Calling all peanut butter lovers! These gooey gluten-free peanut butter Rice Krispie treats are an easy, crowd-pleasing no-bake dessert. Crisp rice cereal, melted marshmallows, peanut butter, vanilla, butter, and a pinch of salt come together to make chewy, crispy bars everyone will enjoy.
Rice Krispie treats are one of our favorite simple desserts. Whether it’s a brown butter version, fruity pebble bars, or these peanut butter Rice Krispie treats, the combination of crisp rice cereal and sticky marshmallow is irresistible.
They’re incredibly quick to make—just a handful of ingredients, minutes of prep, and no oven required. This no-bake recipe keeps the classic texture of Rice Krispie treats while adding rich peanut butter flavor for a delicious twist.
Perfect for movie night, parties, or an afternoon snack, these treats start with just six main ingredients and are easy to customize.
Simple Ingredients To Get Started
The full recipe, ingredient amounts, and step-by-step instructions are in the recipe card below.
- Gluten-Free Crisp Rice Cereal. Rice Krispies brand is not gluten-free because it contains malt (from barley). To keep these treats safe for gluten-free diets, use a certified gluten-free crisp rice cereal like Barbara’s or other GF brands.
- Mini Marshmallows. Most of the marshmallows melt to bind the cereal; reserve 1 cup to fold in at the end for extra chew and texture.
- Butter. Helps the marshmallows melt smoothly and keeps the bars soft.
- Creamy Peanut Butter. Conventional creamy peanut butter works best for texture and shelf life, though natural peanut butter can be used if you don’t mind a slightly different consistency.
- Vanilla Extract. Adds depth and rounds out the sweetness.
- Flaky Sea Salt. A few flakes on top balance the sweetness and highlight the peanut butter flavor.
How To Make Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats, Step by Step
See the recipe card below for exact measurements and full details.
- Prepare. Place the crisp rice cereal in a large mixing bowl and line an 8×8 metal pan with parchment paper. Have everything ready—these come together quickly.
- Reserve 1 Cup Mini Marshmallows to fold in at the end for added chew and texture.
- Melt Butter & Marshmallows. In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter with the remaining marshmallows, stirring constantly until smooth and gooey.
- Stir in Peanut Butter & Vanilla. Remove the pan from heat and quickly whisk in the peanut butter and vanilla until the mixture is glossy and combined.
- Combine. Pour the marshmallow mixture over the cereal, add the reserved marshmallows, and gently stir with a flexible spatula until the cereal is evenly coated.
- Set in Pan. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and gently press into an even layer without compacting too much—keep some lightness. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and let cool completely before cutting into squares.
Extras & Variations To Try
These bars are great as written, but you can easily customize them:
- Add Sprinkles. Press sprinkles onto the top right after pressing the mixture into the pan for a festive look. Nonpareils or jimmies both work.
- Mix in Chips. Fold in peanut butter chips, butterscotch chips, or chocolate chips for extra richness.
- Drizzle or Dip in Chocolate. Drizzle melted chocolate over the squares or dip half of each bar for a peanut butter and chocolate combo.
FAQ + Tips And Tricks For The Best Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats
Texture Tip. For a light, slightly airy bar, avoid pressing the mixture too firmly in the pan. Gentle, even pressure keeps chewiness and crispness balanced.
Crunchy Peanut Butter? You can use crunchy peanut butter, but it will change the texture slightly—smooth peanut butter gives the creamiest result.
Storage. Store cooled squares in an airtight container or bag at room temperature for 3–4 days. Wrapping squares individually can help them stay fresher longer, but it’s optional.
Dairy-Free Option. Substitute vegan butter and vegan marshmallows to make a dairy-free (and still gluten-free) version.
More Gluten-Free Cereal Treats To Try
Gluten-Free Lucky Charms Treats
Gluten-Free Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats
Gluten-Free Fruity Pebbles Treats
Recipe Card
Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats
5 Stars
5 from 1 review
- Author: Emily Dixon, Sweets & Thank You
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 9–12 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Calling all peanut butter lovers! This easy no-bake recipe makes simple, crowd-pleasing gluten-free Rice Krispie treats with rich peanut butter and gooey marshmallow.
Ingredients
- 4 cups gluten-free crisp rice cereal* (NOT Rice Krispies brand)
- 1/4 cup (4 Tablespoons) butter
- 1 (10-ounce) bag mini marshmallows
- 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon flaky sea salt (like Maldon), plus a pinch for topping
Instructions
- Prepare. Put the crisp rice cereal in a large bowl and line an 8×8 metal pan with parchment paper.
- Reserve 1 cup marshmallows. Set aside 1 cup of mini marshmallows for folding in at the end.
- Melt marshmallows & butter. In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter with the remaining marshmallows, stirring constantly until smooth.
- Add peanut butter & vanilla. Remove from heat and stir in peanut butter and vanilla until combined.
- Combine with cereal. Pour the marshmallow mixture over the cereal, add the reserved marshmallows, and stir to coat evenly.
- Transfer & set. Press gently into the prepared pan, sprinkle with flaky sea salt, and let cool completely before cutting. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3–4 days.
Notes
- Gluten-Free Cereal. Rice Krispies brand cereal contains malt from barley and is not gluten-free. Use a certified gluten-free crisp rice cereal to keep this recipe safe for gluten-free diets.
- Creamy Peanut Butter. Conventional creamy peanut butter tends to produce the softest, most consistent bars. Natural peanut butter will work but may change texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American