Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats

When you’re craving a dessert that’s both simple and satisfying, our chocolate peanut butter rice krispie treats deliver. A classic chewy base meets a rich, creamy chocolate-peanut butter topping—perfect for family nights, school events, or whenever you need a no-fail crowd-pleaser.

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✋🏼E aí, pessoal! Hey there, friends!

If you’re new here, welcome! I’m Patricia—a mom of three who’s always on a mission to make recipes that work for my family’s mixed diet.

I’m excited to share our chocolate peanut butter rice krispie treats, a next-level version of our classic rice krispie treat recipe. Think chewy, gooey marshmallow goodness topped with a creamy, nutty chocolate layer. It’s that perfect combo of soft and crispy, sweet and salty. I’d say these are like the fancy version of the original, but they’re still a ridiculously easy recipe to make.

What sets this recipe apart? First, it’s all about the texture—we’ve got gooey pockets of marshmallow in every bite. And that topping? It came about by total accident. One day, I had a bit of peanut butter left in the jar and mixed it with chocolate chips to use for chocolate-covered strawberries. Turns out, it’s amazing. When I was working on a gluten-free rice krispie treat for my family, I knew I had to try that topping—and now, we can’t get enough.

The first time I made these ​peanut butter treats, they were such a hit we had to make four batches in one weekend. My kids were obsessed, and my family now requests them every Christmas. The best part is how customizable they are—top them with nuts, sprinkles, or candy, or leave them plain. Either way, they’re always a winner.

🍫Ingredients & Flavor Notes

We use a handful of simple ingredients to make our chocolate peanut butter rice krispie treats and get that gooey, crunchy texture we all love so much! Here’s a look at what goes into these delicious treats and why each ingredient matters. Plus, a note on allergy-friendly versions:

Base Layer:

• Rice Krispie Cereal: I love using puffed rice to get a better crunch and chewy texture. But you can use whatever rice cereal you prefer. Gluten-Free Note: Please note that Kellogg's rice Krispies are not gluten-free. For a list of certified gluten-free cereal and marshmallows, check out our gluten-free Rice Krispie Treat post then head back here for the chocolate topping (we use the same base).
• Mini Marshmallows: I recommend using mini marshmallows because they will melt faster and reduce the chance of burning your marshmallow base. They also help you get the right gooey, chewy base.
• Unsalted Butter (or Dairy-Free Alternative): Butter adds richness to the base and helps the marshmallows melt. If you're avoiding dairy, swap for a plant-based butter substitute. There should be minimal changes to the flavor!
• Vanilla Extract: Just a teaspoon of vanilla enhances the marshmallow mixture, adding warmth and depth to the flavor.
• Salt: A small pinch balances the sweetness and rounds out the flavors.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Topping:

• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: I prefer mini chips when possible as they melt more evenly. To keep this gluten-free and allergy-safe for my family, I used Enjoy Life Gluten-Free Mini Semi-Sweet Chips for this recipe. Semi-sweet chocolate gives the perfect balance of sweetness and chocolate flavor without being overwhelming.
• Creamy Peanut Butter: I recommend using natural peanut butter with no added sugar for the best texture and flavor (not kraft). The nutty peanut butter is the perfect pairing to the chocolate, creating a perfectly smooth and rich topping.

Optional Recommended Toppings:

• Raw Toasted Peanuts: Chopped peanuts add a salty crunch that complements the creamy chocolate-peanut butter layer.
• Chocolate Chips or Sprinkles: These add a fun, decorative touch—great for birthdays or holidays!
• Crushed Candy Canes or Coconut Flakes: For a festive twist, especially during the holiday season.

You’ll find the exact quantities in the recipe card below.

⚠️ Celiac Safety Tip: Always double-check that your ingredients, particularly the rice cereal and chocolate chips, are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination. For a list of cereal and marshmallow brands, head over to our gluten-free Rice Krispie Treats Recipe.

👩🏽‍🍳Step-By-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Grease a 9x6-inch baking pan with unsalted butter or line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

Step 2: Melt the Marshmallows

In a large pot over low heat, melt the butter. Add the mini marshmallows and stir constantly until fully melted and smooth. Keep the heat low to prevent the marshmallows from burning.

Tip: Using a large pot gives you plenty of room to mix in the cereal without making a mess.

Step 3: Mix in the Cereal

Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt. Gently fold in the crispy rice cereal until it’s fully coated in the marshmallow mixture. Work quickly at this stage to ensure even coating before the mixture cools and hardens.

Step 4: Press Into the Pan

Transfer the cereal mixture to your prepared pan. Use a greased spatula or lightly greased hands to press the mixture into an even layer into the ​baking dish. Don’t press too firmly—this keeps the treats light and chewy.

Step 5: Make the Chocolate Peanut Butter Topping

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and creamy peanut butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted. Don't let it boil, you just want it warm enough to melt the chocolate chips.

Step 6: Spread the Topping

Pour the melted chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the base layer. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the top. Then refrigerate the pan for about 30 minutes or until the chocolate topping is set.

Step 7: Cut and Enjoy

Once set, lift the ​crispy treats out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares or rectangles and serve. For clean cuts, run your knife under warm water and dry it off before slicing.

💡Recipe Tips For the Best Texture

• Use Fresh Marshmallows: Stale marshmallows can lead to a dry, crumbly texture. Always use fresh mini marshmallows for the best gooey, chewy base.
• Rest the Batter: Once you mix the marshmallow and crispy rice cereal, let the mixture sit for 5 minutes before pressing it into the pan. This allows the cereal to absorb the marshmallow mixture evenly, preventing dry spots and ensuring the treats are moist throughout.
• Keep the Heat Low: When melting the butter and marshmallows, low and slow is key. High heat can scorch the marshmallows or make them stiff, which affects the smoothness of the mixture. Take your time, and stir constantly for a glossy finish.
• Grease Your Spatula: Grease your spatula or hands with a bit of butter or even warm water to prevent sticking and help you shape the treats more easily.
• Prevent Dry Treats: Press the mixture into the pan gently—don’t pack it too tightly. Pressing too hard compresses the treats, making them dense and less enjoyable.
• Chocolate Melting Tip: If you don’t have a microwave-safe bowl, you can melt the chocolate and peanut butter on the stovetop using a double boiler to prevent scorching. It’s a slower method but foolproof for silky results.
• Add Topping Right Away: If adding chopped nuts, sprinkles, or other toppings, sprinkle them over the melted chocolate-peanut butter layer while it’s still soft. This ensures they stick properly and don’t fall off when cutting or serving.

🍴Rice Krispie Variations Ideas

1. Reese’s Version: Add chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups to the base layer or sprinkle them on top of the chocolate-peanut butter layer for an extra peanut butter kick.
2. Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats: Swap regular butter with browned butter for a deeper, nutty flavor that takes the base to a whole new level. To make brown butter, cook your butter on low until the milk solids caramelize, turning brown.
3. Classic Treats: Skip the chocolate-peanut butter topping and stick with our classic rice krispie treats recipe for a nostalgic, no-frills version.
4. Sea Salt Finish: I love adding some flaky sea salt to the top of the chocolate layer for that sweet and salty combo that’s always a hit.

🥣Recipe Pairing Suggestions

We love to enjoy our chocolate peanut butter treats with these fun recipes:

👋🏼Até logo, amigos! Keep savoring every bite of our healthy rice krispie treats and don’t forget—life’s better with a little flavor and fun. Até a próxima!