Stovetop or microwave peanut butter Rice Krispie treats that taste just like the ones you remember—soft, gooey, and full of peanut butter flavor.
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Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Rice Krispie treats are a nostalgic favorite, and this peanut butter version keeps things simple while delivering big flavor. If you want something more elaborate, you can try versions made with brown butter or white chocolate, but sometimes the classic, quick recipe is exactly what you want. These treats are easy to make, chewy, and loaded with peanut butter goodness.
How to make peanut butter Rice Krispie treats
This recipe simplifies a few fancier variations so you can get to the best part fast. You only need to melt butter, peanut butter, and marshmallows, then stir in crispy rice cereal. Press the mixture into a greased pan, let it cool, and cut into bars. The instructions below include both microwave and stovetop methods so you can choose what works best for you.
Can I microwave peanut butter Rice Krispie treats?
Yes. The microwave method is quick and convenient—melt the butter, peanut butter, and marshmallows in a large microwave-safe bowl in short increments, stirring as you go. If you prefer, the stovetop method is included in the notes and works just as well.
Ingredients
- Salted butter – one stick (½ cup). Salted butter adds great flavor; if you only have unsalted, add a pinch or two of salt.
- Peanut butter – ⅔ cup creamy peanut butter. Creamy works best for a smooth texture; drizzle extra melted peanut butter on top if you like more peanut flavor.
- Marshmallows – 16 ounces mini marshmallows (or the equivalent in regular marshmallows).
- Crispy rice cereal – 10 cups (about ¾ of a 12-oz box).
- Melted peanut butter – optional, for drizzling.
Equipment
No special tools are required. You’ll need a 9×13-inch baking pan (or a smaller pan for thicker bars), a large microwave-safe bowl or saucepan, and a wooden spoon or rubber spatula for stirring. A buttered spatula or plastic wrap works well for pressing the mixture into the pan.
Tips and F.A.Q.
If you don’t want to use marshmallows, you can try a sticky sweetener like honey or maple syrup combined with extra peanut butter. The texture will be different—less sticky and marshmallow-like—but still tasty.
To soften hardened bars, tuck a slice of bread into the airtight container for a few hours so the bars reabsorb moisture, or microwave a piece for a few seconds before eating.
Use a layer of plastic wrap when pressing the mixture into the pan, or lightly butter your hands or spatula. The plastic wrap method is quick and keeps your hands clean.
Let the bars cool completely—refrigerating for a few minutes helps. Use a sharp knife coated with butter or nonstick spray and cut with a single smooth motion for clean edges.
Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days. They rarely last that long!
Yes. Freeze bars in an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to six weeks. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Try variations like chocolate chip Rice Krispie treats, M&M Rice Krispie treats, or themed birthday versions for celebrations.
More Peanut Butter Recipes You’ll Love
- Peanut Butter and Jelly Thumbprint Cookies
- Peanut Noodle Salad
- Vegan Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies with Banana and Cacao
- Peanut Buster Parfait Ice Cream Pie
📖 Recipe
Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats
Stovetop or microwave peanut butter Rice Krispie treats that are quick, nostalgic, soft, chewy, and delicious.
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Breakfast, Dessert, Snack | Cuisine: American | Servings: 18 bars | Calories: 221 kcal
Equipment you may need
- 9×13 baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Microwave or stove and a saucepan
Ingredients
- ½ cup (114 g) salted butter — one stick
- 16 oz (454 g) mini marshmallows (or regular marshmallows)
- ⅔ cup (172 g) creamy peanut butter
- 10 cups (270 g) crispy rice cereal (about ¾ of a 12-oz box)
- Melted peanut butter for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
- Add the butter, peanut butter, and marshmallows to a large microwave-safe bowl.
- Microwave on high for 1 minute and stir. Continue microwaving in 30-second increments, stirring after each, until the mixture is smooth and the butter is melted.
- Add the cereal and stir with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula until the cereal is evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to a buttered 9×13 pan. Use a buttered spatula or a sheet of plastic wrap to press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan. Let cool completely before cutting into bars. Drizzle with melted peanut butter if desired.
Notes
Stovetop method: Melt the butter and peanut butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the marshmallows until mostly melted, then remove from heat and stir in the cereal until coated. Press into the pan and cool as above.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 bar | Calories: 221 kcal | Carbohydrates: 31 g | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 10 g | Sugar: 15 g
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