These peanut butter pretzel rice krispie treats are the perfect mix of sweet and salty, crunchy and smooth. They are easy to make and sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike. The combination of crispy rice cereal, creamy peanut butter, and salty pretzels, all topped off with a drizzle of delicious milk chocolate, creates a flavor and texture sensation that is simply irresistible.
Most of the ingredients for these peanut butter pretzel rice krispie treats are commonly found in the average pantry. However, you might need to check your supply of miniature marshmallows, which are a key component of the recipe. When shopping, be sure to choose a quality brand of creamy peanut butter for the best flavor and consistency. In addition, make sure you have enough rice krispies and pretzels on hand, as these create the delightful crunch that makes these treats so addictive.
Ingredients for Peanut Butter Pretzel Rice Krispie Treats
Butter: Used to grease the dish and also melted with the marshmallows to create the sticky mixture that holds the treats together.
Miniature marshmallows: These are melted to create a gooey, sweet binder for the cereal and pretzels.
Creamy peanut butter: Adds a rich, nutty flavor to the treats.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the other ingredients.
Rice krispies cereal: Gives the treats their signature crispy texture.
Pretzel pieces: Adds a salty crunch that contrasts perfectly with the sweet marshmallow and chocolate.
Milk chocolate chips: Melted and drizzled over the top of the treats for a delicious chocolatey finish.
One reader, Arv Tsai says:
This peanut butter pretzel rice krispie treats recipe is a game-changer! The combination of sweet and salty flavors is simply irresistible. The crunch from the pretzels adds a delightful texture. Plus, the drizzled chocolate on top is the perfect finishing touch. It's a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth!
Techniques Required for Making Peanut Butter Pretzel Rice Krispie Treats
How to melt marshmallows and peanut butter: Melt butter in a large non-stick saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir in marshmallows and cook, stirring constantly until marshmallows have melted. Remove from heat and stir in peanut butter and vanilla.
How to spread mixture evenly into prepared dish: After mixing the rice krispies and pretzel pieces with the marshmallow mixture, spread the mixture evenly into the prepared 9x13-inch dish using a butter spatula. Ensure it is spread into an even layer for uniform treats.
How to melt chocolate for drizzling: Melt chocolate chips with 2 tablespoons of peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl, in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval until melted and smooth. This will ensure the chocolate is at the right consistency for drizzling over the rice krispie treats.
How to drizzle the chocolate mixture: After melting the chocolate, pour it into a piping bag or a ziplock bag, snip the tip of the end, and drizzle the mixture evenly over the rice krispie treats. This will create a visually appealing chocolate topping.
How to store the treats: If not enjoying immediately, cover the treats and refrigerate until the chocolate topping is set. This will help the treats to firm up and hold their shape when cut into squares.
How To Make Peanut Butter Pretzel Rice Krispie Treats
This recipe will make the classic Rice Krispie treats more delightful with peanut butter, crushed pretzels, and a drizzle of milk chocolate!
Serves:
Ingredients
- ¼cupbutter
- 10.5ozminiature marshmallows
- ½cupcreamy peanut butter
- 1tspvanilla extract
- 4¼cupsRice Krispies Cereral
- 1½cupspretzel pieces,coarsely crushed
For Topping:
- 1cupmilk chocolate chips
- 2tbspcreamy peanut butter
- ¼cuppretzel pieces,coarsely crushed
Instructions
-
Butter a 9×13-inch dish. Set aside.
-
Melt butter in a large non-stick saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir in marshmallows and cook, stirring constantly until marshmallows have melted. Remove from heat and stir in peanut butter and vanilla.
-
Pour Rice Krispies Cereal and coarsely crushed pretzel pieces into melted marshmallow mixture and gently fold the mixture until cereal and pretzels are evenly coated.
-
Spread mixture evenly into prepared 9×13-inch dish and spread into an even layer with a butter spatula.
-
Melt chocolate chips with 2 tablespoons peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl, in 30-second intervals stirring after each interval until melted and smooth.
-
Pour melted chocolate mixture into a piping or Ziploc bag, snip the tip of the end, and drizzle mixture evenly over Rice Krispie Treats.
-
Sprinkle evenly with coarsely crushed pretzel pieces. Enjoy immediately with melted chocolate topping or cover and refrigerate until set for a set chocolate topping.
Nutrition
- Calories: 269.28kcal
- Fat: 9.77g
- Saturated Fat: 4.02g
- Trans Fat: 0.12g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 2.87g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.39g
- Carbohydrates: 42.11g
- Fiber: 1.41g
- Sugar: 17.43g
- Protein: 4.96g
- Cholesterol: 7.78mg
- Sodium: 293.83mg
- Calcium: 23.66mg
- Potassium: 97.38mg
- Iron: 2.92mg
- Vitamin A: 83.14µg
- Vitamin C: 4.03mg
Helpful Technique Tips for Making Peanut Butter Pretzel Rice Krispie Treats
When melting the chocolate chips and peanut butter together, it's crucial to do so in 30-second intervals and stir after each one. This prevents the chocolate from burning and ensures a smooth, creamy texture. If the chocolate does start to seize or become grainy, try adding a small amount of vegetable oil or coconut oil to bring it back to a smooth consistency.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Recipe
Plan ahead: Prepare all your ingredients and utensils before starting the recipe to streamline the cooking process.
Use a food processor: Utilize a food processor to quickly crush the pretzel pieces and save time on manual crushing.
Double the batch: Consider making a larger batch and storing the extra treats for later to save time on future snack preparation.
Delegate tasks: Enlist the help of family or friends to assist with the preparation, such as melting chocolate or spreading the mixture in the dish.
Organize your workspace: Keep your kitchen organized and clean as you work to avoid time-consuming clean-ups and searches for ingredients.
Substitute Ingredients For Peanut Butter Pretzel Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
- butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can provide a similar richness and flavor to butter, and it's a great dairy-free alternative.
- miniature marshmallows - Substitute with marshmallow fluff: Marshmallow fluff can be used as a substitute for miniature marshmallows, providing a smooth and creamy texture.
- creamy peanut butter - Substitute with almond butter: Almond butter can be used as a substitute for peanut butter, offering a similar creamy texture and nutty flavor.
- rice krispies cereal - Substitute with crispy rice cereal: Crispy rice cereal can be used as a substitute for rice krispies, providing the same crunch and texture.
- pretzel pieces - Substitute with chopped nuts: Chopped nuts can be used as a substitute for pretzel pieces, adding a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the treats.
- milk chocolate chips - Substitute with dark chocolate chips: Dark chocolate chips can be used as a substitute for milk chocolate chips, offering a richer and slightly less sweet flavor.
- vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract can be used as a substitute for vanilla extract, providing a similar depth of flavor with a hint of almond.
Best Presentation Ideas for Peanut Butter Pretzel Rice Krispie Treats
Elevate the plating: Arrange the peanut butter pretzel rice krispie treats in a visually appealing manner, ensuring that each element is showcased beautifully on the plate.
Incorporate contrasting textures: Introduce a variety of textures by incorporating crunchy pretzel pieces and smooth, creamy peanut butter to add depth and interest to the dish.
Create a chocolate drizzle masterpiece: Skillfully drizzle the melted milk chocolate and peanut butter mixture over the treats, ensuring an elegant and artistic presentation.
Garnish with finesse: Sprinkle the dish with additional pretzel pieces to add a final touch of texture and visual appeal, creating a stunning presentation that is sure to impress.
Essential Tools for Making Peanut Butter Pretzel Rice Krispie Treats
- Saucepan: A deep cooking pan with a handle and a lid, used for cooking on the stovetop.
- Spatula: A kitchen tool with a wide, flat blade, used for lifting, spreading, or flipping food.
- Microwave-safe bowl: A bowl that is safe to use in the microwave for heating or cooking food.
- Butter spatula: A small, flat kitchen tool used for spreading and smoothing butter or other spreads.
- Piping bag: A cone-shaped bag with a small hole at one end, used for squeezing soft foods into decorative shapes.
- Ziploc bag: A brand of resealable plastic bags with a zipper-like seal, used for storing and piping food.
- 9x13-inch dish: A baking dish with a capacity of 9x13 inches, used for baking and serving various dishes.
- Mixing bowl: A bowl used for mixing ingredients, typically made of glass, ceramic, or metal.
- Food processor: A kitchen appliance used for chopping, slicing, and pureeing food quickly and efficiently.
- Microwave: An appliance used for cooking or heating food by exposing it to electromagnetic radiation in the microwave frequency range.
- Non-stick saucepan: A saucepan with a non-stick coating, preventing food from sticking to the pan during cooking.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Tools used for accurately measuring ingredients in cooking and baking.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Peanut Butter Pretzel Rice Krispie Treats
- Let the rice krispie treats cool completely before storing them. If they are still warm, the moisture will cause them to become soggy.
- Cut the rice krispie treats into individual servings and wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This will help prevent them from drying out and keep them fresh for longer.
- Place the wrapped rice krispie treats in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing the container or bag.
- Store the rice krispie treats at room temperature for up to 5 days. Avoid storing them in the refrigerator, as this can cause them to become hard and dry.
- If you want to freeze the rice krispie treats, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- Freeze the rice krispie treats for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat them, let them thaw at room temperature for about an hour before unwrapping and enjoying.
- If you've drizzled the rice krispie treats with melted chocolate, it's best to store them in the refrigerator to prevent the chocolate from melting. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
How To Reheat Leftover Rice Krispie Treats
To reheat leftover peanut butter pretzel rice krispie treats, preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Place the treats on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and heat them for 5-10 minutes, or until they're warm and slightly softened. This method helps maintain the texture of the rice krispies and pretzels while gently melting the marshmallows and peanut butter.
Another option is to use the microwave. Place a single serving of the treat on a microwave-safe plate and heat it for 10-15 seconds. Check the softness and if needed, heat for an additional 5-10 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as the marshmallows may become too melted and the treat could lose its shape.
For a crispy exterior and a soft, gooey interior, try using a toaster oven. Cut the rice krispie treat into individual servings and place them on a toaster oven tray. Heat for 2-3 minutes, or until the exterior is crispy and the interior is warm and soft.
If you prefer a cold and chewy texture, simply remove the treats from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before enjoying. This allows the chocolate topping to soften slightly and the treats to become more pliable.
For a fun twist, cut the leftover treats into bite-sized pieces and use them as a topping for ice cream or yogurt. The combination of warm, gooey peanut butter rice krispie treats and cool, creamy ice cream is sure to delight your taste buds.
Interesting Facts About Peanut Butter Pretzel Rice Krispie Treats
The recipe for peanut butter pretzel rice krispie treats is a delightful combination of sweet and salty flavors. These treats are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth cravings while also enjoying the crunch of pretzels. They are a great option for a quick and easy dessert or snack. Plus, the addition of peanut butter adds a rich and creamy texture to the classic rice krispie treat. Whether you're making them for a party or just for yourself, these treats are sure to be a hit!
Is Making Peanut Butter Pretzel Rice Krispie Treats at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this peanut butter pretzel rice krispie treats recipe is moderate. The use of peanut butter and pretzels may be slightly more expensive, but the recipe yields a large batch, making it suitable for multiple servings. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20. The overall verdict rating for this recipe is 8/10, considering the delightful combination of flavors and the ease of preparation.
Are Peanut Butter Pretzel Rice Krispie Treats Healthy or Unhealthy?
The peanut butter pretzel rice krispie treats recipe is a delicious and indulgent treat, but it is not particularly healthy. The main ingredients, such as marshmallows, peanut butter, and chocolate chips, are high in sugar and fat. While pretzels do add a bit of saltiness and crunch, they are still a processed food and do not contribute much in terms of nutrition. Rice krispies cereal is also a refined carbohydrate, which can cause blood sugar spikes and crashes.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Use a natural, unsweetened peanut butter to reduce added sugars and oils
- Replace some of the rice krispies cereal with a whole grain alternative, such as puffed quinoa or whole grain cereal
- Reduce the amount of marshmallows used and replace them with a healthier binding agent, such as dates or honey
- Use dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate for a higher antioxidant content and less sugar
- Add in some chopped nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, for a boost of healthy fats and protein
- Experiment with using alternative nut butters, like almond or cashew butter, for variety and different nutrient profiles
By making these adjustments, you can create a treat that still satisfies your sweet tooth but also provides some nutritional benefits. However, it's important to remember that even with these modifications, this recipe should still be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Editor's Thoughts on Peanut Butter Pretzel Rice Krispie Treats
The combination of creamy peanut butter, crunchy pretzels, and gooey marshmallows in this recipe creates a delightful texture and flavor contrast. The addition of the chocolate drizzle adds a touch of indulgence, making it a perfect treat for both kids and adults. The balance of sweet and salty flavors makes these peanut butter pretzel rice krispie treats a unique and irresistible dessert option. The recipe is simple to follow and allows for some personalization, making it a versatile and crowd-pleasing choice for any occasion.
Enhance Your Peanut Butter Pretzel Rice Krispie Treats Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Peanut Butter Pretzel Rice Krispie Treats Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, blending the classic rice krispie treats with the rich and creamy taste of peanut butter. The addition of pretzel pieces provides a satisfying crunch, while the drizzle of milk chocolate adds a touch of indulgence. With the expertise of a culinary genius, this recipe promises a delightful treat that will surely impress. Trust in the harmony of marshmallows, vanilla extract, and the perfect balance of butter to elevate your snacking experience.
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