Peanut Butter Crispy Treats
Just four ingredients and 5 minutes of prep—these no-bake treats skip the marshmallows and butter, and they’re chewy-crunchy and perfectly snackable. Keep a stash in the fridge, or enjoy them straight from the freezer like we do!
Ingredients
- ¾ cup peanut butter*
- ⅓ cup honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2½ to 3 cups crispy rice cereal**
Instructions
- Line an 8 x 8-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving a few inches hanging over two opposite sides. This “sling” lets you lift the whole slab out for clean, easy cutting. Set aside.
- Add the peanut butter to a large microwave-safe mixing bowl. You’ll be folding all the cereal into this same bowl, so the extra room lets you mix gently without crushing the cereal or spilling it over the sides. Microwave for 30 seconds, stir, then microwave in 10- to 15-second bursts until it’s soft, smooth, and easy to stir. This usually takes about 50 seconds total. You want it warm and loose, not bubbling hot.
- Right away, while the peanut butter is still warm, add the honey and vanilla extract. Stir until completely smooth and well blended, with no streaks of honey. Add 2½ cups of the crispy rice cereal and fold gently with a spatula until every piece is evenly coated. Fold rather than stir hard so you don’t crush the cereal. (For a crispier treat, add more cereal now; see Recipe adjustments.)
- Transfer the mixture to the parchment-lined pan and spread it into an even layer, all the way into the corners. Now press down firmly. This step secures the shape and density, and it’s what makes the squares hold together instead of crumbling when you cut them. For the best results, lay a sheet of parchment over the top and press hard with your hands or the flat bottom of a measuring cup or drinking glass. Pay extra attention to the edges and corners. A lightly misted spatula or lightly misted hands also work without sticking.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or freeze for 15 to 20 minutes, until firm. Use the parchment sling to lift the slab onto a cutting board. Slice into 16 squares (4 rows across and 4 rows down) with a sharp knife while still cold, and enjoy!
Notes
* Peanut Butter Tips: Creamy, no-stir peanut butter gives the firmest, most reliable squares. Natural peanut butter works too. Just stir it very well first so the oil is fully mixed back in. Oily, drippy peanut butter can make the treats softer.
For a peanut-free version, swap in almond butter or cashew butter. For a completely nut-free version, use sunflower seed butter, soy nut butter, or tahini (sesame seed paste). Warm any alternative butter in the microwave the same way, so it’s soft and creamy enough to mix. ** For a healthier option, look for a “brown rice” crispy cereal at the grocery store. If you can’t find one, any type like Rice Krispies will work just fine. Recipe adjustments: If you like a crispier treat, add more cereal after stirring in the first 2½ cups, a little at a time, until you reach the consistency you want (up to 3 cups total). On the other hand, for a chewier treat, stick with 2½ cups. Swapping maple syrup for honey: You can use maple syrup, but it’s slightly thinner and less sticky than honey, so the treats may set up softer. To help them hold together, add a touch more peanut butter (1 to 2 extra tablespoons) and press the mixture very firmly into the pan. Chill longer before cutting, either 30 to 60 minutes in the fridge or 20 to 30 minutes in the freezer. Be sure to use pure maple syrup, not pancake syrup blends. For the firmest squares, stick with honey. Storage tips:
For a peanut-free version, swap in almond butter or cashew butter. For a completely nut-free version, use sunflower seed butter, soy nut butter, or tahini (sesame seed paste). Warm any alternative butter in the microwave the same way, so it’s soft and creamy enough to mix. ** For a healthier option, look for a “brown rice” crispy cereal at the grocery store. If you can’t find one, any type like Rice Krispies will work just fine. Recipe adjustments: If you like a crispier treat, add more cereal after stirring in the first 2½ cups, a little at a time, until you reach the consistency you want (up to 3 cups total). On the other hand, for a chewier treat, stick with 2½ cups. Swapping maple syrup for honey: You can use maple syrup, but it’s slightly thinner and less sticky than honey, so the treats may set up softer. To help them hold together, add a touch more peanut butter (1 to 2 extra tablespoons) and press the mixture very firmly into the pan. Chill longer before cutting, either 30 to 60 minutes in the fridge or 20 to 30 minutes in the freezer. Be sure to use pure maple syrup, not pancake syrup blends. For the firmest squares, stick with honey. Storage tips:
- Refrigerate: Store these treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Keep them chilled. At room temperature, the peanut butter and honey soften, and the squares turn soft, sticky, and may lose their shape. If you’re packing one for a lunchbox or snack on the go, it should hold up fine for a few hours.
- Freeze: Wrap the treats individually and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. In my house, we love eating them straight from the freezer! They don’t freeze rock-hard, so they turn into a chewy-crunchy, cold treat my family can’t stop sneaking. If you prefer them softer, let them thaw in the fridge before serving.
- Gluten-free: Read the packaging carefully for each ingredient, especially the crispy rice cereal. These foods are naturally gluten-free, but gluten can sometimes be added during processing for flavor, consistency, or other reasons.
- Dairy-free: These treats are naturally dairy-free. There’s no butter, milk, or marshmallows. As always, check the labels on your cereal and nut butter to be sure.
- Vegan: Use maple syrup or date syrup instead of honey.
Nutrition Information per serving
Serving Size: 1 squareCalories: 110Carbohydrates: 12gProtein: 3gTotal Fat: 6g— Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g— Saturated Fat: 1.5gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 85mgFiber: 1gTotal Sugar: 7g— Natural Sugar: 1g— Added Sugar: 6g
Nutrition information is calculated using a leading industry software. That being said, brands can vary, and there may be slight fluctuations in the numbers.