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If you’ve ever wished you could capture the magic of a campfire treat in a quick, easy dessert, this S’mores Rice Krispies Treats Recipe is your new best friend. It combines the nostalgic crunch of Rice Krispies cereal with the cozy, gooey goodness of marshmallows and melty chocolate, plus a delightful twist from Golden Grahams for that extra touch of crunch and flavor. Each bite is a perfectly balanced bite of sweet, crunchy, and melty, making it an absolute crowd-pleaser that’s simple enough to whip up on any day you need a little dessert happiness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple pantry staples that come together beautifully to create layers of flavor and texture. Each ingredient plays an important role, from the rich butter that adds smoothness to the crispy cereals that give the treat its signature crunch.
- 6 tablespoons salted butter: Provides a silky base and balances the sweetness with a touch of saltiness.
- 1 (12-ounce) bag jumbo marshmallows: The gooey glue that binds everything and brings that classic s’mores softness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic depth to the melted marshmallow mixture.
- 4 cups Rice Krispies cereal: Classic crispy texture that keeps the treat light and crunchy.
- 2 cups Golden Grahams cereal: A slightly honeyed crunch that introduces an extra layer of flavor complexity.
- 2 1/2 cups mini marshmallows (divided): Enhances gooeyness and adds pockets of soft marshmallow throughout.
- 4 Hershey bars (broken into pieces): Melts into sweet, chocolatey pockets throughout the treat for that authentic s’mores feeling.
How to Make S’mores Rice Krispies Treats Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan
Start by lining a 9×9 inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly buttering it. This non-stick base makes removing your treats a breeze and ensures they come out in perfect squares every time.
Step 2: Melt Butter and Marshmallows
Place a large saucepan over medium heat and melt the butter until it’s fully liquid and shimmering. Add the jumbo marshmallows and stir gently until everything is completely smooth and melted together. This step creates the luscious, sticky base that holds the whole treat together.
Step 3: Mix in Vanilla and Cereals
Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Then fold in the Rice Krispies, Golden Grahams, and 1 1/2 cups of mini marshmallows. Mix until everything is evenly combined, ensuring every bite has that magical crispy, chewy vibe.
Step 4: Layer the Treats
Press half of the cereal mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Then sprinkle half of the Hershey bars and remaining mini marshmallows on top, creating that gooey, chocolate-studded surprise sandwiched in the middle.
Step 5: Finish the Layers
Add the remaining cereal mixture on top, pressing gently without compacting too much—you want it held together but still a little light. Top it off with the rest of the Hershey bars and mini marshmallows. This final layer melts and adds a gorgeous molten finish to your treats.
Step 6: Cool and Cut
Allow your S’mores Rice Krispies Treats Recipe to cool completely at room temperature before cutting into squares. This gives them time to set, so they hold their shape but stay perfectly chewy and gooey inside.
How to Serve S’mores Rice Krispies Treats Recipe
Garnishes
To kick these treats up a notch, sprinkle a bit of crushed graham crackers or a drizzle of melted chocolate on top after they’ve cooled. Another fun option is adding a few chocolate chips or mini marshmallows just before serving for extra visual appeal and texture.
Side Dishes
These decadent treats pair wonderfully with a simple glass of cold milk, hot cocoa, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent twist. They’re the perfect sweet finish after any casual summer meal or weekend gathering.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, try cutting the treats into bite-sized squares and serve them on a rustic wooden platter with small forks or skewers. You can also layer them in a clear trifle dish with whipped cream and fresh strawberries to create a delightful, no-bake s’mores dessert parfait.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your S’mores Rice Krispies Treats Recipe fresh by storing any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay perfectly chewy and delicious for 3-4 days, making them a convenient treat to enjoy over several days.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead or save some for later, wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze well for up to one month. When you’re ready, just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
While these treats are best enjoyed at room temperature, if you prefer them warm and melty, pop a square in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will soften the marshmallows and chocolate, bringing back that fresh-from-the-campfire feel in seconds.
FAQs
Can I use regular marshmallows instead of jumbo?
Absolutely! Using regular marshmallows will work just fine; you may just need to adjust the quantity slightly since jumbo marshmallows are larger. The key is to have enough marshmallow to create a sticky, melty base for the cereals.
Is it okay to substitute another chocolate bar?
Definitely! While Hershey bars bring classic s’mores flavor, feel free to use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even peanut butter cups for a twist. Just keep the chocolate quantity similar for the right balance.
Can I skip the Golden Grahams cereal?
You could, but the Golden Grahams add a lovely honey flavor and extra crunch that make this recipe unique and incredibly tasty. If you don’t have them on hand, adding an equal amount of Rice Krispies or graham cracker crumbs can work as a substitute.
How do I prevent the marshmallows from sticking to my hands?
Keep a small bowl of water nearby to dip your fingers in when pressing the mixture into the pan. This helps prevent sticky fingers and keeps the process smooth and mess-free.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Just be sure to choose gluten-free Rice Krispies and Golden Grahams or substitute with other gluten-free crisped rice cereals. This way, everyone can enjoy the treat safely.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the way this S’mores Rice Krispies Treats Recipe brings together crunchy cereal, melted chocolate, and sticky marshmallows into one irresistible package. It’s a nostalgic, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or any time you want to spread a little joy. Trust me, once you try it, this recipe will become a go-to whenever you need a sweet treat that’s quick, fun, and downright delicious.
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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
Delightfully gooey and crunchy S’mores Rice Krispies Treats combine the classic flavors of chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers into an easy, no-bake dessert perfect for any occasion. These treats feature layers of crispy cereal, melted marshmallows, and rich Hershey chocolate pieces, offering a nostalgic s’mores experience with a fun, crispy twist.
Ingredients
Base 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 make it easier to remove the treats once set.
- Melt Butter and Marshmallows: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the salted butter. Add the jumbo marshmallows and stir continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and fully melted.
- Add Vanilla and Cereals: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Mix in the Rice Krispies cereal, Golden Grahams cereal, and 1 1/2 cups of the mini marshmallows until everything is evenly combined.
- Create the First Layer: Spread half of the cereal and marshmallow mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Then, top this layer with half of the broken Hershey bar pieces and half of the remaining mini marshmallows.
- Top with Remaining Mixture and Toppings: Add the remaining cereal mixture over the chocolate and mini marshmallows layer, pressing gently to even it out without compacting too much. Finish by sprinkling the remaining Hershey pieces and mini marshmallows on top.
- Cool and Set: Allow the assembled treats to cool completely at room temperature so they firm up and hold together. Once cooled, cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- For easier cutting, allow the mixture to cool and set fully before slicing.
- You can substitute Hershey bars with any milk or dark chocolate bars of your choice.
- Press the mixture gently without compacting too much to keep the treats light and chewy.
- If desired, add a pinch of salt for a slight contrast to the sweetness.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days for best freshness.
