Loaded Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Squares Recipe

Loaded Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Squares are the ultimate treat for anyone who loves the irresistible combo of chewy marshmallow, creamy peanut butter, and colorful bursts of candy. These decadent bars are sweet, crunchy, and studded with peanutty goodness in every single bite. Perfect for sharing, gifting, or just sneaking a piece straight from the pan, this recipe takes the classic childhood square and dials it up with plenty of extras. Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite no-bake dessert!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Loaded Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Squares lies in their simplicity: just a handful of pantry staples and a few playful mix-ins. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, delivering texture, flavor, and the signature wow factor. Here’s what you’ll need, and why you need it!

• Rice Krispies cereal: The crispy, crackly foundation that gives these bars their iconic crunch.
• Reese’s Pieces: Bursts of peanut buttery color and crunch throughout every square.
• Mini peanut butter cups: Sliced in half for melty, chocolatey pockets of joy.
• Mini marshmallows: The gooey glue that holds it all together; they melt into a sweet, sticky base.
• Salted butter: Adds richness and balances all the sweetness with a subtle salty edge.
• Peanut butter: Infuses every bite with nutty, creamy depth and makes these bars truly “loaded.”
• Vanilla extract: A splash of warmth and aroma to round out the flavors beautifully.

How to Make Loaded Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Squares

Step 1: Prep Your Pan

Begin by greasing a 9×13-inch pan with butter, or if you prefer less mess, line it with parchment paper. This simple step ensures that your Loaded Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Squares lift out easily and keep their perfect edges intact when set.

Step 2: Mix the Crunchy Ingredients

In a large greased bowl, combine the Rice Krispies cereal with about two-thirds of your Reese’s Pieces and sliced mini peanut butter cups. Save the rest for sprinkling on top! Toss everything together so you’re set up with an even mix of cereal and candy bites waiting for the marshmallow magic.

Step 3: Melt and Mix the Gooey Base

In a large saucepan over low heat, melt the salted butter gently. Once melted, add in all those marshmallows and stir constantly. You’re looking for almost-melted marshmallows—soft and gooey but not browned! Next, blend in the peanut butter and continue stirring until totally smooth. Take off the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. This is where the aroma gets truly irresistible.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Carefully pour the warm marshmallow-peanut butter mixture over the cereal and candy combo. Using a sturdy spatula or wooden spoon, mix it all together so every bit is evenly coated. Work a bit quickly here so the melted mixture doesn’t firm up before it’s combined.

Step 5: Press and Top

Scrape the sticky mixture into your prepared pan. Using buttered or greased hands, gently press the mixture into an even layer—don’t pound it down too hard or you’ll miss out on that lovely lightness. While it’s still warm, scatter the reserved Reese’s Pieces and peanut butter cups over the top and press them in gently so they stick.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Let your squares cool at room temperature for 30 to 40 minutes. Once they’re set, use a sharp knife to slice them into as many pieces as you like. Serve up these Loaded Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Squares and get ready for happy faces all around!

How to Serve Loaded Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Squares

Garnishes

There are so many fun ways to jazz up the top of your Loaded Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Squares! Try an extra drizzle of melted peanut butter or chocolate, a shower of colorful sprinkles, or even a little sea salt for a gourmet touch. The toppings not only add visual appeal but also pack in bonus flavors and textures.

Side Dishes

While these bars are a showstopper on their own, a tall glass of cold milk or hot coffee makes them even more delightful. If you’re serving them for a party, offer fresh fruit on the side to cut the sweetness, or pair with salty snacks like popcorn or pretzels. The sweet-and-salty combo never gets old!

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, cut your Loaded Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Squares into shapes with cookie cutters, or stack them high on a tiered stand for dessert table flair. Wrap individual squares in parchment and tie with twine for lunchbox treats or edible gifts. You can even crumble them over vanilla ice cream for a sundae upgrade that’s out of this world!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These squares keep exceptionally well! Simply store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay chewy and fresh for up to five days, though honestly, they rarely last that long in my house. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment to avoid sticking.

Freezing

If you want to stash some away for later (or practice some impressive self-control!), Loaded Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Squares freeze beautifully. Wrap each square in plastic wrap and pop them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before diving back in.

Reheating

While these bars are designed to be enjoyed at room temperature, if you want an extra-gooey treat, zap a square in the microwave for about 5–10 seconds. This gently melts the marshmallow again and gives you a soft, almost freshly-made experience. Just be sure not to overheat or the topping candies might melt away.

FAQs

Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini?

Absolutely! Just chop or tear them up a bit so they melt faster and more evenly. The volume called for is about 8 cups, so weigh or measure accordingly.

Do I really need to use salted butter?

Salted butter gives a great flavor boost and balances all the sweetness, but you can use unsalted if you prefer. Just add a pinch of salt to the melted mixture to get that perfect harmony.

Can I substitute the candies for different ones?

Yes! Feel free to swap in M&M’s, chopped candy bars, or even chocolate chips for a different twist. That’s the joy of Loaded Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Squares—the more creative, the better.

How do I get clean, neat squares?

To make slicing a breeze, run your knife under hot water, dry it, and cut while the bars are set but not rock-hard. Wipe the blade between each slice for the neatest results.

Can I make Loaded Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Squares gluten-free?

Yes, just ensure your Rice Krispies cereal and candies are certified gluten-free. The other main ingredients are naturally gluten-free—just check the packaging to be safe.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving sweet nostalgia with an over-the-top, peanut buttery twist, you absolutely need to try these Loaded Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Squares. They’re guaranteed to spark smiles, satisfy cravings, and maybe even become a new family favorite. Get creative, share a batch, and enjoy every fabulously loaded bite!

Print