Caramel Peanut Rice Krispie Treats
If you’re looking for a sweet snack that brings smiles and joy, you’ve come to the right place! These Caramel Peanut Rice Krispie Treats are a delightful twist on the classic favorite. With layers of gooey vegan marshmallows, crunchy peanuts, and smooth caramel topped with rich chocolate, this treat is sure to become a cherished recipe in your home.
These treats are perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick dessert or for family gatherings where everyone is craving something sweet. They are easy to whip up and even easier to devour!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: You can make these treats in just 30 minutes! The preparation is simple, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
- Family-Friendly: Kids will love helping to mix the ingredients and, of course, enjoying the finished product! It’s a fun way to spend time together in the kitchen.
- Versatile Treat: Whether it’s a birthday party or a cozy movie night at home, these treats fit perfectly into any occasion.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of caramel, peanuts, and chocolate creates an irresistible flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a few simple and wholesome ingredients for these treats. Most of them you might already have in your pantry! Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Base
- 1/4 cup butter
- 5 cups mini vegan marshmallows
- 5 1/2 cups Rice Krispie cereal
For the Topping
- 1/2 cup salted peanuts
- 16 oz caramel candies (about 1½ 11-oz bags), unwrapped
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
- 2 cups chocolate chips
Variations
This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with it. Here are some tasty variations you can try:
- Add More Crunch: Toss in some chopped nuts or seeds like almonds or sunflower seeds for extra texture.
- Go Nut-Free: Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut toppings if you’re accommodating allergies.
- Flavor Twist: Mix in some vanilla extract while melting the marshmallows for an added depth of flavor.
- Switch Up the Chocolate: Try using white chocolate chips or dark chocolate for different taste experiences!
How to Make Caramel Peanut Rice Krispie Treats
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick spray or butter. This step ensures that your delicious treats won’t stick when it’s time to slice them into squares.
Step 2: Melt the Butter and Marshmallows
In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add in the mini vegan marshmallows. Stir continuously until they are completely melted and smooth. This step is crucial as it forms the sticky base that holds everything together.
Step 3: Mix in the Cereal
Remove the saucepan from heat and quickly stir in the Rice Krispie cereal until every piece is evenly coated. Press this mixture firmly into your prepared pan to create an even layer.
Step 4: Add Peanuts
Sprinkle salted peanuts generously over your marshmallow layer. This adds a delightful crunch that pairs wonderfully with all that sweetness.
Step 5: Melt the Caramel
In another medium saucepan, combine unwrapped caramel candies with heavy cream over medium heat. Stir frequently until fully melted and smooth. Pour this luscious caramel over the peanut layer; it’s what makes these treats so special!
Step 6: Top with Chocolate
Melt chocolate chips using microwave-safe bowls in 30-second intervals, stirring after each session until smooth. Pour this silky chocolate over the caramel layer and spread evenly. This decadent topping completes your Caramel Peanut Rice Krispie Treats beautifully.
Step 7: Let Them Set
Allow everything to cool completely before slicing into squares. Waiting may be hard, but letting them set ensures you’ll get clean cuts!
Now you’re ready to enjoy these scrumptious treats! They’re sure to bring smiles all around—happy snacking!
Pro Tips for Making Caramel Peanut Rice Krispie Treats
Creating the perfect batch of Caramel Peanut Rice Krispie Treats can be a breeze with a few key tips up your sleeve!
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Use fresh marshmallows: Fresh mini vegan marshmallows melt better and create a smoother texture, ensuring your treats are gooey and delicious.
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Don’t overheat the butter: Melting the butter on medium-low heat prevents it from burning, which can give your treats an off taste. Slow and steady is the way to go!
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Press firmly but gently: When spreading the Rice Krispie mixture into the pan, use a spatula or your hands (dampened slightly) to press it down firmly without packing it too tightly, allowing for that perfect chewy texture.
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Let each layer cool slightly: Allowing the marshmallow layer to cool before adding peanuts and caramel helps prevent them from sinking. This keeps your layers distinct and visually appealing.
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Chill before slicing: Placing the finished dish in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes helps the chocolate set properly, making it easier to cut into neat squares.
How to Serve Caramel Peanut Rice Krispie Treats
These delightful treats not only taste amazing but also look great when presented thoughtfully. Here are some ideas to make your serving extra special!
Garnishes
- Sprinkled sea salt: A light dusting of flaky sea salt enhances the sweetness and adds a sophisticated touch to your treats.
- Drizzled chocolate: Create a beautiful finishing touch by drizzling melted chocolate over the top just before serving, making them visually appealing.
Side Dishes
- Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits offers a bright contrast to the rich flavors of the treats. It’s light and balances out the sweetness perfectly.
- Vegan ice cream: Serve these treats alongside a scoop of creamy vegan ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience that will impress everyone.
- Hot cocoa: A warm cup of vegan hot cocoa pairs beautifully with these bars, especially on a chilly day, providing comfort with every bite.
- Nut butter: A small bowl of almond or cashew butter serves as a delicious dip, adding an extra layer of flavor and healthy fats that complement the crunchiness of peanuts.
Enjoy creating and sharing these Caramel Peanut Rice Krispie Treats! They’re sure to bring smiles and sweet moments to any gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage
These Caramel Peanut Rice Krispie Treats are perfect for meal prepping! You can make them ahead of time and store them for a quick snack or dessert option throughout the week.
Storing Leftovers
- Store any leftover treats in an airtight container at room temperature.
- They will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
- If you notice them getting too hard, you can place a slice of bread in the container to help maintain moisture.
Freezing
- Cut the treats into squares before freezing for easy access.
- Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying!
Reheating
- There’s no need to reheat these treats since they’re best enjoyed at room temperature.
- If desired, you can microwave individual squares for about 10 seconds to soften them slightly.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about making Caramel Peanut Rice Krispie Treats:
Can I substitute the vegan marshmallows in the Caramel Peanut Rice Krispie Treats?
Yes! If you can’t find vegan marshmallows, you can use regular marshmallows. However, this will change the recipe’s dietary profile.
How long do Caramel Peanut Rice Krispie Treats last?
When stored properly, these treats will last about 5 days at room temperature or up to 2 months in the freezer.
Can I add other toppings to the Caramel Peanut Rice Krispie Treats?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your treats with additional toppings like crushed pretzels, coconut flakes, or even drizzles of nut butter.
Are Caramel Peanut Rice Krispie Treats difficult to make?
Not at all! This recipe is straightforward and perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers.
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoy making these delightful Caramel Peanut Rice Krispie Treats as much as I do! They’re not only delicious but also bring a bit of nostalgia with every bite. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or keeping them all to yourself (no judgment here!), these treats are sure to be a hit. Happy baking, and don’t forget to savor every gooey, crunchy bite!
Caramel Peanut Rice Krispie Treats
Indulge in the delightful goodness of Caramel Peanut Rice Krispie Treats, a sweet snack that’s sure to bring smiles to any gathering. This quick and easy recipe features layers of gooey vegan marshmallows, crunchy peanuts, and smooth caramel, all topped with rich chocolate. Perfect for busy weeknights or family celebrations, these treats combine irresistible flavors and textures that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re sharing them at a party or enjoying a cozy night in, these treats are a must-try!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 16 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter
- 5 cups mini vegan marshmallows
- 5 1/2 cups Rice Krispie cereal
- 1/2 cup salted peanuts
- 16 oz caramel candies (unwrapped)
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
- 2 cups chocolate chips
Instructions
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick spray or butter.
- In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter and then stir in the mini vegan marshmallows until completely melted.
- Remove from heat and mix in the Rice Krispie cereal until coated. Press firmly into the prepared pan.
- Sprinkle salted peanuts over the Rice Krispie layer.
- In another saucepan, melt caramel candies with heavy cream over medium heat; pour over peanuts.
- Melt chocolate chips and pour over the caramel layer; spread evenly.
- Allow to cool completely before slicing into squares.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (50g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg