S’mores Rice Krispies Treats bring back memories of summer nights around the campfire, but what if I told you that you could capture that nostalgic magic without ever leaving your kitchen? I’m Emeli from FoodFansy, and after years of experimenting with dessert combinations from my travels—from street food vendors in Thailand to cozy cafés in Vermont—I’ve learned that the best treats often come from merging childhood favorites with creative twists.
The problem with traditional s’mores? They’re messy, require a campfire, and half the marshmallow usually ends up charred beyond recognition. This recipe solves all those issues while delivering that perfect combination of gooey marshmallow, crunchy graham crackers, and rich chocolate that makes s’mores irresistible.
As someone who’s spent countless hours perfecting dessert recipes in both professional kitchens and my own home, I can promise you this: these S’mores Rice Krispies Treats will become your go-to dessert for potlucks, school events, and those moments when you need something sweet but don’t want to spend hours baking. We’ll cover ingredient selection tips, foolproof mixing techniques, and creative variations that’ll make this recipe your own.
Why This S’mores Rice Krispies Treats Recipe Works
This isn’t just another Rice Krispies variation—it’s a carefully balanced treat that captures the essence of s’mores in every bite. Here’s what makes it special:
• Uses pantry staples you likely already have – No specialty ingredients or hard-to-find items required • Ready in just 20 minutes – Perfect for last-minute dessert emergencies or when unexpected guests arrive • Feeds a crowd without breaking the budget – One batch makes 16 generous squares • Kid-friendly preparation – Little hands can help with mixing and pressing (safely away from the hot marshmallow mixture) • Travels beautifully – Unlike traditional s’mores, these pack well for picnics, school lunches, or care packages
Choosing the Right Ingredients for S’mores Rice Krispies Treats
The beauty of this recipe lies in using quality ingredients that each serve a specific purpose in recreating that classic s’mores experience.
Essential Cereal Components
Rice Krispies vs. Generic Brands: While store brands work, Kellogg’s Rice Krispies provide the signature “snap, crackle, pop” texture that’s crucial for the base. Their consistent size and crispness ensure even coating and the perfect chew.
Golden Grahams Cereal: This is your graham cracker substitute and flavor powerhouse. Golden Grahams bring that essential honey-cinnamon graham taste without the mess of crushing actual crackers. Their sturdy texture holds up beautifully in the marshmallow mixture.
Marshmallow Selection
Jumbo vs. Mini Marshmallows: The jumbo marshmallows create your binding base—they melt smoothly and evenly. The mini marshmallows serve dual purposes: some get mixed in for pockets of gooey sweetness, while others on top provide visual appeal and extra s’mores authenticity.
Chocolate Choices
Why Hershey’s Bars Work Best: Traditional milk chocolate Hershey’s bars are non-negotiable for authentic s’mores flavor. Their specific sweetness level and melting properties perfectly complement the other ingredients. Break them into irregular pieces for the most authentic look and varied chocolate distribution.
Ingredients & Prep for S’mores Rice Krispies Treats
Essential Ingredient List
Base Components:
- 6 tablespoons salted butter (don’t substitute with margarine—butter provides richness and helps prevent sticking)
- 1 (12-ounce) bag jumbo marshmallows
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (enhances the overall sweetness profile)
Cereal Mixture:
- 4 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 2 cups Golden Grahams cereal
- 2½ cups mini marshmallows, divided
S’mores Elements:
- 4 Hershey’s milk chocolate bars, broken into pieces
Prep Work Essentials
Pan Preparation: Line your 9×9 baking dish with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal. This step is crucial—butter alone isn’t enough to prevent sticking with this sticky mixture.
Ingredient Organization: Measure everything before you start cooking. Once the marshmallows begin melting, you’ll need to work quickly to prevent the mixture from becoming too stiff.
Temperature Considerations: All ingredients should be at room temperature for best results. Cold cereals can cause the hot marshmallow mixture to seize up.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for S’mores Rice Krispies Treats
Pre-Cooking Prep for S’mores Rice Krispies Treats
Start by preparing your workspace. Have all ingredients measured and within arm’s reach. The key to perfect Rice Krispies treats is working quickly once the marshmallows melt—there’s no time to hunt for ingredients mid-process.
Cooking Method for S’mores Rice Krispies Treats
Step 1: Heat butter in a large saucepan over medium heat until completely melted. Don’t rush with high heat—you want gentle, even melting.
Step 2: Add jumbo marshmallows to the melted butter. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula. The key is patience—let them melt slowly to avoid burning. The mixture is ready when completely smooth with no lumps.
Step 3: Remove from heat immediately and stir in vanilla extract. The residual heat will be enough to incorporate it fully.
Step 4: Working quickly, add Rice Krispies, Golden Grahams, and 1½ cups of mini marshmallows. Fold gently but thoroughly until every piece of cereal is coated with the marshmallow mixture.
Assembly Process for S’mores Rice Krispies Treats
Step 5: Transfer half the mixture to your prepared pan. Sprinkle with half the chocolate pieces and ½ cup mini marshmallows.
Step 6: Add remaining cereal mixture and press gently with a buttered spatula or your hands (lightly buttered to prevent sticking). Don’t over-compress—you want these treats chewy, not dense.
Step 7: Top with remaining chocolate and mini marshmallows, pressing lightly so they adhere.
Final Setting for S’mores Rice Krispies Treats
Allow treats to cool completely at room temperature for at least 1 hour before cutting. This ensures clean cuts and proper texture development.
Pro Tips for Perfect S’mores Rice Krispies Treats
Avoiding Common Mistakes with S’mores Rice Krispies Treats
Temperature Control: Never use high heat when melting marshmallows. Medium heat prevents burning and ensures smooth melting. If your mixture becomes too stiff, you moved too slowly or used too much heat.
Proper Mixing Technique: Fold ingredients together rather than stirring vigorously. This preserves the cereal’s texture and prevents crushing.
Press, Don’t Compress: When pressing the mixture into the pan, use light pressure. Over-compression creates dense, hard treats instead of the desired chewy texture.
Tool Recommendations for S’mores Rice Krispies Treats
Essential Equipment: A large, heavy-bottomed saucepan distributes heat evenly and prevents hot spots that can burn your marshmallows.
Cutting Tools: Use a sharp knife sprayed with cooking spray for clean cuts. Wipe the blade between cuts for professional-looking squares.
Storage & Reheating for S’mores Rice Krispies Treats
Store covered at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. These treats are best enjoyed at room temperature—no reheating necessary.
Flavor Variations for S’mores Rice Krispies Treats
Seasonal Twists for S’mores Rice Krispies Treats
Halloween Version: Substitute orange and black mini marshmallows, add crushed Oreo cookies instead of some Golden Grahams.
Holiday Special: Use red and green mini marshmallows, add crushed peppermint candies for a festive twist.
Dietary Adaptations for S’mores Rice Krispies Treats
Gluten-Free Option: Ensure your cereals are certified gluten-free. Many generic brands contain gluten-containing ingredients.
Vegan Alternative: Use vegan butter and vegan marshmallows (available at health food stores), substitute dark chocolate for milk chocolate.
Global Inspiration for S’mores Rice Krispies Treats
| Variation | Key Addition | Flavor Profile | Cultural Inspiration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mexican Chocolate | 1 tsp cinnamon + pinch cayenne | Warm, spicy, sweet | Traditional Mexican hot chocolate |
| British Digestive | Crushed digestive biscuits replace Golden Grahams | Buttery, less sweet | Classic British teatime treat |
| French Patisserie | Replace chocolate with chopped dark chocolate and dried berries | Sophisticated, tart-sweet | French fruit and chocolate pairings |
| Asian Fusion | Add toasted coconut flakes and white chocolate | Tropical, creamy | Southeast Asian dessert influences |
Serving Suggestions for S’mores Rice Krispies Treats
Transform these treats from simple snacks to elegant desserts with thoughtful presentation and pairings.
Dessert Platter Ideas: Arrange squares on a rustic wooden board with fresh berries, additional chocolate pieces, and small bowls of warm chocolate or caramel sauce for dipping.
Beverage Pairings: Cold milk is classic, but consider hot chocolate for winter gatherings, cold brew coffee for adult parties, or fruit-infused water for lighter occasions.
Party Presentation: Cut into smaller bite-sized pieces for buffets, or create “s’mores bars” by serving alongside additional toppings like crushed graham crackers, mini chocolate chips, and extra marshmallows for customization.
FAQs About S’mores Rice Krispies Treats
Can I make these ahead of time? Absolutely! These treats actually improve after sitting overnight as flavors meld together. Store covered at room temperature for best texture.
What if my marshmallow mixture gets too hard to work with? This usually happens from cooking too long or at too high heat. Return the pan to low heat for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, to soften the mixture.
Can I double this recipe? Yes, but use a 9×13 pan instead of two smaller pans. The cooking technique remains the same, but you may need a larger saucepan for mixing.
How do I prevent the treats from sticking to the knife when cutting? Spray your knife with cooking spray between cuts, or run it under warm water and dry completely before each cut.
Are these safe for people with food allergies? This recipe contains gluten (Golden Grahams) and milk (chocolate, butter). Always check ingredient labels for specific allergen information, especially with cereals and chocolates which can vary by manufacturer.
Conclusion
These S’mores Rice Krispies Treats prove that sometimes the best recipes come from combining beloved classics in unexpected ways. In my years of cooking—from professional kitchens to family gatherings—I’ve learned that the treats people remember aren’t always the most complicated ones. They’re the ones that taste like childhood, bring people together, and create new memories around the table.
Fire up your stove (no campfire required!) and try this recipe tonight. Your kitchen will smell like summer camp, your family will ask for seconds, and you’ll have a new go-to dessert that travels well, stores beautifully, and never fails to impress.
Join the thousands of home cooks at FoodFansy who’ve discovered that great desserts don’t need hours of prep—they just need heart, quality ingredients, and recipes that work. Ready for your next sweet adventure? Check out our [Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookie Guide] for another foolproof family favorite that’s perfect alongside these s’mores treats!
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S’mores Rice Krispies Treats: 5 Secret Steps to Irresistible Bliss
- Total Time: 15minutes
Description
If you love S’mores, then you’re going to love this S’mores Rice Krispie Treats recipe! They’re a delicious and gooey twist on the classic Rice Krispie treat, and they’re perfect for any occasion. Plus, it’s a simple recipe to make – all you need is a few simple ingredients!
Ingredients
6 Tablespoons salted butter
1 (12-ounce) bag jumbo marshmallows
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups Rice Krispies
2 cups Golden Grahams cereal
2 1/2 cups mini marshmallows divided (about ½ of a 10-ounce bag)
4 Hershey bars broken up into pieces
Instructions
Line a 9×9 baking dish with a parchment paper sling or butter for easier removal. Set aside.
Melt butter in large saucepan over medium heat.
6 Tablespoons salted butter
Add jumbo marshmallows to melted butter. Continue to stir and gently melt over medium heat until marshmallows are melted and smooth.
1 (12-ounce) bag jumbo marshmallows
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Add rice krispies, Golden Grahams, and 1 ½ cups of miniature marshmallows. Stir until cereal is evenly coated with melted marshmallow mixture.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract,4 cups Rice Krispies,2 cups Golden Grahams cereal,2 ½ cups mini marshmallows
Transfer half of the cereal mixture into the prepared pan, then sprinkle with half of the chopped Hershey’s bars and half of the remaining 1 cup of miniature marshmallows.
4 Hershey bars
Add remaining cereal mixture then press gently into the pan to compact slightly. Be careful not to compress the treats too much though or they will be dense and hard. Top with remaining Hershey’s bars and marshmallows.
Cut into small squares to serve.
Notes
- Storage: These S’mores Rice Krispie Treats are best enjoyed the day they are made. But if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to soften them up a bit before serving.
- Freezing: Wrap them tightly in a layer of plastic wrap, then a layer of aluminum foil, and place them in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, place them on the counter for about 30 minutes or unwrap and place them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds until slightly warm.
- Prep Time: 10mins
- Cook Time: 5mins
- Category: Desssert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16 servings
- Calories: 126kcal
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 78mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0.4g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 11mg
Keywords: S’mores Rice Krispies Treats