I remember being a kid at school bake sales, always eyeing those homemade Rice Krispie treats. There’s something about that combo of gooey marshmallow and crispy rice cereal that just hits right. It’s a classic.
But this recipe? We’re giving it a nostalgic upgrade. Picture this: the timeless comfort of a PB&J sandwich fused with the chewy goodness of a crispy rice treat. Yep, we’re talking PB&J Crispy Rice Treats! The natural peanut butter gives that creamy, rich flavor that pairs perfectly with the marshmallow and cereal, and then we throw in a little surprise—our house-made Berry & Brine Strawberry Rhubarb Jam. The jam adds just the right amount of tartness and sweetness to balance the whole thing out.
If you grew up loving PB&J (and, let’s be real, who didn’t?), this mash-up is going to take you right back to those carefree, sticky-fingered days. Give it a go—you won’t be disappointed!
Table of content
What is in a PB & J Crispy Rice Treat?
Natural Peanut Butter
Natural peanut butter is key here because it’s simple—just peanuts, and maybe a pinch of salt. No added sugars or oils, which keeps things healthier and ensures the peanut flavor really shines through. It adds that rich, creamy texture we all love in a PB&J. If you're looking for a recommendation, go for a smooth, unsweetened peanut butter. Something like Adams or Smucker’s Natural works great. Just give it a good stir before using to mix in the oils, and you’re good to go!
Marshmallows (Mini or Regular)
Marshmallows are the ultimate binder for crispy rice treats. Their sweetness and gooey texture hold everything together while adding that classic chewiness. You can use either mini or regular marshmallows—mini ones melt faster, but both work just fine. I usually reach for a good-quality brand like Jet-Puffed. If you want to mix it up, you could even try flavored marshmallows for an extra kick, but regular vanilla-flavored ones are perfect for this recipe.
Salted Butter
Salted butter brings richness and balances the sweetness in this recipe. The little bit of salt in the butter enhances all the flavors, from the marshmallows to the peanut butter, giving it that perfect sweet-salty combo we all love in PB&J. Any good-quality salted butter will do, but I usually go for something like Kerrygold for a richer flavor. Just make sure to melt it gently with the marshmallows for the smoothest mix.
Vanilla Extract
A touch of vanilla extract really elevates the flavor of these treats. It adds a subtle warmth and depth that complements the peanut butter and jam, making everything taste just a bit more homemade. I recommend using pure vanilla extract—none of that artificial stuff. Brands like Nielsen-Massey or Simply Organic are great choices. Just half a tablespoon goes a long way in bringing all the flavors together.
Crispy Rice Cereal
The foundation of this whole treat, crispy rice cereal brings the crunch that balances out all the gooey goodness. Make sure you’re using the classic stuff—something like Kellogg’s Rice Krispies is perfect. It holds its texture well without getting soggy and gives that light, airy crunch we all expect. If you want to switch it up, there are some organic versions out there, but for this recipe, I stick with the tried-and-true.
Berry & Brine Strawberry Rhubarb Jam
This is where the magic happens! Our Berry & Brine Strawberry Rhubarb Jam adds a tangy, fruity punch to the middle of these crispy treats. It’s not too sweet, which balances perfectly with the peanut butter and marshmallow base. The rhubarb gives it a slight tartness that keeps things interesting. For this recipe, just spread it generously in the middle. You won’t regret it—the jam ties everything together beautifully.
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[RECIPE] PB & J Crispy Rice Treats
A great childhood treat with the added nostalgia of a classic PB & J sandwich. These PB & J Crispy Rice Treats hit all the notes.
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup natural peanut butter
- 1 standard bag of marshmallows, mini or regular
- ⅓ cup salted butter
- ½ tbsp vanilla extract
- 8 cups crispy rice cereal
- 1 jar Berry & Brine Strawberry Rhubarb Jam
Directions
- Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly coat with non-stick spray. Set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt ⅓ cup of salted butter over medium heat. Stir occasionally until fully melted.
- Pour in your bag of marshmallows and stir continuously until they’ve completely melted and are smooth.
- Stir in ⅓ cup of natural peanut butter and ½ tbsp of vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and gently fold in 8 cups of crispy rice cereal. Mix until the cereal is evenly coated with the peanut butter-marshmallow mixture.
- Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Add only half the mixture to add the jam layer in the center. Use a spatula or your hands (lightly greased) to press it evenly into the pan.
- Spread a generous layer of Berry & Brine Strawberry Rhubarb Jam over the top of the crispy rice mixture. Add the remaining rice marshmallow mixture.
- Let the treats cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or pop them in the fridge for quicker setting.
- Once set, slice into squares and enjoy your PB & J Crispy Rice Treats!
And there you have it—PB & J Crispy Rice Treats with a delicious twist! It’s the perfect way to mix nostalgia with something fresh and a little unexpected, thanks to the addition of our Berry & Brine Strawberry Rhubarb Jam. Whether you’re making these for a casual snack or sharing them at a gathering, they’re bound to be a hit. Simple ingredients, easy steps, and that familiar comfort of peanut butter and jam, all wrapped up in a treat you’ll want to make over and over again. Give it a go and let me know what you think!
Products used in PB & J Crispy Rice Treats
Can I use a different flavor of jam in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can totally swap out the Strawberry Rhubarb Jam for another flavor if you prefer. I personally love how the tartness of rhubarb balances the sweetness of the marshmallow and peanut butter, but there’s no reason you couldn’t try something else. Raspberry, blueberry, or even a mixed berry jam would all work beautifully here. Just aim for something that’s not overly sweet, so you still get that nice contrast with the other ingredients. And if you're feeling adventurous, a jam with a little citrus kick, like lemon or orange, could be amazing too! Go with what you love, and you really can’t go wrong.
Would almond or another nut butter make a good substitute for the natural peanut butter?
Definitely! Almond butter or another nut butter would be a great substitute in this recipe. Almond butter has a slightly milder flavor than peanut butter, so it won’t be as bold, but it would still pair really nicely with the marshmallow and jam. You could even experiment with cashew butter or sunflower seed butter if you're avoiding nuts altogether. Just make sure whatever you use is the natural kind—no added sugars or oils—so it blends smoothly with the marshmallow mixture. It’ll give you that same creamy texture, and honestly, it’s fun to mix it up sometimes and see which flavors you like best.
How long does this recipe keep for?
These treats will stay fresh for about 3-4 days if stored properly, which is pretty convenient if you want to make them ahead of time. I recommend keeping them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain that perfect balance of gooey and crispy. If you store them in the fridge, they’ll last a bit longer—up to a week—but they might lose some of that soft, chewy texture since the marshmallow can firm up in the cold. If you do refrigerate them, just let them sit out for a few minutes before eating so they soften up again. Either way, I doubt they’ll last long—they’re too good!
