Make the best peanut butter Rice Krispie treats. This no-bake recipe delivers gooey, chewy squares packed with peanut butter flavor. It is a simple dessert everyone loves.
Author:Sarah Peterson
Prep Time:10 min
Cook Time:5 min
Total Time:65 min
Yield:18 bars 1x
Category:Dessert
Method:No Bake
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
6 cups puffed rice cereal
1 (10 ounce) package marshmallows
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (for optional topping)
1 tablespoon coconut oil or butter (for optional topping)
Instructions
Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. Set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt the 3 tablespoons of butter over low heat.
Add the marshmallows to the melted butter. Stir constantly until the marshmallows are completely melted and smooth. Remove the pan from the heat.
Stir in the peanut butter and vanilla extract until fully combined with the marshmallow mixture. Mix until you have a uniform, creamy mixture.
Add the 6 cups of puffed rice cereal to the marshmallow mixture. Fold gently until the cereal is evenly coated. Do not overmix.
Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking pan. Press the mixture down evenly using a piece of wax paper or lightly buttered spatula. Do not press too firmly, as this makes the treats hard instead of chewy.
If using the optional topping, combine the chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon of coconut oil or butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth.
Pour or drizzle the melted chocolate evenly over the top of the pressed cereal mixture. Spread quickly if desired.
Allow the treats to cool and set completely, about 1 hour at room temperature.
Cut into squares. These are easy no-bake treats perfect for lunchbox snack ideas.
Notes
For the chewiest bars, use fresh marshmallows. Stale marshmallows result in harder treats.
If you prefer a Scotcheroos inspired recipe, melt 1/2 cup of butterscotch chips with the chocolate chips for the topping.
To prevent sticking when pressing the mixture, lightly grease your hands or the spatula you use.
This recipe makes classic, gooey cereal bars that are a simple dessert recipe favorite.