If you adore the magical combo of salty and sweet, you’re going to fall absolutely head over heels for these Salted Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats. Imagine the classic chewy, marshmallowy bars you loved as a kid, but with the nutty richness of creamy peanut butter swirled into every bite and a shimmer of flaky sea salt on top. They’re quick to whip up, completely irresistible, and always a hit at gatherings or cozy nights in. Trust me, once you try this twist, you’ll never look at regular cereal bars quite the same way!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Salted Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats lies in their simplicity. Every ingredient plays its part, from buttery richness to gooey sweetness and that iconic salted finish. Here’s what you’ll need (and why you’ll want every bit!):
- Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons): Lends melt-in-your-mouth richness and helps everything hold together.
- Creamy peanut butter (1/2 cup): This is the star player, giving each bite a nutty, creamy depth that makes these treats unforgettable.
- Fine sea salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the peanut flavor and balances the sweetness perfectly—don’t skip it!
- Mini marshmallows (1 10-oz bag): The heart of all great cereal bars, they bring that signature chewy texture and sweetness.
- Rice Krispies cereal (6 cups): Classic crunch and lightness, a must for that airy but satisfying bite.
- Flaky sea salt for topping (optional): A sparkly finish on top—the secret to leveling up that addictive salty-sweet flavor.
How to Make Salted Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats
Step 1: Melt Butter and Peanut Butter
Start with a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the unsalted butter and creamy peanut butter, stirring gently as they melt together. This is where the flavor magic begins—the butter adds silkiness, and the peanut butter infuses the base with its warm, nutty aroma. Once the mixture is completely smooth, you’re ready for the next step.
Step 2: Add Salt and Marshmallows
Sprinkle in the fine sea salt, then add the mini marshmallows. Stir continuously, letting the marshmallows slowly melt into the butter-peanut mixture. The goal is velvety smoothness—no lumps! This step locks in the chewiness, and the added salt perfectly balances every sweet marshmallow note.
Step 3: Mix in the Rice Krispies Cereal
Remove the pot from the heat as soon as the marshmallows are fully melted. Immediately add the Rice Krispies cereal and use a sturdy spatula (or a large spoon) to stir until every crisped rice puff is well coated. Work quickly, as the mixture thickens as it cools—speed is your friend here!
Step 4: Press and Finish
Tip the sticky mixture into a greased or parchment-lined 9×13-inch pan. With buttered hands or a spatula, gently but firmly press the mixture into an even layer, making sure to reach all four corners. Sprinkle the top with a generous pinch or two of flaky sea salt, gently pressing it in while the bars are still warm—this is where that Salted Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats magic happens. Let cool completely before slicing into delicious bars.
How to Serve Salted Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats
Garnishes
A finishing flourish can make all the difference! Try drizzling your bars with a little melted chocolate, tossing on some extra chopped roasted peanuts, or even adding a sprinkle of colorful sprinkles for a playful look. That bedazzling pinch of flaky sea salt on top truly brings out all the big, bold flavors.
Side Dishes
These treats are right at home with a tall glass of cold milk or a hot mug of coffee, balancing all that crunchy, gooey richness. If you’re feeling fancy, serve alongside fresh fruit like strawberries or apple slices—the juicy, tangy bite cuts through the sweetness and keeps everyone coming back for just one more bar.
Creative Ways to Present
Get festive by cutting your Salted Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats into fun shapes with cookie cutters—think hearts, stars, or little circles for parties and celebrations. Wrap individual squares in parchment and twine for charming lunchbox surprises, or stack them high on a platter for your next get-together. You can even layer them into trifles or crumble them over ice cream!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled and sliced, your Salted Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats will stay fresh and chewy for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Separate layers with parchment or wax paper to keep them from sticking together, and keep them away from direct sunlight or heat.
Freezing
Planning ahead? These bars freeze beautifully! Just place the squares in a freezer-safe container, with parchment between layers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Let thaw at room temperature for an hour or so before serving—nobody will ever guess they weren’t made fresh that day.
Reheating
While these treats are best at room temperature, if they’ve gotten a little too firm, just pop them in the microwave for about 8-10 seconds. This quick zap brings back that irresistible gooeyness without making them overly sticky. Enjoy within a day or two of reheating for best texture.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter gives your Salted Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats an extra layer of texture and even more peanut satisfaction. Stir in a handful of chopped peanuts for ultimate crunch.
How do I keep the mixture from sticking to my hands?
Lightly greasing your hands with a bit of butter or spraying them with nonstick cooking spray before pressing the mixture into the pan works wonders. It makes the whole process a breeze and keeps things nice and tidy.
Can I make these treats gluten-free?
Yes, just make sure you’re using a certified gluten-free crispy rice cereal. Most major brands offer a GF version, and all the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I add chocolate to Salted Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats?
Definitely! You can drizzle melted chocolate over the top, add a handful of mini chocolate chips to the mix (wait until it’s slightly cooled so they don’t all melt), or even sandwich a chocolate layer between two thin layers of the treats for extra indulgence.
How long do Salted Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these treats are at their peak for 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, freezing is the way to go!
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try these Salted Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats—they’re a guaranteed hit for every sweet tooth and snack lover in your life. Every bar is a warm hug of nostalgia with a sophisticated twist, and once you make them, you’ll be reaching for this recipe again and again. Enjoy sharing (or not sharing!) your new favorite treat!
Print
Salted Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
Indulge in these Salted Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats for a delightful blend of creamy peanut butter and crunchy cereal, topped with a hint of sea salt for the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 (10 oz) bag mini marshmallows
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- Flaky sea salt for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Melt Butter and Peanut Butter: In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter and peanut butter together until smooth.
- Add Marshmallows: Stir in the salt and mini marshmallows, continue stirring until fully melted and smooth.
- Combine with Cereal: Remove from heat, mix in the Rice Krispies cereal until well coated.
- Press into Pan: Press the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch pan, sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired.
- Cool and Slice: Let cool completely before slicing into bars.
Notes
- For thicker bars, use a 9×9-inch pan.
- Enhance with melted chocolate or chopped peanuts for extra flavor.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
