S’mores Rice Krispie Treats are a delightful twist on the classic dessert, combining gooey marshmallows, crunchy cereal, and chocolate in a fun, easy-to-make treat. Imagine the comfort of a campfire s’more brought right into your kitchen! Having made these for countless gatherings and children’s parties, I can assure you that they’re always a hit.
Why Make This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of chocolate, marshmallow, and graham crackers creates a delicious sweet treat beloved by kids and adults alike.
- Quick and Easy: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal cooking time, you can whip these up in no time, making them perfect for last-minute parties.
- Versatile Treat: Great for any occasion—be it birthday parties, picnics, or cozy family nights—these treats satisfy every sweet tooth.
- Nostalgia Factor: They bring back memories of summer bonfires and camping trips, making them perfect for sharing with friends and family.
- Stress-Free Baking: There’s no baking involved, so it’s an excellent project as a fun kitchen activity, especially with kids.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 12–16 bars
- Difficulty Level: Easy
You’ll be melting marshmallows and butter on the stovetop, then combining them with crispy rice cereal and chocolate—simple as that!
My Experience Making This Recipe
I first made these S’mores Rice Krispie Treats for a neighborhood block party, and they were gone before I knew it! One challenge was ensuring the mixture held its shape without getting too sticky—after a few attempts, I perfected the balance of marshmallows and butter, which made all the difference in the texture.
How to Make S’mores Rice Krispie Treats
Making S’mores Rice Krispie Treats involves melting marshmallows and butter together until smooth, then mixing in the rice cereal, chocolate chips, and crushed graham crackers. Expect a warm, gooey mixture that’s easy to spread into a pan. Allow it to cool before cutting into bars for the perfect treat!
Expert Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Marshmallows: Fresh marshmallows will give a better texture and flavor compared to stale ones, which can become hard.
- Lightly Grease Your Pans: Lightly greasing your baking dish will help prevent the treats from sticking when it’s time to slice them.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining your ingredients, mix until just combined to keep the treats light and fluffy.
- Choose Quality Chocolate: Use high-quality chocolate chips for a richer flavor—dark or milk chocolate can both work beautifully.
- Cool Completely: Allow the treats to cool completely in the pan to ensure they set properly and hold their shape when cut.
How to Serve S’mores Rice Krispie Treats
Serve these treats as delightful party favors or fun snacks at kids’ gatherings. You can cut them into fun shapes using cookie cutters for a unique touch. Pair them with cold milk or hot cocoa for added indulgence. They also make a great addition to a picnic spread or dessert table.
Storage and Reheating Guide
Store your S’mores Rice Krispie Treats in an airtight container at room temperature, where they will stay fresh for up to a week. If you want to extend their life, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To enjoy, simply let them thaw at room temperature or heat them briefly in the microwave for a soft, gooey treat.
Recipe Variations
- Chocolate Option: Substitute half of the rice cereal for crushed graham crackers for a more pronounced flavor profile.
- Nut-Free: Keep it simple! This recipe is naturally nut-free, making it safe for schools or nut-free environments.
- Gourmet Twist: Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top just before they set for a sweet-salty contrast that elevates these treats.
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free butter and chocolate chips to make this treat suitable for dairy-free diets.
Nutritional Highlights
These treats are a fun way to enjoy a sweet snack, bringing in some energy-boosting carbohydrates from the rice cereal. Each serving provides a good dose of comfort without excessive calories, though remember to keep portions reasonable as they can be quite rich!
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Too Sticky: If your treats fall apart or are too sticky, ensure you’re using enough butter and pressing them firmly into the pan.
- Hardening Too Fast: Work quickly after melting the marshmallows because they can harden fast! Have all your ingredients ready to go.
- Uneven Texture: If you’re not getting the right mix, make sure to fold the cereal gently—not too aggressively—as this can help keep the puffed texture light.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use mini marshmallows instead of regular ones?
Yes, mini marshmallows can be used; they melt nicely and distribute evenly throughout the mixture. -
How do I know when the treats are set enough to cut?
Allow them to set at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before cutting for clean edges. -
What’s the best way to cut these treats?
Use a sharp knife that’s been lightly greased to cut through the bars easily without sticking. -
Can I add other ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate mix-ins like chopped nuts, dried fruit, or different kinds of chocolate chips to customize your treats.
S’mores Rice Krispie Treats
Delightful treats combining gooey marshmallows, crunchy cereal, and chocolate, reminiscent of classic campfire s’mores.
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 10 ounces marshmallows
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup crushed graham crackers
Instructions
- In a large pot, melt the butter over low heat. Add the marshmallows, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Remove from heat and quickly stir in the Rice Krispies cereal, chocolate chips, and crushed graham crackers until just combined.
- Spread the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares or bars.
Notes
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg