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    Home » Recipes » Dessert Recipes

    Peanut Butter Cup Rice Krispie Treats

    Published: Feb 24, 2024 · Modified: Jun 24, 2025 by Karin and Ken · This post may contain affiliate links. Leave a Comment

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    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.

    Two squares of peanut butter cup rice krispie treats on a small stand with more behind.

    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.

    Ingredients to make Reese's rice krispie treats on the table before mixing together.
    • 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!

    Rice krispies and reeses pieces in a bowl mixed together.

    Step 1: Combine the cereal with the Reese's Pieces in a large bowl and mix well.

    Marshmallows and butter melted in a saucepan.

    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.

    Marshmallow and peanut butter mixture added to bowl of rice krsipies.

    Step 3: Pour the marshmallow and peanut butter mixture over the cereal mix and stir to combine.

    Mixture pressed into a glass baking dish.

    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.

    Peanut butter cups pressed into rice krsipie treats in a pan.

    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.

    Reeses peanut butter cup rice krispie treats cut into squares on a gray cutting board.

    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!

    A hand pulling a Reeses rice krispie treat apart to show the inside.

    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.
    Two peanut butter rice krispie treats stacked on top with a reeses peanut butter cup in the middle.

    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

    Why is my Rice Krispies treats so sticky and messy?

    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.

    Why is it so hard to mix Rice Krispies treats?

    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.

    A peanut butter cup rice krispie treat on a plate.

    Video

    YouTube video

    More Rice Krispies Recipes

    Do you like Rice Krispies recipes? Here are some recipes you may also like to try.

    • Three rice krispie treats piled on top of each other on a white plate.
      Fruity Pebbles Rice Krispies Treats
    • Chocolate peanut butter rice krispie bars cut into squares and piled on a plate.
      Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats
    • Halloween Rice Krispies Treats.
      Halloween Rice Krispies Treats
    • Grinch Rice Krispie Treats Pops.
      Grinch Rice Krispie Treats Pops

    Ready to get cooking? Remember that you can print this recipe if you would like.

    A stack of Reeses peanut butter cup rice krispie treats on a small white stand.

    Peanut Butter Cup Rice Krispies Treats

    Karin and Ken
    These peanut butter cup Rice Krispies treats are so good! These Reese's Rice Krispies treats combine two of our favorite sweets into one.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 10 minutes mins
    Cooling Time 2 hours hrs
    Total Time 2 hours hrs 15 minutes mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 9 Servings
    Calories 510 kcal

    Equipment

    • 9x9 baking dish
    • saucepan
    • Large mixing bowl
    • spatula

    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
    Get Recipe Ingredients

    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!

    Video

    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

    Serving: 1ServingCalories: 510kcalCarbohydrates: 68gProtein: 10gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 11mgSodium: 304mgPotassium: 270mgFiber: 2gSugar: 46gVitamin A: 954IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 45mgIron: 4mg
    Keyword peanut butter cup rice krispies, peanut butter rice krispies treats
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    This post was originally published August 2022. It has been updated with new images and content.

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    Welcome!

    We are the kitchen divas: Karin and my partner in life, Ken.

    We have been attached at the heart and hip since the first day we met, and we love to create new dishes to keep things interesting. Variety is definitely the spice of life!

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