Reese’s Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats – An easy Rice Krispie treat made with Reese’s peanut butter spread, topped with chocolate and peanut butter cups!
Irresistible Reese’s Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats: Your Ultimate No-Bake Recipe
Life can be wonderfully chaotic, full of school transitions, new routines, and moments that call for a comforting, easy-to-make treat. Just recently, my son started his first full day of middle school – a big leap from the fun-filled transition day that eased him into the building. As he navigates the halls with 7th and 8th graders, moving from class to class, I know a little something sweet at the end of the day can make all the difference. That’s where these Reese’s Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats come in. They are the perfect no-fuss dessert that brings joy and an explosion of flavor without requiring hours in the kitchen.
If you’re anything like me, the combination of chocolate and peanut butter is an absolute obsession. It’s arguably one of the best dessert pairings ever created, a symphony of sweet and salty that is truly irresistible. While my Biscoff Rice Krispie Treats hold a special place in my heart, I knew I had to create an over-the-top peanut butter version that pays homage to the king of peanut butter candy: Reese’s. And what better way to do that than by incorporating the rich, creamy Reese’s peanut butter chocolate spread? You’ll typically find it nestled among the other peanut butter options in your local grocery store.
Why These Reese’s Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats Are a Must-Make
These aren’t just any Rice Krispie Treats; they’re a decadent upgrade that promises to satisfy even the most intense cravings for chocolate and peanut butter. Here’s why this recipe deserves a spot in your go-to dessert repertoire:
- Unbeatable Flavor: The star ingredient, Reese’s peanut butter chocolate spread, infuses every bite with that iconic sweet and salty peanut butter flavor we all adore, perfectly balanced with a hint of chocolate.
- Effortlessly Easy: True to the nature of classic Rice Krispie Treats, these come together in minutes. They are a no-bake wonder, meaning less time over a hot oven and more time enjoying your delicious creation.
- Crowd-Pleasing Perfection: Whether you’re making them for a school event, a party, a family gathering, or just a quiet evening at home, these treats are always a hit. The familiar comfort of Rice Krispie Treats combined with the universally loved Reese’s flavor makes them irresistible to all ages.
- Simple, Yet Show-Stopping Topping: Instead of a thick, heavy chocolate layer, I opted for a delicate drizzle of melted chocolate, topped generously with chopped peanut butter cups. This provides just the right amount of extra richness and texture, making each square look as good as it tastes.
For those who share my profound love for this dynamic duo, you might also enjoy my chocolate peanut butter cup cookies, which utilize the same versatile Reese’s spread. Consider picking up two jars while you’re at the store – your future self will thank you!
The Magic Behind the Simplicity: Crafting Your Reese’s Masterpiece
The beauty of Rice Krispie Treats lies in their straightforward preparation, and adding the Reese’s twist doesn’t complicate things one bit. In fact, it just enhances the experience. The core process remains the same: melting, stirring, and pressing. Here’s how we elevate it:
The secret to these indulgent treats begins with melting butter, marshmallows, and the entire jar of Reese’s peanut butter chocolate spread together. This ensures a rich, uniform flavor throughout the base of your treats. I recommend using a large, microwave-safe bowl and heating the mixture in 45-second intervals, stirring thoroughly between each, until everything is smoothly combined. This gentle melting process prevents the marshmallows from becoming too stiff or grainy.
Once you have a perfectly melted, gooey, and fragrant mixture, it’s time to incorporate the Rice Krispies cereal. Stir gently but thoroughly until every crisp, airy piece is coated in that luscious peanut butter and chocolate goodness. The key here is to mix until just combined, being careful not to crush the cereal. Then, firmly press the mixture into your prepared pan. A good tip is to lightly butter your hands or use a piece of wax paper to help press the mixture down evenly without sticking.
The final touch is the delightful topping. While you could certainly melt more chocolate and spread a full layer over the top (if you choose this route, I’d suggest doubling the amount of chocolate called for in the recipe!), I prefer a lighter touch. A delicate drizzle of melted semi-sweet chocolate chips creates beautiful visual appeal and adds just the right amount of extra chocolatey goodness. I wasn’t sure what I was thinking when I said “not too much chocolate” – because, let’s be honest, there’s no such thing as too much chocolate! Either way, the chocolate acts as a delicious glue to hold an abundance of chopped peanut butter cups firmly in place. This ensures every square is loaded with that classic Reese’s flavor and satisfying texture. No matter how you choose to top them, these Reese’s Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats are guaranteed to disappear quickly!
Tips for Achieving Rice Krispie Treat Perfection
- Don’t Over-Compact: When pressing the mixture into the pan, be firm but gentle. Over-compressing can make your treats hard and dense instead of delightfully chewy.
- Use Fresh Marshmallows: Fresh marshmallows melt more smoothly and yield a softer, chewier treat. Stale marshmallows can lead to a tougher texture.
- Grease Everything: Lightly spray your pan with non-stick spray (or line with foil and then spray) before pressing the mixture. Also, lightly grease your spatula or hands to prevent sticking.
- Cool Completely: Allow the treats to cool and set up completely before cutting. This will give you cleaner, more defined squares. Chilling them in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes can speed up this process.
- Quality Ingredients: Using good quality butter and a fresh jar of Reese’s spread makes a noticeable difference in flavor and texture.
Creative Variations and Customizations
While the classic Reese’s Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treat is heavenly on its own, feel free to get creative! Here are a few ideas to inspire you:
- Chocolate Choices: Experiment with different types of chocolate for the drizzle – milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate would be delicious. You could also swirl in a bit of melted white chocolate with the semi-sweet for a beautiful marbled effect.
- Extra Crunch: For an added textural element, sprinkle some chopped roasted peanuts or a few extra Rice Krispies directly over the melted chocolate before it sets.
- Fun Shapes: Instead of cutting into squares, use cookie cutters to create fun shapes, especially great for parties or themed events. Just be sure to spray the cookie cutters with non-stick spray.
- Different Candies: While peanut butter cups are key, consider adding other chopped candies that pair well with chocolate and peanut butter, such as pretzels for a salty crunch, or even a different type of Reese’s candy like Pieces.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
These delightful treats are best enjoyed fresh, but they also store wonderfully. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. While they won’t last that long in most households, proper storage ensures they remain soft and chewy.
Serve them as an after-school snack, a delightful addition to a lunchbox, or a show-stopping dessert at your next gathering. They are also incredibly easy to transport, making them perfect for potlucks or picnics. Pair them with a cold glass of milk for the ultimate nostalgic experience!
The Timeless Appeal of Chocolate and Peanut Butter
There’s something universally comforting and undeniably delicious about the combination of chocolate and peanut butter. It’s a pairing that transcends generations and cultures, a staple in candy bars, cookies, and countless desserts. The rich bitterness of chocolate perfectly complements the creamy, slightly salty, and nutty flavor of peanut butter. This creates a harmonious balance that excites the taste buds and leaves you craving more. These Reese’s Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats truly capture that magical synergy, delivering a familiar treat with an elevated, irresistible flavor profile that celebrates this classic duo.
Reese’s Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats
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Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 10 oz bag large marshmallows
- 1 jar Reese’s peanut butter chocolate spread
- 7 cups Rice Krispies
Topping
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips melted
- 1 1/2 cups chopped peanut butter cups, (about a full bag of mini’s)
Instructions
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Line a 13×9 inch baking dish with foil, and spray with non-stick spray.
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In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt butter, marshmallows, and Reese’s peanut butter chocolate spread together (heat for 45 seconds at a time, stirring well in between each interval until smooth).
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Add Rice Krispies, and stir to evenly coat all the cereal. Press firmly into the prepared pan.
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Drizzle melted chocolate evenly over the top of the Krispie treats. Sprinkle with chopped peanut butter cups, pressing gently to ensure they stick securely in the chocolate.
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Allow the chocolate to completely set up (this can be done at room temperature or in the refrigerator for quicker setting), before cutting into squares.
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Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days at room temperature for optimal freshness.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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