Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats

When you want something sweet but don’t want to use the oven, chocolate peanut butter Rice Krispies treats are the answer. They come together fast with simple pantry ingredients.

You get chewy, crunchy, chocolatey bars with almost no effort. It’s a no-bake dessert that feels nostalgic but still stands out.

I started making these for school events, and they stuck around as a family favorite. The gooey marshmallows, creamy peanut butter, and crisp cereal are pretty irresistible.

A drizzle of melted chocolate and a sprinkle of pretzels or mini peanut butter cups takes them up a notch. You can keep them classic or mix it up—either way, they vanish fast.

Why You Will Love Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats

You’ll love these chocolate peanut butter rice krispies treats because they take the classic rice krispie treats and make them better. Creamy peanut butter and smooth chocolate give these treats a special twist.

This is a no-bake dessert, so you skip the oven. It’s quick, low mess, and perfect for busy days.

The texture is a big win. You bite into chewy marshmallow, crisp cereal, and a soft chocolate layer. Peanut butter ties everything together with a rich, nutty taste.

You can switch things up, too. Try new cereals, swap milk chocolate for dark, or toss sea salt on top. It keeps the recipe fun and flexible.

Here’s what I like about them:

• Quick to make with just a few steps.
• Kid-friendly but adults love them, too.
• No-bake dessert that keeps well for days.
• Customizable with toppings like pretzels or mini candies.

Whether you want a school snack, party tray, or easy treat at home, these chocolate peanut butter rice krispie treats fit the bill. The flavor combo feels a bit more grown-up but still comforting.

How To Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats

You only need a few pantry staples, a sturdy pan, and a few easy steps. The process is quick, but how you melt and mix really matters.

Ingredients

You’ll need basic stuff you probably have already. Creamy peanut butter, marshmallows, and chocolate give the bars a chewy, firm bite.

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter (plus 2 tablespoons extra for drizzling)
• 1 bag mini marshmallows (about 10 ounces, or 5 cups)
• 4 cups Cocoa Krispies cereal or regular Rice Krispies
• ½ to 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional, for topping or folding in)
• Pinch of sugar if you want a little more sweetness

Keep the peanut butter smooth so it blends well with melted marshmallows. Semi-sweet chips balance the sweetness without making it too heavy.

Instruments

You don’t need fancy tools, but the right setup makes things easier.

• 1 medium saucepan for melting
• 1 spatula or wooden spoon for stirring
• 1 8-inch square baking pan
• Parchment paper for lining
• Cooking spray to stop sticking
• 1 microwave-safe bowl if you melt chocolate separately

Line your pan before you start melting. You’ll need to press the mixture in fast before it cools.

Step-By-Step Instruction

Spray your baking pan and line it with parchment paper. This makes lifting and cutting easier.

In a saucepan over low heat, melt butter with 1 cup peanut butter. Stir until smooth, then add 4 cups mini marshmallows.

Keep stirring until the marshmallows melt and combine. Remove from heat and fold in the cereal until coated.

Gently stir in the rest of the marshmallows for gooey pockets. Press the mixture into the pan using parchment paper.

Melt the extra 2 tablespoons peanut butter and drizzle over the top. Sprinkle chocolate chips on while it’s warm if you want.

Let it cool at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. Once set, lift out and cut into squares with a sharp knife.

Tips & Tricks

I’ve made these bars a lot, and little tweaks can really change things. You don’t need fancy tools, but details help your treats turn out just right.

• Melt chocolate and butterscotch chips in separate bowls for a smooth topping. Mixing too early can cause lumps.
• Press the cereal mixture gently into the pan. If you press too hard, the bars get dense and hard.

For a softer bite, use a bit less cereal. About 5 ½ cups instead of 6 keeps them chewier.

If you want more chocolate on top, just double the chips.

Try these fun variations:

• Use brown butter instead of regular butter. It adds a nutty flavor that’s great with peanut butter.
• Mix in chopped pretzels or peanut butter chips for crunch.
• Swap the topping with dark chocolate or caramel chips if you want a new flavor.

You can make your own version but still keep that classic chocolate–peanut butter combo.

Ingredient Substitute

Sometimes you don’t have every ingredient, and that’s fine. I’ve swapped things out and the bars still taste great.

For the sweetener, you don’t have to use honey. Pure maple syrup gives a different flavor, or brown rice syrup if you want less sweet.

With nut butter, peanut butter is classic, but almond or cashew butter work, too. Just make sure it’s creamy so it holds the cereal.

To change the cereal base, try gluten-free brown rice cereal or even crushed pretzels for a sweet and salty twist.

For the chocolate topping, you can use dark chocolate chips, white chocolate, or a dairy-free brand. Adding a spoonful of nut butter while melting makes it easier to cut.

Here’s a quick swap list:

• Honey → maple syrup or brown rice syrup
• Peanut butter → almond butter or cashew butter
• Rice cereal → gluten-free rice cereal or pretzels
• Milk chocolate → dark chocolate, white chocolate, or dairy-free chips

These swaps let you use what you have in your kitchen.

What To Serve With Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats

These treats are rich and sweet, so lighter sides balance them out. I like to keep it simple and let the main flavors shine.

Try these easy pairings:

• Cold milk or dairy-free milk like almond or oat
• Hot drinks such as coffee, black tea, or green tea
• Fresh fruit like bananas, strawberries, or raspberries
• Salty snacks like pretzels or lightly salted nuts

Add them to a dessert platter with plain Rice Krispies treats, chocolate-dipped pretzels, or berries. This gives guests sweet, salty, and fruity options.

For kids, serve with mini cups of milk and apple slices. For adults, a hot cup of coffee or a latte helps balance the sweetness.

Think about what you like with chocolate and peanut butter. Keeping it simple usually works best.

How To Store Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats

When I make a big batch, I always want to keep them fresh. You don’t need anything fancy—just airtight storage and a cool spot.

At room temperature, treats stay soft for up to 5–7 days if you store them right. Use an airtight container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap.

If your kitchen is warm, use the fridge. The cold keeps chocolate firm, but the bars might get harder. Let them sit out for 10–15 minutes before eating.

Freezing works, too. Cut the bars, wrap each in wax paper or plastic, then freeze in a bag. They’ll last about 6 weeks.

Here’s a quick recap:

• Room temperature: 5–7 days in an airtight container
• Fridge: Keeps chocolate firm, but let them soften before eating
• Freezer: Up to 6 weeks if wrapped well

This way you can enjoy your treats whenever you want, without losing that chewy texture or rich flavor.

Nutritional Value

Grab a Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treat, and you get a snack that feels light. It’s sweet and rich, but not heavy.

Each small bar of chocolate peanut butter rice krispies treats is easy to keep track of. You know exactly what you’re eating.

A single bar (about 20 g) gives you:

• Calories: 90
• Total Fat: 3 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Sodium: 75 mg
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Total Sugars: 9 g (all added)
• Protein: 1 g

You won’t find much fiber, calcium, or iron here. So it’s not really a nutrient-dense choice.

It works more as a quick sweet bite than a filling snack.

The mix of carbs, fat, and sugar makes it taste good. But honestly, it’s best in moderation.

If you’re packing a lunchbox or just need something small, the size is handy. You can fit it into your day without much worry.

These bars have peanut, milk, and soy. Watch out if you or someone you know has allergies.

They might also have traces of tree nuts.