Name: Salted Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1 (10-ounce) bag mini marshmallows; 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal; Flaky sea salt for topping

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If you love that magical mash-up of sweet, salty, and irresistibly chewy-crisp texture, then Salted Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats might be your new dessert obsession. Imagine classic childhood cereal bars all grown up with peanut butter’s richness and a touch of flaky sea salt that makes every bite pop. Not only are these treats wildly addictive, but they also come together in just fifteen minutes with a handful of pantry staples. Whether you’re a fan of easy desserts or hunting for the perfect no-bake treat to wow a crowd, this recipe delivers on every front.

Salted Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Salted Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats is that their short ingredient list packs serious flavor! Each addition serves a crucial role: butter brings richness, marshmallows the signature gooey chew, while peanut butter and salt transform the profile into something special.

Unsalted butter (1/2 cup): Adds silky richness and helps meld the flavors together for a perfectly creamy base.
Mini marshmallows (1 10-ounce bag): The secret to that gooey, chewy texture and ultimate stickiness that holds everything together.
Creamy peanut butter (3/4 cup): Provides nutty depth, a bit of saltiness, and ensures that luscious melt-in-your-mouth feel.
Kosher salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
Rice Krispies cereal (6 cups): This brings the nostalgic crunch and lightness to every bite.
Flaky sea salt (for topping): Don’t skip this finishing touch – it adds visual appeal and perfectly punctuates each square with pops of salt.

How to Make Salted Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats

Step 1: Prep Your Pan

To ensure easy removal and tidy, beautiful bars, start by greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with either butter or a good nonstick spray. A well-prepped pan means your Salted Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats will flip out perfectly, ready for slicing and sharing.

Step 2: Melt Butter and Marshmallows

In a large pot over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter until it’s beautifully glossy and just starting to bubble. Add all the mini marshmallows and start stirring right away. Keep things moving gently but steadily – you want the marshmallows fully melted and smooth, without any browning or scorching.

Step 3: Add Peanut Butter and Salt

As soon as the marshmallows are melty-smooth, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the creamy peanut butter and kosher salt until everything is well blended, creating a thick but pourable mixture that already smells like absolute heaven.

Step 4: Fold in Rice Krispies Cereal

Take the pot off the heat and immediately add all six cups of Rice Krispies cereal. Use a spatula or big spoon to gently but thoroughly fold the cereal into the peanut butter-marshmallow mixture. Work quickly so everything coats evenly before the mixture sets.

Step 5: Press and Finish with Sea Salt

Scrape the mixture right into your prepared pan. With a buttered spatula or a piece of wax paper, gently press it down into an even layer. As a final flourish, sprinkle flaky sea salt over the top – it’s this finishing step that takes these Salted Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats to a whole new level. Let them cool at room temperature for 30 to 45 minutes before slicing into tidy squares.

How to Serve Salted Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of extra flaky sea salt is absolutely perfect, but you can also get playful by drizzling a bit of melted chocolate over the top, scattering some chopped roasted peanuts, or even topping with a dollop of whipped cream for party-worthy flair.

Side Dishes

Because these treats are so easy-going, they pair up brilliantly with everything from a tall glass of cold milk to a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a celebratory touch, try serving alongside a fresh fruit salad or with coffee for a sweet-salty mid-afternoon break.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the bars into fun shapes with cookie cutters, stacking them in parfait glasses with layers of berries, or wrapping each square in parchment and ribbon for a stunning homemade gift. You can even crumble Salted Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats over ice cream for an instant sundae upgrade.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Salted Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats keep wonderfully at room temperature in an airtight container. They’ll stay perfectly chewy and flavorful for up to three days – if they last that long!

Freezing

If you want to keep some for later, you can absolutely freeze these bars. Wrap individual squares well in plastic wrap and stick them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll be just fine for up to one month and are easy to thaw at room temperature whenever a craving hits.

Reheating

While you typically don’t need to reheat Salted Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats, if you’d like to restore a bit of that just-made softness, a quick five- to ten-second zap in the microwave will do the trick. Just take care not to overheat, as these bars can get sticky fast!

FAQs

Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Chunky peanut butter will add a delightful crunch and a few extra pockets of nutty flavor, perfect if you like a little more texture in each bite.

Do I have to use Rice Krispies cereal, or can I try other cereals?

While classic Rice Krispies give you the signature airy snap, feel free to experiment with similar puffed rice cereals or even try cocoa-flavored crispies for a chocolatey twist.

Is there a dairy-free or vegan option for this recipe?

Yes – swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use vegan marshmallows. Just double-check that all your ingredients, including the cereal, are certified vegan and/or gluten free as needed.

Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or dried fruit?

Definitely! Stir in up to half a cup of mini chocolate chips, roasted peanuts, or tiny bits of dried fruit right after combining everything – just be quick so the chocolate doesn’t melt completely.

Can the Salted Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats be made in advance for parties?

Yes, they’re a fantastic make-ahead dessert! Just prepare and store them as directed, then slice and serve when guests arrive. Their flavor and texture hold up beautifully for a couple of days.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to whip up a batch of Salted Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats. They’re sweet, salty, endlessly satisfying, and so simple to make that you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them. Treat yourself, your friends, or your family – you’re just a few pantry staples away from pure joy in bar form!

Salted Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats Recipe

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4.7 from 21 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 12–16 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Salted Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats are a delightful twist on the classic recipe, with the nutty flavor of peanut butter and a sprinkle of sea salt enhancing the sweet marshmallow goodness. Easy to make and perfect for a quick dessert fix!

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 (10-ounce) bag mini marshmallows
3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
Flaky sea salt for topping

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Instructions

Grease the Baking Dish: Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
Melt Butter and Marshmallows: In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter and add the mini marshmallows, stirring until smooth.
Add Peanut Butter and Salt: Reduce heat, stir in the peanut butter and kosher salt until combined.
Combine with Cereal: Remove from heat, fold in the Rice Krispies cereal until coated.
Press into Dish: Quickly press the mixture into the prepared dish and top with sea salt.
Cool and Slice: Let cool for 30–45 minutes before cutting into squares.