S’mores Rice Krispie Treats

S’mores Rice Krispie Treats are a delightful and delicious fusion of two iconic American treats: s’mores and Rice Krispie treats. This treat brings together the crispy texture of rice cereal, gooey melted marshmallows, and the rich, sweet flavor of chocolate, along with the crunch of graham crackers. The perfect combination of flavors and textures makes these treats incredibly hard to resist. They capture the essence of summer campfires, where the traditional s’mores are toasted to perfection. Whether you are planning a family gathering, a picnic, or simply a treat for yourself, S’mores Rice Krispie Treats will surely impress everyone around you.

These treats are easy to make and require only a few ingredients, most of which you may already have in your pantry. The process involves melting marshmallows and butter, mixing in crispy rice cereal and graham cracker crumbs, and folding in chocolate for that extra delicious touch. Each bite is packed with flavor and nostalgia, bringing back memories of evenings spent roasting marshmallows under a starry sky.

Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients you’ll need to whip up these delightful S’mores Rice Krispie Treats.

Ingredients about S’mores Rice Krispie Treats

List of ingredients with measurements

• Nonstick cooking spray
• Two 10-ounce bags of miniature marshmallows, divided (5 ounces for toasting and 5 ounces for mixing)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt
• 7 cups of crispy rice cereal
• 1 1/2 cups of graham crackers, broken into small pieces
• 3 Hershey’s milk chocolate bars, broken into pieces
• Optional topping: 1–2 Hershey’s milk chocolate bars, melted

Optional ingredient substitutions

If you want to adjust the recipe based on your dietary needs or preferences, consider using:

• Vegan butter or coconut oil in place of unsalted butter for a dairy-free version.
• Mini dairy-free chocolate bars to cater to those who avoid dairy.
• Gluten-free graham crackers if you need a gluten-free option for the base.
• For a unique flavor twist, you can experiment with flavored marshmallows, like chocolate or caramel, instead of standard plain marshmallows.

How to Make S’mores Rice Krispie Treats

Step 1: Preheat and Toast the Marshmallows

Start by preheating your oven’s broiler on high for about 5 minutes. This will prepare the oven for toasting the marshmallows. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and coat it with nonstick cooking spray. Spread half of the miniature marshmallows in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Broil the marshmallows until they are toasted and golden brown. Keep a close watch to prevent them from burning. Once they reach the desired toastiness, remove them from the oven and set them aside to cool while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan

Next, take a 9×13 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper. This step is crucial for easy removal of the treats once they are set. Lightly grease the parchment paper to ensure nothing sticks when it’s time to cut your S’mores Rice Krispie Treats. Set the pan aside and focus on creating the gooey mixture that will hold everything together.

Step 3: Melt the Butter and Marshmallows

In a large pot, melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir it gently until it’s fully melted. Once the butter is melted, add the remaining 10 ounces of miniature marshmallows to the pot. Using a rubber spatula, mix the marshmallows with the melted butter. Stir continuously until the marshmallows are completely melted and have formed a smooth, creamy mixture. When they are fully combined, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, enhancing the overall flavor of your treats.

Step 4: Combine with Cereal and Add-ins

After removing the pot from heat, it’s time to fold in the crispy rice cereal and graham cracker pieces. Pour 7 cups of crispy rice cereal and 1 1/2 cups of the broken graham crackers into the melted marshmallow mixture. Gently fold everything together until mostly combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as you want to retain some of the texture. Allow the mixture to cool slightly before incorporating the toasted marshmallows and the broken pieces of chocolate bar to finish the mixture.

Step 5: Transfer to the Pan

Now that everything is well combined, transfer the mixture to your prepared baking pan. Using a lightly greased rubber spatula, spread the mixture evenly across the pan. Work gently to press it down but avoid packing it too tightly, as this can result in dense treats that are hard to cut. It’s essential to leave the mixture a little fluffy for that perfect chewy texture.

Step 6: Set the Treats

Allow the S’mores Rice Krispie Treats to set at room temperature for at least 1 hour. If you prefer to store them for a longer time, cover them tightly and leave them out for up to a day.

Step 7: Melt the Optional Topping

For an extra touch of sweetness, consider drizzling melted Hershey’s chocolate over the cooled treats. To do this, melt 1–2 Hershey’s milk chocolate bars in a microwave-safe bowl. Drizzle the chocolate over the treats using a spoon or a piping bag for more control. To help the chocolate set, place the pan in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes.

Step 8: Cut and Store

Once the chocolate has set, cut the S’mores Rice Krispie Treats into squares or rectangles. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, although they are best enjoyed fresh.

How to Serve S’mores Rice Krispie Treats

Best ways to serve S’mores Rice Krispie Treats

S’mores Rice Krispie Treats can be served in various ways, depending on the occasion or your personal preference. They are perfect as a sweet treat at a family gathering, kids’ party, or as an after-school snack. To elevate the presentation, you can place them on a decorative platter and sprinkle some extra graham cracker bits on top for added texture.

Serving suggestions or pairings

Pair your S’mores Rice Krispie Treats with a glass of cold milk or a warm mug of hot chocolate to enhance the nostalgic flavors. They can also be enjoyed alongside fresh fruit, like strawberries or bananas, for a delightful contrast. For extra fun, consider serving them at a campfire night, giving everyone a taste of classic s’mores with a creative twist.

How to Store S’mores Rice Krispie Treats

Proper storage methods

Properly storing S’mores Rice Krispie Treats is crucial to maintain their freshness and texture. To store them, make sure they have fully cooled and set. Place the squares in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper if you want to avoid them sticking together. Keep the container at room temperature, away from direct sunlight or heat sources.

Tips for reheating or freezing

If you have leftovers and want to enjoy them later, do not freeze them as the crispy texture may turn soft upon thawing. Instead, if they seem a bit stale, briefly microwave them for 10-15 seconds before serving. This will help regain some of the original softness without compromising their flavor.

Tips to Make S’mores Rice Krispie Treats

Common mistakes to avoid

When making S’mores Rice Krispie Treats, there are a few common mistakes to avoid. One of the biggest pitfalls is overcooking the marshmallows when melting them. If the marshmallows heat too long, they can harden when cool, impacting the overall texture of your treats. Also, be cautious not to pack the mixture too tightly into the pan, as this will lead to dense, hard treats rather than light and chewy ones.

Helpful tips for better results

To achieve the best results, make sure to use fresh marshmallows as stale ones can lose their gooeyness. Additionally, don’t rush through the cooling process; allowing the treats to set properly at room temperature will ensure they hold together well when cut. Feel free to experiment with different brands of chocolate or even add peanut butter for a unique twist on the classic recipe.

Variation of S’mores Rice Krispie Treats

Suggested variations or twists on the recipe

If you want to play around with the basic recipe, there are numerous variations of S’mores Rice Krispie Treats to consider. For a salty-sweet option, add a sprinkle of sea salt on top once you’ve drizzled the chocolate. If you’re a fan of different flavors, try using flavored marshmallows, like chocolate or strawberry, for a fun twist. You can also substitute the milk chocolate with dark chocolate or white chocolate for a different flavor profile.

Adjustments for dietary preferences

To make the recipe suitable for various dietary needs, you can opt for gluten-free graham crackers and dairy-free chocolate options. For a more wholesome approach, consider using brown rice cereal instead of the typical crispy rice cereal. This creates a chewier texture with a nuttier flavor while still delivering the sweet satisfaction you expect from classic treats.

FAQs

What can I do if the dish isn’t turning out right?

If your S’mores Rice Krispie Treats aren’t coming together, check your marshmallow mixture. If the marshmallows were not melted properly, this could cause the treats to be too crumbly. Ensure you melt the marshmallows until they are fully smooth. If they are too hard when setting, try microwaving them briefly to soften without cooking further.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! S’mores Rice Krispie Treats can be made ahead of time. Prepare them a day in advance and store them in an airtight container. This not only saves time for special occasions but enhances the flavor as the ingredients meld together. Just be sure to let them cool completely before storing.

What can I substitute for ingredients?

There are plenty of substitutions you can use for S’mores Rice Krispie Treats. Instead of crispy rice cereal, you can try using puffed rice or even popcorn for a fun texture. If you don’t have graham crackers, you can use other types of cookies, like digestive biscuits or vanilla wafer cookies, to provide a similar crunch. Chocolate can be substituted with caramel chips or butterscotch chips for a different flavor twist.

With this complete guide, you’re set to create a delicious batch of S’mores Rice Krispie Treats that everyone will love. Enjoy the gooey goodness, and don’t hesitate to share! Happy cooking!

Print