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–+ servings
A plate of rice crispy treats topped with a layer of chocolate and chopped peanuts, stacked on top of each other.

Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats

These peanut butter Rice Krispie treats combine gooey marshmallow cereal bars with creamy peanut butter, rich chocolate topping, crunchy peanuts, and flaky sea salt. Soft, chewy, and gluten-free friendly with the right crispy rice cereal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Cooling and Chilling Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings 12

Ingredients

  • ⅓ cup unsalted butter
  • 10 ounces marshmallows
  • ¾ cup creamy peanut butter divided
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 5 ½ cups gluten free rice cereal or rice Krispie cereal if not GF
  • 9 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 3 Tablespoons peanuts toasted and chopped, unsalted
  • sea salt for the top

Instructions

  • Line a 9x9-inch square pan with parchment paper and set it aside.
  • In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the marshmallows. Reduce the heat to low and continue stirring until completely melted.
  • Remove from the heat and stir in all but 1 tablespoon of the peanut butter and all of the vanilla extract until combined.
  • Fold in the cereal and mix until fully coated. Transfer the sticky cereal mixture to the pan and spread it into an even layer without pressing it down too hard. Cool in the refrigerator for 5–10 minutes.
  • While the base cools, prepare the chocolate layer. Add the chocolate and the remaining tablespoon of peanut butter to a small microwave-safe bowl. Heat for 30 seconds at a time, stirring in between, until fully melted.
  • Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the chilled bars. Smooth it out and top with the peanuts. Chill for 30–45 minutes.
  • Before serving, remove the Rice Krispies treats from the pan, sprinkle sea salt flakes on top, and cut them into 12 equal-sized bars.

Equipment

  • 9x9 baking dish

Notes

  • Kellogg's Rice Krispies cereal is not gluten-free, and they no longer make the gluten-free version. I like the Millville rice cereal from Aldi. It is gluten-free and close in texture. You can use any GF cereal brand you like; check the labels for malt and barley, neither are safe for those with celiac disease or anyone on a gluten-free diet.
  • To prevent sticking, wet your hands before pressing the treats into the pan.