Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Crispy Treats

Name: Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Crispy Treats
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 3 cups Rice Crispy cereal; 1 cup mini marshmallows; 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter; 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/4 cup butter; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup chocolate chips; 1/4 cup crushed peanuts (optional)

Highlighted under: Dessert Magic

I absolutely love making Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Crispy Treats, especially when I'm craving something sweet and satisfying! The combination of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter brings a delightful twist to the classic treat. These bars are quick to prepare, making them my go-to for last-minute parties or a simple afternoon snack. With just a few ingredients, I can whip up a mood-lifting bite that everyone enjoys. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile – I sometimes add nuts or dried fruits for extra texture!

Created by

Harriet Mason

Last updated on 2026-01-13T05:22:13.843Z

Making Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Crispy Treats has become a cherished tradition in my home. I remember the first time I concocted this treat; the perfect balance of chocolate and peanut butter made it an instant favorite among family and friends. I always make sure to melt the marshmallows gently to get that smooth texture, blending them flawlessly with the cereal.

Over the years, I’ve experimented with different variations, but the classic recipe always hits the spot. One tip I like to share is to let the mixture cool slightly before pressing it into the pan; this helps avoid burns and ensures it's easier to shape. Enjoy every crunchy, gooey bite!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
A delightful marriage of chocolate and peanut butter that satisfies any sweet tooth
Quick to prepare and perfect for sharing at parties or gatherings
A nostalgic treat that brings back fond childhood memories

Mastering the Melt

The key to achieving the perfect texture in your Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Crispy Treats lies in mastering the melting stage. When melting the butter and mini marshmallows, keep the heat low and stir constantly. This prevents the marshmallows from burning, which can lead to a gritty texture. Once the mixture is glossy and smooth, it's vital to work quickly before it starts to cool and harden. A heat-resistant silicone spatula is excellent for scraping down the sides of the pan and ensuring everything is combined evenly.

The choice of your peanut butter also plays a significant role in the overall flavor and texture. Creamy peanut butter is my go-to for this recipe, as it blends seamlessly with the marshmallow mixture, resulting in a smooth, cohesive treat. However, if you prefer a chunkier texture, natural peanut butter or even almond butter can be substituted. Just be mindful that oils in natural nut butters can affect the mixture’s binding ability, so you may need to adjust the quantity slightly.

Texture and Crunch Variations

Adding nuts or dried fruits is a fantastic way to customize your treats while introducing delightful texture and flavors. When incorporating ingredients like chopped almonds, walnuts, or cranberries, do so once the Rice Crispy mixture is combined. Simply fold them into the mixture before pressing it into the pan. This extra step can elevate your treats and balance the richness of the chocolate and peanut butter with a satisfying crunch or chew.

If you plan to make these treats in advance, I recommend storing them in an airtight container to maintain their crispiness. Avoid refrigerating them as cold temperatures can cause them to harden. Instead, store them in a cool, dry place and they will remain fresh for up to a week. If you want to enjoy them longer, freeze them in individual squares wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.

Ingredients

For the Treats

3 cups Rice Crispy cereal
1 cup mini marshmallows
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Topping

1/2 cup chocolate chips
1/4 cup crushed peanuts (optional)

Make sure to measure the ingredients accurately for the best results!

Instructions

Prepare the Rice Crispy Mixture

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the mini marshmallows and stir continuously until fully melted. Mix in the peanut butter, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Combine with Rice Crispy Cereal

Remove the saucepan from heat and fold in the Rice Crispy cereal until evenly coated. Pour the mixture into a greased 9x9-inch pan, pressing it down firmly.

Add Topping

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips until smooth. Pour over the rice crispy mixture and spread evenly. Sprinkle crushed peanuts on top, if desired.

Cool and Cut

Let the bars cool completely before cutting them into squares. Enjoy your delicious treats!

Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to a week.

Pro Tips

For an added twist, try using flavored peanut butter or mixing in your favorite chocolates or candies!

Serving Suggestions

Presentation can enhance the overall experience of your Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Crispy Treats. Consider cutting them into fun shapes using cookie cutters instead of squares for a whimsical twist, especially for parties. Additionally, serving them alongside fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the treats.

You might also drizzle some melted chocolate over the cut squares for a more decadent finish. This not only makes them look more indulgent but adds an extra layer of chocolatey goodness. Experimenting with toppings like crushed pretzels can also introduce a salty balance to the sweet flavors.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your Rice Crispy Treats don’t hold together well, it might be because not enough marshmallows were used, or they weren't melted thoroughly. Be sure to measure accurately and let the marshmallows melt completely for that gooey texture that binds the ingredients. A quick fix for overly crumbly treats is to melt a bit more marshmallow and peanut butter mixture and drizzle it over the top, then gently press to fuse everything together.

On the other hand, if your mixture is too sticky to work with, consider lightly buttering your hands before pressing it into the pan. This can help prevent the mixture from sticking. Alternatively, a piece of parchment paper can be used to press down the mixture without getting your hands messy—just press it evenly until it’s well compacted.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use regular peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, but creamy peanut butter gives a smoother texture and easier mixing.

→ How do I store the leftover treats?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh.

→ Can I make these without marshmallows?

You can substitute with a vegan marshmallow alternative or use agave syrup to bind the mixture.

→ What other toppings can I use?

Feel free to experiment with sprinkles, coconut flakes, or various types of nuts for extra crunch!