There’s something uniquely comforting and irresistibly delicious about a classic no-bake dessert, especially when it combines two of the world’s most beloved flavors: chocolate and peanut butter. For many, like myself, these delightful Reese’s Rice Krispie Treats evoke cherished childhood memories, often serving as a rare, indulgent splurge that has undeniably stood the test of time. While my current household might be divided on the ultimate peanut butter chocolate combination, these easy-to-make bars always disappear quickly, proving their universal appeal.
Unlike traditional Rice Krispie treats that rely on melted marshmallows, this beloved recipe ingeniously uses a rich, cooked mixture of peanut butter, sugars, and corn syrup. I understand that corn syrup sometimes gets a bad rap, but for an occasional, nostalgic treat that delivers unparalleled texture and flavor, I wholeheartedly say go for it! The resulting bars are perfectly chewy, sweet, and bursting with that iconic peanut butter taste that pairs so well with a smooth chocolate topping. These aren’t just any Rice Krispie treats; they are a celebration of simplicity and sensational flavor, perfect for any occasion that calls for a quick, crowd-pleasing dessert.
Why These Reese’s Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats Are a Must-Make
Looking for a dessert that’s easy, delicious, and brings a smile to everyone’s face? These Reese’s Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats tick all the boxes. Here’s why they should be at the top of your baking (or rather, no-baking) list:
- Effortless No-Bake Delight: Forget about turning on your oven! These bars require absolutely no baking, making them an ideal choice for hot summer days, picnics, BBQs, or any time you want a fantastic dessert without the heat. They’re quick to prepare and even quicker to disappear!
- Instant Chocolate Peanut Butter Craving Fix: If you’re a fan of the classic chocolate and peanut butter duo, these treats are your ultimate solution. They deliver a satisfying burst of flavor that will curb your cravings in the most delicious way possible, combining crunchy cereal with rich, creamy layers.
- The Perfect Marshmallow-Free Alternative: For those who prefer a different texture or simply don’t have marshmallows on hand, this recipe is a game-changer. It creates a wonderfully chewy and flavorful base without relying on traditional marshmallow fluff, offering a unique and equally addictive experience.
- Irresistible Garnish for Extra Indulgence: Topping these bars with miniature Reese’s peanut butter cups elevates them from delicious to utterly impossible to resist. The added touch of candy makes them visually appealing and provides an extra layer of peanut butter and chocolate goodness that true fans will adore.
- Nostalgic Comfort Food: These treats are a delightful callback to simpler times, often reminding people of their childhood. They offer a comforting taste of nostalgia, making them perfect for sharing with family and friends and creating new sweet memories.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars
Crafting these delectable Reese’s Rice Krispie Treats requires a few simple ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your pantry. Understanding the role of each component ensures your bars turn out perfectly every time.
- Kitchen Staples: You’ll need granulated sugar and brown sugar to provide the essential sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor. A neutral vegetable oil (like canola oil) is used in the chocolate glaze to help it melt smoothly and achieve the perfect consistency for spreading.
- Peanut Butter (Creamy is Key): For the best results, opt for creamy peanut butter, such as Jif or Skippy. Natural peanut butter, which tends to separate and be runnier, can alter the texture of your bars, making them less firm. The stability of creamy peanut butter ensures a consistent and wonderfully chewy base.
- Light Corn Syrup: This is the secret ingredient that gives these treats their characteristic chewiness and helps bind everything together without marshmallows. Light corn syrup provides the right viscosity and sweetness, contributing to the bars’ nostalgic texture. While some may prefer to avoid it, for an occasional indulgence, it’s truly integral to this recipe’s success.
- Rice Krispies Cereal: The star of the show! Ensure your Rice Krispies are fresh for maximum crispiness. This puffed rice cereal provides the light, airy crunch that contrasts beautifully with the dense peanut butter base and smooth chocolate topping. You can also experiment with other puffed rice cereals if preferred.
- Chocolate Chips (Semisweet Recommended): Semisweet chocolate chips offer a balanced sweetness that complements the peanut butter without being overly rich. However, if you’re a dark chocolate enthusiast, feel free to use bittersweet chocolate chips for a deeper, more intense flavor in your glaze.
- Small Peanut Butter Cups (for Garnish): These are optional but highly recommended for that true “Reese’s” experience. Miniature peanut butter cups add a delightful visual appeal and an extra layer of peanut butter and chocolate decadence. If you only have full-sized cups, simply quarter them before placing them on top.
Expert Tips for Crafting Flawless Reese’s Rice Krispie Treats
While these no-bake bars are undeniably simple to make, a few key tips can elevate your results from good to absolutely perfect. Follow these guidelines to ensure a smooth process and incredibly delicious treats every time.
- Proper Pan Preparation is Crucial: Whether you’re making the classic marshmallow version or this peanut butter rendition, preparing your pan correctly is the first step to success. I highly recommend lining your 9×9-inch baking pan with non-stick foil. This method creates a convenient “sling” that allows you to easily lift the entire batch of bars out of the pan once cooled, making cutting and serving a breeze. Alternatively, a non-stick 9×9-inch springform pan works wonderfully, as its coating prevents the sticky peanut butter mixture from adhering to the sides, ensuring effortless removal.
- PRO-Tip on Peanut Butter Selection: Always use regular, creamy peanut butter for this recipe, not natural peanut butter. Natural varieties, which often have oil separation, tend to be too runny and can result in bars that don’t set properly or have a greasy texture. Stick to brands like Jif or Skippy for the best structural integrity and flavor.
- Avoid Overheating the Peanut Butter Mixture: This is a critical step for achieving the perfect soft and chewy texture. Once the sugar and corn syrup mixture comes to a gentle boil, remove it from the heat immediately before stirring in the peanut butter. Overcooking this base can cause the sugars to crystallize and the bars to become overly hard and brittle instead of delightfully chewy.
- Gentle Mixing and Pressing: When incorporating the Rice Krispies into the peanut butter mixture, fold them in gently. Aggressive mixing can crush the cereal pieces, turning your crunchy treats into a crumbly mess. Similarly, when pressing the mixture into your prepared pan, use a light, even pressure. Avoid compressing the peanut butter layer too firmly, as this can also lead to hard, dense bars. You want them to be evenly spread but still retain a pleasant, airy chew.
- PRO-Tip for Sticky Hands: The peanut butter mixture can be quite sticky! To prevent it from adhering to your hands while pressing it into the pan, lightly grease your palms with a touch of butter, vegetable oil, or a quick spray of cooking spray. An old-school trick is to use the buttered side of a butter wrapper to press the treats down smoothly and evenly without any sticky residue.
- Timing the Garnish Application: For a picture-perfect finish, add any garnishes, such as mini Reese’s peanut butter cups, after the chocolate topping has cooled slightly but is still soft enough for the candies to adhere. If the chocolate is too hot, the candies will melt. If it’s too cool, they won’t stick. A good strategy is to allow the chocolate to set for about 5-10 minutes, then gently press in your garnishes. If your kitchen is particularly warm or you’re making these in the heat of summer, you can briefly freeze the candies for about 15 minutes before adding them to help them maintain their shape.
- Cereal Alternatives: While Rice Krispies are traditional, you can certainly use Special K cereal if that’s your preference. Historically, some recipes differentiated between marshmallow-based Rice Krispie treats and peanut butter-based Special K treats. Both cereals work wonderfully, offering slightly different textures but equally delicious results. Feel free to experiment based on your taste!
Frequently Asked Questions About Reese’s Rice Krispie Treats
The most common reason for hard Rice Krispie treats is overcooking the peanut butter mixture. Once the base mixture of corn syrup and sugars comes to a boil, it’s crucial to remove it from the heat immediately before stirring in the peanut butter. Continuing to boil it for too long will cause the sugars to become brittle when cooled. Additionally, avoid overpacking the mixture when pressing it into the pan; a gentle hand ensures a softer, chewier bar.
Yes, these delicious Reese’s Rice Krispie Treats freeze beautifully! To freeze them, first cut the bars into individual servings. Then, place them in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature for a few hours before serving for the best texture.
While both are popular no-bake cereal bars featuring peanut butter and a chocolate topping, there’s a key distinction. Scotcheroos traditionally feature a topping made with both chocolate chips and butterscotch chips, giving them a distinct butterscotch flavor alongside the chocolate. These Reese’s Rice Krispie Treats, however, typically use only a chocolate glaze, emphasizing the classic chocolate-peanut butter pairing.
To maintain their freshness and chewiness, store peanut butter Rice Krispie Treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If your kitchen is particularly warm, or if you prefer a firmer texture, you can store them in the refrigerator. Just be aware that chilled bars will be quite firm, so you might want to cut them before refrigerating or allow them to sit out for a few minutes before serving.
As mentioned in our tips, it is strongly recommended to use regular, creamy peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy) for this recipe. Natural peanut butter tends to be oilier and more liquid, which can prevent the bars from setting correctly and result in a greasy, crumbly texture. The stabilizers in conventional creamy peanut butter are essential for the desired chewy consistency.
These Reese’s Rice Krispie Treats are wonderfully versatile! For a different flavor profile, you could swirl a little white chocolate into the dark chocolate topping, or sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top to enhance the sweetness. You could also mix in mini chocolate chips or a few chopped peanuts directly into the cereal base for added crunch. For a holiday twist, use themed sprinkles on top!
More Irresistible Chocolate & Peanut Butter Creations
If you’ve fallen in love with these Reese’s Rice Krispie Treats, you’re undoubtedly a fan of the unbeatable chocolate and peanut butter combination. Here are some other fantastic recipes that celebrate this dynamic duo, along with a few other delightful cereal bar variations:
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Caramel Bars: Elevate your dessert game with these bars that feature a luscious gooey caramel layer, adding another dimension of flavor and texture to the classic combo.
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Tiger Bark: For an incredibly quick and easy fix for your cravings, this beautiful bark delivers big on flavor with minimal effort.
- Tagalong Cookie Bars: Recreate the beloved flavors of the classic Girl Scout cookies in a convenient bar form, complete with layers of shortbread, peanut butter, and chocolate.
- Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars: Indulge in creamy cheesecake perfection infused with rich peanut butter, a sophisticated twist on your favorite flavors.
- Peanut Butter Coconut Balls: (Creative Culinary) Explore a unique trio of flavors with the addition of coconut to the peanut butter and chocolate.
- Cookie Dough Rice Krispie Treats: Combine two childhood favorites into one epic treat for an extra layer of sweetness and texture.
- Caramel Rolo Rice Krispie Treats: For caramel lovers, these treats incorporate the chewy, chocolatey goodness of Rolo candies into a Krispie base.
- Candy Corn Rice Krispie Treats: A festive and colorful twist on the classic, perfect for seasonal celebrations.
- Plus Many More Easy Bar Cookie Recipes and Best Dessert Recipes!
Reese’s Rice Krispie Treats
20 minutes
5 minutes
25 minutes
25 bars
A beloved childhood favorite that masterfully combines crispy cereal with rich peanut butter and smooth chocolate, truly standing the test of time!
Rated 5 out of 5 stars based on 11 reviews.
Ingredients
Bars:
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 5 cups Rice Krispies or puffed rice cereal
Chocolate Glaze:
- 3 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon neutral-flavored oil (like canola oil)
- Small peanut butter cups, to garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Line a 9 x 9-inch baking pan with nonstick foil or utilize a 9 x 9-inch non-stick springform pan for easy removal. Set the prepared pan aside.
- In a large saucepan, combine the light corn syrup, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Place the saucepan over medium-low heat and stir continuously until the sugars are fully dissolved and the mixture is well combined.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly to prevent scorching. As soon as it reaches a boil, promptly remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately stir in the creamy peanut butter until it is completely melted and smoothly incorporated into the sugar mixture.
- Quickly add the 5 cups of Rice Krispies cereal to the peanut butter mixture. Fold gently until the cereal is evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan. To press it into a flat, even layer without sticking, lightly grease your palm or use a buttered piece of parchment paper to gently press the mixture down. Avoid compacting it too firmly, as this can make the bars hard.
- For the chocolate glaze, combine the semisweet chocolate chips, 2 tablespoons of creamy peanut butter, and 1 tablespoon of neutral oil in a small saucepan. Place this over very low heat.
- Cook the glaze, stirring frequently, until all the chocolate chips are completely melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy. Once smooth, carefully spread this luscious chocolate glaze evenly over the Rice Krispie bars in the prepared pan.
- If you plan to top your bars with small peanut butter cups, allow the chocolate glaze to cool slightly – it should still be soft and pliable, but not hot – before adding them. This prevents the candies from melting and helps them adhere nicely to the surface. For best results, you can briefly freeze the peanut butter cups for about 15 minutes before placing them on the cooling chocolate.
Notes
For pristine peanut butter cups on top, briefly freeze them for about 15 minutes before topping the bars. Alternatively, ensure your chocolate topping has cooled down enough to be soft and setting, but not hot, to prevent the cups from melting. If the chocolate is too warm, your peanut butter cups might melt and smear, as sometimes happens even with careful timing!
Recommended Products
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- 4 Quart All Clad Sauce Pan
- Silicone Spatulas
- 9 x 9-inch Baking Pan
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
25
Serving Size:
1 bar
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 273
Total Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 104mg
Carbohydrates: 41g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 31g
Protein: 4g
This nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. It is derived from online calculators and may vary based on product brands, exact measurements, and optional additions. We recommend calculating the nutritional information with the actual ingredients you use for the most accurate results. This site is not responsible for any inaccuracies.
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My relationship with peanut butter has always been a unique one. While a peanut butter sandwich in kindergarten was a one-time experiment, my palate has always gravitated towards the sweeter side of this versatile spread. Unlike my sisters, who were content to enjoy it straight from the jar or on toast, I’ve always found its true calling in desserts – especially when paired with chocolate.
That’s precisely why these Reese’s-topped peanut butter Rice Krispie treats are so special to me. They represent the ultimate indulgence, a dessert that consistently breaks through my usual willpower. The combination of crispy cereal, a rich peanut butter base, and a smooth chocolate topping, all crowned with mini Reese’s cups, creates a symphony of textures and flavors that is simply irresistible. Each bite is a journey back to happy memories, proving that some treats are just too good to pass up!