Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats with Chocolate Swirl Recipe

Introduction

These Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats with Chocolate Swirl are a delightful twist on the classic marshmallow cereal bars. Creamy peanut butter and melted chocolate combine to create a rich, irresistible flavor that’s perfect for any occasion. Quick to make and perfect for sharing, these treats are sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients

• 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter (for the base)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
• 1 (10 oz) bag mini marshmallows (about 5 1/2 cups)
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter (for the topping)
• 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (or milk chocolate, if preferred)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easier removal. Set aside while you prepare the mixture.
2. Step 2: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the 1/2 cup butter and 1 cup peanut butter together, stirring frequently until smooth and fully combined.
3. Step 3: Add the mini marshmallows to the melted mixture and stir continuously until they melt completely and the mixture is smooth and glossy.
4. Step 4: Remove the pan from heat and immediately fold in the Rice Krispies cereal. Stir quickly and thoroughly to coat all the cereal before the mixture cools and sets.
5. Step 5: Transfer the coated cereal mixture to the prepared pan and press it down gently using a spatula or wax paper to create an even layer without pressing too firmly.
6. Step 6: In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the remaining 1 cup of peanut butter in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and pourable.
7. Step 7: In a separate microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring until fully melted and silky.
8. Step 8: Pour the melted peanut butter evenly over the cereal base. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the top in lines or dollops, then use a toothpick or butter knife to swirl the two together, creating a marbled pattern.
9. Step 9: Let the bars set at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours, or refrigerate for about 45 minutes to speed up the process. The topping should be firm before slicing.
10. Step 10: Once set, use a sharp knife to cut the bars into squares. For cleaner cuts, wipe the knife blade between slices. Serve immediately or store as desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use milk chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a sweeter topping.
• Add chopped peanuts or pretzel pieces to the cereal mixture for extra crunch.
• Press the cereal mixture gently to keep bars light and fluffy, avoiding compacting too firmly.
• For a nut-free version, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week. If refrigerated, let the bars sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to soften slightly. These treats do not freeze well as the topping texture may change.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, crunchy peanut butter can be used for added texture, but the bars will be less smooth in consistency.

What if I don’t have a microwave to melt the peanut butter and chocolate?

You can melt the peanut butter and chocolate using a double boiler on the stove. Heat gently and stir constantly to avoid burning.

Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats with Chocolate Swirl Recipe

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These Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats with Chocolate Swirl are a deliciously easy no-bake dessert featuring a gooey peanut butter and marshmallow base combined with crispy Rice Krispies cereal, topped with a smooth marbled swirl of melted peanut butter and semi-sweet chocolate. Perfect for a quick treat that brings the nostalgic crunch with a rich chocolate-peanut butter twist.

• Author: liam
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (including setting time)
• Yield: 20 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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For the Base:

• 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
• 1 (10 oz) bag mini marshmallows (about 5 1/2 cups)

For the Topping:

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (or milk chocolate, if preferred)

Instructions

1. Prep the Pan: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars once set. Set aside while you prepare the base mixture.
2. Make the Base: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter and 1 cup of creamy peanut butter together, stirring frequently until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. Add the mini marshmallows and continue stirring until they melt completely and the mixture becomes cohesive and glossy.
3. Add the Cereal: Remove the pan from heat. Immediately stir in the Rice Krispies cereal, folding quickly and thoroughly to coat all the cereal evenly before the mixture cools and starts to set. Transfer the coated cereal mixture to the prepared baking dish and press down gently with a spatula or piece of wax paper to create an even layer without compacting it too firmly.
4. Melt the Topping: In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the remaining 1 cup of peanut butter in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and pourable. In a separate bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips using the same method, stirring until melted and silky smooth.
5. Add the Swirl: Pour the melted peanut butter evenly over the base layer, spreading it to cover the surface. Drizzle the melted chocolate chips over the top in lines or dollops. Use a toothpick or butter knife to swirl the peanut butter and chocolate together, creating a marbled pattern.
6. Let Set: Allow the bars to set at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours or refrigerate for about 45 minutes if you want to speed up the setting process. The topping should become firm before slicing.
7. Slice and Serve: Once set, use a sharp knife to cut the bars into squares. For cleaner cuts, wipe the knife blade between slices. Serve immediately or store the bars in an airtight container.

Notes

• Store bars at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to 1 week.
• For a softer texture, let chilled bars sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
• You can substitute milk chocolate chips for semi-sweet if you prefer a sweeter topping.
• Press the cereal mixture gently but avoid compacting it too tightly to maintain a light, crispy texture.

Keywords: peanut butter rice krispie treats, chocolate swirl, no bake dessert, peanut butter treats, marshmallow bars, easy dessert, American treats