Snickers Rice Krispie Treats

There’s something instantly joyful about the warm, sweet scent of melted marshmallows and butter mingling with caramel and chocolate — and when you fold in chopped Snickers, that aroma becomes downright irresistible. These Snickers Rice Krispie Treats marry the airy, crackly snap of Rice Krispies with pockets of nougat, peanuts, and caramel; the top gets a glossy drizzle of chocolate that gives each square a satisfyingly decadent finish. Imagine biting into a tender, slightly chewy bar where crunchy cereal meets soft candy — it’s confectionery comfort in every forkless bite.

This recipe is perfect for weeknight dessert cravings, bake sales, last-minute gatherings, or festive treat trays. Make them for a cozy movie night, a kid’s birthday party, or whenever you need a nostalgic pick-me-up that’s quick to prep. If you want a bright twist, try them alongside other cereal bars like my take on banana Rice Krispie treats for a small-but-sweet spread of options.

At a Glance

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5–7 minutes (melting and mixing)
Total Time: 20 minutes (including cooling time)
Servings: 12 squares
Difficulty Level: Easy / Beginner-friendly

Nutritional Breakdown

Nutritional info per serving (1 of 12 squares). These are estimates based on USDA FoodData Central values and typical product labels (Kellogg’s Rice Krispies, Snickers nutrition facts). Values will vary by brand and exact measurements.

Calories: ~280 kcal
Protein: ~4.8 g
Total Carbohydrates: ~27 g
- Sugars: ~18–20 g (added sugars from marshmallows, Snickers, and chocolate)
- Fiber: ~1–2 g
Total Fat: ~18 g
- Saturated Fat: ~8–10 g
Sodium: ~120–220 mg (varies by cereal and added salt in peanut butter/butter)

Notes on nutrition: These treats are dessert-style and calorie-dense because of butter, peanut butter, and candy. If you’re tracking intake for health reasons, consider halving portion size or trying the lighter variations in the “Delicious Variations” section. For general nutrition guidance, reputable sources include USDA FoodData Central and clinic guidance from institutions such as the Mayo Clinic.

Why You’ll Love It

Flavor & Texture: The interplay of textures — crisp cereal, gooey marshmallow, chewy caramel and nougat, and a chocolate drizzle — delivers satisfying contrast in every bite. The peanut butter adds a subtle savory note that balances the sweetness.
Emotional & Social Appeal: These are the kind of treats that spark smiles and nostalgia; perfect to bring to potlucks or to pack into kids’ lunchboxes for a special surprise.
Speed & Simplicity: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal equipment, this recipe is ideal when you want maximum impact with minimal fuss.
Versatile for Seasons: Dress them up with holiday-themed sprinkles or mix in chopped seasonal candies to make them celebratory for any occasion.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ingredients

4 cups Rice Krispies cereal
1 cup mini marshmallows
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
1 cup Snickers bars, chopped (about 3 standard bars)
1/2 cup chocolate chips (semisweet or milk chocolate)
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

Optional ingredients and substitutions

Use natural or crunchy peanut butter for texture; for a nut-free version, substitute sunflower seed butter.
Swap Snickers for chopped Milky Way or Twix for a different candy profile.
For extra richness, stir in 1/4 cup caramel bits.
To make them gluten-free, use a certified gluten-free crispy rice cereal.

Directions

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add in the mini marshmallows and stir until completely melted.
Remove from heat and stir in the peanut butter until smooth.
Add the Rice Krispies and chopped Snickers bars to the mixture and stir until evenly coated.
Press the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
Melt the chocolate chips and drizzle over the top. Allow to cool before cutting into squares.

Practical tips

Use low heat and stir continuously when melting marshmallows to prevent scorching.
Lightly grease your spatula or hands (or use a piece of parchment) when pressing the mixture into the pan to avoid sticking. Press gently — over-compressing makes bars hard and dense.
Let the bars cool fully so the chocolate drizzle sets and cuts cleanly into squares.
If the mixture becomes too stiff while mixing, return briefly to very low heat to loosen; avoid overheating.

Best Pairings

Plain and simple: Serve on a plate by themselves — they’re sweet enough to stand alone.
With beverages: Pair warm with coffee or espresso in the morning, or serve with cold milk for kids and guests.
Dessert board ideas: Add fresh fruit, salted caramel sauce, or small bowls of extra chopped Snickers and nuts for self-serve topping options.
As a component: Crumble into vanilla ice cream for an indulgent sundae.

(For another easy bar-style recipe that’s baked in one pan, check out this easy one-pan baked Rice Krispy treats to expand your tray of sweets.)

Shelf Life & Storage

Room temperature: Store airtight at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keep in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Refrigeration: To extend freshness and firmness, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 7 days. Note that refrigeration can make the bars firmer; allow to come to room temperature before serving if preferred softer.
Freezer: Individually wrap squares in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or for a few hours at room temperature before serving.

Chef’s Advice

Best types: Use full-fat peanut butter for flavor and binding; the oils help the marshmallow-peanut butter mixture stay pliable. Creamy peanut butter produces the most uniform texture.
Chocolate choices: Semisweet chips provide balance against the candy sweetness; milk chocolate makes it sweeter and more kid-friendly. For a glossy drizzle, melt chocolate chips with a teaspoon of coconut oil.
Texture keys: Don’t over-press the mixture into the pan — press just enough to create an even surface while keeping some air for crunch.
Doneness cue: The mixture should be pliable and well-combined when you transfer it to the pan; if it clumps or cools too fast, warm briefly on low heat while stirring.

Delicious Variations

Vegan version: Use vegan butter, vegan marshmallows (check label — most are gelatin-free), chopped vegan candy bars or chopped dates with roasted peanuts, and vegan chocolate chips.
Salted caramel twist: Fold in 1/4 cup caramel bits and sprinkle flaky sea salt on top after drizzling chocolate.
Nut-free alternative: Replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter and swap Snickers for nut-free chocolate-caramel candies.
Extra crunch: Stir in 1/2 cup toasted chopped pecans or roasted peanuts for additional texture and flavor.

Recipe Q&A

Q: Can I reduce the sugar or calories?
A: Yes — reduce the marshmallows to 3/4 cup and use dark chocolate chips or a sugar-free chocolate alternative. Cutting portion sizes also lowers per-serving calories.

Q: My mixture is too sticky to press — what can I do?
A: Lightly grease your hands or a piece of parchment and press gently; if it’s cooled and stiff, warm the pan slightly over very low heat for 10–20 seconds and stir to loosen.

Q: Can I mix the Snickers bars in after pressing instead of inside the bars?
A: You can sprinkle chopped Snickers on top before pressing for more candy-on-top texture, but pressing them in helps distribute bites evenly.

Q: How can I get neater squares?
A: Chill the pan for 20–30 minutes after the chocolate sets, then use a sharp knife warmed with hot water and wiped dry between cuts.

Q: Are these freezer-friendly?
A: Yes — individually wrap and freeze up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

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Conclusion

If you love a nostalgic, candy-studded upgrade to classic Rice Krispie treats, these Snickers Rice Krispie Treats deliver big on texture and flavor with very little fuss — a perfect recipe to share with friends or stash in the freezer for emergencies. For a different take or inspiration from other home bakers, see this fun version from Like Mother, Like Daughter’s Snickers Rice Krispie Treats and a detailed write-up at Brown Eyed Baker’s Snickers Rice Krispies Treats. I’d love to hear how your batch turned out — share a photo or leave a comment so we can celebrate your creation together.