Peanut Butter Cup Rice Krispie Treats Pinwheels
If you’re looking for a delightful twist on a classic treat, you’ve landed in the right spot! These Peanut Butter Cup Rice Krispie Treats Pinwheels combine all the nostalgic flavors of a traditional Rice Krispie treat but with a creamy, rich peanut butter twist and chunks of Reese’s peanut butter cups. Perfect for parties, movie nights, or just an indulgent snack, these pinwheels are sure to impress both kids and adults alike. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get started on this sweet adventure!
Why You’ll Keep Making It
There’s something special about the combination of marshmallows, peanut butter, and chocolate. This recipe is not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying. The chewy texture of the Rice Krispies and the creamy peanut butter complement each other perfectly, while the Reese’s peanut butter cups add that extra layer of chocolatey goodness. Once you make these Peanut Butter Cup Rice Krispie Treats Pinwheels, you’ll be asked to make them again and again. Plus, they’re customizable—switch out the candies or even the nut butters to keep things exciting!
What You’ll Gather
- 10 oz miniature marshmallows
- 1 cup butter, plus more for greasing
- 6 cups cocoa Krispies cereal
- 7 oz jar marshmallow creme
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 cups Reese’s peanut butter cups, roughly chopped
What You’ll Need (Gear)
- Large saucepan – for melting marshmallows and butter
- Wooden spoon or spatula – for mixing
- Large mixing bowl – for combining ingredients
- Plastic wrap – for rolling the pinwheels
- Sharp knife – for slicing pinwheels
- 9×13 inch baking dish – for setting the mixture
Peanut Butter Cup Rice Krispie Treats Pinwheels — Do This Next
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Begin by greasing your 9×13 inch baking dish and setting it aside. This will help prevent your delicious creation from sticking.
Step 2: Melt the Marshmallows and Butter
In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the 10 oz of miniature marshmallows and 1 cup of butter. Stir continuously until the mixture is completely melted and smooth. Make sure not to let it boil.
Step 3: Mix in the Cocoa Krispies
Once the marshmallow and butter mixture is melted, remove it from the heat. Immediately add in your 6 cups of cocoa Krispies cereal. Stir well to ensure every piece is coated with the marshmallow mixture.
Step 4: Add the Marshmallow Creme and Peanut Butter
In a separate bowl, mix together the 7 oz jar of marshmallow crème and ½ cup of creamy peanut butter until smooth. Fold this mixture into the rice cereal mixture until well combined.
Step 5: Fold in the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
Gently fold in the 2 cups of roughly chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups, being careful not to break them apart too much. You want those delicious chocolatey chunks to stay intact!
Step 6: Shape the Pinwheels
Transfer the mixture to your greased baking dish. Using a spatula, evenly spread the mixture across the dish, pressing down firmly to create a compact layer. Allow it to cool for about 15 minutes until it’s set but not completely hardened.
Step 7: Roll into Pinwheels
Once slightly cooled, place a large piece of plastic wrap on your countertop. Flip the Rice Krispie treat mixture onto the plastic wrap, and carefully roll it into a log shape, using the wrap to help you. Tightly wrap the pinwheel and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
Step 8: Slice and Serve
After chilling, unwrap the log and place it onto a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, slice into 1-inch thick pinwheels. Serve immediately or store for later!
Health-Conscious Tweaks
- Use brown rice syrup instead of marshmallow crème for a natural sweetener.
- Substitute cocoa Krispies with a whole grain cereal for a healthier option.
- Try almond butter or sunflower seed butter in place of creamy peanut butter for a different flavor profile.
- Use dark chocolate peanut butter cups for a richer taste and less sugar.
Pitfalls & How to Prevent Them
When making Peanut Butter Cup Rice Krispie Treats Pinwheels, there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for:
- Sticky Mixture: If the mixture is too sticky, ensure that the butter is fully melted and combined with the marshmallows before adding the cereal.
- Too Soft to Roll: If your mixture is too soft to roll, allow it to cool a bit longer or refrigerate it for a short time before attempting to roll.
- Breaking While Slicing: Use a sharp knife and a gentle sawing motion to slice the pinwheels to minimize breaking.
Storage & Reheat Guide
These Peanut Butter Cup Rice Krispie Treats Pinwheels can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresher for longer, store them in the refrigerator. To reheat, simply let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
Your Top Questions
Can I use different types of cereal?
Absolutely! While cocoa Krispies add a delicious chocolate flavor, you can use regular Rice Krispies or any puffed cereal that you prefer.
How do I customize the filling?
You can substitute Reese’s peanut butter cups with any chocolate candy of your choice or even add nuts for extra crunch!
What can I do if my mixture won’t stick together?
If your mixture is too dry, try adding a bit more melted butter or marshmallow crème to help it stick together better.
How can I make these vegan?
To make these pinwheels vegan, use vegan marshmallows, coconut oil instead of butter, and vegan chocolate candies!
Keep Cooking
- Sally’s Baking Addiction for more delightful dessert recipes.
- Pinch of Yum for innovative and mouth-watering meals.
- Minimalist Baker for simple, delicious recipes with minimal ingredients.
Serve & Enjoy
Gather your friends and family, and present these beautiful Peanut Butter Cup Rice Krispie Treats Pinwheels on a platter. They make for a stunning centerpiece and are sure to be the star of any gathering. With their combination of chewy, creamy, and crunchy textures, they’ll have everyone coming back for seconds (or thirds!).
These treats are not just a dessert; they’re a celebration of flavors that everyone will love. So go ahead, treat yourself and those around you to a delightful, homemade snack that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!
Peanut Butter Cup Rice Krispie Treats Pinwheels
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by greasing your 9x13 inch baking dish and setting it aside. This will help prevent your delicious creation from sticking.
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the 10 oz of miniature marshmallows and 1 cup of butter. Stir continuously until the mixture is completely melted and smooth. Make sure not to let it boil.
- Once the marshmallow and butter mixture is melted, remove it from the heat. Immediately add in your 6 cups of cocoa Krispies cereal. Stir well to ensure every piece is coated with the marshmallow mixture.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the 7 oz jar of marshmallow crème and ½ cup of creamy peanut butter until smooth. Fold this mixture into the rice cereal mixture until well combined.
- Gently fold in the 2 cups of roughly chopped Reese's peanut butter cups, being careful not to break them apart too much. You want those delicious chocolatey chunks to stay intact!
- Transfer the mixture to your greased baking dish. Using a spatula, evenly spread the mixture across the dish, pressing down firmly to create a compact layer. Allow it to cool for about 15 minutes until it’s set but not completely hardened.
- Once slightly cooled, place a large piece of plastic wrap on your countertop. Flip the Rice Krispie treat mixture onto the plastic wrap, and carefully roll it into a log shape, using the wrap to help you. Tightly wrap the pinwheel and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- After chilling, unwrap the log and place it onto a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, slice into 1-inch thick pinwheels. Serve immediately or store for later!
Notes
- Store pinwheels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- For a twist, try using almond butter instead of peanut butter.
- Use dark chocolate peanut butter cups for a richer flavor.
