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Chewy Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Bars Recipe

These Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Bars are the best no-bake dessert you can make with only five ingredients!

peanut butter rice krispie bars

Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Bars

These peanut butter Rice Krispie bars are incredibly simple to prepare and even more satisfying to eat. They’re inspired by a reader’s question about turning my popular Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies into an easy bar — and the result is a classic no-bake treat that’s faster and less messy (no dipping required!).

With just five ingredients and a few minutes of hands-on time, these bars come together quickly. The only waiting you’ll do is while they chill in the refrigerator. The flavor is reminiscent of a peanut butter cup, so they’re a dream for anyone who loves chocolate and peanut butter.

peanut butter rice krispie bars

Ingredients needed

  • Peanut Butter: use creamy, no-stir peanut butter for best texture.
  • Powdered Sugar: adds sweetness and helps firm the filling.
  • Chocolate Chips: semi-sweet was used here, but milk or dark chocolate also work well.
  • Salted Butter: melted; unsalted can be substituted if needed.
  • Rice Krispies: crisp rice cereal to give the bars their crunch.
peanut butter, chocolate chips, powdered sugar, butter, and rice krispies

How to make rice krispie peanut butter bars

Step 1: Combine the creamy peanut butter and melted butter until smooth.

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mixing the peanut butter and butter together

Step 2: Stir in the powdered sugar until fully incorporated.

adding the powdered sugar to the peanut butter mixture
mixing the peanut butter and butter together

Step 3: Fold in the Rice Krispies until just combined. Do not overmix — the mixture should be easy to press into the pan and not overly sticky.

Joy’s Tip

Mix the cereal only until it’s combined. Overmixing will make the mixture too sticky to work with and difficult to press into the pan.

adding the rice krispies to the peanut butter mixture
rice krispie peanut butter batter stirred together

Step 4: Melt the chocolate chips with a bit of peanut butter in the microwave, stirring every 20–30 seconds until smooth to avoid burning.

peanut butter and chocolate chips in a bowl
melted chocolate in a mixing bowl

Step 5: Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper. Press the peanut butter–Rice Krispie mixture into the pan in an even layer.

pouring the melted chocolate over the rice krispie bars
smoothing the melted chocolate over the rice krispies

Step 6: Pour and spread the melted chocolate over the top in an even layer, smoothing with a spoon or spatula.

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melted chocolate smoothed over the top of the rice krispies

Step 7: Refrigerate until firm. Lift the bars out using the parchment paper and cut into 12 squares.

peanut butter rice krispie bars cut into squares

Storing

Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–5 days, or freeze for 1–2 months.

peanut butter rice krispie bars

These no-marshmallow Rice Krispie treats are quick and forgiving. To help ensure success, follow these tips:

Tips for success

  1. Use the right peanut butter: choose a creamy no-stir peanut butter. Natural peanut butter separates and won’t give the same texture.
  2. Do not overmix the cereal: fold the Rice Krispies in just until combined. Overmixing creates a sticky, hard-to-handle batter.
  3. Let the bars set fully: allow the chocolate to harden completely in the fridge before slicing so the bars cut cleanly.
peanut butter rice krispie bars

Following these simple steps will give you perfect bars every time. I love that this version skips marshmallows — it’s easier to prepare and harder to mess up.

peanut butter rice krispie bars

We make these as a family tradition at Christmastime, but they’re a crowd-pleasing dessert any time of year.

peanut butter rice krispie bars

Can I use different chocolate chips?

Yes. Swap semi-sweet for dark, milk, or a blend to suit your taste.

peanut butter rice krispie bars

More no-bake desserts

  • Peanut Butter Balls with Graham Crackers
  • No Bake Mini Cheesecakes
  • Oreo Balls
  • No Bake Cookies
  • No Bake Cheesecake Bars
  • No Bake Oreo Pie
  • Pecan Cream Pie
  • Avalanche Cookies
peanut butter rice krispie bars
peanut butter rice krispie bars

Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Bars

By:
Joy Shull
These Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Bars are a simple, five-ingredient no-bake dessert.
Prep:
15 minutes
Total:
1 hour
Servings:
12

Ingredients

  • 1 cup creamy no-stir peanut butter
  • 3 tablespoons salted butter, melted
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 ½ cups Rice Krispies cereal

For the chocolate layer

  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 2 tablespoons no-stir creamy peanut butter

Instructions

  • Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper.
  • Combine creamy peanut butter and melted butter until smooth.
  • Add powdered sugar and mix until combined.
  • Fold in Rice Krispies until just combined — do not overmix.
  • Press the mixture into the lined pan in an even layer.
  • Melt chocolate chips with peanut butter in the microwave in 20–30 second intervals, stirring until smooth.
  • Spread the melted chocolate over the top and smooth evenly.
  • Refrigerate until firm, then cut into 12 squares and store in an airtight container.

Notes

Leftover bars keep in the refrigerator for 3–5 days or in the freezer for 1–2 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 317kcal
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 21g


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