Irresistible Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats with M&Ms Recipe

Hey there, these peanut butter rice krispie treats spark serious childhood nostalgia!

Sweet memories rush back with every colorful m&m-studded bite.

Crunchy cereal meets smooth, creamy peanut butter in a divine combination.

Simple ingredients dance together to create magic in your kitchen.

Each square promises a perfect balance of texture and flavor.

Melted marshmallows bind everything into delightful, chewy squares that pop with chocolate candy color.

Why Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats with M&Ms Are a Crowd Favorite

• Perfect for busy parents who want to create delightful treats without complicated techniques or expensive ingredients.
• Scattered M&Ms transform ordinary Rice Krispie treats into a vibrant, exciting dessert that sparks joy for both kids and adults.
• Requires minimal cooking skills, basic pantry ingredients, and takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish, making it an ideal last-minute sweet treat for gatherings or sudden sugar cravings.

Ingredients for Colorful Peanut Butter Krispie Treats

• Rice Krispies Cereal: Crispy base that provides a classic crunch and texture for the treats.

• Butter, Mini Marshmallows: Essential for creating a sticky, sweet binding that holds the treats together; choose unsalted butter for better flavor control.
• Peanut Butter: Adds rich, nutty flavor and helps create a smooth, creamy mixture; natural or creamy styles work best.

• M&Ms: Colorful chocolate candies that add sweetness and visual appeal; choose regular or mini size for best distribution.
• Salt (optional): Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
• Vanilla Extract (optional): Adds depth and warmth to the treat's flavor profile.

How to Make Peanut Butter Rice Krispies with M&Ms

Step 1: Grease The Baking Dish

Use cooking spray or butter to coat a 9×13-inch pan completely, ensuring smooth removal of treats later.

Step 2: Create Creamy Peanut Butter Base

• Butter
• Peanut butter

Stir constantly until mixture becomes smooth and fully blended, approximately 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Incorporate Marshmallow Magic

Add mini marshmallows to the peanut butter mixture. Stir continuously until marshmallows melt completely and create a silky texture, about 3-5 minutes. Optional: Sprinkle salt or splash vanilla for enhanced flavor.

Step 4: Fold In Crispy Goodness

Remove saucepan from heat. Quickly mix Rice Krispies cereal into marshmallow blend, ensuring even coating of every single crisp.

Step 5: Add Colorful Candy Crunch

Gently fold half of the M&Ms into the mixture. Be delicate to prevent candy from melting.

Step 6: Press Into Perfect Shape

Transfer mixture to prepared pan. Use spatula or wax paper to firmly press treats, creating compact and uniform surface.

Step 7: Decorate With Candy Topping

Sprinkle remaining M&Ms across the top for vibrant appearance.

Step 8: Allow Treats To Set

Let treats cool at room temperature for 1-2 hours. For faster results, place in refrigerator.

Step 9: Slice And Enjoy

Cut treats into squares or rectangles. Serve and savor delightful creation!

Tips for the Chewiest Peanut Butter Cereal Bars

• Grease Pan Smartly: Use parchment paper alongside cooking spray for easier removal and clean cutting of treats.
• Control Marshmallow Melting: Stir constantly and keep heat low to prevent burning, which can create bitter flavors and ruin texture.
• Customize M&M Colors: Select seasonal or color-themed M&Ms to match holidays or special occasions for festive presentation.
• Keep Treats Fresh: Store in airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, separating layers with wax paper to prevent sticking.
• Make Gluten-Free Option: Replace Rice Krispies with gluten-free crispy rice cereal to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising taste.

Keeping Rice Krispie Treats Fresh Longer

• Store the Rice Krispie treats in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap. Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent them from becoming too soft.
• If you prefer softer treats, leave them at room temperature in a sealed container. They'll stay delicious for 2-3 days, but avoid humid environments.
• Wrap individual treats in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen treats will last up to 6 weeks. Thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before enjoying.
• Warm treats briefly in the microwave for 5-10 seconds to restore their soft, gooey texture. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make them tough or dry.

What Goes Well with M&M Peanut Butter Krispies

• Delightful Pairings for Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats
• Rich, medium-roast coffee balances the sweet and nutty flavors, cutting through the marshmallow's richness with a smooth, robust profile that complements the treat's texture.
• Creamy, cold milk creates a classic childhood-inspired pairing that enhances the treat's sweetness, providing a refreshing contrast to the dense, chewy dessert.
• Decadent chocolate smoothie with a hint of banana amplifies the peanut butter and chocolate M&M notes, creating a harmonious flavor explosion that delights the taste buds.
• Creamy vanilla milkshake offers a cool, smooth counterpoint to the treat's sticky texture, bringing out the subtle nuances of peanut butter and marshmallow while adding a luxurious touch.

Twists to Make Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Extra Fun

• Gluten-Free Crunch: Replace Rice Krispies with gluten-free crispy rice cereal for those with gluten sensitivities. Use gluten-free marshmallows to ensure complete allergen safety.
• Vegan Chocolate Treat: Swap regular butter with coconut oil and use vegan marshmallows. Replace M&Ms with dairy-free chocolate chips or vegan chocolate candies for a plant-based version.
• Almond Butter Alternative: Substitute peanut butter with almond butter for a different nutty flavor profile. This variation works well for those avoiding peanuts or seeking a unique taste experience.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use sugar-free marshmallows and dark chocolate M&Ms. Replace some marshmallows with a sugar-free binding agent like chia seeds or unsweetened protein powder to reduce overall sugar content.

Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats With M&Ms Recipe

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4.9 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet memories collide with classic Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats studded with colorful M&Ms. Gooey marshmallow magic binds crispy cereal and rich peanut butter, creating nostalgic comfort you can’t resist.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Primary Ingredients:

• 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
• ¾ cup (177 ml) creamy peanut butter
• 1 bag (10 ounces / 283 grams) mini marshmallows

Binding/Flavoring Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons (45 ml) unsalted butter
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) vanilla extract

Topping:

• 1 cup (170 grams) M&Ms (freeze for 30 minutes to prevent melting)

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Instructions

1. Coat a 9×13-inch pan thoroughly with non-stick spray to ensure effortless treat removal.
2. Combine butter and peanut butter in a large saucepan over medium heat, whisking continuously until the mixture transforms into a silky, uniform consistency.
3. Introduce mini marshmallows to the melted mixture, stirring persistently until they dissolve completely and create a glossy, smooth texture.
4. Immediately remove from heat and rapidly fold Rice Krispies cereal into the marshmallow blend, ensuring every crisp morsel gets thoroughly coated.
5. Carefully incorporate half of the M&Ms into the mixture, gently folding to distribute color and prevent candy melting.
6. Transfer the sticky concoction into the prepared pan, using a spatula or wax paper to firmly compress the mixture, creating an even layer with compact edges.
7. Artfully scatter remaining M&Ms across the surface, creating a vibrant and decorative topping.
8. Allow treats to stabilize at room temperature for approximately 1-2 hours, or expedite the process by chilling in the refrigerator.
9. Once set, slice into uniform squares or rectangles, revealing the colorful, crunchy interior.

Notes

• Choose a sturdy, non-stick pan to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup during the melting process.
• Work quickly when mixing Rice Krispies to maintain the perfect texture and prevent the mixture from becoming too dense or hard.
• Adjust marshmallow quantity for softer or firmer treats depending on personal preference and desired consistency.
• Use room temperature ingredients to help ingredients blend smoothly and prevent uneven melting.
• Store treats in an airtight container at room temperature for maximum freshness, keeping them soft and chewy for 2-3 days.
• Experiment with different chocolate candies like Reese’s Pieces or chopped peanut butter cups for unique flavor variations.
• For gluten-free option, use gluten-free Rice Krispies or similar crispy rice cereal to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
• Create a healthier version by using natural peanut butter and reducing marshmallow quantity for less sugar content.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: None
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 80 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg