Peanut Butter and Jelly Rice Krispy Treats

So my daughter and I went to the San Diego Zoo last week with a friend. Needless to say, my child didn't quite grasp the concept that we were there to see all sorts of crazy, wild animals....

This shot below pretty much sums our day up. I'm pretty sure the things she got most excited about was (1) The pigeons we saw when we stopped at the bathrooms, and (B) The peanut butter and jelly sandwich I brought her for lunch.

But realistically I can't blame her (about the pb&j part) I'd say from about the ages of 7 to about 18 I probably ate a peanut butter a jelly sandwich for lunch at least 5-6 days a week. Possibly more.

It wasn't because I had no other options. We had a very well stocked fridge growing up. My mother didn't believe in any of us going hungry. No I simply loved peanut butter and jelly... as a matter of fact I still do. One of the happiest days of my life could have been the first time my daughter tried a pb&j and gobbled it right up. I was so proud. Plus I was happy she wasn't allergic to peanut butter. Because that might have turned my world upside down.

But anyways, like I said There is something wonderfully perfect about those 2 flavors together. The slightly salty, nutty peanut butter. Then the sweet fruit puree. Sandwiched between 2 soft pieces of bread. Ah... heaven. Bonus, it takes about 2 seconds to make. Double bonus, it's a relatively cheap meal. So today I recreated this love into a rice krispy treat.

So my game plan took some serious thought. I didn't want to add the jam straight to the treat because it'd obviously make the cereal soggy. No good. But how to incorporate it? I went with a fruit flavored, white chocolate drizzle on top. I know, it's not really jam. But it takes just like it. And it's delicious. And who can argue with that? So here you have it. A peanutty, marshmallowy, gooey rice krispy base, topped with your jam drizzle. Pretty much heaven on a plate. In about 20 minutes. Perfect.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Rice Krispy Treats
4 Tbsp butter
6 cup marshmallows
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1 tsp vanilla
6 cup krispies2 oz vanilla flavored Almond Bark
1-2 tsp dry fruit flavored jello mix (this could be strawberry, raspberry, etc. Think of it as your "jam" part the treat so choose your favorite flavor)


Pour the rice krispies into a large mixing bowl  and set aside. Melt the butter and peanut butter together in a saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, turn the heat down to the low and add the marshmallows. Stir until the marshmallows are mostly all melted (this will take a few minutes--low and slow is key for perfect texture) then stir in the vanilla.

Once fully melted, take them off heat and pour over the rice krispy mixture. Stir lightly to combine. Dump everything into a greased 9x9 pan. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, then with greased hands flatten the top. 

Meanwhile melt the Almond Bark in the microwave at 20 second intervals until fully melted, stirring in between each one. Once melted, mix in your dry jello mix, then drizzle over your treats. Allow them to cool 20-30 min and enjoy!