Salted Peanut Butter Rice Krispy Treats Recipe

Introduction

These Salted Peanut Butter Rice Krispy Treats are a delicious twist on the classic snack, combining the rich nuttiness of peanut butter with a touch of flaky salt for an irresistible flavor balance. Perfect for an easy dessert or a sweet snack, they’re chewy, crunchy, and satisfyingly salty-sweet.

Ingredients

• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 20 ounces mini marshmallows (usually 2 bags)
• ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 8 cups crisped rice cereal
• Flaky salt, for topping

Instructions

1. Step 1: Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick baking spray to prepare for the mixture.
2. Step 2: Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Cook it without stirring, watching carefully until brown bits form on the bottom. Reduce heat to low and stir in 15 ounces of the marshmallows and the peanut butter.
3. Step 3: Continuously stir the mixture with a spatula until the marshmallows and peanut butter fully melt together. Add the vanilla extract and stir to combine.
4. Step 4: Pour in the crisped rice cereal and stir until it’s about halfway mixed. Then add the remaining marshmallows and stir until they are evenly distributed.
5. Step 5: Press the mixture firmly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the top evenly with flaky salt. Let the bars set and cool for 30 minutes before cutting into your desired sizes.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, toast the rice cereal lightly before mixing it in.
• Use chunky peanut butter for added texture.
• Swap peanut butter for almond or cashew butter to change the flavor profile.
• Add a handful of chocolate chips after mixing in the cereal for a chocolate-peanut butter version.
• Be sure to use flaky salt on top to enhance the sweet and salty contrast.

Storage

Store these treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. To enjoy, bring them back to room temperature or microwave briefly for a softer texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?

Yes, you can use regular marshmallows, but mini marshmallows melt more evenly and quickly, which helps achieve the best texture.

Is it possible to make these gluten-free?

Make sure to use a certified gluten-free crisped rice cereal to keep the treats gluten-free. Most plain Rice Krispies are gluten-free, but always check the packaging to be sure.

Salted Peanut Butter Rice Krispy Treats Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 131 reviews

• Author: Ethan
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12–16 bars 1x

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Description

These Salted Peanut Butter Rice Krispy Treats combine the classic gooey marshmallow base with creamy peanut butter and a sprinkle of flaky salt for a perfect balance of sweet and salty. Crispy rice cereal adds the ideal crunch to these irresistibly chewy dessert bars, making them a fun and easy treat to enjoy anytime.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base Ingredients

• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 20 ounces mini marshmallows (approximately 2 bags)
• ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cereal

• 8 cups crisped rice cereal

Topping

• Flaky salt, for sprinkling

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Instructions

1. Prepare baking dish: Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick baking spray to ensure the treats don’t stick when setting.
2. Melt butter and brown bits: In a large pot over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Cook without stirring, watching constantly, until brown bits form on the bottom, giving the mixture a nutty flavor. Then reduce heat to low.
3. Add marshmallows and peanut butter: Stir in 15 ounces of the mini marshmallows and the creamy peanut butter. Continuously stir with a spatula until the marshmallows and peanut butter have melted completely into a smooth, sticky mixture.
4. Mix in vanilla extract: Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and stir to incorporate the flavor evenly.
5. Combine with cereal and remaining marshmallows: Pour in the crisped rice cereal and stir until about half combined. Then add the remaining 5 ounces of marshmallows and continue mixing until they are evenly incorporated throughout the mixture.
6. Press into baking dish and salt: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Press it down firmly to create an even layer. Sprinkle flaky salt generously over the top to enhance the salty-sweet flavor profile.
7. Cool and cut: Allow the bars to cool and set for 30 minutes at room temperature before slicing them into desired sizes. Serve and enjoy these perfectly balanced peanut butter rice krispy treats.

Notes

• Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness as flaky salt is added on top.
• Press the mixture firmly into the pan to ensure treats hold together well.
• Flaky salt topping adds a delightful contrast but can be omitted for a purely sweet treat.
• Store treats in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: peanut butter, rice krispy treats, salted dessert, marshmallow treats, easy dessert, no bake bars, crispy treats