Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Bars With Sea Salted Caramel Swirl

Get ready to experience a nostalgic favorite, elevated! These aren’t your average Rice Krispie treats. We’re taking the classic combination of peanut butter and Rice Krispies to a whole new level with a luscious, homemade salted caramel swirl. The sweet and salty contrast, combined with the satisfying crunch, makes these bars utterly irresistible. Perfect for potlucks, parties, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The addition of toasted peanuts adds another layer of texture and flavor that you won’t be able to resist. Let’s get baking (well, more like *no-bake*!) and create these delightful Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Bars with Sea Salted Caramel Swirl!

You’ll Need These Ingredients:

• 6 cups (150g) Crisp Rice Cereal (Rice Krispies): The foundation of our treat! Using a classic brand like Rice Krispies ensures that signature snap, crackle, and pop. Don’t substitute with a different puffed rice cereal, as the texture won’t be quite the same.
• 1 cup (250g) Creamy Peanut Butter: We recommend using a creamy, no-stir peanut butter for the smoothest texture. Natural peanut butter can work, but you may need to stir it well to ensure it’s fully incorporated.
• ½ cup (115g) Unsalted Butter, Melted: Melted butter binds the ingredients together and adds richness. Using unsalted butter allows us to control the overall saltiness of the bars, especially with the addition of sea salt.
• ¼ cup (85g) Honey: Honey adds a subtle sweetness and helps create a chewy texture. You can use light or dark honey, depending on your preference.
• 1 tsp (5ml) Alcohol-Free Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla enhances the flavors of the peanut butter and caramel. Be sure to use alcohol-free extract, especially if making these for children.
• ¼ tsp (1g) Fine Sea Salt, for the base: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and brings out the flavors of the peanut butter and cereal. Fine sea salt dissolves easily and distributes evenly.
• 1 cup (200g) Brown Sugar: Brown sugar forms the base of our decadent caramel. Light or dark brown sugar can be used; dark brown sugar will impart a more molasses-like flavor.
• ¼ cup (60ml) Heavy Cream: Heavy cream provides the richness and smoothness needed for a perfect caramel. Do not substitute with milk or half-and-half, as the caramel won’t thicken properly.
• 2 tbsp (30g) Unsalted Butter, for caramel: More butter equals more flavor! This butter adds shine and a velvety texture to the caramel.
• ½ tsp (2g) Flaky Sea Salt, for caramel: Flaky sea salt provides bursts of salty goodness that perfectly complement the sweetness of the caramel. Maldon sea salt flakes are a great choice.
• ¼ cup (30g) Toasted Chopped Peanuts, plus extra for garnish: Toasting the peanuts enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch. Make sure they are chopped to a consistent size for even distribution.

Substitutions & Variations

While this recipe is fantastic as is, feel free to experiment! If you don’t have heavy cream, you can try using full-fat coconut milk, but the caramel may have a slightly different texture. For a nut-free version, substitute the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter (sunbutter) and omit the chopped peanuts. You could also add a sprinkle of chocolate chips to the Rice Krispie mixture for an extra indulgent treat.

Let’s Make These Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare the Pan: Begin by lining your 23 x 33 cm (9×13 inch) baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring you leave an overhang on the sides. This is crucial for easy removal of the bars later – trust me, you don’t want to wrestle with a sticky mess!
2. Melt and Combine Wet Ingredients: In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the melted butter, creamy peanut butter, honey, vanilla extract, and ¼ teaspoon of fine sea salt. Low heat is key here; we want a smooth, emulsified mixture, not burnt peanut butter. Stir continuously until everything is completely melted and beautifully combined.
3. Incorporate the Rice Krispies: Remove the saucepan from the heat. This prevents the cereal from becoming soggy. Gently fold in the 6 cups of crisp rice cereal, ensuring every single piece is evenly coated with the peanut butter mixture. Work quickly but carefully to maintain the crispness of the cereal.
4. Press into the Pan: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking pan. Now, this is where a little muscle comes in handy! Use a flat spatula or the back of a measuring cup (lightly greased if needed) to press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan. A firm press is essential for bars that hold their shape.
5. Make the Sea Salted Caramel: In a separate small saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the 1 cup of brown sugar until it’s completely dissolved.
6. Add Cream and Simmer: Gradually whisk in the ¼ cup of heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. The caramel will thicken and coat the back of a spoon – this is what we’re looking for!
7. Salt and Swirl: Remove the caramel from the heat and stir in the ½ teaspoon of flaky sea salt. Immediately pour the warm caramel over the pressed Rice Krispie layer, spreading it lightly. Using a thin knife or skewer, gently swirl the caramel through the bar layer to create a beautiful marbled effect. Don’t over-swirl; we want distinct caramel ribbons, not a homogenous mix.
8. Add Peanuts and Chill: Scatter the ¼ cup of toasted chopped peanuts evenly over the top of the caramel, pressing them lightly to help them adhere. Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
9. Cut and Serve: Once firm, lift the slab out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Place it on a cutting board and cut into 12 equal bars.

The Importance of Toasted Peanuts

Toasting the peanuts before adding them to the bars isn’t just about flavor; it’s about texture. Toasting enhances the nutty aroma and creates a satisfying crunch that complements the soft, chewy bars. Simply spread the chopped peanuts on a baking sheet and toast in a 175°C (350°F) oven for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and fragrant. Watch them carefully, as they can burn quickly!

Why This Caramel Swirl Works So Well

The combination of brown sugar and heavy cream creates a rich, decadent caramel that perfectly balances the sweetness of the Rice Krispie base and the saltiness of the peanuts. The flaky sea salt sprinkled throughout adds a delightful textural contrast and enhances the caramel’s flavor. Using flaky sea salt is important – it provides bursts of saltiness that regular table salt can’t replicate.

The Science Behind the Stickiness (and How to Avoid It!)

Rice Krispie treats, and these bars, rely on the starch in the Rice Krispies and the sugars in the honey and caramel to create their signature stickiness. However, too much moisture can make them overly sticky and difficult to cut. That’s why using low heat when melting the peanut butter mixture and not overcooking the caramel is so important. The parchment paper overhang is also your best friend!

Tips for Perfect Cutting

For clean cuts, use a large, sharp knife. Run the knife under hot water and wipe it clean between each cut. This prevents the caramel from sticking to the blade and ensures neat, professional-looking bars. You can also lightly grease the knife with cooking spray.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of peanut butter?

Yes, you can! However, creamy peanut butter works best for a smooth texture. If you use natural peanut butter, be sure to stir it well before measuring.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! They can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Can I freeze these bars?

Yes, you can freeze them! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They will keep for up to 2 months.

Enjoy Your Homemade Treats!

These Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Bars with Sea Salted Caramel Swirl are the perfect sweet treat for any occasion. They’re easy to make, incredibly delicious, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest for later!

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