Description
Loaded Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Squares are an irresistibly sweet and crunchy snack, packed with gooey marshmallows, creamy peanut butter, and a decadent mix of Reese’s Pieces and mini peanut butter cups. Perfect for lunchboxes, parties, or a fun dessert, these squares balance nostalgic cereal treat vibes with an over-the-top candy twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Cereal & Candy Mix
- 10 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 cup Reese’s Pieces, divided
- 1 cup mini peanut butter cups, sliced in half and divided
Marshmallow Mixture
- 400 g mini marshmallows (about 8 cups)
- ¼ cup salted butter
- ½ cup peanut butter
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For Greasing
- Butter or non-stick spray, for pan and hands
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan – Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
- Mix Cereal and Candy – In a large greased bowl, combine the Rice Krispies cereal with two-thirds of the Reese’s Pieces and mini peanut butter cups. Set aside the remaining candies for topping later.
- Melt Butter and Marshmallows – In a large saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Add the mini marshmallows and stir constantly until they are almost fully melted and smooth.
- Add Peanut Butter and Vanilla – Stir in the peanut butter until thoroughly combined and creamy, then remove pan from the heat and mix in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients – Immediately pour the warm marshmallow mixture over the cereal and candy bowl. Stir well with a greased spatula until the cereal is evenly coated and the candy is distributed throughout.
- Press into Pan – Transfer the mixture to your prepared pan and, using greased hands or a spatula, gently press it into an even layer without compressing too tightly.
- Add Toppings – Sprinkle the reserved Reese’s Pieces and peanut butter cups evenly over the top, then press down lightly so the candies stick to the surface.
- Cool and Serve – Allow the squares to cool at room temperature for 30–40 minutes until set, then cut into squares and serve. Enjoy!
Notes
- For extra clean cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it with oil before slicing.
- Don’t over-pack the mixture into the pan or the bars may become overly dense.
- Swap candies to suit your tastes, such as using chopped peanut butter cups or other chocolate candies.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- Best enjoyed at room temperature—chilling will make them firmer but less gooey.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (1/12 of recipe)
- Calories: 494
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 270mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 85g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg