If you’re craving a treat that perfectly balances sweet, salty, and nutty flavors with a satisfying chew, Salted Peanut Chews are your new best friend. These bars combine the nostalgic comfort of peanut butter and marshmallows with a crispy crunch from Rice Krispies and a salty finish from roasted peanuts. They’re rich, indulgent, and downright addictive—yet surprisingly straightforward to make. Whether you want a homemade snack to surprise your family or a crowd-pleasing dessert for your next gathering, Salted Peanut Chews tick every box with flair and flavor.

What Makes This Recipe Special

Salted Peanut Chews stand out because they blend multiple textures and flavors seamlessly. The creamy peanut butter and smooth butter create a luscious base, while the marshmallows add that iconic gooey chewiness that’s hard to resist. The light-colored corn syrup acts as the glue, giving the bars a shiny finish and perfect binding without overpowering sweetness. Toss in crispy Rice Krispies and crunchy salted peanuts, and you get a delightful contrast that keeps each bite exciting. Plus, the subtle saltiness elevates the peanut flavor and balances the sugary elements, making these chews utterly irresistible.

Unlike ordinary peanut butter bars, these chews feature peanut butter chips that melt into pockets of rich, melty peanut goodness. The vanilla extract enhances the overall depth of flavor, making the chews taste like a candy store classic with a homemade twist. Best of all, this recipe is easy to customize and quick to prepare, so you can whip up a batch any time the craving hits.

What’s in the Bowl

1 cup all-purpose flour – for structure and a little density
1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar – to sweeten and add a delicate texture
3/4 cup creamy peanut butter – the star ingredient, smooth and luscious
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – gives richness and tenderness
About 2 heaping cups marshmallows – most of one 10-ounce bag; large marshmallows preferred for thicker bars, mini marshmallows if you want thinner bars
1 10-ounce bag peanut butter chips – melting pockets of peanut flavor
1/3 cup light-colored corn syrup (not lite) – adds chewiness and glossy finish
2 tablespoons unsalted butter – for the marshmallow mixture
2 teaspoons vanilla extract – enhances flavor complexity
1 1/2 cups Rice Krispies or similar crispy rice cereal – for crunch and lightness
1 cup salted peanuts or salted honey roasted peanuts – adds saltiness and crunch; choose your favorite

Gear Up: What to Grab

Large mixing bowls – for combining ingredients easily
Medium saucepan – to melt butter, marshmallows, and corn syrup
Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula – ideal for stirring sticky mixtures
9×13-inch baking pan – to press the mixture and cool
Parchment paper or nonstick spray – to line the pan for easy removal
Measuring cups and spoons – for accuracy in baking
Microwave or stovetop setup – to melt peanut butter chips if needed

Cook Salted Peanut Chews Like This

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with nonstick spray. This step ensures your Salted Peanut Chews come out cleanly and in perfect squares.

Step 2: Mix the Base

In a large bowl, combine 1 cup all-purpose flour and 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar. Add 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter and 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter. Using a hand mixer or sturdy spoon, mix until the ingredients form a smooth, even dough-like consistency. This forms the sturdy foundation of your Salted Peanut Chews.

Step 3: Melt the Marshmallow Mixture

In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter. Add about 2 heaping cups marshmallows and 1/3 cup light-colored corn syrup. Stir continuously until everything is melted and smooth. Remove from heat and stir in 2 teaspoons vanilla extract for that extra burst of flavor.

Step 4: Combine Crispy and Nutty Ingredients

Add 1 1/2 cups Rice Krispies cereal and 1 cup salted peanuts to the melted marshmallow mixture. Stir gently to coat evenly without crushing the cereal or nuts.

Step 5: Assemble the Layers

Press the peanut butter dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. Next, pour the marshmallow, cereal, and peanut mixture over the base and spread it out evenly.

Step 6: Add Peanut Butter Chips

Sprinkle the 10-ounce bag of peanut butter chips evenly over the top. Let the heat from the marshmallow mixture soften the chips for a couple of minutes. Then, use a spatula to gently swirl some of the melted chips into the top layer for a beautifully marbled effect.

Step 7: Chill and Cut

Place the pan in the refrigerator for about 2 hours or until fully set. Once firm, lift the entire block out using the parchment paper and cut into squares or bars. Serve chilled or at room temperature for the perfect chewy, crunchy treat.

Tailor It to Your Diet

For a gluten-free option, swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Use natural peanut butter without added sugar or oils for a cleaner ingredient list.
Replace salted peanuts with unsalted or lightly roasted nuts and add a sprinkle of sea salt on top to control sodium.
For a lower-sugar version, reduce confectioners’ sugar slightly and opt for sugar-free peanut butter chips.
Substitute Rice Krispies with puffed quinoa or gluten-free crispy cereal to avoid gluten.

Behind-the-Scenes Notes

The secret to perfect Salted Peanut Chews lies in timing and texture. Pressing the peanut butter dough firmly ensures a solid base that won’t crumble. Using light-colored corn syrup keeps the bars chewy without making them sticky or overly sweet. Marshmallows act as a binder and create that iconic chewy texture reminiscent of classic Rice Krispies treats, but with a grown-up peanut twist.

Feel free to experiment with different nut varieties like cashews or almonds for a unique crunch. If you prefer your bars thicker, stick with large marshmallows. Minis make the bars thinner and less gooey but still delicious.

Best Ways to Store

Store the Salted Peanut Chews in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, refrigerate the bars for up to a week; this also helps maintain their firmness.
To freeze, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Avoid storing in warm places to prevent melting and stickiness.

Hungry for More?

If you love the combination of peanut butter and marshmallows, why stop at bars? Try incorporating these flavors into cookies, no-bake bites, or even a creamy peanut butter fudge. The possibilities are endless when you have the perfect base recipe like these Salted Peanut Chews in your baking repertoire. Whether for an afternoon snack, a party treat, or a sweet gift, these bars will quickly become a favorite.

Salted Peanut Chews bring the best of sweet and salty in a chewy, crunchy package that’s perfect anytime you need a pick-me-up. The balance of textures and flavors makes them a crowd-pleaser, and their easy prep means you can whip them up on a whim. So grab your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy every bite of these irresistible Salted Peanut Chews!

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