In a world full of classic treats, Salted Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats hold a special place in my heart—and in every picnic basket I’ve ever packed! This recipe takes familiar childhood flavors and levels them up with the irresistible duo of creamy peanut butter and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. The end result is a perfectly chewy, salty-sweet dessert that’s outrageously simple but totally unforgettable. If you love a good twist on the iconic Rice Krispies square, you’re going to want to save this one forever.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Salted Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats is how a handful of pantry staples can create so much flavor and scrumptious texture. Each ingredient plays its part—the right amount of creaminess, crunch, and just the perfect salty finish.
- Unsalted butter: Gives the treats their rich, classic base and keeps everything moist and delicious.
- Creamy peanut butter: Adds a deep, nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the marshmallows and elevates plain Rice Krispies to a new level.
- Fine sea salt: Enhances the peanut butter flavor and ensures just the right amount of mouthwatering balance.
- Mini marshmallows: These little clouds melt to create the gooey, sticky foundation that holds everything together (and tastes amazing, of course).
- Rice Krispies cereal: The classic snap, crackle, and pop is what brings the fun crunch and satisfying structure.
- Flaky sea salt: For sprinkling on top, this finishing touch brings bursts of salty contrast in every bite.
How to Make Salted Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats
Step 1: Melt the Butter
Start by setting a large pot on medium heat, adding in your unsalted butter. As it melts, swirl it around with your spatula to help it cook evenly. The butter is the flavor base that holds these Salted Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats together, so don’t rush this gentle, aromatic beginning.
Step 2: Mix in Peanut Butter and Salt
Once your butter is melted, scoop in the creamy peanut butter and sprinkle the fine sea salt right on top. Stir everything together until you have a silky, unified mixture—this is your binding magic and that salty hint makes all the difference!
Step 3: Melt the Marshmallows
Add the mini marshmallows all at once, then stir, stir, stir! Don’t stop until every marshmallow is melted and you have a ooey-gooey, marshmallowy river. Make sure nothing sticks to the bottom or burns, so keep the heat on medium and remain attentive.
Step 4: Combine with Rice Krispies
Take the pot off the heat, then immediately pour in your Rice Krispies cereal. Use a sturdy spatula—this part requires a little elbow grease! Fold the cereal quickly and thoroughly until everything is perfectly coated in the warm peanut butter-marshmallow mixture.
Step 5: Press and Sprinkle
Scrape the sticky mixture into a prepared 9×9-inch pan lined with parchment or lightly greased. Use a spatula or your lightly oiled hands to press down evenly. Act fast while the mixture is still warm! Finish with a generous scattering of flaky sea salt on top; this is what transforms these into truly special Salted Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Let the pan rest at room temperature until completely cool. Then, using a sharp knife, cut into generous squares for sharing (or not sharing, no judgment!). Each piece will have that signature salty-sweet bite everyone craves.
How to Serve Salted Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats
Garnishes
Just before serving, you can amp up the wow factor! A final sprinkle of flaky sea salt or even a drizzle of melted chocolate over the top adds a gorgeous finish and highlights the nutty richness of your Salted Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats.
Side Dishes
These treats pair well with a tall, cold glass of milk or a mug of smooth hot chocolate, especially when you want to double down on comfort. They also make an excellent addition to any dessert board alongside fresh fruit or a bowl of salty pretzels to balance the sweet.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or potlucks, cut the Salted Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats into bite-sized cubes and stick them with fun toothpicks, or use cookie cutters to make festive shapes. Stack them on a cake stand for showstopping, edible centerpiece, or wrap individual treats in wax paper for adorable lunchbox surprises.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Salted Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay chewy and delightful for up to 3 days—just be sure to store them in a single layer or with parchment between layers so they don’t stick together.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze these! Wrap each treat individually in plastic wrap, then pop them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep their texture and flavor for up to 2 months. When you’re ready for a snack, simply thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
Reheating
While Salted Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats are best enjoyed at room temperature, you can revive them if they’ve gotten a little hard. Pop a square in the microwave for about 5 seconds—just enough to bring back some gooey goodness, but not long enough to melt the whole thing.
FAQs
Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Chunky peanut butter is a fun swap for added texture and crunch. Just make sure it’s well-stirred for even mixing, and you may want to reduce the amount of added chopped peanuts if you use this variation.
What’s the best way to cut the treats cleanly?
Use a sharp, lightly oiled knife, and wait until the treats are completely cool. For extra perfection, wipe your knife between cuts—you’ll get neat, bakery-worthy squares every time.
Can I make these treats vegan?
Yes, with a few ingredient swaps! Use vegan butter, vegan marshmallows, and be sure your peanut butter and cereal are both plant-based. The rest of the process stays the same.
Why do my Rice Krispies treats turn out hard sometimes?
Overheating the marshmallows or letting the melted mixture cool too long before pressing it into the pan are usually the culprits. Be gentle with your heat and work quickly for the softest, chewiest results.
Can kids help with this recipe?
Definitely! Kids love to measure, stir, and sprinkle. Just supervise closely when using the stove and help with pressing the mixture into the pan, as it can still be hot.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking for the perfect bake sale treat, a picnic sweet, or a no-fuss dessert for family movie night, Salted Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats are a surefire hit. Give them a try, and I promise they’ll quickly become a go-to favorite in your kitchen too!
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Salted Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 16 squares
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the perfect combination of sweet and salty with these Salted Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats. These no-bake treats are quick and easy to make, ideal for satisfying your cravings in no time.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 (10-ounce) bag mini marshmallows
- 5 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- flaky sea salt for topping
Instructions
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the peanut butter and fine sea salt until smooth and well combined.
- Add the marshmallows and stir constantly until completely melted.
- Remove the pot from heat and quickly fold in the Rice Krispies cereal until evenly coated.
- Immediately press the mixture into a greased or parchment-lined 9×9-inch pan, using a spatula or lightly greased hands to press it evenly.
- Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the top while still warm.
- Let the treats cool completely before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Use natural peanut butter for a deeper flavor, but make sure it’s well stirred.
- For extra crunch, fold in 1/2 cup chopped salted peanuts before pressing into the pan.
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