The Story:
I make really fancy things most weeks. Cupcakes with fillings and ganches and buttercreams and blah blah blah. But guess what, I just like the simple treats the best. Rice Krispy Treats have always held a special place in my heart, but these peanut butter bars are just out of control. I took them to a party and they disapeared before had time to cross the room.
I make really fancy things most weeks. Cupcakes with fillings and ganches and buttercreams and blah blah blah. But guess what, I just like the simple treats the best. Rice Krispy Treats have always held a special place in my heart, but these peanut butter bars are just out of control. I took them to a party and they disapeared before had time to cross the room.
Ingredients
1st Layer: Cereal
3 cups Crispy Rice cereal
½ of a 10 oz bag of marshmallows
2 tablespoons butter, softened
1/3 cup peanut butter
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
2nd Layer: Peanut Butter Fudge
Peanut Butter Fudge
½ cup butter, softenend
½ cup smooth peanut butter
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ½ cup powdered sugar
1 ¼ cup mini peanut butter cups
3rd Layer: Cereal
3 cups Crispy Rice cereal
½ of a 10 oz bag of marshmallows
2 tablespoons butter, softened
1/3 cup peanut butter (optional)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
4th Layer: Chocolate Peanut Butter Ganache
1 cup + 2 tablespoons smooth peanut butter
2 cups chocolate chips
Directions
1. Prep a 9 X 13 pan, or something close to that, by greasing the bottom and sides with butter or a butter spray.
2. 1st Layer: Measure out your 3 cups rice cereal and set aside. In a large microwave safe bowl, put in your ¾ cup marshmallows, butter, peanut butter and vanilla. Melt in the microwave for around 45 seconds, take out…stir…put back in for a few more seconds. Do this until the mixture is smooth. Stir in your rice cereal and dump into pan. Spread it out evenly and press firmly.
3. Peanut Butter Fudge: Measure out powdered sugar and set aside. On the stovetop (or microwave) melt butter and peanut butter until smooth. Remove from heat, add powdered sugar and vanilla and stir until smooth. Dump over 1st layer of cereal and spread evenly. Spread out your mini peanut butter cups (Reese’s Pieces would work too) and gently press into the fudge.
4. Let the fudge set for a few minutes before you add the next layer of cereal. I popped my pan into the freezer for a few minutes.
5. 3rd Layer: Prepare this layer as you did the first. Only add the peanut butter if you really want a strong peanut butter flavor, which I did J Then pour oven the fudge and spread it evenly and press firmly. Make sure you try to cover up all the peanut butter cups, so that the next layer doesn’t hit the fudge.
6. 4th Layer: On the stovetop, melt peanut butter and chocolate chips until smooth. Stir constantly to avoid the chocolate from burning. Let cool for a few minutes, the pour evenly over the cereal layer and gently shake pan to evenly distribute chocolate.
7. Carefully cover with plastic wrap, and place in the freezer or fridge to firm. Cut into bars and enjoy death by chocolate and peanut butter!
Copyright © YourCupofCake
Based on Liv Life’s Recipe
I used Trader Joe’s Mini Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups
Wow, these pack a lot of flavor into a tiny little cup
Spread out the fudge layer…
Drop on the peanut butter cups…
Press the peanut butter cups into the fudge…
3rd layer goes down…
The finished product.
My grandsons love peanut butter cups and rice krispie treats-they will love these. Thanks Lizzy. Love the way you have updated the site. Beautiful
Love the new look!!
These look great. I love things that remind me of childhood…but are just a little more special.
Love the new look Lizzy! And these rice crispy treats look divine. I too believe that sometimes the simple desserts are the best. But I love your filings, buttercreams, ganache’s blah blah blah too!:)
I love these! I made this recipe a few months ago, and it was a huge hit!
These look absolutely amazing…and I was thinking, “I knew I should have ordered those mini pb cups from King Arthur” and then saw that TJ’s has them…thanks!
You have outdone yourself, however the Trader Joe’s Peanut Butter cups are highly addictive. I speak as one who has had to detox and go through rehab.
You made a pregnant woman’s dream come true (I am due any day)! I follow your blog and knew I had to make these once I saw them! Especially since they contain peanut butter cups (my fav). They are currently firming up in the freezer, can’t wait to try them.
Once the squares are firmed up, do you keep them refrigerated or should they be kept on the counter?
Either is fine. I believe I kept mine just on the counter.
Can I substitute PB with Nutella?
In the rice crispy layers, yes! But I can’t promise about the fudge layer. Though I am pretty sure it would turn out just fine.
Lizzy, i am in AWE!! these look TO DIE FOR! my boyfriend would go nuts over these. can’t wait to make them!
These are awesome! I have made them twice in less than a week. So yummy!!
Ive never seen this recipe before. I will be making them soon.. It looks great.Thanks!