Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats are the ultimate no-bake dessert that combines three crowd-pleasing flavors in one simple recipe. I discovered this recipe during a busy week when I needed something quick for my daughter’s school bake sale. Within 15 minutes, I had a pan of these treats ready, and they disappeared faster than anything else at the event.
What makes these treats made with Rice Krispies so special? They require just five ingredients, no oven, and minimal cleanup. The combination of creamy peanut butter, gooey marshmallows, crispy cereal, and rich chocolate creates a texture that’s both crunchy and chewy. Whether you’re looking for easy rice krispie desserts for parties or a quick after-school snack, this recipe delivers every time.
Unlike traditional Rice Krispie treats, these peanut butter chocolate bars have a sophisticated flavor profile that appeals to both kids and adults. The chocolate layer on top adds a candy-like finish that makes them feel special enough for celebrations but simple enough for weeknight treats.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Best Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats
What You’ll Need for These Rice Krispie Bites
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You only need five basic ingredients:
Base Ingredients:
• 2.5 cups Rice Krispies cereal
• 1/2 cup peanut butter (creamy works best)
• 4 oz marshmallows (about 1.5 cups mini marshmallows)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 6 oz dark chocolate chips (or semi-sweet)
Ingredient Notes:
The peanut butter should be the regular creamy kind, not natural peanut butter. Natural varieties can be too oily and may not set properly. I learned this the hard way when my first batch turned out greasy and wouldn’t firm up.
For the chocolate topping, dark chocolate adds a rich, less-sweet finish that balances the marshmallow sweetness. However, milk chocolate or semi-sweet chips work perfectly if that’s what you have on hand.
Fresh marshmallows make a difference. Old, hard marshmallows won’t melt smoothly and can create lumpy treats. Check the expiration date before you start.
Instructions: How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Krispies
This recipe comes together in under 20 minutes. Follow these steps for perfect peanut butter rice crispy treats every time.
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Leave some overhang on the sides so you can easily lift the treats out later. This simple step makes cutting and serving much easier.
Step 2: Melt the Peanut Butter Mixture
Combine the peanut butter and butter in a non-stick pan. Place over low heat and stir constantly until completely melted and smooth. This takes about 2 minutes. Keep the heat low to prevent burning. The mixture should look glossy and well-combined.
Step 3: Add the Marshmallows
Add all the marshmallows to the melted peanut butter mixture. Continue stirring over low heat for 2-3 minutes. The marshmallows will start to puff up, then slowly melt into the mixture. Keep stirring until you have a smooth, creamy consistency with no lumps.
Step 4: Mix in the Rice Krispies
Remove the pan from heat immediately once the marshmallows melt completely. Working quickly, stir in the Rice Krispies cereal. Fold gently but thoroughly until every piece is coated with the marshmallow mixture. The cereal should be evenly distributed throughout.
Step 5: Pack into the Pan
Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking pan. Use a piece of parchment paper or a greased spatula to press the mixture firmly into the pan. Press evenly to create a uniform thickness. This ensures all your peanut butter rice krispie squares will be the same size.
Step 6: Make Chocolate Dipped Rice Krispie Treats
Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. You can also use a double boiler for more control. Once smooth, pour the melted chocolate over the pressed Rice Krispie mixture. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the top, creating a smooth chocolate layer.
Step 7: Chill and Set
Place the pan in the refrigerator for about one hour. The chocolate needs this time to set properly. Don’t try to cut them too early or the chocolate will crack and make a mess.
Step 8: Cut and Serve
Once set, lift the entire slab out using the parchment paper overhang. Place on a cutting board and cut into 16 squares using a sharp knife. For clean cuts, wipe the knife between each cut.
Pro Tips and Variations
Making PB Rice Krispie Treats Perfect Every Time
Temperature Control is Key
Always use low heat when melting ingredients. High heat can burn the butter and peanut butter, creating a bitter taste. It can also make the marshmallows tough and chewy instead of soft and gooey.
Work Quickly
Once you remove the marshmallow mixture from heat, work fast. The mixture starts to set as it cools, making it harder to mix and press into the pan.
Press Firmly But Gently
When packing the mixture into your pan, use firm pressure to create compact bars that hold together well. However, don’t press so hard that you crush the cereal. You want to maintain that signature crispy texture.
Storage Tips
Store these chocolate peanut butter rice crispy bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Layer them between parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can also be refrigerated for up to 2 weeks or frozen for up to 3 months.
Cutting Hack
For perfectly clean cuts, chill the treats thoroughly, then run your knife under hot water and dry it before each cut. This keeps the chocolate from cracking and creates professional-looking squares.
Try These Variations
Snickers Rice Krispie Treats
Add 1/2 cup chopped Snickers bars to the Rice Krispies before pressing into the pan. The caramel and nougat pieces create a candy bar experience. You can also drizzle caramel sauce over the chocolate layer for extra decadence.
White Chocolate Rice Crispy Treats
Swap the dark chocolate for white chocolate chips. This creates a sweeter, creamier topping that kids especially love. Add colorful sprinkles on top before the chocolate sets for birthday parties.
Crunchy Peanut Butter Version
Use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy for extra texture. The peanut pieces add another layer of crunch that complements the cereal perfectly.
Chocolate Rice Crispy Treats Base
Replace half the Rice Krispies with chocolate Rice Krispies cereal for chocolate lovers. This creates an all-chocolate experience that’s incredibly rich.
Nutella Twist
Replace the peanut butter with Nutella for a hazelnut chocolate version. Top with chopped hazelnuts along with the chocolate for a gourmet touch.
Protein Boost
Add 2 tablespoons of protein powder to the marshmallow mixture for a more filling snack. This works great for post-workout treats.
Mini Rice Krispie Bites
Instead of pressing into a pan, form the mixture into small balls while still warm. Dip each ball halfway into melted chocolate and place on parchment paper to set. These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties and easy to grab on the go.
Serving Suggestions for Rice Krispie Desserts
These peanut butter rice krispie squares work for almost any occasion.
For Kids’ Parties
Cut into smaller, bite-sized pieces and arrange on a colorful platter. Kids can easily grab one without making a mess. Pair with fresh fruit and juice boxes for a balanced party spread.
After-School Snacks
Keep a container of these treats in the pantry for hungry kids coming home from school. They provide quick energy and satisfy sweet cravings. Pair with a glass of milk or apple slices for a more complete snack.
Potluck Desserts
These travel exceptionally well. Stack them in a container with parchment paper between layers. They won’t get soggy or fall apart during transport. Everyone always asks for the recipe.
Gift Giving
Package individual treats in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon. They make thoughtful homemade gifts for teachers, neighbors, or coworkers. Add a label with the ingredients for anyone with allergies.
Movie Night Treats
Serve alongside popcorn and other movie snacks. The combination of salty and sweet makes them perfect for movie watching. Cut them smaller so people can enjoy multiple treats during a long film.
Coffee Shop Style
Serve with hot coffee or cold milk. The peanut butter and chocolate flavors pair beautifully with coffee, making these great for afternoon coffee breaks or brunch gatherings.
What Can I Make With Rice Krispies: Beyond Basic Treats
Rice Krispies cereal is incredibly versatile beyond traditional treats. You can create Rice Krispie recipes peanut butter style like this one, or explore other creative options.
Try making Rice Krispie sushi by forming the mixture into logs and wrapping with fruit leather. Create holiday-themed shapes using cookie cutters. Mix in dried fruits, nuts, or candy pieces for custom flavors. You can even use Rice Krispies as a crunchy coating for chicken tenders or as a topping for ice cream sundaes.
The cereal’s neutral flavor and crispy texture make it perfect for both sweet and savory applications. This recipe for chocolate peanut butter rice krispies represents just one delicious possibility.
Conclusion
This best rice krispie treats recipe has become my go-to dessert for busy days and special occasions alike. The combination of peanut butter, marshmallows, and chocolate creates something that tastes much more complex than the simple five-ingredient list suggests.
What makes these chocolate peanut butter rice krispies truly special is how they satisfy everyone. Kids love the sweet chocolate topping and crispy texture. Adults appreciate the peanut butter richness and the fact that they’re not overly sweet. They’re quick enough for weeknight treats but impressive enough for parties.
The best part? You probably have most of these ingredients in your pantry right now. In less time than it takes to preheat an oven, you can have a batch of these treats ready to chill. They store well, travel easily, and always disappear quickly.
Try this recipe once, and it will become part of your regular rotation. These aren’t just treats made with rice krispies. They’re the answer to last-minute dessert requests, bake sale contributions, and those moments when you need something sweet without the fuss.
FAQs
What can I make with Rice Krispies besides regular treats?
Rice Krispies are incredibly versatile. Beyond this chocolate peanut butter version, you can make caramel treats, fruity versions with dried berries, birthday cake treats with sprinkles, or even savory applications like breading for chicken. The cereal works well in no-bake cookies, as a crunchy ice cream topping, or mixed into homemade granola bars. You can also create shaped treats using cookie cutters for holidays and special occasions.
How do you make rice krispy treats with peanut butter?
Melt peanut butter with butter first, then add marshmallows and stir until smooth. Remove from heat, mix in Rice Krispies cereal, and press into a lined pan. The peanut butter adds richness and helps bind the treats together while creating a distinctive flavor that sets them apart from traditional versions. Top with melted chocolate for an extra special finish.
Why are my rice krispie treats hard?
Hard treats usually result from cooking the marshmallows too long or at too high a temperature. Overheating makes the sugar in marshmallows crystallize, creating tough, chewy treats. Always use low heat and remove from the stove as soon as the marshmallows melt completely. Old, stale marshmallows can also create hard treats, so check freshness before starting.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, crunchy peanut butter works well and adds extra texture. The peanut pieces provide additional crunch alongside the Rice Krispies. However, creamy peanut butter creates a smoother mixture that’s easier to work with and presses into the pan more evenly. Choose based on your texture preference.
How long do chocolate peanut butter rice krispie treats last?
These treats stay fresh for up to 5 days at room temperature in an airtight container. Refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months. Layer parchment paper between treats to prevent sticking. Bring refrigerated treats to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Can I make these without chocolate on top?
Absolutely. The treats are delicious without the chocolate layer. You can also drizzle chocolate instead of creating a full layer, or substitute with a peanut butter drizzle for a double peanut butter experience. Some people prefer sprinkling mini chocolate chips into the mixture instead of topping.
What size pan should I use?
An 8×8 inch pan creates thick, substantial bars. A 9×13 inch pan makes thinner treats with more servings. The 8×8 size gives you about 16 generous squares, while a 9×13 yields 24 thinner pieces. Choose based on how thick you like your treats and how many servings you need.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, this recipe doubles easily. Use a 9×13 inch pan for a doubled batch. Just be careful when melting larger quantities of marshmallows. Work in a larger pot and stir constantly to ensure even melting. Everything else stays the same.
Are these treats gluten-free?
Rice Krispies cereal contains malt flavoring, which contains gluten. For gluten-free treats, use certified gluten-free crispy rice cereal. All other ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free. Always check labels to verify if this matters for your dietary needs.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Replace the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. Use dairy-free chocolate chips for the topping. Make sure your marshmallows are vegan if needed, as some brands contain gelatin. The peanut butter is naturally dairy-free, making the rest of the substitutions simple.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats
Ingredients
Base Layer
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup peanut butter creamy or crunchy
- 10 oz marshmallows mini marshmallows preferred
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
Chocolate Topping
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp peanut butter for smooth topping
Instructions
- Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it. Set aside.
- In a large saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and peanut butter together until smooth.
- Add marshmallows to the saucepan and stir until completely melted and combined with the peanut butter mixture.
- Remove from heat and quickly stir in the Rice Krispies cereal until evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Press it down firmly and evenly using a rubber spatula.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons of peanut butter together in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Spread the melted chocolate mixture evenly over the Rice Krispie layer. Chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes or until set.
- Once firm, cut into 12 squares and enjoy!
Notes
- Calories: 169 kcal
- Total Fat: 11g (56% of calories)
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 4mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g (38% of calories)
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Sugars: 12g
- Protein: 4g (6% of calories)
- Vitamin A: 2% DV
