Peanut Butter Mallow Krispie Bars
Chewy, gooey peanut butter marshmallow bars with a crispy rice crust, rich flavors, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings or sharing at parties and gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the cake mix, 1/3 cup melted butter, and egg together.
- Press the mixture into an ungreased 9 x 19-inch pan.
- Bake for 8 to 12 minutes until lightly golden.
- Remove from oven and pour mini marshmallows on top, then bake for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until marshmallows soften.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 2/3 cup Karo syrup, 1/4 cup butter, vanilla, and peanut butter chips.
- Stir in Rice Krispies and salted peanuts until well combined.
- Spread the peanut butter mixture over the marshmallows with a spoon.
- Let cool completely before cutting into squares.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, use salted butter when making the base and the topping. If you want to make this treat more indulgent, consider adding chopped nuts or a drizzle of chocolate on top. You can substitute the cake mix with a gluten-free alternative for a gluten-free version. If you're not a fan of peanut butter, try using almond butter instead for a different taste.
Serving Suggestions
These bars make a delightful snack or dessert and pair beautifully with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For an extra treat, serve alongside a Peanut Butter Banana Sandwich for a fun twist. They can also be cut into smaller pieces for a party platter or school bake sale.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Peanut Butter Mallow Krispie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you need to preserve them longer, refrigerate them, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture. Avoid freezing as the marshmallows may become chewy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Peanut Butter Mallow Krispie Bars contains roughly 864 calories, with 22g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 69g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (43% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 684mg per serving (30% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cereal instead of Rice Krispies?
Yes, you can substitute Rice Krispies with other puffed cereals like Corn Pops or even use granola for added texture and flavor. Just ensure that the cereal you choose complements the sweetness of the bars.
How can I make these bars more chocolatey?
To enhance the chocolate flavor, consider adding chocolate chips to the peanut butter mixture or drizzling melted chocolate over the top after the bars have cooled. This will create a delicious contrast with the marshmallows.
What can I do if I don’t have Karo syrup?
If you don’t have Karo syrup, you can substitute it with honey or agave syrup. Keep in mind that it may slightly alter the flavor, but it will still provide the necessary sweetness and stickiness for the bars.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).