Peanut Butter Cup Rice Crispy Treats

Name: Peanut Butter Cup Rice Crispy Treats
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 package (10 oz) mini marshmallows; 6 cups rice cereal; 1 cup mini peanut butter cups, chopped; 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter; 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Highlighted under: Whisked Delight Recipes

I absolutely adore making these Peanut Butter Cup Rice Crispy Treats! They combine the crispy delight of the classic treat with the irresistible flavor of peanut butter cups. I love how quick and easy they are to whip up, making them perfect for a last-minute dessert or a sweet snack to share with friends. The combination of marshmallows and peanut butter creates a gooey and creamy texture that’s simply heavenly. Trust me, once you try these, you won't want to stop at just one!

Created by

Marco

Last updated on 2026-01-08T15:50:36.203Z

Making these Peanut Butter Cup Rice Crispy Treats was a delightful experience for me! I remember the first time I decided to add miniature peanut butter cups into the mix. The combination of crunchy rice cereal and the creamy peanut butter filling creates a unique texture that I absolutely love. I learned that gently melting the marshmallows helps prevent them from becoming too sticky, making the mixing process much smoother.

One thing that really stood out was how versatile these treats can be. While the peanut butter cups are fantastic, I also enjoyed experimenting with different toppings, such as drizzling extra chocolate or adding crushed nuts. It’s a fun way to personalize your treats, and I recommend trying it out!

        Why You Will Love These Treats
        Irresistible peanut butter and chocolate combination
Crispy texture that contrasts perfectly with the creamy filling
Quick and easy to make with minimal ingredients
Great for parties or as a sweet treat for yourself

      

Tips for Perfectly Gooey Treats

To achieve the perfect gooey texture for your Peanut Butter Cup Rice Crispy Treats, it’s crucial to keep the heat low while melting the butter and marshmallows. High heat can scorch the marshmallows, resulting in a chewy texture instead of the desired gooeyness. Stir continuously to ensure even melting and a smooth consistency. This process should take about 5 to 7 minutes, and you’ll know it’s ready when the mixture is glossy and fully integrated.

Another important tip is to avoid over-mixing once you combine the cereal with the melted marshmallow and peanut butter mixture. Over-mixing can lead to a denser texture and diminish the treat's crispiness. Instead, use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently fold the rice cereal in until it’s just coated. This way, you maintain the treats' signature crunch while enjoying that creamy peanut butter flavor.

Ingredient Variations and Substitutions

While this recipe calls for mini peanut butter cups, feel free to get creative with other types of candy! Chopped Reese’s Pieces, crushed Oreos, or even a sprinkle of toffee bits can add a unique twist to your treats. Just keep the total amount of add-ins similar to the original recipe to maintain the balance of flavors and textures.

If you need a nut-free version, you can substitute the creamy peanut butter with sunbutter or a smooth soy nut butter. These alternatives will still provide a nice creaminess without the nuts. Additionally, check labels to ensure any substitutes you choose are indeed nut-free to avoid cross-contamination, particularly if serving to someone with allergies.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to get started:

Main Ingredients

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 package (10 oz) mini marshmallows
6 cups rice cereal
1 cup mini peanut butter cups, chopped
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup chocolate chips

Make sure to measure everything accurately for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious treats:

Melt the Butter and Marshmallows

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, add the mini marshmallows and stir continuously until completely melted and smooth.

Mix in the Peanut Butter

Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately mix in the creamy peanut butter until well combined.

Combine with Rice Cereal

Add the rice cereal to the marshmallow-peanut butter mixture and stir until all the cereal is well coated.

Add Peanut Butter Cups

Fold in the chopped mini peanut butter cups, making sure they distribute evenly throughout the mixture.

Press and Cool

Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Press it down firmly with a spatula and let it cool completely.

Drizzle Chocolate and Cut

Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave or a double boiler. Drizzle over the cooled treats, then cut into squares once set.

Enjoy your delicious treats with family and friends!

Pro Tips

For the best flavor, try using dark chocolate for the drizzle or adding some sea salt on top.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

To store your Peanut Butter Cup Rice Crispy Treats, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you live in a humid area, consider wrapping them in plastic wrap and keeping them in the fridge to prevent them from becoming too sticky. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

If you’re looking to make these treats in advance, you can prepare them a day or two ahead of time. Just follow the recipe up to the cooling step, and then wrap the pan tightly with plastic wrap. When you’re ready to serve, you can drizzle the melted chocolate just before cutting, resulting in a fresher taste and aesthetic appeal.

Serving Suggestions

These Peanut Butter Cup Rice Crispy Treats are perfect for school events, birthday parties, or casual get-togethers. Consider cutting them into different shapes or using cookie cutters for themed events. For added flair, you could even dip the squares in melted chocolate before serving, which elevates their flavor and presentation.

For a fun twist, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle with caramel sauce for a treat that feels indulgent yet remains simple to prepare. This combination enhances the creamy texture and introduces another layer of sweetness for your guests to enjoy.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different types of cereal?

Yes, you can experiment with different cereals, but rice cereal works best for the classic texture.

→ How should I store the rice crispy treats?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

→ Can I make these treats ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare them a day in advance and keep them covered until serving.

→ What can I substitute for peanut butter?

You can substitute with almond butter or sunbutter for a nut-free version.