This Rice Krispie hay bales recipe is perfect for a fall themed party or get-together. The classic, chewy rice cereal treat is dipped in peanut butter and rolled in coconut. This incredibly simple, but absolutely adorable, little treat packs a ton of flavor in a little bite. There is nothing better than peanut butter with coconut.
This was inspired by my golden crisp squares and other peanut butter cup Rice Krispie treat recipe on this site and pairs well with this amazing hot cocoa recipe for a fun fall treat.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- It only takes a few simple ingredients to make.
- It's an easy recipe that's ready in no time.
- The hay bale shape is a fun fall theme for any occasion.
- The coconut and melted peanut butter chip coating work so well with the classic Rice Krispie treats flavor.
Ingredients
You'll only need a handful of ingredients that you can find at any grocery store to make these delicious treats.
- Mini Marshmallows: These add sweetness and bind the cereal together.
- Sweetened Shredded Coconut: Coconut adds more sweetness and a tropical note.
- Butter: Butter makes these treats so rich!
- Rice Krispies: Want an easy shortcut, purchase the pre-made rice krispie treats at your local grocery store. I used Rice Krispies but any rice cereal would work.
- Peanut Butter Chips: You don’t have to use peanut butter chips (although it tastes amazing), you could use equal amounts of chocolate, either milk or dark or equal amounts butterscotch or caramel chips.
Decoration
- String Licorice: These make the hay bale ties.
See the recipe card below for the exact quantities of each ingredient.
Substitutions and Variations
Don't have the correct ingredients on hand? Or want to change something up? Here are some helpful tips for you to change these Rice Krispie hay bales recipe.
- Butterscotch chips, chocolate chips or caramel chips will work in place of peanut butter chips, giving the treats a different flavor with the same cute look.
- Use your favorite cereal to make different variations of these treats. Almost any cereal with bite-size pieces will work!
- Instead of licorice you could also use fondant, melted chocolate or royal icing for the ties.
Instructions
This recipe is just as easy as classic Rice Krispie treats. It only takes a couple of super-easy extra steps.
In a large, microwave-safe mixing bowl, combine the marshmallows with the butter. Microwave for approximately 2 minutes to melt butter and marshmallows. The marshmallows will get very puffy and large, so be sure to use a large enough bowl.
Once melted, add the rice cereal and use a rubber spatula to mix it together.
Push the mixture into your prepared dish. Use the rubber spatula or your fingertips to push it together. Set aside for now.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spread your coconut in an even layer on your sheet pan. Don’t grease the pan. You can use parchment paper if you want however the coconut won’t stick to the pan. Bake for 5 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and flip the coconut. You want the coconut to toast evenly. Bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the coconut is a light golden brown. Remove from the oven and cool in the pan (this only takes about 5-7 minutes to cool down).
Place the peanut butter chips and the coconut oil in a small, microwave-safe mixing bowl. Microwave the chips at 50% power for 1 minute. Stir. Continue microwaving in 30 seconds increments at 50% power until fully melted and smooth. Depending on the microwave, this could take 5 minutes.
Cut the rice krispie treats into small rectangles. I cut them into 16 bars.
Now it is time for the final assembly. Dip each rice krispie treat into the melted peanut butter chips. Cover all sides of the treat and allow any excess to drip off. Immediately roll the treat in the toasted coconut, coating all sides. Place on a piece of parchment paper or a cooling rack. Let the treat stand until the peanut butter chips have set.
Once the treats have cooled, wrap the licorice around two ends of the hay bale. You could also use fondant, melted chocolate or royal icing to do the job.
Hint: Use a shallow dish for the melted peanut butter chips and coconut. This makes it easy to fully coat all sides.
If you love recipes like this, you may also enjoy these butterscotch haystack cookies, Rice Krispie Cookies, Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls, Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats or these rice krispie treats with marshmallow fluff!
Storage
These treats can be stored at room temperature or in the freezer, depending on how long you plan to store them.
Room Temperature: Store them on the counter in an air-tight container for up to 4 days. The peanut butter coating helps keep the Rice Krispies inside fresher longer.
Freezer: Wrap the treats in plastic wrap and store them in an air-tight, freezer-safe container in single layers separated by parchment paper.
Reheat: Defrost the treats on the counter when you're ready to serve them.
Make Ahead: Because these will stay fresh for a few days on the counter or up to 3 months in the freezer, feel free to make them ahead of time.
What to Serve with Rice Krispie Hay Bales
This easy Rice Krispie treat variation is always tasty with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee or tea. You can also pair them with other fall treats like:
Tips
- Toast your coconut until it's golden and smells nutty. Don't wait until it's brown to remove it from the oven.
- Give your treats a gentle shake after dipping them in the melted peanut butter chips to remove an excess coating. This makes a nice exterior.
- Coat the peanut butter-covered treats in coconut immediately to ensure it sticks.
FAQ
Do you have questions about these Rice Krispie hay bales? Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about this Rice Krispie hay bales recipe.
Hay bale treats are sweet dessert bars made with cereal, melted marshmallows, and butter. They're shaped to resemble hay bales and are often finished with licorice or fondant ropes to complete the look.
No, you don't. The melted peanut butter coating creates a barrier against air, which keeps the Rice Krispies fresher on the interior longer.
Any cereal with bite-size pieces will work for hay bale treats. Rice Krispies, Fruity Pebbles, Cocoa Pebbles, Froot Loops, Golden Crisp, Cheerios, Captain Crunch, and similar cereals are all great choices and give the treats a different flavor every time!
Video
More Delicious Dessert Recipes
Do you like Rice Krispies? 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.
Rice Krispie Hay Bales
Equipment
- 9x13 rectangle baking dish
- Cooking Spray
- large microwave-safe mixing bowl
- Sheet pan
- small mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups sweetened, shredded coconut 5.3 oz. or 150 g
- 1 bag (10 oz) mini marshmallows or 283 g
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 6 cups Rice Krispies or rice cereal 8.4 oz. or 250 g
- 2 cups peanut butter chips 12oz. or 350 g
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
Decoration
- string licorice
- icing for decorating or fondant
Instructions
- Spray a 9x13 glass dish, lightly, with cooking spray.
- In a large, microwave-safe mixing bowl, combine the marshmallows with the butter. Microwave for approximately 2 minutes to melt butter and marshmallows. The marshmallows will get very puffy and large, so be sure to use a large enough bowl.
- Once melted, add the rice cereal and use a rubber spatula to mix it together.
- Push the mixture into your prepared dish. Use the rubber spatula or your fingertips to push it together. Set aside for now.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spread your coconut in an even layer on your sheet pan. Don’t grease the pan. You can use parchment paper if you want however the coconut won’t stick to the pan. Bake for 5 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and flip the coconut. You want the coconut to toast evenly. Bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the coconut is a light golden brown. Remove from the oven and cool in the pan (this only takes about 5-7 minutes to cool down).
- Place the peanut butter chips and the coconut oil in a small, microwave-safe mixing bowl. Microwave the chips at 50% power for 1 minute. Stir. Continue microwaving in 30 seconds increments at 50% power until fully melted and smooth. Depending on the microwave, this could take 5 minutes.
- Cut the rice krispie treats into small rectangles. I cut them into 16 bars.
- Now it is time for the final assembly. Dip each rice krispie treat into the melted peanut butter chips. Cover all sides of the treat and allow any excess to drip off. Immediately roll the treat in the toasted coconut, coating all sides. Place on a piece of parchment paper or a cooling rack. Let the treat stand until the peanut butter chips have set.
- Once the treats have cooled, wrap the licorice around two ends of the hay bale. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Store leftovers, covered, on the counter for up to 4 days. The peanut butter chips seals the rice krispie treat and keeps it fresher for longer.
- You can freeze these treats in an airtight container for up to 3 months. If you are stacking them, I would recommend placing a piece of parchment paper between the layers. Thaw on the counter when you are ready to serve.
- Want an easy shortcut, purchase the pre-made rice krispie treats at your local grocery store.
- You don’t have to use peanut butter chips (although it tastes amazing), you could use equal amounts of chocolate, butterscotch or caramel chips instead.
- Instead of licorice use fondant, melted chocolate or royal icing to do the job.
Leave a Reply