Peanut Butter Cup Krispies Treats

This peanut butter cup rice krispies treats recipe transforms the classic cereal bars into an irresistible dessert with layers of gooey marshmallow, peanut butter, and chocolate. The hidden layer of Reese's cups creates a delightful surprise in every bite, making these treats impossible to resist for both kids and adults.

I first made these for my nephew's birthday party when I needed a quick dessert solution. They disappeared faster than any other treat on the table, and now I'm required to bring them to every family gathering.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter: creates the perfect base for the marshmallow mixture without adding extra salt
• Creamy peanut butter: choose a commercial brand like Jif or Skippy for the best consistency
• Vanilla extract: adds depth to the sweet flavors
• Kosher salt: balances the sweetness and enhances the peanut butter flavor
• Mini marshmallows: melt more quickly and evenly than regular marshmallows
• Rice Krispies cereal: provides the signature crispy texture look for fresh boxes for maximum crunch
• Reese's peanut butter cups: create the surprise middle layer use full size cups for best results
• Semisweet chocolate chips: form a decadent top layer that sets beautifully

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Pan:

Line your 8x8 baking pan with parchment paper creating a sling that extends over two sides. This makes removal and cutting much easier later. Make sure the paper is pressed firmly into the corners for clean edges.

Create the Marshmallow Base:

Melt the butter slowly over medium low heat in a large pot. Watch carefully as butter can quickly go from melted to browned. Once melted completely add the peanut butter vanilla and salt stirring until perfectly smooth. The mixture should look glossy and well combined.

Incorporate the Marshmallows:

Add half the marshmallows to the warm mixture stirring constantly until completely melted. This first addition creates the base. Then add the remaining marshmallows and continue stirring until smooth. If the marshmallows resist melting briefly return to low heat but watch carefully to prevent burning.

Add the Cereal:

Fold in the Rice Krispies using gentle motions to coat every piece without crushing them. Work quickly as the mixture starts setting fast. Make sure no dry cereal remains at the bottom of the pot. The mixture should be sticky but workable.

Layer the Treats:

Press half the cereal mixture into the prepared pan creating an even base layer. Arrange the Reese's cups in a grid pattern covering the surface. Then carefully add the remaining cereal mixture on top pressing gently to seal in the peanut butter cups.

Add the Chocolate Topping:

Melt the chocolate chips in short microwave intervals stirring between each until completely smooth. Pour over the top layer spreading to the edges. Allow to set in the refrigerator before cutting into squares.

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The secret to these treats is the different textures in each bite. My favorite part is watching people discover the hidden peanut butter cup layer for the first time their eyes always light up with surprise and delight.

Storage Solutions

These treats will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. For longer storage refrigerate them for up to a week but always bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture. If your kitchen is particularly warm store them in the refrigerator to prevent the chocolate layer from becoming too soft.

Customization Options

While the recipe is perfect as written you can easily customize it to match your preferences. Try using crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy for extra texture or swap the Reese's cups for other chocolate candy bars like Snickers or Milky Way. For a festive touch add colored sprinkles to the chocolate layer while its still wet or drizzle with white chocolate for a more elegant presentation.

Making Them Allergy Friendly

This recipe can be adapted for various dietary needs. For a dairy free version use coconut oil instead of butter and dairy free chocolate chips. If peanut allergies are a concern substitute sunflower seed butter for the peanut butter and use sunflower seed butter cups or another safe alternative for the middle layer. Always check your cereal ingredients for potential allergens as well.

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Commonly Asked Questions

→ Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, you can substitute crunchy peanut butter for creamy. This will add extra texture to your treats, but may make the mixture slightly more difficult to spread evenly. The flavor profile will remain similar.

→ How should I store these treats?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months by wrapping individually in plastic wrap and storing in a freezer bag.

→ Can I use mini peanut butter cups instead of full-size?

Absolutely! Mini peanut butter cups work great as an alternative. Use about 2 cups of minis and scatter them evenly across the middle layer. This may even create better distribution of peanut butter flavor throughout the bars.

→ Why are my treats too hard?

Hard treats usually result from overcooking the marshmallow mixture or pressing the mixture too firmly into the pan. Be sure to remove the marshmallow mixture from heat as soon as it's melted, and press gently when forming the layers.

→ Can I use other types of chocolate for the topping?

Yes, you can substitute milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips for the semi-sweet chocolate topping. Each will provide a different flavor profile - milk chocolate will be sweeter, dark chocolate more intense, and white chocolate will create a nice contrast with the peanut butter.

→ Are there any alternatives to Rice Krispies cereal?

You can use any crispy rice cereal, including store brands. For variation, try Cocoa Krispies, Fruity Pebbles, or even a mixture of cereals. Just maintain the same total volume (5½ cups) to preserve the proper texture.