Imagine the beloved nostalgia of classic Rice Krispies treats, now spun into a salty-sweet dream with a swirl of creamy peanut butter and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt—introducing Salted Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats! These no-bake bars deliver that perfect balance of chewiness and crunch, with a flavor upgrade that puts them firmly in “must-bake” territory for peanut butter lovers. Whether you’re prepping a party dessert or craving a midnight snack, these irresistible treats have your back.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s something truly magical about creating unforgettable flavor from the simplest of pantry staples. Each ingredient in this Salted Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats recipe brings something special to the party—whether it’s luscious texture, delightful sweetness, or a signature salty crunch.
- Rice Krispies cereal: Crisp, light, and perfectly airy, giving these treats their classic snap in every bite.
- Creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient! It brings rich nutty flavor and creamy texture that sets these apart from traditional bars.
- Light corn syrup: Acts as a tasty glue to hold the treats together, while adding a glossy, chewy finish.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the mix and helps achieve that signature gooey, melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla adds beautiful depth and rounds out the flavors.
- Kosher salt: Just a hint sharpens the sweetness and unleashes the peanut butter’s full potential.
- Flaky sea salt (optional): A sprinkle on top delivers an irresistible burst of flavor and a little extra crunch.
How to Make Salted Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
First, grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a light coating of nonstick spray or butter. This key step ensures effortless removal later—you want every gooey square to pop out cleanly once it cools.
Step 2: Melt and Combine
In a large saucepan set over medium heat, combine the creamy peanut butter, corn syrup, and granulated sugar. Stir the mixture steadily as it warms, watching for it to get completely smooth and just start to bubble—this usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes. Don’t walk away! Stirring ensures an even, glossy melt and avoids scorching.
Step 3: Add Flavor Boosters
Once your peanut butter mixture is bubbly and smooth, immediately remove the pan from the heat. Quickly stir in the vanilla extract and kosher salt. This is what transforms the bars from ordinary to “wow”—the vanilla perfumes the treats, while salt makes every bite pop.
Step 4: Fold in the Cereal
Still working quickly, dump all 6 cups of Rice Krispies cereal into your warm saucepan. With a sturdy spatula or wooden spoon, fold and stir until every crunchy bit is thickly coated with the peanutty syrup. It might seem sticky at first, but trust the process!
Step 5: Press and Sprinkle
Spoon the mixture into your prepared baking dish, then use a spatula (or lightly greased fingers) to press it firmly and evenly into the corners. If you love that extra salty finish, this is the perfect moment to dust the top with flaky sea salt while the bars are still warm so it gently melts in.
Step 6: Let Cool and Slice
Give your Salted Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats about an hour at room temperature to fully set. Once cooled, slice into generous squares and prepare for a chorus of “just one more, please!”
How to Serve Salted Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats
Garnishes
For a little extra pizzazz, garnish each square with a drizzle of melted chocolate or a handful of chopped roasted peanuts. Even a dusting of powdered sugar can add a touch of elegance and festive flair—think of it as an easy way to dress them up for a special occasion.
Side Dishes
Although they shine on their own, Salted Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a tall, frosty glass of chocolate milk. For parties, try serving them alongside a fruit platter or with other small-bite desserts so guests can mix and match flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re looking to really impress, cut the treats into fun shapes using cookie cutters or stack them on skewers for an edible centerpiece. Wrap individual squares in parchment paper with twine for a nostalgic, grab-and-go party favor—or build them into a “treat tower” for your next birthday bash.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Salted Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Place parchment between layers to prevent sticking, so every piece remains perfectly chewy and easy to grab.
Freezing
For longer storage, individually wrap each treat with plastic wrap and seal them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months—just thaw them at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
While these treats are wonderful at room temperature, if you like them a tad gooier, microwave individual pieces for 5-10 seconds. This gentle heat will soften and refresh each square without making them fall apart.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter instead of regular?
Natural peanut butter can work, but make sure it’s stirred very well and isn’t too oily or runny. Some natural varieties can create a softer, slightly more crumbly treat, so regular creamy peanut butter is usually best for perfect consistency.
Are Salted Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free certified Rice Krispies cereal and check your peanut butter and other add-ins for hidden gluten, you can absolutely make this a gluten-free dessert!
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or pretzels?
Definitely—these treats are endlessly customizable! Gently fold in up to 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips, chopped pretzels, or roasted peanuts right after you add the cereal for extra texture and fun flavor twists.
Is there a way to make these treats vegan?
To make vegan Salted Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats, substitute the corn syrup with brown rice syrup, and double-check that your cereal and peanut butter are vegan-friendly. The result is just as chewy and satisfying!
What’s the best way to cut clean squares without sticking?
For super clean cuts, use a sharp knife coated with a bit of cooking spray or dip it in hot water and wipe dry between slices. This technique helps you slice through the sticky bars smoothly for bakery-perfect presentation.
Final Thoughts
If you’re after a sweet fix that delivers big on flavor, simplicity, and that wonderful mix of nostalgia and novelty, Salted Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats are absolutely the answer. Gather your ingredients and get ready to share a batch—or maybe just keep them all to yourself!
Print
Salted Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 16 squares
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the perfect blend of sweet and salty with these Salted Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats. They are quick to make and a delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Rice Krispies Treats:
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
Peanut Butter Mixture:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Topping:
- Flaky sea salt for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Peanut Butter Mixture: In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine peanut butter, corn syrup, and sugar. Stir until smooth and just starts to bubble, about 2–3 minutes.
- Finish and Cool: Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract and kosher salt. Add Rice Krispies cereal, stir until coated. Press into a greased 9×13-inch dish. Top with sea salt if desired. Cool for 1 hour before slicing.
Notes
- For extra crunch, mix in 1/2 cup chopped salted peanuts.
- To make them dairy-free, ensure your cereal and peanut butter are dairy-free.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
