One of the most nostalgic desserts I can think of is Rice Krispie Treats — biting into one is like instantly being transported back to childhood. But while I love the original version, I decided to infuse them with even more nostalgic flavor by making these Peanut Butter and Jelly Rice Krispie Treats.
There are so many ways to prepare this classic and easy dessert recipe, like banana pudding rice krispie treats or caramel rice krispie treats.
Why You’ll Love Peanut Butter and Jelly Rice Krispie Treats
If you’re a fan of peanut butter and jelly these treats may be your new go-to sweet snack!
- Fun Take on the Traditional Version. This recipe takes classic Rice Krispie Treats to the next level with the addition of creamy peanut butter and sweet, fruity jelly.
- Incredibly Quick and Easy. With only 6 ingredients and a few steps, this recipe is a breeze to make. Prep time is less than 15 minutes, and the total time is only a little over half an hour!
- Long-Lasting. These little handheld treats last up to a week at room temperature and up to 2 weeks in the fridge, making them an easy snack to have on hand.
Ingredients
All you need is a handful of super simple ingredients.
- Unsalted Butter – The butter helps to create the rich consistency of the marshmallow mixture. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness.
- Marshmallow Fluff – While you can use marshmallows, I prefer to use fluff because packaged marshmallows have a powdery coating that can affect the consistency of the sauce.
- Creamy Peanut Butter – This is the key to infusing the treats with peanutty flavor.
- Fine Sea Salt – I like to add a pinch of sea salt to contrast all of the sweet flavors — you could also use kosher salt if it’s what you have handy. Or, if you’re limiting sodium, you can leave it out.
- Rice Krispie Cereal – You can use the name brand or a generic crispy rice cereal.
- Jelly or Jam – We love strawberry jam but you can use any flavor that you like!
Variations
This basic recipe can be transformed in plenty of ways so you can make your own signature version!
- Nut Butter – Swap out the peanut butter for almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter.
- Vanilla – Give the treats an amazing aroma and more intense flavor by adding vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste to the marshmallow mixture.
- Chocolate – Melt a few ounces of chocolate and drizzle it over top or fold chocolate chips into the cereal mixture.
- Crunchy Peanut Butter – For added texture, use crunchy peanut butter instead.
- Fruit – Sprinkle dried fruit into the cereal mixture or stir fresh fruit into the jelly.
- Cereal – Substitute a different cereal for the Rice Krispies.
- Coconut – Add shredded coconut to the cereal mixture or sprinkle it over top.
- Marshmallows – Use 5 ½ cups of mini marshmallows instead of the fluff.
How to Make Peanut Butter and Jelly Rice Krispie Treats
These little treats are so easy to make — they’re great for getting little ones involved in helping in the kitchen!
- Melt butter, marshmallow and peanut butter. Melt butter in a small saucepan before stirring in the marshmallow fluff, peanut butter, and salt until completely combined.
- Add cereal. Then, pour half of the cereal into a large mixing bowl and top with half of the marshmallow and peanut butter mixture. Repeat with the remaining cereal and mixture.
- Mix until cereal is coated. Mix together until the cereal is completely coated.
- Press half in pan. Place half of the coated cereal in the baking pan prepared with a piece of parchment paper and use your hands to press it evenly into the bottom.
- Add jelly on top. Once you have an even layer, spoon your favorite jelly over the top and spread it evenly.
- Top with remaining cereal mixture. Top with the rest of the coated cereal, pressing it in with your fingers.
- Chill. Place the pan in the refrigerator briefly so that the treats can firm up, making them easier to slice.
- Slice and enjoy. Slice the treats, transfer them to an airtight container, and store.
Storage and Freezing
You can easily just store these treats in an airtight container on the counter for up to a week, or you can pop them in the fridge or freezer. Wherever you choose to store them, if you choose to stack them, be sure to separate layers with parchment paper to keep them from sticking together.
How to Store Peanut Butter and Jelly Rice Krispie Treats
To refrigerate, just place the treats in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to two weeks.
Can I Freeze These No Bake Treats?
You can freeze the treats in a freezer bag or freezer-safe container for up to three months.
Common Questions about Peanut Butter and Jelly Rice Krispie Treats
For our recipe, we use ⅓ cup of peanut butter. However, you can adjust it depending on your preference in terms of the consistency of the sauce.
Rice Krispies do contain gluten so the treats are not gluten free.
If you don’t have marshmallows, or simply want to replace them, you can use marshmallow fluff like this recipe does. Or, to omit marshmallows altogether, use syrup or honey which will also help the mixture to stick to the cereal.
Other Sweet Treats
There’s nothing better than having a delicious dessert after a homemade dinner. Here are some of our favorites.
No Churn Strawberry Ice Cream
No Bake Chocolate Chip Cheesecake
Scotcheroos Recipe
Peanut Butter and Jelly Rice Krispie Treats
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cup marshmallow fluff
- 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 6 cups Rice Krispie cereal
- 1/2 cup jelly
Instructions
- Line an 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper, set aside.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. When melted, whisk in the marshmallow fluff, peanut butter and salt until smooth, approximately 1 minute.
- Place half of the cereal in a large mixing bowl (bigger than you think you need ) and pour half of the marshmallow mixture in, then top with the rest of the cereal and the last of the peanut butter mixture. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, toss until evenly covered.
- Press half of the Rice Krispie mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Spread your favorite jelly over top. Finish with the remaining Rice Krispie mixture, evenly and gently pressing into the pan.
- Chill in the fridge for 20 minutes before cutting into squares. Store covered at room temperature.
- If you’ve tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or star ratings.
Notes
Chilling is not necessary, but the hardening helps to cut them into squares without squeezing out all of the jelly.
Regular marshmallows can be substituted, use 5 1/2 cups of miniature marshmallows.
Nutrition
I had a random box of rice krispes I needed to use so this was perfect! Love the PB&J combo!
This was such a fun twist on regular rice krispie treats! I made a big batch to add to my kids’ lunchboxes last week and they have loved this as a lunchtime treat!
These are INSANELY good! I am a huge PB&J fan and couldn’t wait to try these. I’ll be making them on repeat—SO GOOD!
Love this recipe! It is two of my favorite things (rice krispie treats and Pb&J) all rolled into one delicious bite.
Outstanding recipe thanks so much! tasted so much good!
I’ve been following your blog for some time now, and I’m consistently blown away by the quality of your content. Your ability to tackle complex topics with ease is truly admirable.