Homemade rice crispy treats are a nostalgic and comforting dessert that can be whipped up in a flash. But what if I told you there’s a way to make them even more delicious and satisfying? Enter my Minute Peanut Butter Rice Crispy Treats – a quick, easy, and utterly addictive spin on the classic that’s perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. With a dreamy peanut butter twist and a no-bake method, these treats come together in just a few minutes, leaving you with a batch of gooey, crunchy, peanut buttery bliss. Grab your favorite mug, pour a glass of cold milk, and get ready to fall in love with this simple, crowd-pleasing dessert.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Minute Peanut Butter Rice Crispy Treats
These Minute Peanut Butter Rice Crispy Treats are the ultimate comfort food dessert. Not only are they incredibly easy to make, but the combination of creamy peanut butter, crunchy rice cereal, and sweet marshmallows is simply irresistible. Plus, the no-bake method means you can satisfy your sweet tooth in a flash without heating up the kitchen.
What I love most is how forgiving this recipe is – no need to worry about perfectly measuring or meticulously following instructions. As long as you have the basic ingredients on hand, you can let your creativity shine and make these treats your own. Whether you’re looking for a quick after-school snack, a last-minute party treat, or a cozy night in with a good book, these Minute Peanut Butter Rice Crispy Treats are sure to hit the spot every time. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade desserts, without any of the fuss.
Ingredients
To make these Minute Peanut Butter Rice Crispy Treats, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients: crispy rice cereal, smooth peanut butter, marshmallows, and a touch of butter or coconut oil to hold it all together. That’s it! The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility – you can use any type of rice cereal you have on hand, and adjust the peanut butter and marshmallow amounts to suit your personal taste preferences.
- 6 cups (180g) – Crispy rice cereal
- 1 cup (250g) – Smooth peanut butter
- 4 cups (120g) – Marshmallows
- 2 tablespoons (28g) – Unsalted butter or coconut oil
- Pinch of sea salt (optional)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Peanut Butter: Almond, cashew, or sunflower seed butter (a tasty nut-free option)
- Marshmallows: Vegan marshmallows or mini marshmallows (for a dietary swap)
How to Make Minute Peanut Butter Rice Crispy Treats
The beauty of these Minute Peanut Butter Rice Crispy Treats is how quick and easy they are to make. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a batch of sweet, crunchy, peanut buttery treats ready to enjoy.
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by gathering all your ingredients and lightly greasing an 8×8-inch baking pan or rimmed baking sheet. This will make it easier to remove the treats once they’ve set.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the peanut butter and marshmallows. Microwave on high for 1 minute, then stir until the marshmallows are completely melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy. If needed, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the mixture is fully melted and combined.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Immediately pour the peanut butter-marshmallow mixture over the crispy rice cereal and use a spatula or your hands to gently fold and mix until the cereal is evenly coated. Press the mixture into your prepared baking pan, using your hands or the back of a spoon to pack it down firmly and evenly.
Step 4: Finishing Touches (if needed)
If desired, you can drizzle the top with a bit of melted chocolate or sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt for a sweet and salty contrast. Allow the treats to cool completely at room temperature, then cut into squares and serve.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Switch up the Nut Butter: Try swapping the peanut butter for another nut or seed butter, such as almond, cashew, or sunflower, for a different flavor profile.
- Add Mix-Ins: Stir in a handful of chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or a sprinkle of cinnamon or cocoa powder to create your own signature twist.
- Drizzle with Chocolate: Melt a handful of chocolate chips and drizzle it over the top of the crispy treats before they set.
- Press in Peanut Butter Cups: For an extra indulgent treat, press mini peanut butter cups or Reese’s Pieces into the top of the treats.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: a cold glass of milk, a mug of hot chocolate, or alongside your favorite cozy beverage.
Storage: Store the cooled treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Reheat: If the texture starts to soften, you can easily refresh the treats by popping them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the entire batch, let it set, and then cut into squares. Store the individual pieces in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve.
If peanut butter makes your heart happy, don’t miss the fun, easy dessert ideas we’re pinning on Pinterest.
Nutrition Information
These Minute Peanut Butter Rice Crispy Treats are a delightful indulgence that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. Each serving provides a dose of protein and complex carbohydrates, thanks to the peanut butter and rice cereal. The marshmallows add a touch of sweetness, while the small serving size helps keep the calorie and sugar content in check.
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Protein: 5 g
- Carbs: 25 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
Minute Peanut Butter Rice Crispy Treats
These Minute Peanut Butter Rice Crispy Treats are a quick, no-bake dessert that combines the classic flavors of peanut butter and marshmallows with crunchy rice cereal. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth in a hurry!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 16 squares 1x
- Category: ⏱️ Easy & Quick Recipes
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
4 cups rice cereal
1 cup peanut butter
1 cup marshmallows
1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Stir until well mixed.
2. Add the marshmallows to the bowl and stir until evenly coated.
3. Fold in the rice cereal until fully combined.
4. Press the mixture firmly into a greased 9×9 inch pan.
5. Allow to cool for about 10 minutes before cutting into squares.
Notes
For added flavor, you can mix in chocolate chips or dried fruit.
Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: peanut butter, rice crispy treats, quick dessert
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add an extra layer of texture and crunch to these treats. Just keep in mind that the overall consistency may be a bit more dense and textured.
Can I make these treats nut-free?
Yes, you can easily make these treats nut-free by swapping the peanut butter for a seed butter, such as sunflower or tahini. This will give you a similar creamy texture and flavor without the use of nuts.
How do I prevent the treats from sticking to the pan?
To prevent the treats from sticking, be sure to grease your baking pan or dish before pressing the mixture in. You can also line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal. And when pressing the mixture down, use a piece of wax paper or your hands to avoid it sticking to your utensils.
Can I make these treats in advance?
Absolutely! These Minute Peanut Butter Rice Crispy Treats are a great make-ahead dessert. Simply prepare the entire batch, let it set, and then cut into squares. Store the individual pieces in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
How do I store leftovers?
For best results, store any leftover treats in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days. If the texture starts to get a little soft, you can pop them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to crisp them up again.