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Chewy Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats with Optional Chocolate Swirl

Four squares of peanut butter rice krispie treats topped with melted chocolate drizzle stacked on a white plate.
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Make the best, gooey Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats. This easy, no-bake recipe delivers maximum chewiness and is perfect for a quick dessert or kid-friendly snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1 (10 ounce) package marshmallows, or about 4 cups mini marshmallows
  • 6 cups crispy rice cereal
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional, for flavor balance)
  • For Chocolate Topping (Optional): 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1 tablespoon butter

Instructions

  1. Lightly grease a 13×9 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal. Set aside.
  2. In a large saucepan, melt the 6 tablespoons of butter over low heat.
  3. Add the peanut butter to the melted butter and stir until completely smooth and combined. Remove the pan from the heat.
  4. Add the marshmallows to the peanut butter mixture. Stir constantly until the marshmallows are fully melted and smooth. Do not overheat the marshmallows, as this makes the treats hard.
  5. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt, if using.
  6. Pour the crispy rice cereal into the marshmallow mixture. Fold gently with a rubber spatula until the cereal is evenly coated. Work quickly to keep the mixture soft.
  7. Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking pan. Lightly press the mixture evenly into the pan using a piece of wax paper or lightly buttered hands. Do not pack it down too firmly; pressing too hard removes air and reduces chewiness.
  8. If adding the chocolate topping, melt the chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon of butter together in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Drizzle or spread the melted chocolate over the top of the treats. You can swirl it with a knife for a marbled look.
  9. Let the treats cool completely at room temperature for at least 1 hour before cutting into squares or bars.
  10. Cut into desired serving sizes.

Notes

  • For the chewiest treats, use fresh marshmallows and avoid over-melting them. Keep the heat low.
  • If you want to make Peanut Butter Balls instead of bars, press the mixture into balls and chill them before dipping them in the melted chocolate topping.
  • Using crunchy peanut butter will add extra texture, but creamy peanut butter helps achieve a smoother base.
  • This recipe makes great Pantry Ingredient Desserts because the ingredients are typically always on hand.

Nutrition

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