I don’t know what is wrong with me but once this idea popped in my head, I had to act on it. After I made potato chip rice krispie treats, I kept thinking about all of the sweet and salty rice Krispie combinations. I have a deep love for peanut butter and cheese sandwich crackers, you know these ones? So it felt only right to add in some peanut butter to this concoction.
Thus, the Cheez-It peanut butter Rice Krispies treats were born. They are a fantastic dessert for anyone who loves a sweet and salty snack. Crunchy, chewy, gooey, peanut buttery, and packed with cheesy flavor.
Want to try some other unique rice krispie treats? Check out my potato chip rice krispies, my chocolate fudge rice krispies, or my dulce de leche rice krispies!
Cheez-It Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats
This recipe is perfect for parties, lunchbox treats, after-school snacks, game day desserts, or anytime you want something a little different from classic Rice Krispies treats.If you love are looking for fun and easy no-bake recipes, these Cheez-It Peanut Butter Rice Krispies treats are about to become your new favorite no-bake recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I mean, I think you’ll love these because they are delicious but I do think you will love that they are super simple and quick to make. Cheez-It peanut butter Rice Krispies only require simple pantry ingredients, and come together in just 15 minutes on the stovetop. The Cheez-It crackers add a nice cheesy, slightly savory crunch that balances the sweetness of the marshmallows, while the peanut butter gives every bite a buttery, sweet and salty flavor.
Ingredients
- Cheez-It crackers, lightly crushed
- Unsalted butter
- mini marshmallows
- creamy peanut butter, not natural
- Melted peanut butter drizzle, optional
How to Make Cheez-It Peanut Butter Rice Krispies
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Line the baking pan with parchment paper to make the treats easier to lift out and slice.
Step 2: Melt the Butter and Marshmallows
In a large pot over low heat, melt the butter. Add the mini marshmallows and stir until smooth and melted. Keep the heat low so the marshmallows do not burn or become too stiff.
Step 4: Add Peanut Butter
Stir in the creamy peanut butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until the peanut butter is fully melted into the marshmallow mixture.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Step 6: Press Into the Pan
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Gently press it into an even layer using a buttered spatula, wax paper, or lightly greased hands.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Let the treats cool at room temperature, then slice into squares. Add a drizzle of peanut butter on top for an extra-special finish.
Recipe Tips
For the best Cheez-It peanut butter Rice Krispies treats, lightly crush the Cheez-It crackers gives the treats better texture. You want a mix of small pieces and bigger crunchy bites.
Use creamy peanut butter for the smoothest texture. Natural peanut butter will not work, it may make the bars soft and oily.
Can I make Cheez-it rice krispie variations?
ABSOLUTELY. The possibilities are endless here. If you want to try a chocolate version, drizzle melted chocolate over the top of the finished bars. For extra peanut butter flavor, add peanut butter chips or the peanut butter drizzle.
I was even debating trying a spicy-sweet version, using either a bit of hot honey or even the “Hot and Spicy” Cheez-Its.
How to Store
Store Cheez-It peanut butter Rice Krispies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to keep them from sticking together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular Cheez-Its in Rice Krispies treats?
Yes. Regular Cheez-It crackers work perfectly in this recipe. Their cheesy, salty crunch pairs surprisingly well with peanut butter and marshmallows. If you want to experiment with other flavors, or maybe even the new “extra toasty” ones, I think that could be DELICIOUS. Let me know if you do!
Do Cheez-It peanut butter Rice Krispies taste sweet or savory?
They are both sweet and savory. The marshmallows and peanut butter make them sweet and gooey, while the Cheez-Its add a salty, cheesy crunch.
Can I make these without peanut butter?
Yes. You can leave out the peanut butter and make a more classic marshmallow cereal bar with Cheez-Its mixed in.
Cheez-It Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats
Equipment
- 1 9X9 pan
- 1 2 quart saucepan
Ingredients
- 2 10-ounce bags mini marshmallows
- 9 tablespoons unsalted butter 126 grams
- 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter 90 grams, plus more for drizzling
- 21- ounce box original Cheez-Its
Instructions
- Prepare an 9X9 pan (you can also use 8X8 for thicker treats) with parchment paper and set aside.
- Add the Cheez-its to a large bowl, crush some with your hands, leaving some whole as well. These small crumbs and pieces help the bar keep it’s structure. Set aside.
- In a 2-quart saucepan over medium-low heat, add the butter. Let the butter melt completely before adding in the 2 bags of marshmallows. Use a nonstick spatula to coat the marshmallows in the melted butter. Stir occasionally to melt marshmallows until they are completely smooth, about 5 minutes. Adjust the heat to low and add in the peanut butter. Stir to combine until the mixture is homogenous. In a large heatproof bowl, or directly in your saucepan if it is big enough, add in just 1/2 of the Cheez-Its, mix until completely coated, then add in the second half. Mix again until all Cheez-Its are coated and press mixture into an 8×8 pan. Let set for at least 20 minutes in the fridge then slice.
- If desired, drizzle tops with melted peanut butter!
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