These peanut butter and rice krispies bars are soft, chewy, and packed with rich peanut butter flavor, finished with a smooth layer of melted chocolate chips on top. Made in one large pot with simple ingredients, this easy no-bake dessert comes together quickly and sets up perfectly.
If you love easy desserts like these, you might also enjoy these No Bake Peanut Butter Balls (Old Fashioned Recipe) or these No Bake Avalanche Cookies.
This version uses browned butter and condensed milk to create a softer texture that stays chewy instead of turning hard.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Easy no-bake dessert
- Made in one large pot
- Soft and chewy with the best texture
- Rich peanut butter flavor with chocolate topping
- Great for cutting into squares for sharing
Ingredients You'll Need
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, browned
- ½ (10 ounce) bag jumbo marshmallows (or regular-sized marshmallows)
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup sweetened condensed milk
- 6 cups crispy rice cereal
- 1½ cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or coconut oil)
How to Make Peanut Butter and Rice Krispies Bars
- In a large pot over low heat, melt the butter until it turns a deep golden brown and smells nutty. Watch closely so it does not burn.
- Stir in the creamy peanut butter and condensed milk until smooth and fully combined.
- Add the marshmallows and stir continuously over low heat until completely melted and smooth.
- Remove from heat and fold in the crispy rice cereal until evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to a prepared square pan. Press gently into an even layer to create a smooth top.
- Melt the chocolate chips with vegetable oil until smooth, then spread evenly over the bars.
- Refrigerate for about 1 hour until set. Use a serrated knife to cut treats into squares.
Tips for the Best Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats Texture
- Use low heat to prevent tough crispy treats
- Do not overmix once cereal is added
- Press gently into the pan to keep bars soft
- Let bars sit at room temperature before serving
If your bars turn out too firm, it's usually from overheating the marshmallow mixture or pressing too hard into the pan.
Variations
- Use natural peanut butter for a slightly different flavor
- Swap jumbo marshmallows for a bag of mini marshmallows
- Add a splash of vanilla extract for extra flavor
- Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the chocolate layer
For another easy dessert, try these Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars.
Storage
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
For the best texture, let them come to room temperature before serving so they stay soft and chewy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, regular-sized marshmallows or mini marshmallows both work well in this recipe.
This usually happens from overheating the marshmallow mixture or pressing the bars too firmly into the pan.
You can, but it may slightly change the texture. Creamy peanut butter gives the most consistent results.
Use low heat, avoid overmixing, and store them properly so they don't dry out.
📖 Recipe
Peanut Butter and Rice Krispies Bars
Equipment
Ingredients
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter - browned
- 2 ½ cups jumbo marshmallows
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup sweetened condensed milk
- 6 cups crispy rice cereal
- 1½ cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large pot over low heat until browned.
- Stir in peanut butter and condensed milk until smooth.
- Add marshmallows and stir until melted.
- Remove from heat and mix in cereal.
- Press into prepared pan.
- Melt chocolate chips with oil and spread on top.
- Chill for 1 hour, then cut and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimate based on third-party calculations. Actual values may vary due to ingredients, measurements, and serving sizes.
© Popular Recipes
Dana is the lead recipe developer and photographer for PopularRecipes.com. With her 10+ years of experience creating, testing, and photographing recipes, she has become an artist in developing wholesome, family-friendly meals that are a hit with both kids and parents.
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