Reese’s Peanut Butter Krispie Crunch

Reese’s Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats combine your favorite childhood treat with the decadence of Reese’s peanut butter cups. Creamy peanut butter swirled into every bite, plus the addition of Reese’s mini pieces makes these the ultimate treat for chocolate and peanut butter lovers!

Prepare to fall in love with these Reese’s Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats! Much like our famous Chocolate Peanut Butter Dream Bars, this recipe offers a convenient no-bake solution for a dessert that friends and family will request again and again. It’s a nostalgic classic elevated to new heights of flavor.

When it comes to simple, satisfying desserts, few things can beat the chewy, marshmallow-infused magic of a classic Rice Krispie Treat. But what happens when you introduce the irresistible combination of rich peanut butter and smooth chocolate into the mix? You get something truly extraordinary – a dessert that captures hearts and taste buds with every single bite. These aren’t just any Rice Krispies Treats; they are a celebration of two beloved flavors coming together in perfect harmony.

Why These Reese’s Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats Are a Must-Try

We believe in going big when it comes to flavor, especially when Reese’s is involved. You could settle for merely topping traditional Rice Krispies Treats with a few peanut butter cups, but why stop there? We embraced the philosophy of “Carpe Diem” and decided to infuse every layer of these treats with generous amounts of chocolate and peanut butter. The result? A truly heroic dessert experience that delivers unparalleled decadence.

Our family certainly didn’t mind taste-testing batch after batch of these delights, each one packed with Reese’s pieces and coated in luscious chocolate. It was a delicious “sacrifice” that led to perfecting a recipe we’re incredibly proud to share. These treats are more than just a dessert; they are an experience, a delightful journey through layers of crispy cereal, gooey marshmallow, rich peanut butter, and tantalizing chocolate.

The Magic of Chocolate and Peanut Butter

The combination of chocolate and peanut butter is a culinary match made in heaven. The slight saltiness of peanut butter perfectly balances the sweetness of chocolate, creating a flavor profile that is both complex and incredibly satisfying. When you add the light, crunchy texture of Rice Krispies cereal and the gooey embrace of melted marshmallows, you’re left with a treat that appeals to all senses.

This recipe isn’t just about combining ingredients; it’s about crafting an experience. Each bite brings a symphony of textures and flavors – the crisp snap of the cereal, the soft chew of marshmallow, the creamy burst of peanut butter, and the sweet finish of chocolate. It’s a dessert that evokes childhood memories while delivering a sophisticated indulgence perfect for any age.

Ingredients to Make Rice Krispie Treats with Reese’s

Here’s everything you need to create these ultra-decadent, peanut buttery, chocolatey, heavenly bars:

• Rice Krispies Cereal: The classic crispy base for our treats.
• Butter: Essential for melting the marshmallows and adding richness. Unsalted is preferred to control the overall saltiness.
• Mini Marshmallows: The binding agent that gives these treats their signature gooey, chewy texture. Mini marshmallows melt more evenly and quickly.
• Creamy Peanut Butter: The star ingredient, offering its distinct nutty flavor and smooth texture throughout the treats.
• Reese’s Mini Pieces: These add delightful bursts of peanut butter and chocolate flavor and a pleasing crunch. If mini pieces are hard to find, regular Reese’s Pieces can be chopped or used whole.
• Chocolate Frosting: Provides a smooth, decadent chocolate layer on top. You can choose milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or a rich chocolate fudge frosting—whichever you love most!
• Mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups: Chopped and sprinkled on top for an extra layer of chocolate and peanut butter bliss and visual appeal.

Pro Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats

• Chop Your Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups: For the topping, coarsely chopping the miniature Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups ensures that each bite gets a good mix of flavors and textures. Feel free to use regular-sized Reese’s or your favorite peanut butter cup brand.
• Even Distribution of Mix-ins: To prevent your Reese’s mini pieces from sinking to the bottom, fold them into the marshmallow mixture with just half of the Rice Krispies cereal first. Once they are well incorporated, add the remaining cereal. This technique helps distribute them evenly throughout the treats.
• Ingredient Swaps: If Reese’s mini pieces are unavailable, don’t fret! Regular Reese’s Pieces or even peanut butter M&M’s make excellent substitutions, adding similar flavor and crunch.
• Prevent Stickiness: When pressing the mixture into the pan, lightly grease your hands or the back of a spatula with butter or cooking spray. This will prevent the sticky marshmallow mixture from clinging, allowing you to flatten it smoothly and evenly.
• Don’t Over-compress: When pressing the Rice Krispies mixture into the dish, be gentle. Over-compressing can make the treats hard and dense instead of delightfully chewy.
• Cooling Time is Key: While these treats are no-bake and don’t require chilling, allowing them at least 15-30 minutes to cool at room temperature before frosting and cutting will ensure they set properly and maintain their shape.

One of the most appealing aspects of these treats is how incredibly quick and easy they are to make. There’s no oven time, no complicated steps, and no lengthy chilling required. They firm up beautifully at room temperature, meaning you can mix, press, and be ready to cut and enjoy them in practically no time at all. This makes them an ideal last-minute dessert or a fun project with kids!

Beyond the Classic: A World of Rice Krispie Treat Variations

A fresh pan of Rice Krispie Treats is always a welcome sight, regardless of the occasion! These versatile delights can be adapted for any event, season, or mood. If you adore this chocolate and peanut butter creation, you’re in for a treat with other inventive variations.

For instance, our Butterfinger Rice Krispies Treats offer a different kind of candy crunch, packed with pieces of Butterfingers candy bars instead of peanut butter cups. It’s a truly amazing twist that peanut butter and chocolate lovers will equally appreciate.

When you’re looking for a delightful departure from peanut butter, consider these other incredible Rice Krispies Treat ideas:

• Lemon Meringue Rice Krispie Treats: A bright and zesty option for a refreshing dessert.
• Circus Animal Cookie Rice Krispie Treats: Fun, colorful, and packed with everyone’s favorite frosted cookies.
• Oreo Peppermint Rice Krispies Treats: A festive and minty delight, perfect for holiday seasons.
• S’Mores Rice Krispie Treats: Captures the essence of a campfire favorite without the need for a fire.
• Cake Batter Krispie Bars: Infused with the celebratory taste of birthday cake.
• No-Bake Rice Krispies Granola Bars: A healthier, yet still delicious, option for a snack on the go.

The Joy of No-Bake Desserts: Sweet Treats Without the Oven

Don’t let anyone tell you it doesn’t count as “baking” if you don’t turn on your oven – we promise it does! No-bake recipes are an absolute lifesaver, especially on sweltering summer days when the last thing you want is more heat in your kitchen. They’re also perfect for those times your oven is busy, out of commission, or simply when you need to whip up an incredibly easy, yet impressive, dessert in a flash.

Every home chef needs a recipe like Easy No-Bake Oreo Pie in their repertoire. You simply cannot go wrong with the classic cookies ‘n’ cream combination, especially when it comes together with minimal effort and simple ingredients.

For another fantastic twist on the peanut butter and cereal dessert concept, try these No-Bake Peanut Butter Cornflake Cookies. What makes them even better is that they achieve their delicious texture and flavor without any corn syrup, offering a wholesome alternative.

More Irresistible No-Bake Recipes to Explore:

• No-Bake Raspberry Cream Dream Bars: Light, fruity, and delightfully creamy.
• No-Bake Nutella Snickers Pie: A rich, chocolatey, and nutty dream come true.
• No-Bake Creamy Peanut Butter Pie: Pure peanut butter bliss in a pie form.
• No-Bake Peanut Butter Energy Bites: A healthier, quick snack for an energy boost.
• No-Bake Peanut Butter S’Mores Cookies: All the joy of s’mores combined with peanut butter, no campfire needed.
• Chocolate Covered Strawberry Dream Bars: A romantic and refreshing treat perfect for any season.
• No-Bake Chocolate Bourbon Balls: An adult-friendly treat with a delightful hint of bourbon.

In the early days of our blog, we rated every recipe on a scale of 1-4, with 4 being the absolute best. These Reese’s Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats proudly earned a perfect score of 4 rolling pins! Seriously, just one look at them, and you’ll understand why. Then, take a bite, and you’ll know they truly deserve the best of the best rating. These indulgent treats are simply a must-have in your life.

Chocolate meets peanut butter meets Rice Krispies in this deliciously easy recipe. Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats are covered with chocolate frosting and Reese’s cups for an unforgettably indulgent dessert.

Reese’s Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats Recipe

Yields: 20 pieces

Average Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars (from 4 ratings)

Created by: Lynne Feifer

Ingredients

• 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ½ cup creamy peanut butter
• 10 ounces package mini marshmallows
• 10 ounces package Reese’s Mini Pieces (Regular Reese’s Pieces work as well if you cannot find the minis. Set 2 tablespoons aside for topping.)
• 16 ounces milk chocolate frosting (or your preferred chocolate frosting)
• 20 miniature Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, coarsely chopped

Instructions

1. Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by generously greasing it with butter or lining with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a large saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium-low heat. Add the mini marshmallows and stir continuously until they are completely melted and smooth.
3. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Mix in the creamy peanut butter until it is thoroughly combined with the marshmallow mixture, creating a smooth, peanut buttery base.
4. Add half of the Rice Krispies cereal and the Reese’s Mini Pieces to the marshmallow mixture. Fold gently until well incorporated. This helps ensure the mini pieces are evenly distributed.
5. Stir in the remaining Rice Krispies cereal until everything is evenly coated. Work quickly before the mixture sets.
6. Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Using a buttered spatula or lightly greased hands, gently flatten the mixture evenly into the corners of the pan. Avoid pressing too firmly to keep the treats chewy, not dense. Allow the treats to cool at room temperature for at least 15 minutes before proceeding with the frosting.
7. Once cooled, spread the chocolate frosting evenly over the top of the Rice Krispies Treats.
8. Generously sprinkle the coarsely chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and the reserved 2 tablespoons of Reese’s Mini Pieces over the frosting.
9. Allow the frosting to set slightly, then cut into squares and serve. Enjoy these incredibly indulgent Reese’s Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats!

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Serving size: 1 piece (approx. 1g)

• Calories: 327kcal
• Carbohydrates: 47g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 5mg
• Sodium: 179mg
• Potassium: 173mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 34g
• Vitamin A: 615IU
• Vitamin C: 5mg
• Calcium: 21mg
• Iron: 3mg

This post was originally published on March 15, 2017, and has been extensively updated with new content, improved formatting, and fresh pictures on October 12, 2021, to bring you the best possible recipe experience.

FOLLOW US!

FACEBOOK ~ PINTEREST
INSTAGRAM ~ TWITTER
YOUTUBE

Keep an eye out for more of our easy recipes each week!