Krispie cereal into the mixture. Stir energetically with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula until the cereal is evenly coated and sticky.
  6. Add Remaining Marshmallows: Fold in the remaining 2 cups of mini marshmallows, mixing just enough to distribute them throughout while leaving some small pockets intact for texture.
  7. Transfer and Press: Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Use the back of the butter wrapper or a greased spatula to gently press down the mixture. Be careful to press lightly rather than compacting tightly to maintain a chewy texture.
  8. Garnish: Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the top or drizzle melted dark chocolate for an extra touch of flavor and decoration.
  9. Cool: Allow the treats to cool at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes. Cover them if left out longer than an hour to maintain freshness.
  10. Cut and Serve: Once cooled, lift the treats out of the pan onto a cutting board. Cut into bars and enjoy your delicious peanut butter-infused Rice Krispie treats!

Notes

  • Using a light-bottomed pan helps monitor the browning of the butter to avoid burning.
  • The brown butter adds a complex, nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste.
  • Gently pressing the mixture instead of compressing ensures the treats stay soft and chewy.
  • Flaky sea salt balances sweetness and highlights flavors, but is optional.
  • You can swap peanut butter for cookie butter for a different taste variation.
  • Cover bars if stored at room temperature longer than an hour to prevent drying out.

Keywords: Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats, Brown Butter Rice Krispies, Peanut Butter Marshmallow Treats, No-Bake Dessert, Easy Snacks

Find it online: https://cheflenacooks.com/peanut-butter-rice-krispie-treats-recipe/