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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare baking dish: Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick baking spray to ensure the treats don’t stick when setting.
- 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.
- 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.
- Mix in vanilla extract: Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and stir to incorporate the flavor evenly.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
