These peanut butter cup Rice Krispies treats take this classic no-bake dessert to a totally new level. Loaded with delicious Reese's Pieces and Peanut Butter cups, these treats are peanut butter and chocolate lover's dream.
There are two sweet treats that I really love - peanut butter cups and Rice Krispies treats. So I thought it would be a great idea to put them together. Guess what? I was right!
If you love this peanut butter cup Krispie treat recipe you've got to try these chocolate peanut butter Rice Krispies treats, Rice Krispie Treats with Marshmallow Fluff and our delicious Mini Peanut Butter Cheesecake recipe.
Why You Will Love Reese's Rice Krispies Treats
- No Baking Required. There's no need for an oven or any special equipment to make this no-bake dessert recipe.
- Great Flavor Combination. They're a simple solution for when you crave something sweet and salty that's perfectly balanced with chewy marshmallows and crunchy Rice Krispies.
- Everyone Loves Them. These are always a crowd pleaser whether for parties, potlucks, cookouts, and more!
Ingredients
It only takes six ingredients to make these delicious Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Rice Krispie Treats treats. A quick trip down two aisles in the store, and you'll be ready to make these tasty squares.
- Rice Krispies Cereal: Rice Krispies provides the primary structure of your treats. For best results, ensure you have fresh Rice Krispies cereal to avoid any sogginess.
- Marshmallows: Marshmallows give these treats their gooeyness. Use mini marshmallows because they melt more evenly, creating a smooth mixture when combined with the butter. If only large marshmallows are available cut them into smaller pieces for even melting.
- Creamy Peanut Butter: Select a smooth, creamy peanut butter that will melt easily with the marshmallows. You can also use crunchy peanut butter if you like the added crunch. Be careful using natural peanut butter as it may affect the texture as it tends to be a bit more oily.
- Butter: Butter is the glue that melds the marshmallows and cereal together.
- Reese's Peanut Butter Cups: Peanut butter cups pressed onto the top of each square add chocolatey-peanut goodness that creates a more decadent dessert.
- Reese's Pieces: Adding Reese's Pieces adds bits of peanut butter and chocolate candy throughout your squares. You can also add chopped peanut butter cups or mini peanut butter cups with or instead of Reese's Pieces throughout your squares.
See the recipe card below for full ingredient list and the exact quantities of each one.
Substitutions
Don't have the correct ingredients on hand or just want to change it up? Here are some helpful tips for you to change this Reese's Rice Krispies treats recipe.
- Use a Different Cereal: Use other types of Rice Krispies such as chocolate-flavored, rainbow-colored, or brown rice crisps. You can also use completely different cereals such as Chex, Kix, Corn Flakes, Reese's Puffs, Fruit Loops, or Trix all will work but with different flavors.
- Add a Drizzle: Top with a drizzle of chocolate sauce for even more chocolatey goodness.
- Layer Instead: Spoon half of the Rice Krispie mixture into your prepared pan. Then, add a layer of chocolate peanut butter cups over top, which will melt slightly. Press the remaining marshmallow mixture over top and ensure it's spread out evenly.
- Roasted Peanuts: Add some chopped roasted peanuts along with the cereal when mixing to add even more peanut flavor.
How to Make Peanut Butter Cup Rice Krispie Treats
Making these delicious peanut butter and Rice Krispies treats is just as easy as shopping for the ingredients. In just a few easy steps and a few minutes, you'll be all done!
Step 1: Combine the cereal with the Reese's Pieces in a large bowl and mix well.
Step 2: Add the butter and marshmallows to a saucepan and heat over medium-low heat until it's melted and smooth. Add the peanut butter and mix it in.
PRO TIP: Stir continually as the marshmallows are melting so that it does not stick or burn.
Step 3: Pour the marshmallow and peanut butter mixture over the cereal mix and stir to combine.
Step 4: Spoon the Rice Krispies treats mixture into a parchment-lined square 9-inch pan.
PRO TIP: You can grease a spatula or your hands with butter or cooking spray or use wax or parchment paper to press the mixture into the pan without it sticking to your fingers.
Step 5: Place the peanut butter cups on top of the mixture in rows of three and press them into the mixture firmly. You can also press more Reese's Pieces into the top as well.
Step 6: Let the treats set for at least two hours inside the fridge and then cut into 9 equal squares for serving.
⭐️ Hint: Be sure to pour the melted marshmallow mixture onto the cereal mixture immediately so it's easier to mix.
If you love recipes like this, you may also enjoy these Sweet Krispie bars, Reese's Brownies, Oreo Rice Krispies, Chocolate Covered Rice Krispie Treats or our delicious Rice Krispie Hay Bales recipe!
Storage
- Room Temperature: Store them in an air-tight container at room temperature for about 2-3 days at room temperature to maintain their chewy texture and prevent them from drying out. Room temperature is ideal, as it keeps the treats chewy and the peanut butter cups from hardening. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight or near any heat source.
- Refrigerator: If you prefer your treats a bit firmer, you can refrigerate them in the same type of container.
- Freezer: Place your treats square on a baking sheet and freeze them. Wrap them up individually or store them in a freeze bag for up to a month. Remove the desired amount from the freezer and leave them on the counter for about an hour before eating.
Tips
This is an exceedingly simple recipe, but there are a few things to remember that will make it even easier for you.
- Use Low Heat. Melt the marshmallows and peanut butter slowly on low heat while stirring continuously to prevent burning.
- Mix Gently. Evenly distribute the marshmallow mixture without over-mixing or crushing the cereal.
- Let Them Set. Refrigerate and chill your treats for at least 2 hours so they set properly.
- Cutting Your Squares. Use a greased sharp knife or run a sharp knife under hot water and then dry it before cutting neat and uniform squares.
- Room Temperature Ingredients. Use room-temperature peanut butter, marshmallows, and butter to assist with proper melting.
- Prevent Sticky Fingers. Grease a spatula or coat your hands with butter or cooking spray or use wax or parchment paper to press the mixture into the pan without it sticking.
FAQ
Rice Krispies treats are inherently gooey, but if yours are exceptionally sticky and difficult to cut into squares, you probably haven't let them set long enough.
This is a thick, gooey recipe to begin with, so it's not a smooth process. However, if you're really having a hard time, you might have let the mixture cool too much before mixing. Next time make sure to mix the Rice Krispies into the marshmallow mixture right away.
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More Rice Krispies Recipes
Do you like Rice Krispies recipes? Here are some recipes you may also like to try.
Ready to get cooking? Remember that you can print this recipe if you would like.
Peanut Butter Cup Rice Krispies Treats
Ingredients
- 4 cups Rice Krispies Cereal
- 1 bag (10 oz) mini marshmallows
- ½ cup peanut butter creamy
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 9 peanut butter cups i.e. Reese’s
- 1 ½ cups candy coated peanut butter candies i.e. Reese’s Pieces, divided
Instructions
- Grease a 9x9 inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray so you end up with thick, even squares. Line your pan with parchment paper for easy removal if desired.
- Add cereal and 1 cup of peanut butter candies to a large mixing bowl. Stir until blended.
- Add butter and marshmallows to a saucepan, and heat over low-medium heat until melted, stirring often.
- Quickly mix in peanut butter, then pour over cereal mixture.
- Pour mixture into prepared pan, and spread evenly. How do you press them into the pan without sticking? grease a spatula or your hands with butter or cooking spray or use wax or parchment paper to press the mixture into the pan without it sticking to your fingers.
- Place peanut butter cups on top in rows of 3, then press down firmly. Top pan with remaining candies, then press down firmly on those too.
- Allow to set for minimum 2 hours inside your fridge. Then cut into 9 equal pieces and serve.
- Enjoy!
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Notes
- Use Low Heat. Melt the marshmallows and peanut butter slowly on a low heat while stirring continuously to prevent burning.
- Mix Gently. Evenly distribute the marshmallow mixture without over-mixing or crushing the cereal.
- Let Them Set. Refrigerate and chill your treats for at least 2 hours so they set properly.
- Cutting Your Squares. Use a greased sharp knife or sharp knife run under hot water and then dried between each cut to create neat and uniform squares.
- Room Temperature Ingredients. Use room temperature peanut butter, marshmallows and butter to assist with proper melting.
- Prevent Sticky Fingers. Grease a spatula or coat your hands with butter or cooking spray or use wax or parchment paper to press the mixture into the pan without it sticking.
Nutrition
This post was originally published August 2022. It has been updated with new images and content.
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