Popcorn Pretzel Treats

One of my all time favorite desserts is Rice Krispies Treats.  I love the taste, and I love how easy they are to make.  You can have dessert homemade in less than five minutes.  They are great for the pool, picnics, school lunches, and even afternoon snacks.  I was kinda jonesing for one the other night, and I had a huge bag of marshmallows left from National S’Mores Day a few weeks ago, but when I went to the pantry I had no rice krispies. My cereal options were fruit loops and Captain Crunch Berries, so that wasn’t going to work. (Although, that crunch berry idea – well, that’s for another day.)

I did the next best thing, popped some popcorn and crushed some pretzels.

The wheels were a turning.  Just like traditional RKT, I melted some butter.


Added the uber large mallows.

And I stirred until the mallows were melted and smooth, and added a pinch of salt.  Then I added the popcorn and pretzels.

I pressed this into a 9 x 13 pan lined with parchment paper.  I could have left it at this, but why when you can add chocolate and peanut butter?

I melted them down and using a fork drizzled it all over.

This was amazing.  I wasn’t sure it would work, but holy cow.  I am already thinking of other toppings and things I could mix in.  Peanuts, and toasted coconut, and chopped up snickers bars.  I mean the sky is the limit.

Popcorn Pretzel Treats
1 c (2 oz) chopped pretzels
8 c popcorn, popped
3 T butter
12 oz marshmallows
pinch of salt
2 oz chocolate chips, melted
2 oz peanut butter chips, melted

Prep – measure out the pretzels and popcorn and mix together.  Line a 9 x 13 pan with parchment paper.

On the stove top in a large pot (large enough to hold the popcorn mix), on medium high heat, melt the butter.  Once melted, add the mallows.  Using a wooden spoon continue to stir until melted and creamy.  Add a pinch of salt.  Add the popcorn and pretzels and stir until coated with the mallows. 

Press into the 9 x 13 pan.  Let cool.  Once cooled, melt down the chocolate chips and peanut butter chips – for my own sanity, I used the microwave for this because it is such a small amount. Once melted, drizzle all over. 

Enjoy! For lunches and snacks and storage, cut and wrap in wax paper.