Name: Peanut Butter Crunch Treats
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 17 min
Ingredients: 6 tablespoons unsalted butter; 6 cups mini marshmallows (1 cup set aside); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 6 cups Peanut Butter Captain Crunch cereal

Peanut Butter Crunch Treats—crispy, gooey, marshmallowy goodness with the peanut butter cereal crunch we all love. Whether you’re whipping them up for a party, sharing them with the kiddos, or just sneaking one (or three) for yourself, these no-bake treats are a winner every single time.

Ingredients:

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 12

6 tablespoons unsalted butter
6 cups mini marshmallows, 1 cup set aside
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
6 cups Peanut Butter Captain Crunch cereal

Instructions:

Prep the Pan: Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
Melt the Butter and Marshmallows: In a large pot, melt the butter over low heat. Add the 5 cups of mini marshmallows and stir continuously until marshmallows are completely melted and smooth.
Add Vanilla: Pour in the vanilla extract and stir in until incorporated.
Mix in the Cereal & Remaining Marshmallows: Remove the pot from heat and quickly stir in all of the peanut butter cereal. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly coated in the sticky marshmallow mixture. Add remaining one cup of mini marshmallows and stir together with the warm, sticky peanut butter cereal. (they won’t melt down, they will just give your treats extra bites of fluffy marshmallows)
Press into Pan: Using a greased spatula or your hands, pour them evenly and press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Make sure to press together well so they will hold together while cutting.
Cool and Cut: Let the treats cool to room temperature (or place them in the refrigerator to speed up the process). Once cooled, cut into 12 or 15 squares.

Storage and Reheating Instructions:

You can store your Peanut Butter Crunch Treats at room temperature in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to 3 days. Or you can freeze them for up to 2 months.

Helpful Tips & Substitutions

Can This Be Made Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! These treats can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature.

Substitutions & Variations

Cereal Substitutions: If peanut butter isn’t your jam, you can swap the Peanut Butter Captain Crunch for the original flavor. It’ll still be deliciously crunchy!
Marshmallow Options: You can use regular-sized marshmallows if you don’t have minis on hand—just make sure to measure by weight to get the right amount.
Add-Ins: Because, well, chocolate makes everything better, right? Stir in about 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips after you’ve mixed in the cereal. Just be sure the mixture has cooled slightly so the chips don’t completely melt.

Helpful Cooking Notes

Low and Slow: When melting your marshmallows, keep the heat on low. If the heat is too high, the marshmallows can scorch or harden, leaving you with a less-than-smooth texture.
Grease Everything: Marshmallows are notoriously sticky, so make sure to grease your spatula (or hands) when pressing the mixture into the pan. It’ll make the process a whole lot easier.
Don’t Overpack the Pan: While you want to press the mixture down firmly, be careful not to squish it too much, or the treats may turn out too dense. You’re aiming for that perfect balance of crispy and chewy!
Use Fresh Marshmallows: This might seem like a no-brainer, but using fresh marshmallows really makes a difference in how soft and gooey your treats will be. Stale marshmallows don’t melt as well, and no one wants hard, dry treats!

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Peanut Butter Crunch Treats

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Prep Time 20

Total Time 17

Servings

Calories 200 kcal

Whip up delicious Peanut Butter Crunch Treats in 20 minutes! With gooey marshmallows and crunchy cereal, they're the perfect no-bake snack.

INGREDIENTS

6 tablespoons unsalted butter
6 cups mini marshmallows, 1 cup set aside
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
6 cups Peanut Butter Captain Crunch cereal

INSTRUCTIONS

Prep the Pan: Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
Melt the Butter and Marshmallows: In a large pot, melt the butter over low heat. Add the 5 cups of mini marshmallows and stir continuously until marshmallows are completely melted and smooth.
Add Vanilla: Pour in the vanilla extract and stir in until incorporated.
Mix in the Cereal & Remaining Marshmallows: Remove the pot from heat and quickly stir in all of the peanut butter cereal. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly coated in the sticky marshmallow mixture. Add remaining one cup of mini marshmallows and stir together with the warm, sticky peanut butter cereal. (they won’t melt down, they will just give your treats extra bites of fluffy marshmallows)
Press into Pan: Using a greased spatula or your hands, pour them evenly and press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Make sure to press together well so they will hold together while cutting.
Cool and Cut: Let the treats cool to room temperature (or place them in the refrigerator to speed up the process). Once cooled, cut into 12 or 15 squares.

NOTES

Storage and Reheating Instructions:

You can store your Peanut Butter Crunch Treats at room temperature in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to 3 days. Or you can freeze them for up to 2 months.