Salted Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats combine the classic, gooey nostalgia of Rice Krispies with the rich, nutty goodness of peanut butter and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for an irresistible sweet-and-salty treat. Perfect for gatherings or just a quick snack, this recipe is a delicious twist on a childhood favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The creamy peanut butter adds a rich, nutty flavor to the classic Rice Krispies Treats.
Flaky sea salt elevates the sweetness with a hint of savory goodness.
These treats are quick and easy to make with just a few pantry staples.
No baking required, so it’s great for any time of year.
Perfect for sharing, gifting, or keeping all to yourself.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (natural or regular)
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
10 oz marshmallows (mini or regular)
6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
Flaky sea salt, for topping (optional)
Directions
Prepare the Pan: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch pan with butter or cooking spray. Set it aside.
Melt the Base: In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter and peanut butter together, stirring until smooth. Add the marshmallows and stir constantly until completely melted and well combined.
Flavor Boost: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and fine sea salt.
Mix It Up: Immediately add the Rice Krispies cereal to the pot. Gently fold the cereal into the marshmallow mixture until fully coated.
Press Into Pan: Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Use a greased spatula or lightly oiled hands to press it down evenly, being careful not to pack it too tightly.
Add Flaky Salt: While the mixture is still warm, sprinkle flaky sea salt on top for a sweet-and-salty finish.
Cool and Slice: Let the treats cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Slice them into squares or rectangles, then serve and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
Servings: This recipe makes about 12-16 treats, depending on how large you cut the squares.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Cooling Time: 30 minutes
Variations
Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate or a peanut butter-chocolate mixture over the top before sprinkling with sea salt.
Crunchy Peanut Butter: Use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy for added texture.
Gluten-Free Option: Ensure you’re using certified gluten-free Rice Krispies cereal for a gluten-free version.
Marshmallow-Free Version: Substitute with a honey or maple syrup base mixed with peanut butter for a slightly less gooey but equally delicious treat.
Nut-Free Twist: Replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Keep the treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week.
Freezing: Wrap each treat individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before eating.
Reheating: These don’t require reheating, but if you like them slightly gooey, pop a treat in the microwave for about 5 seconds.
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FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?
Yes, you can use natural peanut butter, but make sure to stir it well beforehand to combine the oil and solids.
How can I prevent the treats from being too hard?
Avoid pressing the mixture too firmly into the pan, as this can make the treats dense. Also, don’t overcook the marshmallow mixture.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use a dairy-free butter substitute and check that the marshmallows you’re using are vegan or dairy-free.
What’s the best way to cut these evenly?
Let the treats cool completely before cutting. Use a sharp knife greased with a bit of oil or butter for clean slices.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, just use a larger pan or prepare two pans to avoid overly thick treats.
Conclusion
Salted Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats are an easy, crowd-pleasing recipe that balances sweetness, saltiness, and gooey texture in every bite. Whether you’re making them for a party, packing them for lunch, or indulging at home, they’re bound to become a favorite. I hope you enjoy making—and eating—these delightful treats as much as I do.
📖 Recipe:
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Salted Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats
- Total Time: 50 minutes (including cooling time)
- Yield: 12–16 treats
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the sweet and salty perfection of Salted Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats! This no-bake dessert combines the nostalgic gooeyness of Rice Krispies with rich peanut butter and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. Perfect for gatherings, gifting, or a quick snack, these treats are easy to make and impossible to resist.
Ingredients
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (natural or regular)
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
10 oz marshmallows (mini or regular)
6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
Flaky sea salt (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch pan with butter or cooking spray and set aside.
- Melt the Base: In a large pot, melt butter and peanut butter over medium heat, stirring until smooth. Add marshmallows and stir constantly until melted and combined.
- Flavor Boost: Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and fine sea salt.
- Mix It Up: Add Rice Krispies cereal to the pot, gently folding until fully coated.
- Press Into Pan: Transfer mixture to the prepared pan, pressing down gently with a greased spatula or oiled hands.
- Add Flaky Salt: Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the warm mixture, if desired.
- Cool and Slice: Let the treats cool at room temperature for 30 minutes. Slice into squares and enjoy!
Notes
To prevent the treats from becoming hard, avoid pressing the mixture too firmly into the pan.
For extra flavor, drizzle with melted chocolate or use crunchy peanut butter.
Certified gluten-free Rice Krispies can make this recipe gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12–16 treats
