Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats with M&M’s are an irresistible, sweet, and crunchy twist on the classic Rice Krispies treat. Combining the creamy, nutty goodness of peanut butter with the familiar crunch of Rice Krispies and the colorful addition of M&M’s, this no-bake dessert is perfect for kids and adults alike. Whether you’re looking for a fun snack, a party treat, or a quick dessert for any occasion, these peanut butter treats are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients for Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats with M&M’s:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 10 oz bag of mini marshmallows
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1/2 cup M&M’s (or more, depending on preference)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Pinch of salt (optional)
Why You’ll Love These Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats with M&M’s:
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is incredibly simple and can be made in under 30 minutes. No baking required—just melt, mix, and set!
- Sweet and Salty: The peanut butter adds a rich, savory flavor that balances perfectly with the sweetness of the marshmallows and the crunch of the Rice Krispies. The M&M’s take the treat to the next level with bursts of chocolate and a pop of color.
- Versatile: You can easily customize this recipe. Swap out M&M’s for other candy, add mini chocolate chips, or throw in some dried fruit for a unique touch. The base recipe can be adapted to suit any taste!
- Perfect for Any Occasion: These treats are ideal for parties, bake sales, holiday treats, or a simple after-school snack. They’re loved by kids and adults alike and can be stored for several days—if they last that long!
How to Make Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats with M&M’s:
- Prepare the Pan: Begin by greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray. This will make it easy to remove the treats later.
- Melt the Butter and Peanut Butter: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and peanut butter together, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This should take about 2–3 minutes.
- Add the Marshmallows: Once the butter and peanut butter mixture is smooth, add the mini marshmallows to the pan. Stir them in until fully melted and smooth, about 3-5 minutes. You can also add a pinch of salt or a splash of vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
- Mix in the Rice Krispies: Remove the saucepan from heat and quickly stir in the Rice Krispies cereal. Mix until the cereal is evenly coated with the peanut butter-marshmallow mixture.
- Add M&M’s: Gently fold in half of the M&M’s into the mixture. This gives the treats an extra burst of color and sweetness. Be careful not to stir too much, as you don’t want to melt the M&M’s.
- Press the Mixture into the Pan: Transfer the sticky Rice Krispies mixture into the prepared pan. Using a spatula or wax paper, press the mixture firmly into the pan to ensure it sticks together and sets properly.
- Top with M&M’s: Sprinkle the remaining M&M’s on top of the pressed treats for a colorful finish.
- Let Set: Allow the treats to cool and set at room temperature for about 1-2 hours. If you’re in a hurry, you can place the pan in the refrigerator for faster cooling.
- Slice and Serve: Once the treats have set, cut them into squares or rectangles, and serve!
Tips for the Best Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats with M&M’s:
- Don’t Overheat the Marshmallows: When melting the marshmallows, be careful not to overheat them, as they can become too runny and hard to work with.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh Rice Krispies and marshmallows will give you the best texture and flavor.
- Go for Mini M&M’s: Using mini M&M’s is a great way to distribute the chocolate evenly in every bite, but regular-sized M&M’s work just as well!
- For Extra Crunch: If you like your treats extra crunchy, you can add some chopped peanuts or pretzels to the mixture for a salty twist.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving):
- Calories: 200-250 per square
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbs: 30g
- Protein: 3g
(Exact values depend on portion size and specific ingredients used.)
Conclusion:
Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats with M&M’s are a delightful and fun treat that brings together the best of sweet and savory flavors. Whether you’re looking for a snack to share with family and friends or simply indulging your sweet tooth, these treats are easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. With the perfect balance of crunchy, creamy, and chocolaty goodness, they’re sure to become a go-to dessert in your recipe collection!
Serving and Storage Tips for Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats with M&M’s
Serving Tips:
- Portion Sizes: When cutting your treats, consider making them in smaller, bite-sized squares or rectangles, especially if you’re serving them at a party or event. This allows for easy grabbing and sharing.
- Pairing: Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats with M&M’s pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee. They also make a fun addition to a lunchbox or picnic basket.
- Decorate for Special Occasions: For holidays or celebrations, you can customize these treats with different colors of M&M’s (e.g., red and green for Christmas, pastels for Easter, or themed colors for birthdays). You can even drizzle melted chocolate or sprinkle with festive decorations for added flair.
- Serving Ideas: If you’re serving them at a gathering, you can arrange them on a decorative tray, or stack them in clear jars for an eye-catching treat display.
Storage Tips:
- Room Temperature: Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats with M&M’s should be stored at room temperature in an airtight container. This will help them maintain their texture and prevent them from becoming too hard. They can typically be stored for up to 4-5 days.
- Refrigeration: If you’d like to extend their shelf life or if you live in a warm climate, refrigerating them is a good option. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container to prevent them from absorbing any moisture or odors from the fridge. They should stay fresh for up to 1 week when refrigerated.
- Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze your treats. Wrap individual servings in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
- Keep Them Soft: If you want to maintain the softness of the treats, you can place a slice of bread in the storage container. The bread will help absorb any moisture and keep the treats from becoming too dry.
With these storage and serving tips, you can keep your Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats with M&M’s fresh, delicious, and ready to enjoy at any time!
1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, you can definitely use crunchy peanut butter for a little extra texture in your Rice Krispie treats. The crunchy peanut butter will add a delightful bite to the smoothness of the marshmallows and Rice Krispies.
2. Can I use a different cereal instead of Rice Krispies?
While Rice Krispies give these treats their signature crunch, you can experiment with other cereals such as Cornflakes, Cheerios, or even Cocoa Pebbles. Keep in mind that different cereals may alter the flavor and texture slightly, but they can still make a delicious variation!
3. How do I keep my Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats from getting too hard?
To prevent your treats from becoming too hard, be careful not to overheat the marshmallows when melting them. Additionally, don’t press the mixture too firmly into the pan; pressing lightly will give you a chewy and soft texture. Store them in an airtight container to maintain their softness.
4. Can I add other mix-ins to these treats?
Absolutely! You can customize your Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats with a variety of add-ins, such as chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, chopped nuts, pretzels, or dried fruit. Just make sure not to overload the mixture, as it could affect the texture and set of the treats.
Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats with M&M’s
These Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats are gooey, chewy, and packed with peanut butter flavor, finished off with colorful M&M’s for extra crunch and sweetness. Perfect as a snack or dessert, these treats are easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 bag (10 oz) mini marshmallows
- 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 cup M&M’s (freeze for 30 minutes to prevent melting)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper or lightly coat with cooking spray. Set aside.
- Melt the Butter and Marshmallows: In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Add the marshmallows and stir continuously until they are completely melted and smooth. Remove from heat.
- Add Peanut Butter and Vanilla: Stir in the peanut butter and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Mix in the Cereal: Add the Rice Krispies cereal to the marshmallow mixture and stir until the cereal is evenly coated.
- Fold in M&M’s: Quickly but gently fold in most of the M&M’s, saving a few to press on top for decoration.
- Transfer to Pan: Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Using a greased spatula, press the mixture gently into the pan to create an even layer. Avoid pressing too hard to keep the treats soft and chewy.
- Cool and Set: Sprinkle the reserved M&M’s on top, pressing them lightly into the surface. Allow the treats to cool for 1-2 hours before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Variations: Swap in peanut butter M&M’s or add chopped pretzels for extra crunch.