An easy, no-bake dessert, this Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats recipe is the best! Gluten-free crispy rice cereal, gooey marshmallow, and a classic combination of peanut butter and smooth chocolate to top. These will be everyone’s favorite treats!

chocolate peanut butter rice krispie treats laid out on parchment paper with a bowl of peanut butter and marshamllows in the background

What Makes This Recipe Great

Peanut butter and chocolate are the perfect pair! Combining everyone’s favorite duo with a classic Rice Krispie treat recipe, this is the ultimate dessert bar. Even better, this Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats recipe is gluten free, dairy-free, and vegan!

These ooey-gooey bars are the perfect treat for kids and adults, peanut butter lovers, and more! Make a single batch for the family, or a double batch to share. Make ahead and freeze ahead so you always have a delicious no bake treat on hand!

Recipe Highlights

  • Prep & Cook in just 15 minutes!
  • Creamy peanut butter and chocolate in every bite.
  • Gluten Free, Dairy Free, and Vegan!
  • Kid-friendly
  • Super easy recipe!

Ingredient Notes

recipe ingredients in small bowls and labeled
  • Gluten-Free Rice Krispies Cereal: Kellogg’s Rice Krispies are not gluten free. However, there are other brands that make a gluten free version of this cereal.
  • Dandies Vegan Marshmallows: Typically this recipe would call for mini marshmallows, but to keep it gluten free (and dairy free), I use Dandies! You can always use regular marshmallows if you prefer.
  • Vegan Butter: I like Miyokos and Kite Hill brands.
  • Creamy Peanut Butter: I like to use creamy, smooth peanut butter. I don’t recommend using natural peanut butter because it often separates and won’t work well with this recipe. I used Justin’s Honey Peanut Butter and it worked really well! I haven’t tried crunchy peanut butter but I bet it would work too.
  • Dark Chocolate Chips: I like Enjoy Life brand for gluten free and dairy free. You could also use semi sweet chocolate chips if you are not dairy free.
  • Coconut Oil: You can use regular coconut oil or refined coconut oil. Refined doesn’t have a coconut flavor.

Recipe Step by Step

the first four steps for making this recipe
the second set of steps for making this recipe
  1. Add the peanut butter, butter, and marshmallows to a large saucepan or large pot over LOW heat. Melting will take some time because Dandies do not melt as quickly as regular marshmallows. 
  2. Heat and stir the marshmallow pieces with a wooden spoon constantly until they melt into each other and become sticky. You can turn the heat up to medium heat if needed, but be careful because the marshmallows will burn quickly. Low to medium-low heat is best. 
  3. Next, remove from heat and quickly add in the Rice Krispies.
  4. Stir immediately until all Rice Krispies are coated with the marshmallow mixture.
  5. Spray a 9×9 metal square pan with avocado oil or cooking spray and carefully transfer the mixture into the prepared pan. Spray your hands with oil to prevent sticking. Then, gently press down until the peanut butter mixture is flat and even in the bottom of the pan. You can also use the bottom of a cup to press it down evenly. 
  6. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate and coconut oil. Microwave at 30-second intervals, stirring each time, until melted and smooth.
  7. Pour the melted chocolate over the Rice Krispies mixture and spread it out using a spatula.
  8. Cool at room temperature until the chocolate is hardened, or can refrigerate or freeze them until hardened. It will take about 15 minutes in the freezer. Slice up into 16 squares for smaller treats, or 9 pieces for larger treats, and enjoy!

Mary’s Tips & Tricks

Storage: Store your chocolate Rice Krispie treats in an airtight container at room temperature. Do not store them in the refrigerator because they will be too hard to eat.

Swaps: If you are okay with dairy, you can use regular butter and semi sweet chocolate chips.

Regular version: If you’re not gluten-free or dairy-free, feel free to swap the cereal for regular Rice Krispies, the marshmallows for regular marshmallows or marshmallow fluff, and the butter and chocolate chips for regular versions.

a stack of chocolate covered rice krispie treats on parchment paper

Recipe FAQs

Can I freeze these peanut butter Rice Krispies treats?

Yes! Store the Peanut Butter Rice Krispie treats in a freezer-safe container. Separate the layers with wax paper or parchment paper. This way, the Rice Krispie treats won’t stick together. Thaw at room temperature and serve!

Can I use natural peanut butter?

I don’t recommend using natural peanut butter as it often separates, and the treats won’t set properly.

Are Rice Krispies gluten free?

Actually, no! Regular Rice Krispies contain malt barley syrup, which means they are not gluten free. However, these brands make excellent substitutions: Barbara’s Organic, One Degree, Nature’s Path, & Aldi’s Crisp Rice Cereal. You can find these brands at Aldi, Sprouts, Whole Foods, Amazon, Thrive Market, Vitacost, and more. This cereal is often called “crisp rice cereal.”

Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter?

I haven’t tried this, but if you do, let me know in the comments how they turned out! Cashew butter, seed butter, or another nut butter might work as well!

chocolate peanut butter rice krispie treats on parchment paper with peanut butter and chocolate chips in the background

Gluten Free Peanut Butter Cookies

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Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats

Your favorite gooey, chewy dessert made completely gluten-free & vegan! These Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Krispie treats are quick, easy, & tasty!
5 from 4 votes
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Ingredients

  • 3 cups gluten free Rice Krispies cereal, see below for brands/where to find these!
  • 10 oz bag Dandie's vegan marshmallows, minis preferred, but the big ones will work if that is all you can find!
  • ¼ cup vegan butter
  • ½ cup smooth peanut butter, I love Justin's honey PB
  • 1.5 cups dark chocolate morsels, I like Enjoy Life Brand for dairy free gluten free
  • 1 tbsp coconut oil

Equipment

Instructions
 

  • Add the peanut butter, butter, & add the marshmallows to a large saucepan over LOW heat. Melting will take some time because Dandies do not melt as quickly as regular marshmallows.
  • Heat and stir the marshmallow pieces with a wooden spoon continuously until they melt into each other and become sticky. You can turn the heat up to medium heat if needed, but be careful because the marshmallows will burn quickly. Low to medium-low heat is best.
  • Remove from heat and quickly add in the Rice Krispies. Stir immediately until all Rice Krispies are coated with the marshmallow mixture.
  • Spray a 9×9 metal baking dish with avocado oil and carefully transfer the mixture into the pan. Spray your hands with oil to prevent sticking. Then, gently press down until the mixture is flat and even in the pan. You can also use the bottom of a cup to press it down evenly.
  • In a microwave-safe dish, combine chocolate and coconut oil. Microwave at 30-second intervals, stirring each time, until melted and smooth.
  • Pour the chocolate over the Rice Krispies mixture. Cool at room temperature until the chocolate is hardened, or can refrigerate or freeze them until hardened. It will take about 15 minutes in the freezer. Slice up into 16 squares for smaller treats, or 9 pieces for larger treats, and enjoy!

Notes

Storage: Store your chocolate Rice Krispie treats in an airtight container at room temperature. Do not store them in the refrigerator because they will be too hard to eat.
Swaps: If you are okay with dairy, you can use regular butter and semi sweet chocolate chips.

Nutrition

Serving: 1treat, Calories: 247kcal, Carbohydrates: 31g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 13g, Saturated Fat: 7g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3g, Trans Fat: 0.01g, Cholesterol: 0.2mg, Sodium: 122mg, Potassium: 162mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 17g, Vitamin A: 544IU, Vitamin C: 4mg, Calcium: 56mg, Iron: 2mg