If you love that classic campfire taste but want something quick, easy, and perfect for indoors, you are going to adore this S’mores Rice Krispies Treats Recipe. It combines the nostalgic flavors of gooey marshmallows, melty chocolate, and crispy graham cereal in one irresistible treat. Crunchy, sweet, and delightfully messy in the best way, these bars bring the best of s’mores to a fun, handheld snack you can make any time. Trust me, once you try this twist on a classic favorite, it will become your go-to dessert for gatherings or just a cozy night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe’s ingredients are simple but work together perfectly to create that authentic s’mores vibe with a crispy twist. Each element adds a special touch—whether it’s richness, crunch, or that signature campfire sweetness.
- 6 tablespoons salted butter: Provides richness and helps melt the marshmallows smoothly for the perfect binding texture.
- 1 (12-ounce) bag jumbo marshmallows: These create the soft, gooey foundation classic to any Rice Krispies treat.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness with a subtle, warm vanilla note.
- 4 cups Rice Krispies cereal: Adds that iconic crispy crunch we all love in this treat.
- 2 cups Golden Grahams cereal: Gives a toasty graham cracker flavor that is essential to the s’mores experience.
- 2 1/2 cups mini marshmallows (divided): Used both inside and on top for extra gooeyness and a fun, pillowy texture.
- 4 Hershey bars (broken into pieces): Rich milk chocolate to give you those melty pockets of indulgence throughout the bars.
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 step makes sure your treats don’t stick and come out in perfect squares without any hassle.
Step 2: Melt the Butter and Marshmallows
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter gently until it’s all liquid. Then add the jumbo marshmallows and stir continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and gooey. This luscious marshmallow base is what holds everything together and makes these treats so irresistible.
Step 3: Add Vanilla and Mix in the Cereals
Once smooth, remove the pan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Next, quickly fold in the Rice Krispies, Golden Grahams, and 1 1/2 cups of mini marshmallows, mixing until everything is evenly combined. The mix of two different cereals creates a delightful texture and the mini marshmallows boost that gooey goodness throughout.
Step 4: Layer the First Half
Press half of this cereal mixture evenly into your prepared pan. This will form the sturdy base layer for your treats.
Step 5: Add Chocolate and More Marshmallows
Top that bottom layer with half of the Hershey bar pieces and the remaining mini marshmallows. This layering ensures you get melty chocolate and soft marshmallow bites in every square as you dig in.
Step 6: Finish with the Remaining Mixture and Toppings
Spread the remaining cereal mixture over the chocolate and marshmallow layer, pressing gently so it sticks together without squishing all the air out. Finally, scatter the rest of the Hershey bars and mini marshmallows on top to create a tempting, textured finish.
Step 7: Cool and Cut
Allow the dish to cool completely before cutting into 16 squares. This step is key to getting clean, neat pieces that hold together perfectly while still soft and chewy inside.
How to Serve S’mores Rice Krispies Treats Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra flair, consider a light drizzle of melted chocolate or a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers on top before serving. This not only adds a pretty presentation but also intensifies the nostalgic s’mores flavor that makes this recipe special.
Side Dishes
While these treats are perfect on their own, they also pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cool creaminess balances out the warm, chewy texture and chocolaty richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these bars on a rustic wooden board along with small bowls of extra mini marshmallows, broken Hershey pieces, and Golden Grahams for guests to customize their bites. Another fun idea is to cut them into small squares and serve on sticks as party pops for a playful twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover S’mores Rice Krispies Treats in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. This storage method keeps them fresh and chewy without drying out, so you can enjoy the same gooey goodness a few days later.
Freezing
If you want to save these treats for longer, they freeze beautifully. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
Since these are best enjoyed soft and fresh, reheating isn’t usually necessary, but if you prefer a warm treat, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will revive the melty chocolate and marshmallows without making the bars soggy.
FAQs
Can I use regular marshmallows instead of jumbo?
Yes, regular marshmallows work just fine. You may need to adjust the melting time slightly and watch carefully to keep the right gooey consistency.
What if I don’t have Golden Grahams cereal?
You can substitute with any graham cracker-flavored cereal or crushed graham crackers mixed with Rice Krispies for a similar texture and flavor.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
To make a vegan or dairy-free version, use plant-based butter and vegan marshmallows, and opt for a dairy-free chocolate alternative.
How do I prevent the chocolate from melting too much?
Layering the chocolate pieces inside and on top as described helps control melting. Also, allow the treats to cool fully before cutting so the chocolate sets nicely without becoming a sticky mess.
Are these treats gluten-free?
This recipe is only gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free Rice Krispies and cereal alternatives, as traditional Golden Grahams contain gluten.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a fun, nostalgic dessert that’s easy to whip up and a crowd-pleaser, you really must try this S’mores Rice Krispies Treats Recipe. It takes all the best bits of classic s’mores and turns them into an irresistible, crispy, marshmallow-y delight that everyone will love. Once you make these, you’ll find yourself reaching for the ingredients again and again to recreate that perfect campfire magic right at home.
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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
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These S’mores Rice Krispies Treats combine the nostalgic flavors of classic s’mores with the crispy crunch of Rice Krispies and Golden Grahams cereals. Melted jumbo marshmallows and buttery goodness bind the mixture, layered with Hershey bars and mini marshmallows for an indulgent, easy-to-make treat perfect for parties or snacks.
Ingredients
Base Mix
- 6 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 (12-ounce) bag jumbo marshmallows
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 2 cups Golden Grahams cereal
- 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows (divided)
Toppings
- 4 Hershey bars (broken into pieces)
- 1 cup mini marshmallows (divided)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line a 9×9 inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly butter it to prevent sticking.
- Melt the Butter and Marshmallows: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the salted butter. Add the jumbo marshmallows and stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.
- Add Vanilla and Cereals: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Immediately add the Rice Krispies cereal, Golden Grahams cereal, and 1 1/2 cups of mini marshmallows. Stir until all ingredients are evenly coated and combined.
- First Layer in Pan: Spread half of the cereal and marshmallow mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Evenly distribute half of the broken Hershey bar pieces and some of the mini marshmallows on top.
- Second Layer and Topping: Add the remaining cereal mixture over the first layer, pressing it gently without compacting it too much. Finish by sprinkling the rest of the Hershey bar pieces and mini marshmallows on top.
- Set and Serve: Allow the layered treats to cool completely at room temperature so they firm up before cutting into squares and serving.
Notes
- For extra gooey treats, slightly warm the Hershey bars before layering so they melt lightly into the marshmallow mixture.
- Use parchment paper for easier removal from the pan and cleaner cuts.
- These treats can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Feel free to substitute dark or milk chocolate bars for Hershey bars to customize the flavor.
