If you ask me, combining childhood favorites is always a good idea.
These peanut butter and jelly rice krispies treats put a fun spin on two classic combinations – PB&J sandwiches and rice krispies treats. The creamy peanut butter and sweet grape jelly mix with gooey marshmallows for a treat that’ll make you smile.
They’re made just like regular rice krispies treats, but with dollops of jelly swirled throughout and a rich peanut butter base that makes every bite taste like lunch box memories.
It’s a no-fuss dessert that kids love helping make, and grown-ups can’t resist sneaking a square (or two).
Why You’ll Love These Peanut Butter and Jelly Rice Krispies
- Nostalgic twist – These treats combine two childhood favorites – PB&J sandwiches and Rice Krispies treats – into one fun, creative snack that both kids and adults will love.
- No-bake recipe – You don’t need to turn on the oven – just melt, mix, and let them set. Perfect for hot summer days or when you want a quick treat.
- Simple ingredients – With just 5 basic ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry, you can whip these up anytime the craving hits.
- Make-ahead friendly – These treats stay fresh in an airtight container for several days, making them perfect for lunch boxes, bake sales, or party prep.
What Kind of Peanut Butter Should I Use?
Regular creamy peanut butter is your best bet for these treats – skip the natural kinds that separate and need stirring. Brands like Jif or Skippy work perfectly because they stay well-mixed and help bind the treats together. While chunky peanut butter might seem tempting, it can make it harder to get the cereal evenly coated and could make your treats fall apart more easily. If you’re working with a jar that’s been in your pantry for a while, give it a good stir before measuring to make sure it’s smooth and well-mixed.
Options for Substitutions
Need to make some swaps? Here are some helpful substitutions for this fun twist on classic Rice Krispies treats:
- Rice cereal: While Rice Krispies are the classic choice, you can use other crispy rice cereals or even try Corn Flakes for a different crunch. Just avoid sugary cereals as they’ll make the treats too sweet.
- Corn syrup: You can replace light corn syrup with honey or maple syrup, though this will change the flavor slightly. Golden syrup is another good option that will maintain a similar texture.
- Peanut butter: Not a peanut butter fan or dealing with allergies? Try almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or cookie butter instead. Just make sure to use the creamy variety for the best texture.
- Jelly: Any type of jelly or jam works here – grape, strawberry, raspberry, or even apple butter. If you prefer a smoother spread, go for jelly; if you like some fruit bits, choose jam.
- Granulated sugar: Regular white sugar works best here, but you could use brown sugar if needed – just know it will give a slightly different flavor and color to your treats.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making
The biggest challenge when making peanut butter and jelly rice krispies is getting the perfect texture – pressing too hard when combining the cereal with the peanut butter mixture will result in dense, hard treats instead of light and crispy ones.
Temperature control is crucial: letting your sugar and corn syrup mixture boil too long will create rock-hard treats, while not cooking it enough will leave you with bars that fall apart – remove from heat as soon as it reaches a rolling boil.
When adding the jelly layer, wait until the base has cooled completely (about 30 minutes) to prevent the jelly from melting and creating a messy situation, and avoid spreading the jelly all the way to the edges to keep it from oozing out when you cut the treats.
For easier handling and cutting, line your pan with parchment paper and let the treats cool completely (about 1 hour) before slicing with a sharp knife that’s been sprayed with cooking spray.
What to Serve With PB&J Rice Krispies?
These nostalgic treats are perfect for pairing with a cold glass of milk – whether it’s regular, chocolate, or even almond milk! Since these squares are pretty sweet and rich, I like to balance them out with some fresh fruit on the side, like sliced bananas or strawberries (which taste amazing with the peanut butter flavor). For a fun after-school snack or lunchbox addition, you can serve them alongside some yogurt or a small handful of salted peanuts to play up that peanutty taste. If you’re setting these out for a party, try putting out some chocolate milk boxes or individual milk cartons to make it feel extra special.
Storage Instructions
Keep Fresh: These PB&J Rice Krispies treats stay perfectly chewy when kept in an airtight container at room temperature. Place wax paper or parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days, though they rarely last that long in my house!
Pack: These make great lunchbox treats or road trip snacks! Just wrap individual squares in wax paper or plastic wrap, then pop them into a container or zip-top bag. They’ll hold their shape and stay fresh even when packed with other items.
Freeze: Want to make a big batch? These treats freeze really well for up to 6 weeks. Layer them between pieces of wax paper in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to eat them, just let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 5-10 minutes |
| Total Time | 45-55 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 2800-3200
- Protein: 40-50 g
- Fat: 90-100 g
- Carbohydrates: 450-500 g
Ingredients
- 6 cups rice cereal treats
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- Jelly for spreading
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Cereal
Start by lining a 13×9 inch pan with foil, ensuring the edges hang over the sides to make it easier for removing and cutting the treats later.
Next, add your chosen cereal to a large bowl and set aside for later use.
Step 2: Make the Peanut Butter Mixture
In a small saucepan, combine sugar and corn syrup.
Heat the mixture over medium heat, bringing it to a bubble—make sure it bubbles but does not boil.
Once bubbling, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in peanut butter until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Coat the Cereal with Peanut Butter Mixture
Pour the smooth peanut butter mixture over the cereal in the large bowl.
Stir the mixture thoroughly to ensure all the cereal is well coated with the peanut butter blend.
Step 4: Shape and Set the Treats
Transfer the coated cereal into the foil-lined pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Leave the pan on the counter for about 30 minutes to allow the treats to set and become firm.
Step 5: Cut and Assemble the Sandwich Treats
Once set, lift the entire block of cereal treats out of the pan using the edges of the foil.
Carefully cut into squares of your desired size.
To make the sandwich treats, spread jelly on the bottom of one square, then top with another square.
Gently press them together to form a sandwich.
Repeat with the remaining squares.
Step 6: Enjoy Your Treats
Serve these delightful peanut butter and jelly cereal treats as a sweet snack or dessert.
Enjoy their chewy goodness!