S’mores Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

S’mores Rice Krispie Treats are a delectable twist on the classic Rice Krispie Treats. This dessert combines crispy rice cereal with melted marshmallows, chocolate chunks, and graham crackers, mimicking the flavors of traditional s’mores. These chewy and crunchy bars are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without the need for a campfire.

S’mores rice krispie treats that actually taste like s’mores, not just rice krispie treats with chocolate chips mixed in. The difference is the broiler — used twice in this recipe, which is the technique that makes these work.

The first broil happens before the bars are even assembled: half the mini marshmallows go under the broiler on a foil-lined sheet until they’re lightly toasted and slightly caramelized. Those toasted marshmallows get folded directly into the rice krispie mixture alongside the melted large marshmallows, so the smoky, campfire flavor is distributed throughout the base rather than just sitting on top. The second broil happens after the bars are formed and the chocolate layer is spread — the remaining marshmallows go on top and get toasted into that golden, slightly burnished finish that makes these look and taste like a s’more.

Two things to know before you start: the broiler moves fast and marshmallows burn easily, so stay close and check every 20-30 seconds after the first minute. And don’t press the bars too firmly into the pan when spreading — a gentle spread keeps them soft and chewy rather than dense.

What ingredients do you need for these S’mores Rice Krispie Treats?

• 1 ¾ cup broken/lightly crushed graham crackers – 9 full crackers
• 6 cups rice cereal
• 10 ounces mini marshmallows
• 10 ounces large marshmallows
• 6 tablespoons butter
• 2 ounces chocolate chips
• 1 hershey bar broken into pieces

Graham crackers (1¾ cups, lightly crushed — about 9 full crackers): Crush into uneven pieces rather than fine crumbs — you want some texture and identifiable cracker pieces throughout the bars and reserved on top. A zip-top bag and a rolling pin works. Save the larger broken pieces for the top decoration.

Rice cereal (6 cups): Standard Rice Krispies or any puffed rice cereal. The cereal and graham crackers get combined before the marshmallow mixture goes in — having them pre-mixed means more even distribution when you’re working fast with hot marshmallow.

Mini marshmallows (10 oz) + large marshmallows (10 oz): Two types for a reason. Half the mini marshmallows get broiled separately and folded in for toasted flavor throughout the base. The large marshmallows melt with the butter into the binding mixture. The remaining mini marshmallows go on top for the final broil.

Butter (6 tablespoons): Melts in the saucepan before the large marshmallows go in. Six tablespoons is more than a standard rice krispie treat uses — the extra butter keeps the bars softer and chewier.

Chocolate chips (2 oz) + 1 Hershey bar broken into pieces: The chocolate chips melt into a thin layer in the warm oven after the bars are pressed. The Hershey bar pieces go on top after the final broil — they’re the visual s’mores element and they melt slightly from the residual heat of the toasted marshmallows.

How do you make these dessert bars?

1. Preheat oven to broil. Grease a 9×13 baking dish, and line a baking sheet with foil and grease the foil.  
2. Place the rice cereal and all but ¼ cup (if you can, try to save the larger broken pieces to decorate the top) of the crushed graham crackers. Mix it together well.
3. Spread half of the mini marshmallows onto the baking sheet and broil for a minute or two. You want the marshmallows to look lightly toasted, but not burned. They will burn easily so keep an eye on them. Set aside. You can turn off the oven for a few minutes while you move on to the next step. 
4. In a large saucepan, melt the butter. Then, add in the large marshmallows and stir until completely smooth and melted.
5. Pour the melted marshmallows onto the rice krispies, and scrape the toasted marshmallows in too. Mix well until throroughly incorporated.
6. Spread the marshmallow mixture into the greased 9×13 pan in an even layer. Don’t press too hard or you will have dense bars and they won’t be as soft and chewy. You may find a greased spatula really helpful for this.
7. Sprinkle the chocolate chips on top of the  bars and place in the warm oven to melt the chocolate chips. It should only take 20 seconds or so, do it longer if needed. Use the spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the melted chocolate chips into an even layer. 
8. Turn the broiler back on.
9. Scatter the remaining mini marshmallows on top of the chocolate and broil for a minute, and then check k it every 20-30 seconds after a minute, until it is lightly toasted.  You may also want to rotate the pan halfway through to make sure it browns evenly. 
10. Once the marshmallows are toasted, arrange  the Hershey bars on top of the  smores, and scatter the remaining crushed graham crackers.
11. Allow to cool completely before cutting into the bars. A greased knife will make cutting the bars much easier.

FAQs:

Tips and Tricks:

Before mixing, lightly grease your spatula or hands with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Press the mixture into the pan gently; pressing too hard can make the treats dense and hard.

For a more intense s’mores flavor, toast the marshmallows in the oven for a few minutes before mixing them in.

Variations:

Extra Chocolate: Swirl in some Nutella or use chocolate-flavored rice cereal for an added chocolate twist.

Nutty Version: Add crushed almonds or peanuts for an extra crunch.

Fancy S’mores: Use flavored marshmallows or gourmet chocolate bars for a gourmet twist.

Storage:

Store in an airtight container at room temperature. They are best consumed within 2-3 days for optimal freshness.

To avoid the treats from sticking together, place parchment paper between layers when storing.

S’mores Rice Krispie Treats work so well because they blend the beloved flavors of s’mores with the chewy texture of Rice Krispie treats. The graham crackers provide the familiar base, the marshmallows give that gooey s’mores texture, and the chocolate chunks offer richness. This recipe is easy, quick, and doesn’t require any baking, making it convenient and fool-proof.

Serve these S’mores Rice Krispie Treats at room temperature. They are perfect for sharing with friends and family, and are sure to be a hit with both children and adults.

What are some other fun smores recipes to try?