If you’re looking for the PERFECT Valentine’s Day treat to make with your kids (or just an easy no-bake dessert for yourself…this is a judgment-free zone), look no further.

These Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Hearts are seriously SO good, so easy, and based on how quickly they disappeared in our house… I’d say everyone approves.

Cooking and baking with a little one isn’t always seamless. However, it is ALWAYS worth attempting. Even if all you make are messes and memories. I can still remember being in the kitchen with my mom when I was little. And now? I love that Leni is getting to share those same sweet moments with me.

So here we go, this recipe is absolutely worth falling for. Plus, it’s so much fun to decorate with a two-year-old. Instant day maker. As a bonus to these being THE BOMB, you can adjust the sprinkle colors and make a fun, quick dessert for any holiday throughout the year or literally JUST because they’re so stinkin’ good and you want to eat them over and over!!

Why You’ll Love These Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Hearts

Not only are these Valentine’s Day treats incredibly easy, but they’re also:

• No-bake (huge win)
• Kid-friendly
• Perfect for classroom parties
• Customizable for any holiday
• Packed with a little protein thanks to peanut butter

As a bonus, you can easily swap sprinkle colors and turn these into a festive dessert for any holiday throughout the year. For example, use red and green for Christmas, pastels for Easter, or team colors for game day.

Or, honestly? Make them just because they’re that stinkin’ good.

Peanut Butter Rice-Krispie Hearts

INGREDIENTS:

• 6 Tbsp. Butter
• 6 Cups Mini Marshmallows
• 6 Cups Rice Krispie Cereal
• 1/2 Cup of Peanut Butter
• Melting chocolate
• Red and pink sprinkles

DIRECTIONS:

1. Melt the Base
First, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
Next, add the mini marshmallows and peanut butter. Stir continuously until completely melted and smooth. Then, turn off the heat.

2. Mix the Cereal
Add the Rice Krispie cereal and stir until fully coated with the marshmallow mixture.
Once combined, spoon the mixture into a 9×11-inch baking dish.
Press down firmly to create an even layer. (Hint: Use the back of a wet spoon to make this step easier!)
Allow the treats to cool completely.

3. Melt the Chocolate
While the Rice Krispie treats are cooling, melt your chocolate.
You can microwave it in short intervals (stirring frequently so it doesn’t burn). Alternatively, use the double boiler method by placing a heat-proof bowl over a pot with about an inch of simmering water. Just be sure the bowl doesn’t touch the water.
If you need a detailed walkthrough, check out this chocolate melting tutorial from Ghirardelli for foolproof results.

4. Cut and Decorate
Once cooled, cut the Rice Krispies into heart shapes using a cookie cutter. (Pro tip: Wet the cookie cutter between cuts to prevent sticking.)
Insert a treat stick into the bottom of each heart.
Then, dip half the heart (or the whole thing, in Leni’s case) into melted chocolate.
Immediately add sprinkles while the chocolate is still wet. Place on parchment paper and allow to set.

Mom Hack: Sneaky Protein Boost

These were the absolute PERFECT Valentine’s Day treat to make with Leni. And because they include peanut butter, they’ve got a bit of protein they wouldn’t have had otherwise.

Toddler parents…I KNOW you’re with me. Sometimes you have to be sneaky to get the good stuff in.

My mom used to sneak healthy ingredients into treats, and now that I’m a mom, I find myself doing the exact same thing. Nana Weezy definitely knew what she was doing.

If you’re looking for another fun holiday recipe, you could easily convert my No-Bake Easter Nests into a Valentine’s version by swapping Easter eggs for pink and red jellybeans or heart candies.

And if you want even more easy, family-favorite recipes, I’ve rounded up all my go-to meals and sweet treats in one place. Click here for allll my recipes and let’s get cooking.

-Eva

And as always, my uber talented friend, Jennifer, needs a mention for all the beautiful photos so takes for this blog!!!

Photos by Jennifer Wilson Photography

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