If you’re on the hunt for a show-stopping, chewy and salty-sweet delight, these Salted Caramel Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats are about to become your next obsession. Imagine a marriage of classic peanut butter Rice Krispies, gooey swirls of marshmallow, and a luscious, real caramel topping finished with a sparkle of sea salt. These bars aren’t just nostalgic; they’re downright addictive and perfect for sharing… if you manage to resist devouring the whole batch!

Salted Caramel Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Salted Caramel Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats lies in their simplicity. A handful of pantry staples come together to create layers of gooey, crunchy, and salty-sweet magic. Each ingredient plays a key role, so don’t be tempted to skip or skimp—let’s break down the stars of the show!

Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create that delightfully chewy base.
Mini Marshmallows: The glue that binds everything together, adding that trademark Rice Krispie treat stretch and softness.
Smooth Peanut Butter: Brings nutty creaminess and depth, plus helps everything hold without being dense.
Rice Krispies cereal: The classic—these crispy bits guarantee perfect texture and crunch in every bite.
Heavy Cream: Adds silkiness to the caramel for the perfect pourable topping.
Kraft Caramels: When melted, these make the gooey, decadent caramel layer that takes the treats over the top.
Coarse Sea Salt: Gives that magical salty kick that balances out all the sweetness and makes the flavors pop.

How to Make Salted Caramel Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats

Step 1: Melt the Butter and Marshmallows

Start by melting the butter gently over low heat in a large saucepan. Once it’s liquid gold, add in 4 cups of mini marshmallows. Stir constantly to prevent scorching. When the mixture is silky smooth and no lumps of marshmallow remain, it’s ready for the next step. The slow melt is crucial for getting that melt-in-your-mouth texture every time.

Step 2: Swirl in Peanut Butter Perfection

Remove the pan from the heat and immediately stir in the smooth peanut butter. Work quickly so the residual warmth helps the peanut butter blend seamlessly into the marshmallow without clumps. This step is where you’ll start smelling all those cozy, roasted peanut butter notes wafting up—so tempting!

Step 3: Add Cereal and Extra Marshmallows

Next, add all the Rice Krispies cereal and the remaining 2 cups of mini marshmallows to the pot. Mix everything together until every bit of cereal is glistening and every stray marshmallow is nicely coated. It should look bouncy and gooey with shiny clusters. Be gentle, as you don’t want to crush those precious cereal pieces!

Step 4: Press and Set

Grease a 9×13-inch pan well, then pour in your mixture. Use a spatula (lightly coated with nonstick spray or a dab of butter) to press everything evenly into the pan. Don’t pack it too tightly—light pressure keeps the treats tender with lots of loft. Set the pan aside while you whip up the caramel magic.

Step 5: Make the Salted Caramel Topping

Unwrap all your Kraft caramels and place them in a microwave-safe bowl with the heavy cream. Microwave in 20 to 30 second bursts, stirring after each, until the caramels are completely melted and smooth. Pour this glorious hot caramel over the Rice Krispie layer, gently tilting the pan or using a spatula to help it spread.

Step 6: Sprinkle with Sea Salt and Cool

While the caramel is still gooey, generously sprinkle coarse sea salt over the top. The crunch and salt crystals give each bite a crave-worthy balance. Let everything cool to room temperature before cutting—if you can wait that long. When ready, slice into bars with a sharp knife and get ready to impress!

How to Serve Salted Caramel Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats

Garnishes

Make your Salted Caramel Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats extra special by topping them with an extra pinch of flaky sea salt, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or even a scatter of roasted, chopped peanuts for crunch and flair. A few fancy garnishes elevate an already irresistible treat into true dessert royalty.

Side Dishes

These bars are rich and decadent, so pair them with something simple and refreshing. A glass of cold milk is a classic for a reason, or offer them alongside fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the sweet and salty blend. For parties, a platter with coffee or hot cocoa lets everyone linger and savor.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your Salted Caramel Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats into fun shapes with cookie cutters for holidays and celebrations, or skewer small squares onto sticks for a portable party treat. Stack them up, tie with baker’s twine, and give as gifts—they wrap beautifully and keep their charm in every box.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep Salted Caramel Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay chewy and luscious for up to five days—though good luck making them last that long! Lay wax paper or parchment between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze these treasures! Arrange your bars in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash-freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag, layering with parchment or wax paper. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature to enjoy as if freshly made.

Reheating

If you love a warm, gooey treat, pop an individual bar in the microwave for 5 to 10 seconds. This softens the caramel slightly and brings out that just-made, bakery vibe. Be careful not to overheat, as the caramel can get scorchingly hot in a flash.

FAQs

Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of smooth?

Absolutely! Chunky peanut butter adds wonderful little pops of peanut throughout the treat, making them even more satisfying for those who love extra nutty texture. Just make sure to stir thoroughly when melting so everything blends smoothly.

What’s the secret to soft, chewy Rice Krispie treats?

The secret is gentle heat and not over-packing when pressing into the pan. Melt the marshmallows slowly, never boiling, and use a light hand when shaping the bars to keep them airy and soft.

Can I make these treats dairy-free?

You can swap the butter for plant-based margarine, use dairy-free caramels, and substitute coconut cream for the heavy cream. They’ll still be delicious and offer that signature flavor for anyone skipping dairy!

How do I keep the caramel from getting too hard?

The addition of heavy cream is crucial—it keeps the caramel topping soft and sliceable. Be careful not to overcook the caramel, especially in the microwave, and always pour it onto the bars while hot to ensure smooth spreading.

Why are my treats sticking to the pan?

It’s important to thoroughly grease the baking pan or line it with parchment paper. This prevents the sticky goodness from being hard to remove and ensures every bar comes out with perfect edges and intact caramel topping.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend these Salted Caramel Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats enough—they’re the kind of dessert that wins hearts and leaves everyone asking for the recipe. With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have a batch of gooey, salty-sweet bliss ready to enjoy or share. Give them a try—you might just find yourself sneaking back for seconds!

Salted Caramel Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 13 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 12 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Salted Caramel Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats are a delightful twist on the classic favorite, combining the sweetness of caramel and marshmallows with the nutty flavor of peanut butter, all topped with a sprinkle of sea salt for a perfect balance of flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Rice Krispie Treats:

3 tablespoons butter
4 cups mini marshmallows
1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
6 cups rice krispies cereal

For the Salted Caramel Topping:

2 tablespoons heavy cream
11 oz Kraft caramels (1 package), unwrapped
1 1/2 tablespoons coarse sea salt

Instructions

Prepare Rice Krispie Treats: In a large saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Add 4 cups of marshmallows and stir until melted. Remove from heat and stir in peanut butter until melted.
Mix in Rice Krispies: Stir in the rice krispies and remaining 2 cups of marshmallows until well coated. Press into a greased 9×13 pan and set aside.
Make Caramel Topping: In a small bowl, combine caramels and heavy cream. Microwave in 20-30 second intervals until melted. Pour over the Krispie treats and spread evenly. Sprinkle with sea salt and allow to cool.
Serve: Cut into bars using a sharp knife and serve. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Mixing, Baking
Cuisine: American