If you’ve ever wished to capture the joy of a campfire treat without the hassle of building a fire, this S’mores Rice Krispies Treats Recipe is your new best friend. It combines the gooey, melty magic of marshmallows and chocolate with the crispy crunch of Rice Krispies and Golden Grahams cereals, resulting in a delightful treat that is both nostalgic and inventive. Whether you’re whipping these up for a family gathering, a kid’s party, or just because you crave that perfect blend of sweet and crispy, this recipe delivers all the charm of traditional s’mores with the ease of an indoor snack.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is the first step toward s’mores heaven. Each one plays a crucial role in creating that irresistible texture and flavor you crave.
- Salted butter: Six tablespoons provide the rich, creamy base that melts the marshmallows smoothly and adds a subtle saltiness to balance the sweetness.
- Jumbo marshmallows: This 12-ounce bag is the gooey heart of the recipe, giving you that classic s’mores softness and stretch.
- Vanilla extract: Just one teaspoon brings a warm, aromatic depth that elevates the marshmallow flavor beautifully.
- Rice Krispies cereal: Four cups lend that iconic crispy crunch that every treat needs for freshness and texture contrast.
- Golden Grahams cereal: Two cups add a toasty, honeyed flavor that echoes the iconic graham cracker taste of s’mores, enhancing authenticity.
- Mini marshmallows: Two and a half cups, divided between the mix and topping, for extra marshmallowy gooeyness and a fun textural variation.
- Hershey bars: Four bars, broken into pieces, bring in that melty, rich chocolate layer that is essential for capturing the true spirit of s’mores.
How to Make S’mores Rice Krispies Treats Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start by lining a 9×9 inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly buttering it. This critical step ensures your treats come out cleanly and hold their shape when cut. No one wants a messy rescue operation after all your hard work.
Step 2: Melt Butter and Marshmallows
In a large saucepan over medium heat, gently melt the salted butter first for that creamy richness. Then, toss in the jumbo marshmallows and stir continuously until everything is smooth, luscious, and fully combined. This marshmallow base is the glue that holds your entire creation together.
Step 3: Add Vanilla and Cereals
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract right away to preserve its aromatic sweetness. Then, fold in the Rice Krispies, Golden Grahams, and 1 1/2 cups of mini marshmallows. Mixing these ingredients now ensures an even distribution of flavors and textures, setting the stage for those delightful bites.
Step 4: Layer the Mixture and Chocolate
Press half of the marshmallow and cereal mixture into your prepared pan, making sure to spread it out evenly but gently. Top this first layer with half of the Hershey bar pieces and the remaining mini marshmallows. These layers build the characteristic s’mores taste and introduce a playful gooey contrast.
Step 5: Add the Final Layer
Now add the rest of the mixture over the chocolate and mini marshmallow layer, pressing down gently to hold it together without squashing it flat. Then, finish by sprinkling the remaining Hershey bar pieces and mini marshmallows on top for an irresistible finish that will toast slightly as they cool.
Step 6: Cool and Cut
Let the treats cool completely in the pan so they set properly. Once cool, lift the parchment paper to remove the block effortlessly, then cut into squares. These bars are sticky, sweet, crispy, and utterly yummy all at once.
How to Serve S’mores Rice Krispies Treats Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, sprinkle a dash of crushed graham crackers on top or drizzle with a little melted chocolate right before serving. Adding a sprinkle of mini marshmallows toasted lightly with a kitchen torch will also evoke that campfire feel in every bite.
Side Dishes
Pair these treats with cold milk or a warm cup of cocoa for the ultimate comfort combo. They also work well alongside fresh fruit to balance sweetness, like sliced strawberries or banana, making the experience feel both indulgent and fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your S’mores Rice Krispies Treats Recipe in mason jars layered with whipped cream and crushed graham crackers for a no-fuss dessert parfait. Another fun idea is to cut them into bite-sized cubes and skewer with fruit or marshmallows on sticks to make edible snack kebabs that are perfect for parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover treats in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh for up to 3 days, retaining their crispiness and gooey charm without drying out.
Freezing
If you want to save them longer, wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them inside a freezer-safe bag. They freeze beautifully for up to 2 months. Just thaw them at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
While these treats are best eaten fresh or cold, if you like them warm, briefly microwave a square for about 10 seconds to bring out that melty marshmallow and chocolate goodness. Watch carefully to avoid overheating.
FAQs
Can I substitute the cereals?
Absolutely! While Rice Krispies and Golden Grahams create the perfect texture and flavor, you can experiment with other cereals like Cocoa Pebbles or Cinnamon Toast Crunch to add a unique twist. Just keep the total volume the same for the best results.
What if I don’t have jumbo marshmallows?
You can use regular marshmallows instead—they will melt just as well, though the texture might be slightly different. Just use the same total weight or volume to keep the balance right.
Can I use different chocolate?
Definitely! Swap out Hershey bars for milk chocolate chips, chocolate chunks, or dark chocolate depending on your preference. Each will add a slightly different flavor profile but still keep things deliciously melty.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just substitute the cereals with certified gluten-free versions of puffed rice and graham-style cereal. Make sure all your ingredients are labeled gluten-free for safety.
How do I get the marshmallows on top to toast?
Use a kitchen torch to lightly toast the mini marshmallows on top after assembling before they cool. This step adds a lovely caramelized flavor and that classic s’mores look without needing a campfire.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly heartwarming about the way this S’mores Rice Krispies Treats Recipe brings together familiar flavors in such a simple, fun, and delicious way. It’s a treat that invites smiles, easy to make with just a handful of pantry staples, and perfect for sharing with everyone you love. I encourage you to try it soon—you’ll likely find it becoming a favorite hands-down snack or dessert you’ll want to make again and again.
Print
S’mores Rice Krispies Treats Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 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 crispy cereal bars with gooey marshmallows, rich chocolate, and crunchy Golden Grahams for the perfect campfire-inspired dessert.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 (12-ounce) bag jumbo marshmallows
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cereals and Add-ins
- 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.
- Melt Butter and Marshmallows: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add jumbo marshmallows and stir continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and fully combined.
- Add Vanilla and Mix Cereals: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in vanilla extract. Then add Rice Krispies, Golden Grahams, and 1 1/2 cups of mini marshmallows, mixing until all the cereals and marshmallows are evenly coated.
- Layer the Mixture: Spread half of the cereal and marshmallow mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle half of the Hershey bar pieces and mini marshmallows over this layer.
- Add Remaining Mixture and Toppings: Spread the remaining cereal mixture on top, pressing it down gently without compacting too much. Finish by topping with the remaining Hershey bar pieces and mini marshmallows.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the treats to cool completely until firm before slicing into squares for serving.
Notes
- Using parchment paper makes removal and clean-up easier.
- Press the mixture gently to maintain a light texture in the treats.
- For a crunchier texture, substitute Golden Grahams with graham cracker crumbs.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them fresh.
- Mini marshmallows on top can be lightly toasted under a broiler for added flavor if desired.
