Take your favorite childhood snack to the next level with these Peanut Butter and Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats. A gooey marshmallow base infused with creamy peanut butter surrounds crispy cereal and mini peanut butter cups for an indulgent crunch. Topped with a rich layer of melted chocolate and peanut butter, these treats are perfect for parties, after-school snacks, or a sweet pick-me-up. Easy to make and impossible to resist, they’re a delicious balance of chewy, crispy, and chocolatey goodness!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Ultimate Comfort Food: It’s the nostalgic Rice Krispie Treats you know and love, elevated with peanut butter and chocolate.
No-Bake Convenience: Minimal effort with no oven required—great for hot days or quick desserts.
Crowd-Pleaser: A favorite among kids and adults alike, these treats are perfect for sharing.
Customizable: You can tweak the recipe with your favorite add-ins like nuts, candies, or different types of chocolate.
Perfect Texture: The marshmallow cereal base is chewy, while the peanut butter cups add surprises of creaminess, and the chocolate topping brings a smooth, rich finish.

Key Ingredients:

Butter: Used to grease the pan and provide richness to the marshmallow mixture. Unsalted butter works best, but salted can be used for a slight contrast to the sweetness.

Miniature Marshmallows: The gooey foundation that binds everything together. Use fresh marshmallows for the best meltability.

Rice Krispies Cereal: Provides the light, crispy base. Generic puffed rice cereals also work, but stick with Rice Krispies for consistent texture.

Peanut Butter: Adds creaminess and a nutty depth of flavor. Use creamy peanut butter for smooth results—natural peanut butter is not ideal as it can separate.

Mini Peanut Butter Cups: These mini morsels add bursts of peanut butter goodness throughout the treat. If you can’t find them, chopped regular-sized cups work too.

Vanilla Extract: Enhances the sweetness and rounds out the flavor profile.

Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: The key to a rich, indulgent topping. Semi-sweet balances the sweetness of the marshmallow and peanut butter layers perfectly.

Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Prepare the Pan
Line a 9×9-inch or 9×13-inch pan with foil, leaving an overhang on the edges to create handles.
Grease the foil with 1 tablespoon of butter.

Melt the Butter and Marshmallows
In a large pot, melt the remaining 5 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat.
Add marshmallows and stir continuously until they are almost completely melted.
Remove the pot from heat.

Mix Peanut Butter and Vanilla
Stir in 2/3 cup of peanut butter and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Add Rice Krispies and Peanut Butter Cups
Fold in the Rice Krispies cereal, making sure all the cereal is evenly coated with the marshmallow mixture.
Gently mix in the mini peanut butter cups.

Transfer to the Pan
Pour the mixture into the prepared pan.
Press it gently into an even layer, being careful not to compact it too tightly.

Prepare the Chocolate Topping
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and 3/4 cup of peanut butter.
Microwave in 20-30 second intervals, stirring after each, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.

Spread the Chocolate
Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the Rice Krispie layer.
Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the top.

Set and Cut
Allow the treats to cool at room temperature or place them in the refrigerator until the chocolate topping is firm.
Use the foil handles to lift the entire block out of the pan.
Cut into squares and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions:

Classic Treat: Enjoy these as-is for a quick, satisfying snack or dessert.
Party Platter: Arrange on a platter with other bite-sized desserts like brownies, cookies, or fudge for a dessert buffet.
Drizzle Décor: For added flair, drizzle white chocolate or caramel over the top before the chocolate layer sets.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips:

Room Temperature: Store the treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to 1 week, especially in warm climates where the chocolate might soften.
Freezing: Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Variations to Try:

Nutty Crunch: Add 1/2 cup of chopped peanuts or almonds to the cereal mixture for extra crunch.
Candy Lovers: Substitute mini peanut butter cups with M&M’s, chopped Snickers, or Reese’s Pieces for a fun twist.
Different Chocolate: Swap semi-sweet chocolate with dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or white chocolate for a unique flavor profile.
Marshmallow Swirl: Add extra mini marshmallows to the cereal mixture for gooey pockets throughout the treats.
Salted Topping: Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the chocolate layer for a sophisticated sweet-and-salty combo.

Conclusion:

These Peanut Butter and Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats are the ultimate crowd-pleasers, blending gooey, crunchy, and chocolaty layers into a single, decadent bite. Whether you’re making them for a potluck, holiday, or a sweet snack, this recipe is a guaranteed hit. Try them out, and don’t forget to customize them with your favorite add-ins!