Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats with Chocolate Swirl Recipe
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.
- 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
Scale
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
