Colorful & Crunchy Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats with M&Ms Recipe

Melting marshmallows and creamy peanut butter create a nostalgic twist on the classic rice krispie treats with m&ms.

Sweet memories flood back with each bite of this irresistible dessert.

The smooth peanut butter blends perfectly with crispy rice cereal, adding depth and richness to every square.

Colorful m&ms dot the surface, bringing playful bursts of chocolate to the mix.

Kids and adults alike will fall in love with these decadent squares of pure joy.

The no-bake recipe comes together in minutes, making it a stress-free treat for any occasion.

Prepare to indulge in a dessert that promises to become an instant family favorite.

How to Make Peanut Butter Rice Krispies with M&Ms

• Prep the Baking Surface

Grab a 9×13 pan and coat it with a light layer of grease to ensure easy treat removal later.

• Create Creamy Base

Toss butter and peanut butter into a large saucepan, heating gently while stirring until they transform into a silky smooth mixture.

• Marshmallow

Drop marshmallows into the warm blend, stirring consistently until they melt completely and create a luscious, glossy texture.

• Combine Crunchy Elements

Pull the pan off the heat and quickly fold Rice Krispies into the marshmallow mixture, ensuring every crisp piece gets coated with the sweet goodness.

• Add Colorful Crunch

Gently mix half the M&Ms into the treat mixture, maintaining their vibrant colors and preventing them from melting.

• Shape and Decorate

Transfer the sticky mixture into the prepared pan, pressing firmly with a spatula to create an even layer. Sprinkle remaining M&Ms across the top for a playful finish.

• Set and Serve

Let the treats rest at room temperature for 1-2 hours until they firm up. Slice into squares and enjoy the delightful combination of sweet, crunchy, and colorful treats!

Add-Ons and Mix-Ins for Peanut Butter Krispies

• Use low heat when melting marshmallows to prevent burning. Stir constantly for smooth, even texture that guarantees perfectly sticky treats every time.
• Mix Rice Krispies quickly to avoid soggy texture. Work fast to ensure each crisp piece gets evenly coated with the peanut butter-marshmallow mixture.
• Add a dash of sea salt or sprinkle of cinnamon to elevate the flavor profile. Experiment with different extracts like almond or maple for unique taste variations.
• Replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter for nut-free version. Use dairy-free butter alternative and vegan marshmallows to create a completely plant-based treat that everyone can enjoy.
• Store treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Wrap individually in plastic wrap for perfect grab-and-go snacks that stay fresh and delicious.

Serving Tips for These No-Bake Dessert Squares

• Sweet Party Platter: Create a colorful dessert board with these Rice Krispie treats alongside chocolate chip cookies, brownies, and fresh strawberries for a delightful mix of textures and flavors.
• Kids' Snack Station: Pack these treats in small lunch boxes or wrap individually for school parties, after-sports snacks, or playdate treats that children will absolutely love.
• Movie Night Delight: Serve these M&M-studded Rice Krispie treats during family movie time, pairing them with cold milk or hot chocolate for a cozy, sweet experience that everyone will enjoy.
• Picnic Perfect Treats: Wrap these portable squares in parchment paper for outdoor gatherings, park trips, or beach days, offering a fun and easy dessert that travels well and stays delicious.

Store Krispie Treats So They Don’t Harden

• Store treats in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, keeping them soft and chewy without losing texture.
• Pop the pan into the refrigerator for 30-45 minutes to speed up setting time and create a firmer, more compact treat.
• Prepare the entire batch up to 2 days before serving, ensuring maximum freshness and convenience for gatherings or spontaneous snack cravings.
• Avoid leaving treats in direct sunlight or warm areas, which can cause M&Ms to melt and soften the marshmallow binding, maintaining their perfect crunch and shape.

FAQs

• Why use peanut butter in Rice Krispie treats?

Peanut butter adds a rich, creamy flavor and helps bind the ingredients together, creating a more indulgent and satisfying treat that’s different from traditional marshmallow-only versions.

• Can I use a different type of cereal?

Absolutely! You can substitute Rice Krispies with other crispy cereals like Cocoa Krispies, Fruity Pebbles, or generic crisp rice cereal while maintaining a similar texture and crunch.

• How do I prevent the M&Ms from melting?

Add the M&Ms gently and quickly when the mixture is not too hot. Fold them in at the end or sprinkle them on top to keep their shape and prevent color bleeding or melting.

• Are these treats suitable for kids' parties?

Yes, these colorful and fun treats are perfect for children’s events, school parties, or family gatherings. Kids love the combination of sweet marshmallows, peanut butter, and colorful M&Ms.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 13

Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats with M&Ms Ingredients

• Butter: Provides rich, creamy foundation and helps bind ingredients together smoothly.
• Peanut Butter: Adds deep nutty flavor and creates a luxurious, creamy texture.
• Mini Marshmallows: Delivers sweetness and acts as natural binding agent for the treats.

• Rice Krispies Cereal: Creates signature crispy, light texture with delightful snap and crunch.

• M&Ms: Introduces playful bursts of color, chocolate flavor, and fun texture to the treats.

• Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies overall flavor profile.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds subtle depth and rounds out the sweet notes.

Tools for Crafting These Colorful Krispie Treats

• Large Saucepan: Essential for melting butter, peanut butter, and marshmallows smoothly.
• 9×13-inch Baking Pan: Perfect for spreading and setting the Rice Krispie treats.
• Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients evenly.
• Measuring Cups: Helps accurately measure Rice Krispies, marshmallows, and other ingredients.
• Knife: Used for cutting the treats into neat squares after setting.
• Wax Paper (optional): Helpful for pressing mixture into pan without sticking to hands.

Crunchy Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats With M&Ms Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy peanut butter rice krispie treats meld sweet nostalgia with colorful M&Ms for a playful dessert. Crunchy marshmallow squares deliver irresistible childhood memories in one delightful bite you cannot resist.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 bag (10 oz / 283 g) mini marshmallows
• ¾ cup (177 ml) creamy peanut butter
• 6 cups rice krispies cereal
• 3 tbsps (45 ml) unsalted butter
• ½ tsp (2.5 ml) vanilla extract
• 1 cup (170 g) M&Ms (freeze for 30 minutes to prevent melting)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preparation: Thoroughly coat a 9×13-inch pan with non-stick spray to guarantee seamless treat extraction.
2. Melting: In a large saucepan, melt butter and peanut butter over medium heat, whisking until achieving a smooth, homogeneous liquid.
3. Marshmallow Integration: Add mini marshmallows to the melted mixture, stirring continuously until completely dissolved and forming a glossy, uniform texture.
4. Cereal Incorporation: Remove from heat and swiftly fold Rice Krispies cereal into the marshmallow blend, ensuring comprehensive coating of each crisp kernel.
5. Candy Distribution: Gently fold half the M&Ms into the mixture, carefully preventing candy disintegration while creating a colorful blend.
6. Molding: Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan, using a spatula or wax paper to compress evenly, creating a compact layer with precise edges.
7. Decorative Topping: Sprinkle remaining M&Ms across the surface, crafting a vibrant and eye-catching exterior.
8. Setting: Allow treats to solidify at room temperature for 1-2 hours, or accelerate the process by refrigerating until firm.
9. Serving: Slice into consistent squares, revealing the crunchy, colorful interior ready for enjoyment.

Notes

• Butter Blending Technique: Whisk butter and peanut butter smoothly to prevent burning and ensure a uniform, silky texture without lumps.
• Marshmallow Melting Mastery: Stir marshmallows consistently over medium heat, removing immediately after complete dissolution to maintain optimal gooeyness and prevent scorching.
• Cereal Coating Trick: Fold Rice Krispies quickly and gently to prevent crushing, ensuring each piece gets evenly covered with the marshmallow mixture.
• Cool and Set Strategy: Let treats cool completely at room temperature or refrigerate for faster setting, which helps maintain crisp texture and prevents soggy edges.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 80 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg