If you are craving a nostalgic treat with a fun, twisty upgrade, this S’mores Rice Krispies Treats Recipe will quickly become your new go-to dessert. It perfectly blends the gooey richness of melted marshmallows and chocolate with a delightful crunch from two types of cereals, creating an irresistible texture and flavor combo. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just want a sweet snack that feels like a campfire party anytime, this recipe delivers cozy, melty, and crunchy bites that capture the magic of s’mores in every square.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This S’mores Rice Krispies Treats Recipe calls for simple, classic ingredients, each contributing its own unique flavor and texture to build that quintessential gooey and crunchy balance. These pantry staples come together quickly to make a crowd-pleaser that feels both familiar and special.
- 6 tablespoons salted butter: Adds richness and helps melt the marshmallows smoothly for that luscious binding texture.
- 1 (12-ounce) bag jumbo marshmallows: The star of the show, these create the gooey, sweet foundation.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A splash of warmth that deepens the flavor of marshmallows and makes everything taste even better.
- 4 cups Rice Krispies cereal: Brings light crispiness and the classic “snap” pulse in every bite.
- 2 cups Golden Grahams cereal: Adds a honeyed, graham-cracker flavor to echo true s’mores tastes.
- 2 1/2 cups mini marshmallows (divided): These little puffs provide additional pockets of melty softness and visual appeal.
- 4 Hershey bars (broken into pieces): The rich chocolate that ties everything together and oozes in every layer.
How to Make S’mores Rice Krispies Treats Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Begin by lining a 9×9 inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly buttering it. This small step ensures your treats won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Melt the Butter and Jumbo Marshmallows
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the salted butter. Once melted, add the jumbo marshmallows and stir continuously until the mixture is completely smooth and glossy. This step is critical as it creates that irresistible, gooey base.
Step 3: Add Vanilla and Cereal Mix-ins
Remove your pot from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract right away for a nice fragrant note. Then fold in the Rice Krispies cereal, Golden Grahams cereal, and 1 1/2 cups of the mini marshmallows, mixing gently but thoroughly so every piece is coated with that sweet marshmallow goodness.
Step 4: Layer the Treats
Spread half of the cereal mixture evenly into your prepared pan. Next, scatter half of the Hershey bar pieces and the remaining mini marshmallows over the top. This layering adds a wonderful variety of texture and melted chocolate pockets.
Step 5: Add Remaining Mixture and Toppings
Top with the remaining cereal mixture, pressing it down gently—try not to compact it too much, as you want these treats tender and chewy, not dense. Finish by layering the rest of the Hershey bars and mini marshmallows on top, adding a melty, chocolatey, toasted effect once cooled.
Step 6: Cool and Cut
Allow the pan to cool completely at room temperature. Once firm, use a sharp knife to cut your creation into 16 generous squares. Patience is key here to ensure clean cuts and perfect shapes.
How to Serve S’mores Rice Krispies Treats Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra mini marshmallows or a drizzle of melted chocolate over the top right before serving adds a sprinkle of flair and an extra touch of indulgence. For a more rustic campfire feel, toast the top marshmallows lightly with a kitchen torch if available.
Side Dishes
These treats shine on their own but are equally delightful paired with a cold glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for hot summer day comfort. For an adult twist, pair with a creamy coffee or hot cocoa to intensify the cozy vibes.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut into bite-sized cubes and skewer them with fresh strawberries and banana slices for a s’mores-inspired snack kabob. Serving them on a rustic wooden board alongside assorted fresh fruits and nuts elevates the presentation for gatherings or parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover S’mores Rice Krispies Treats Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them soft and chewy for up to 3 days. Avoid refrigeration as it can dry them out and change the texture.
Freezing
You can freeze these treats for up to 4 weeks by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw at room temperature before serving; the texture remains surprisingly fresh and delicious.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy a warm, gooey treat, briefly microwave a single serving for about 10 to 15 seconds. This little heat-up melts the chocolate and marshmallows just right without making the cereal soggy.
FAQs
Can I use regular marshmallows instead of jumbo?
Absolutely! Regular-sized marshmallows will work just fine, though you might want to adjust the melting time slightly. The texture and flavor will still be fantastic.
Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
You can substitute the Rice Krispies and Golden Grahams with certified gluten-free cereals to make this treat safe for gluten-sensitive friends. Just be sure to check all labels carefully!
Can I use chocolate chips instead of Hershey bars?
Yes, chocolate chips melt nicely and offer a sweeter, creamier chocolate punch. Use about 1 to 1 1/2 cups of chips in place of the bars for a slightly different texture but equally divine taste.
How do I prevent the marshmallows from sticking to my hands when pressing the mixture?
Lightly butter your hands or use a piece of parchment paper to press down the mixture. This simple trick keeps the goo from sticking and makes shaping easier.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to the S’mores Rice Krispies Treats Recipe?
Definitely! Chopped toasted nuts, like pecans or almonds, add a lovely crunch and deepen the flavor profile. Just fold them in with the cereal before layering.
Final Thoughts
This S’mores Rice Krispies Treats Recipe really brings a fun, nostalgic twist to a classic snack, marrying the beloved campfire flavors with a satisfying crunch. Give it a try next time you want an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert that feels like a warm hug in every bite. I promise, once you taste these, you’ll find yourself reaching for seconds and sharing happily with everyone around you!
Print
S’mores Rice Krispies Treats Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in a nostalgic twist with these S’mores Rice Krispies Treats, combining the classic crunchy cereal base with melted marshmallows, gooey Hershey chocolate, and extra mini marshmallows to create a perfect no-bake, easy-to-make dessert that’s ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 (12-ounce) bag jumbo marshmallows
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 2 cups Golden Grahams cereal
- 2 1/2 cups mini marshmallows (divided)
- 4 Hershey bars (broken into pieces)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line a 9×9 inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly butter it to prevent sticking and facilitate easy removal of treats.
- Melt Butter and Marshmallows: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the salted butter. Once melted, add the jumbo marshmallows and stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Combine with Flavoring and Cereals: Remove the saucepan from heat, stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor, then mix in the Rice Krispies cereal, Golden Grahams cereal, and 1 1/2 cups of mini marshmallows until the cereals are evenly coated with the marshmallow mixture.
- Layer the Mixture and Chocolate: Spread half of the combined cereal mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle half of the broken Hershey bars and remaining mini marshmallows on top to add gooey chocolate and marshmallow pockets.
- Add Remaining Mixture and Toppings: Spread the remaining rice cereal mixture over the chocolate and marshmallow layer, pressing gently to avoid compacting too much. Top with the remaining Hershey bars and mini marshmallows to complete the s’mores effect.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the treat to cool completely at room temperature so it sets before cutting into squares for serving. This ensures firm yet chewy bars.
Notes
- Use parchment paper for easy removal and cleaner edges.
- Do not over-press the cereal mixture to keep the treats light and chewy.
- For extra gooeyness, lightly toast the top layer of mini marshmallows under a broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Store treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- Feel free to substitute Hershey bars with your favorite chocolate for variation.
