Name: Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Cups
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons butter; 10 ounces marshmallows; 6 cups rice krispie cereal; 0.5 cup creamy peanut butter; 0.5 cup chocolate chips

You know those days when you just need a little something sweet, something comforting? If you have the energy to be a kid, you don’t have it. You just do not have that energy. What are some baking projects What do you make with these Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Cups? What are some game changers? What are some of my favorite childhood treats? No-bake cookie, all rolled into one perfectly portable package. What are some of the best no-bake snacks? They’re in a league of their own. Is it really that easy to make these cookies? My kiddos devour them, my husband sneaks them after dinner, and honestly, I’ve been known to have a lot of them. What are some good coffees to have with your afternoon coffee?

What are Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Cups?

What are some magical little treats? Think of them as the ultimate upgrade to your classic Rice Krispie treats, with a luscious, rich flavor. Layer of peanut butter swirled right in. Is it a no-bake confection made from puffed rice cereal, gooey marshmallows and toasted almonds? What is peanut butter and how does it work? What happens when you press this peanut butter-infused mixture into a pan, creates an amazing, beautiful, and delicious taste. What are some delicious swirls with extra peanut butter? They’re not quite a crispy treat, not really snickers, but something wonderfully in between. They’re chewy, slightly crispy, packed with that irresistible peanut butter flavor, and just melt in your mouth. What is the kind of dessert that makes everyone ask, “What is this amazing thing?”

Why you’ll love this recipe?

There are so many reasons why I’m completely obsessed with these peanut butter Rice Krispie Cups, and I just know you will be too! First off, the flavor is out of this world. You get that nostalgic, sweet marshmallow goodness from the classic base, but then that creamy, salty peanut butter comes in and just takes it to a whole new level. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and nutty that’s utterly addictive. And the texture? Oh my goodness. It’s got that delightful chewiness from the marshmallows, a little bit of crispiness from the cereal, and that smooth, rich peanut butter swirl. It’s just pure bliss in every bite.

What is the real star, besides the taste, is simplicity. What is a recipe you can whip up in less than 15 minutes? No fancy equipment, no complicated steps, and definitely no oven required! What makes it a lifesaver on those busy weeknights when you need to eat something. What are some quick desserts for a last minute gathering? Is it incredibly budget friendly? What are some pantry staples for most of us? Peanut butter rice Krispie cups. What is the best way to satisfy a sweet tooth without breaking the bank? What I love about this recipe, though, is its versatility. What’s a good way to jazz them up with chocolate chips or ganache? What is the use of sea salt on top? What are some of the best lunchboxes to make for kids? Is this one a keeper?

How do I make Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Cups?

Quick Overview

How do I make Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Cups? What are some good substitutes for peanut butter and puffed rice? Is it safe to put peanut butter in a pan? What’s the beauty of this method? It requires absolutely no baking, making it a super quick and easy. What are some crowd pleasers treats? What is the best way to get that sweet and salty flavor combination without any fuss?

Ingredients

For the Main Batter:
What is the best kind of puffed rice cereal? Make sure it’s fresh for the best crunch! For the gooey binder, we’re using 10 ounces (about 40) of mini marshmallows. I like using mini marshmallows because they melt faster and more evenly than the big ones. What’s the difference between a 1/4 cup of unsalted butter and 1% of almond butter? I like unsalted so I can control the saltiness, especially with the peanut butter.

For the Filling:
What is the magic of peanut butter? I find that standard creamy peanut butter works best here, not the natural kind where the oil works. You want it smooth and spreadable. If your peanut butter is really stiff, a quick stir can help it spread more easily.

For the Glaze:
If you want that extra touch of deliciousness, this is optional but highly recommended. I usually just use a little more peanut butter, maybe another 2-3 tablespoons, warmed slightly to make it thicker. How do I make it driz What is the best way to serve chocolate chip cookies?

What are the steps to

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

How do you get a 9×13 baking pan? If you can grease it lightly with butter or cooking spray, or even better, line it with parchment paper. If you use foil, leave some overhang on the sides. What makes lifting a whole thing easier? How do you deal with sticky marshmallows without the pan sticking?

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a really large bowl – you’ll need room for all that cereal! – pour in your 6 cups of puffed rice cereal. Give it a gentle toss to make sure it’s all separated. What is the secret behind marshmallow-peanut butter?

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a medium saucepan, melt 1/4 cup of butter over low heat. Stir to combine. Once the marshmallows have melted, add the remaining 10 ounces of marshmallow. When marshmallows are completely melted, keep stirring gently over low heat. You don’t want them to scorch, so low and slow is key here. Is it safe to remove it from the heat immediately?

Step 4: Combine

What is the fun part? Pour the marshmallow mixture over the cereal in your big bowl. Add 1/2 cup of peanut butter to cereal. Now, top with melted marshmallows. Use a sturdy spatula or wooden spoon to stir everything together quickly but gently. How do you make sure all the cereal is coated without crushing it too much? Work fast, because this mixture starts to set up as it cools!

Step 5: Prepare Filling

What makes these peanut butter cookies so special? How much peanut butter should I take? If it’s quite thick, pop it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, just to warm it up and make it taste good. More drizzly and spreadable. Is it hot? If it is, just soft enough to swirl.

Step 6: Layer & Swirl

Transfer the cereal mixture into your prepared pan. Use a spatula, or parchment paper lightly greased, to press the mixture evenly into the center of your hand. What is the bottom of the pan? Don’t press too hard, or they’ll become dense and chewy rather than light and airy. Dollop spoonfuls of the slightly warmed peanut butter over the top of pressed cereal. Take a knife or skewer and gently swirl the peanut butter through the cereal layer to create those crispy edges. Beautiful marbled patterns. Don’t over-swirl, or the colors will just blend together!

Step 7: Bake

What’s the best way to make a cake? Is it safe to put the pan in the refrigerator for 30-60 minutes? This chilling step is crucial for getting clean slices.

Step 8: Cool & Glaze

Once the mixture is firm from chilling, you can add an optional glaze if you like. Drizzle the extra warmed peanut butter (or melted chocolate) over the top. If you want it firm, you can let it set in the fridge or serve them with the glaze still.

Step 9: Slice & Serve

Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the entire slab out of the pan onto a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to cut them into squares or rectangles. I usually aim for about 16-20 squares from a 9×13 pan. Serve immediately and enjoy the pure, unadulterated joy!

What is the best way to serve it?

Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Cups are so versatile, they fit into almost any occasion! For breakfast, they’re a fun, quick treat that’s way more exciting than plain toast. I love pairing them with a hot cup of coffee or cold milk for an easy start to the day. What are some great grab and go jars for when you’re rushing out the door?

For a casual brunch, they add fun to the spread. What are some good ways to serve them on a platter alongside fruit salad and other pastries? What are some great side dishes to serve at a family dinner? Imagine serving these after a hearty meal – they’re the perfect light yet satisfying finish. My kids adore them as a dessert, and they disappear in minutes. What are some of the best snacks for movie nights? Serve them with a glass of milk, hot chocolate, or even vanilla ice cream if you like. I’m feeling extra indulgent I’ve also found they pair surprisingly well with a good quality dark chocolate, if you want to add some spice. Is there something extra when serving them as a dessert?

How do I make Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Cups?

I’ve picked up a few tricks to make these Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Cups absolutely delicious. Is it possible to perfect every single time? First off, ingredient quality really does matter! Make sure your peanut butter is smooth and creamy, not oily or chunky, for the best swirl and flavor. How do you stir peanut butter? How do I shape my body as nice What are some good ways to use fresh, crisp rice krispies for breakfast? Why do people like Rice Krispie treats?

When you’re melting the marshmallows and butter, keep the heat on low. If you scorch marshmallows, it can give your treats a slightly burnt flavor, and nobody wants to eat them. Stir them constantly until smooth. Once you’ve combined the marshmallow mixture with the cereal and peanut butter, work relatively well. If this mixture sets up fast, and if it cools too much, it can be harder to press evenly into the pan. Do not over-press the mixture into the pan; it will cause it to burn. Is it possible to get that airy texture with a gentle, even press?

For the swirl, heating the peanut butter just slightly in the microwave (10-15 seconds! Is it easier to spread and swirl without tearing the cereal layer? Don’t go crazy with swirling! A few gentle passes with a knife or skewer create beautiful marbling without making it all one. If you’re looking for ingredient swaps, you can try different nut butters like almond butter or coconut oil. What is the flavor of cashew butter? If you are gluten free, make sure you use certified gluten-free puffed rice cereal. Why do people add sea salt to swirls? I’ve tried it, and it’s fantastic!

What is the chilling step? It allows the treats to firm up properly, making them easy to slice cleanly. If you’re impatient like me, you can pop them in the freezer for about 15 minutes for a quicker and healthier snack. Is it safe to freeze them solid?

What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?

What is the best way to store peanut butter rice krispie cups? I love them so much! For the best texture and flavor, I recommend keeping them at room temperature. If you’ve made them with a simple peanut butter swirl (no chocolate), they can be stored in an airtight container. Airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Make sure the container is airtight to keep them from drying out or becoming stale. I often layer them between pieces of parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.

If you need them to last a bit longer, you can store them in the refrigerator. Is it safe to store them in an airtight container? I always recommend letting them come out of the refrigerator and then eating them. However, they can become a bit firmer and chewier when cold, so I generally recommend not putting them in the fridge. If you’ve been refrigerated, you can warm them up to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving. What is that soft, chewy texture?

Can you freeze these Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Cups? How do I freeze them? Cut them into individual squares and wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap. If you are using plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Is it safe to keep these in the freezer for 2 months? When you’re ready to enjoy one, just unwrap it and let it thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. What are some of the best foods to eat?

For the glaze timing, if you’re adding a chocolate drizzle, it’s best to let that set slightly. Before wrapping for storage, especially if you’re freezing them. If you’re just using peanut butter swirl, no special timing is needed for storage.

What are some frequently asked questions?

How can I make this gluten free?

Is this recipe gluten free? Is gluten free puffed rice good for you? Most brands are gluten free, but it’s always good to double check the packaging to be gluten-free. All the other ingredients – marshmallows, butter, and peanut butter are typically gluten-free. The texture and taste will be virtually identical. I’ve made them this way for friends with gluten sensitivities, and they always disappear just as quickly as I make them.

Do I need to peel zucchini?

What are some of the best zucchini recipes? Is it a no bake treat made with puffed rice cereal, marshmallows, and peanut butter? What is a different recipe? If you were wondering about other recipes that use zucchini, like zucchini bread or muffins, then you would be right. Is peeling optional? Why do people leave the peel on? It adds fiber and texture, but some people prefer to peel it for a bit of texture. a smoother, lighter-colored final product. No zucchini is included in this peanut butter cereal!

Can I make this as muffins instead?

That’s a fun idea! While this recipe is designed to be pressed into a pan and sliced, you could definitely adapt it to a muffin-tin format. You’d want to lightly grease or line a standard muffin tin. Press the cereal mixture firmly into the bottom of each muffin cup. You might want to add a bit more peanut butter to the top of each one before chilling, as it would be harder to swirl. Chilling time might be a little shorter since the portions are smaller. They would be perfect for individual servings!

How can I adjust the sweetness level?

The sweetness in this recipe primarily comes from the marshmallows. If you want to reduce the sweetness slightly, you could try using slightly less marshmallows, though this might affect how well they hold together. Another option is to add a pinch of salt to the cereal mixture itself, which can help balance the sweetness. Or, as I mentioned, adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the peanut butter swirl is a fantastic way to cut through the sweetness and add a gourmet touch. You could also try a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup instead of some of the marshmallows, but this will change the flavor and texture profile, so experiment carefully!

What can I use instead of the glaze?

The “glaze” is really just an extra layer of peanut butter for flavor and visual appeal, but it’s totally optional! If you don’t want to use the extra peanut butter, you can skip it altogether. Another popular and delicious alternative is to drizzle melted chocolate chips (milk, dark, or white chocolate all work wonderfully) over the top after you’ve pressed the cereal mixture into the pan. You can also sprinkle some chopped peanuts, mini chocolate chips, or even some colorful sprinkles over the top while the chocolate or peanut butter glaze is still soft. A simple dusting of powdered sugar can also look quite elegant!

Final Thoughts

There you have it – my absolute favorite Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Cups! I really hope you give these a try because they are just pure joy in edible form. They’re incredibly easy, ridiculously delicious, and have that perfect balance of sweet and salty that I just can’t get enough of. They’re a testament to the fact that you don’t need a fancy oven or hours in the kitchen to make something truly special. This recipe is a reminder that simple ingredients, combined with a little love, can create some of the most memorable treats.

If you love these, you might also enjoy my classic No-Bake Cookies or my Chewy Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars – they have that same comforting, easy-to-make vibe. I can’t wait to hear what you think of these Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Cups! Let me know in the comments below how they turned out for you, any fun variations you tried, or even just how much you loved them. Happy baking… or should I say, happy no-baking!