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CPA: Certified Pastry Aficionado

Reese’s Crispy Cereal Bars

bars and brownies· candy· dessert· snacks
May 21, 2018

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Reese’s Crispy Cereal Bars – You’re average rice crispy treats are getting a makeover thanks to lots of peanut butter and chocolate. Made only with Reese’s Puffs cereal, Reese’s Pieces, marshmallows and butter, this will be your new favorite afternoon treat!

Squares of Reese's Crispy Cereal Bars surrounded by reese's pieces

If you’ve been following this blog regularly, you know how I feel about peanut butter and chocolate. This duo is one of my favorites and I am not shy about sayin’ it. In fact, I have tons of recipes on the blog that highlight this love affair of mine. Some of my favorites are:

  • Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies – Soft peanut butter cookies loaded with chocolate chips and Reese’s Pieces
  • Chocolate Peanut Butter Souffles – Chocolate cake with a gooey peanut butter center
  • Monster Cookies – Peanut butter, M&M’s, oats, and chocolate chips. Need I say more?
  • Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate – A drinkable version of my favorite combo

I realized that it’s been far too long that I last shared a peanut butter chocolate recipes so I just had to bring you something new today. This recipe is incredibly easy and features this duo in a whole new way.

Check out my Reese’s Crispy Cereal Bars!

Stack of Reese's Crispy Cereal Bars Reese's Crispy Cereal Bar square Reese's Crispy Cereal Bars surrounded by reese's pieces

This crispy cereal bars are similar to rice krispy treats but with a bigger crunch from the bigger cereal and added richness from the Reese’s Pieces candies sprinkled throughout. I almost added more peanut butter to the melted marshmallow for even more PB flavor, but I held back. These bars stand so great on their own so there’s no need to get crazy just because I can.

These bars come together faster than you can imagine. If you’ve made rice krispy treats, they process for these bars is almost identical. If you have no experience making cereal bars before, have no fear! They are the easiest snack to make – promise!

First, we need to melt up the marshmallows to serve as our “glue” for the cereal. But if you just try to melt marshmallows on the stove or microwave on their own, they will be wayyyy to stiky to handle. So we also add melted butter to make the mixture more manageable.

Next, you add the melted marshmallow to the cereal and move quickly to combine them together with the Reese’s Pieces. As time passes, the marshmallow will cool and become stiff and hard to mix so it’s important to move fast.

Pan of Reese's Crispy Cereal Bars

The final sets are up to you. If you don’t mind a gooey bar, then go ahead and slice and eat the cereal bars without letting them set. I tend to fall into this category when I’m desperately trying to satisfy my sweet tooth.

But if you want the bars to look neat, with perfect edges, you must let them sit and set until the marshmallow has cooled enough to make the bars solid.

Pan of Reese's Crispy Cereal Bars cut into squares Reese's Crispy Cereal Bars being pulled apart and the marshmallow stretching

Now, I’ve already given you some pretty great tips above to ensure these bars come out perfectly. However, that didn’t keep me from thinking of a couple more:

  1. Don’t forget to grease you pan before adding the prepared mixture to it. That marshmallow goo is incredibly sticky so you’ll have a hard time taking the bars out of the pan without greasing it first.
  2. I find that a rubber spatula is the best tool to use to mix everything together and spread into the dish since the marshmallow doesn’t stick too much to it.

Okay people, there you have it – you’re next peanut butter chocolate obsession. I can’t wait for you to give it a try.

And hey, let this recipe inspire you to try all kinds of cereals in crispy bars. I’ve also tried them with Lucky Charms and loved it!

Print Recipe

Reese's Crispy Cereal Bars

You're average rice crispy treats are getting a makeover thanks to lots of peanut butter and chocolate. Made only with Reese's Puffs cereal, Reese's Pieces, marshmallows and butter, this will be your new favorite afternoon treat!
Prep Time5 mins
Cook Time5 mins
Total Time1 hr 10 mins
Servings: 15 bars

Ingredients

  • 7 cups Reese's Puffs cereal
  • 4 tablespoons butter salted
  • 10 ounces mini-marshmallows
  • 4 ounces Reese's Pieces

Instructions

  • Measure out 7 cups of cereal and place in large bowl. set aside. Prepare a 13x9 dish by spraying with nonstick spray. Set aside.
  • Add butter to a medium/large saucepan. Melt over medium heat. Once melted, add marshmallows and stir continuously until the marshmallows turn gooey and liquefied, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
  • Add melted marshmallows directly over the cereal. Quickly toss together to evenly coat the cereal. Add in 2/3 of the Reese's Pieces and gently toss together.
  • Place mixture into prepare 13x9 pan and press down with wooden spoon or spatula. Quickly sprinkle on remaining Reese's Pieces and press into mixture to help them stick.
  • If you don't mind messy bars, you may enjoy immediately. But if you want clean-cut bars, let them cool in the fridge for at least one hour.

Notes

Recipe adapted from The Recipe Critic

Pin for later:

Reese's Crispy Cereal Bars photo collage

More treats you’ll love:

Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies

Reese's Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies surrounded by reese's pieces

Monster Cookies

Monster Cookies with red and green m&ms

Churro Marshmallow Bites

Bowl of Churro Marshmallow Bites

Peanut Butter S’mores Cookies

Peanut butter cookie topped with marshmallow and chocolate

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38 Comments

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Comments

  1. Brittany says

    May 29, 2018 at 1:02 am

    MMMM! I love cereal bars. These look so yummy!

    Reply
    • Sharon says

      June 6, 2018 at 2:49 pm

      Thanks!

      Reply
  2. Julie says

    May 28, 2018 at 3:48 pm

    My 3 year old always calls granola bars “cereal bars” – it’s his favorite quick and easy breakfast for his walk to preschool. It would totally blow his little Reeses-loving mind to know that these are also called “cereal bars” and I’ve been holding out on him whenever he asks for a cereal bar.. ha!

    Reply
  3. Stacey says

    May 28, 2018 at 9:12 am

    Oh these look tempting, I know my kids would devour them! Yum!

    Reply
  4. Cindy says

    May 27, 2018 at 11:08 pm

    Love the makeover, why did we wait so long lol! If I can’t find this cereal, can I use Reese’s pieces candy with another cereal instead maybe? tysm

    Reply
  5. Kitty says

    May 27, 2018 at 7:00 pm

    I love this take on a ‘rice krispy treat’. I’ve always thought that the cereal in those really brought nothing special to the dessert. I love the idea of using peanut butter cereal to make this more interesting. I’m going to have to try this next time I’m packing a picnic.

    Reply
  6. Amanda Mason says

    May 27, 2018 at 5:56 pm

    My kids are going to love these bars!! These are right up their alley! Your pictures are so beautiful! It make me want to reach into the screen and grab one!!

    Reply
  7. Rachel says

    May 27, 2018 at 11:45 am

    How have I never made anything like this before?? It looks so yummy and my family is chocolate peanut butter crazed. This is going on my list of things to make with the kids this summer!

    Reply
  8. Eileen Kelly says

    May 27, 2018 at 1:10 am

    So now that I know my favorite candy Reeces is in a cereal you have made my day. On top of that, we have these amazing Reeces cereal bars, hello delicious!

    Reply
  9. Rebekah says

    May 26, 2018 at 9:00 pm

    Could the butter be substituted for peanut butter?

    Reply
    • Sharon says

      May 27, 2018 at 10:40 am

      No the butter is used to keep the marshmallow mixture from sticking while it melts. The peanut butter doesn’t have enough fat to do the same.

      Reply
  10. Monica | Nourish & Fete says

    May 26, 2018 at 2:25 pm

    Is there anything not improved with chocolate and peanut butter!? If there is, I don’t want to know, ha! These look like such a fun spin on a classic – so perfect for a casual summer get-together or pool date with the kids!

    Reply
  11. Amanda says

    May 25, 2018 at 8:23 am

    Reese’s Pieces have been one of my favorite candies since I was a kid! (I’d always order the Reese’s Pieces sundae at the ice cream shop.) I love the idea of using them in crispy cereal bars! What a fun and festive dessert to bring to a picnic or potluck. So great for guests of all ages!

    Reply
  12. Kelli Kerkman says

    May 23, 2018 at 9:50 pm

    These look SO good! Reece’s Puffs were my fav cereal when I was a kid… I will definitely make these for my nephews!!

    Reply
  13. Mallorie Owens says

    May 23, 2018 at 3:54 pm

    Oh my gosh these look so delicious!

    Reply
  14. Linda says

    May 23, 2018 at 8:07 am

    Ooh. I’ve had Fruity Pebble treats but never these!

    Reply
    • Sharon says

      May 23, 2018 at 1:33 pm

      My husband keeps begging me to make those but Fruity Pebbles aren’t my favorite. Maybe one day he’ll get lucky haha

      Reply
  15. Gloria says

    May 22, 2018 at 10:14 pm

    These look like fun and delicious squares. I’m sure the kids and adults will devour them. Perfect for BBQ parties this summer.

    Reply
    • Sharon says

      May 23, 2018 at 1:34 pm

      Exactly – family friendly treats, for sure!

      Reply
  16. Candice says

    May 22, 2018 at 6:09 pm

    These look amazing! What a yummy treat for every peanut butter lover!

    Reply
    • Sharon says

      May 23, 2018 at 1:34 pm

      Yes, so true!

      Reply
  17. Cristina - Memories of the Pacific says

    May 22, 2018 at 1:44 pm

    Wow! They look cool and yummy, and fun to make!

    Reply
    • Sharon says

      May 23, 2018 at 1:34 pm

      Yes, all the above!

      Reply
  18. mila says

    May 22, 2018 at 10:03 am

    It looks like you put lots of attention and care into these. Beautiful job!

    Reply
    • Sharon says

      May 23, 2018 at 1:35 pm

      Thanks!

      Reply
  19. Diana says

    May 22, 2018 at 8:32 am

    These bars make a lovely treat. I need to make a batch over the weekend

    Reply
    • Sharon says

      May 23, 2018 at 1:35 pm

      Yes for sure!

      Reply
  20. camila hurst says

    May 22, 2018 at 8:16 am

    Wow these are such a treat! I have to give this a try, you know, for my kids!! (not for me hahaha)

    Reply
    • Sharon says

      May 23, 2018 at 1:40 pm

      Haha yes, for the kids (wink, wink!)

      Reply
  21. Jenn says

    May 22, 2018 at 8:13 am

    These are so creative and look so so tasty! Love this easy peasy cereal bar recipe!

    Reply
    • Sharon says

      May 23, 2018 at 1:41 pm

      Thanks so much!

      Reply
  22. Victoria Berman says

    May 22, 2018 at 7:21 am

    This is my bf’s favorite combo of ingredients too so I know he would love these! Yum!

    Reply
    • Sharon says

      May 23, 2018 at 1:41 pm

      Awesome! I hope he gets to try them soon!

      Reply
  23. Natalie says

    May 22, 2018 at 1:51 am

    I love rice krispies treats and these look and sound even more delicious! Nothing beats peanut butter desserts đŸ™‚

    Reply
    • Sharon says

      May 23, 2018 at 1:41 pm

      So true!!

      Reply
  24. Danielle says

    May 22, 2018 at 1:43 am

    These look great! What I love about cereal bars is how you can just throw anything in.

    Reply
    • Sharon says

      May 23, 2018 at 1:43 pm

      Yes so true!

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Crispy S'mores Bars - CPA: Certified Pastry Aficionado says:
    May 15, 2020 at 4:28 pm

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Hi, my name is Sharon. I’m an accountant by day, risk-taking baker and food enthusiast by night. Come join me as I share my favorite recipes and test out new ones along the way!

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