Quick, easy, sprinkle Rice Krispie treats! This recipe is a variation on the original with the addition of sprinkles, extra marshmallows and a generous amount of vanilla. Get ready to fall in love again with these soft, gooey classic no-bake treats!
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Who doesn't love a soft, gooey, crispy Rice Krispie treat? Whether you are making them for a birthday party, a lunchbox treat or just because; this quick and easy sprinkle and marshmallow filled version is sure to bring a smile!
My girls started back to school this past week, so now I'm back to packing daily lunches. Is it just me or does this chore get really old really quick??? I always like to pack them something a little extra special for a Friday treat. And this homemade treat was the perfect way to end their first week.
ingredients for this homemade, gourmet style crispy treat
The original recipe calls for just three ingredients; butter, marshmallows and Rice Krispies cereal.
This recipe uses the three original ingredients, but my variation is with sprinkles, vanilla and extra marshmallows to give them more of a gourmet edge. This ratio of butter and marshmallow to vanilla and sprinkles is what my family and friends have declared the best ratio.
- Butter ~ I prefer using a European style unsalted butter for the best flavor.
- Marshmallows ~ Jet Puffed miniature marshmallows are my preferred marshmallow, but generic brand marshmallows will also work. If you only have large marshmallows, I would cut them into smaller pieces to help them melt more quickly. For best results make sure they are fresh. You will be stirring in some non-melted mini marshmallows into the bars as well.
- Crispy rice cereal ~ Kellogg's Rice Krispies and Kroger brand crispy rice are the two cereals that I tested this recipe with.
- Sprinkles ~ jimmies work best here, use any color combination you desire.
- Vanilla ~ the vanilla adds more gourmet flavor. I prefer a pure vanilla extract.
- Kosher salt ~ just a pinch to balance out all the sweetness.
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let's make sprinkle Rice Krispie treats!
Start by preparing an 8x8 baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil. If desired, give the lining a light spritz of non-stick spray.
Next, in a medium to large saucepan melt the butter over medium low heat. Then add 4 cups of the marshmallows and a pinch of salt and cook over low heat until the marshmallows are about 90% melted. Remove the pan from the heat and stir until the marshmallows are completely melted and smooth.
Then add the vanilla extract and stir until fully combined.
Next stir in the crispy rice cereal until each piece of cereal is coated with the marshmallow mixture. Then lightly stir in the non-melted marshmallows followed by the sprinkles.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and gently press the treats into an even layer. Avoid pressing them into the pan with force, otherwise you will have thin and hard treats. If desired, sprinkle a few more sprinkles on top of the finished bars and lightly press the sprinkles in.
Allow the Rice Krispie treats to firm up for about one hour before slicing and eating.
how to add sprinkles to this classic no-bake recipe
Adding sprinkles tends to make treats more fun, right? My sprinkle cookies and funfetti ice cream are good examples of this.
Sprinkles can melt when added to the hot, melted marshmallows. And not all sprinkles are created equally, meaning some will met faster than others. This jimmies sprinkle mix from Nuts.com is my favorite for baking. Wilton sprinkles also hold up well in my experience.
I suggest mixing the crispy rice cereal into the melted butter, marshmallows and vanilla mixture. Then adding the additional mini marshmallows and finally adding in the sprinkles; mixing until just combined.
how to jazz up rice krispie treats
The number of variations and add-ins possibilities to the original recipe is endless!
- Make a decorated treat by dipping one half in white chocolate or chocolate. A few extra sprinkles over the dipped chocolate would also look great.
- Alternately, you could make a chocolate drizzle over the top of the finished treats.
- For the following ideas, omit the sprinkles from this recipe ~
- Try them with Reeses Pieces, M&M's or your favorite candy bar {chopped to bite sized}.
- Make a s'mores version with crushed graham crackers and mini chocolate chips.
- Go for sweet and salty with crushed pretzel pieces.
tips for making the best sprinkle Rice Krispie treats
- Use a European style butter.
- Use fresh marshmallows and crispy rice cereal.
- Melt the marshmallows over low heat and remove them from the heat when they are about 90% melted in. Finish stirring/melting them off the heat.
- Don't over stir the cereal. This can create an extra hard cereal treat bar.
- Lightly pack the treats into the prepared pan and avoid compacting them. Otherwise the treats will be thin and hard.
how to store rice krispie treats
Resist the urge to put Rice Krispie treats in the refrigerator; they will get extra hard from the chilled temperature. As a dental hygienist I don't want anyone breaking a tooth!
This no bake recipe will stay fresh and soft when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Three days is about their max shelf life. Full disclosure; a batch never lasts more than 24 hours at my house!
Sprinkle Rice Krispie treats can also be frozen, but the texture may change slightly upon thawing. I suggest wrapping each treat individually in plastic wrap, then placing those treats inside a zip top freezer bag. They should stay fresh for up to two months. Allow them to defrost at room temperature before serving.
Remember to snap a picture and tag me on Instagram if you make these Sprinkle Rice Krispie Treats (with vanilla). It warms my heart to see you bring these recipes to life! Thank you for being here and happy baking!
more no-bake treats to enjoy
- Cookie Butter Bars
- Addictive Peanut Butter Bars
- SunButter Cups (Nut Free Snacks)
- No Bake Mini Espresso Peanut Butter Cheesecakes
- No Bake Mascarpone Cheesecake Bars
If you make this recipe {or any recipe!} from two sugar bugs please come back and leave a review and a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating. I read every comment, and I LOVE hearing from you!
Sprinkle Rice Krispie Treats (with Vanilla)
Quick, easy, sprinkle Rice Krispie treats! This recipe is a variation on the original with the addition of sprinkles, extra marshmallows and a generous amount of vanilla.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup unsalted butter* (57g)
- 5 cups mini marshmallows, divided (240g)
- Pinch kosher salt (less than ⅛ of a teaspoon)
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 3 ½ cups crispy rice cereal (105g)
- 2 tablespoons jimmies sprinkles (26g)
Instructions
- Prepare an 8x8 baking pan by lining it with parchment paper or aluminum foil. You can give the parchment or foil a light spray of non-stick cooking spray if you like.
- In a medium to large saucepan melt the butter over medium low heat. Then add 4 cups of the marshmallows and a pinch of salt and cook over low heat until the marshmallows are about 90% melted. Remove the pan from the heat and stir until the marshmallows are completely melted and smooth.
- Then add the vanilla extract and stir until fully combined.
- Add the crispy rice cereal and mix until the cereal and marshmallow mixture are fully combined. Then add the reserved cup of marshmallow and stir to incorporate. Then add the sprinkles and stir gently to combine. Save aside a pinch or two of sprinkles if you'd like extra sprinkles on top of the crispy treats.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and gently press the treats into an even layer. Avoid pressing them into the pan with force, otherwise you will have thin and hard treats. If desired, sprinkle a few more sprinkles over the tops of the finished bars and lightly press the sprinkles in.
- Allow the Rice Krispie treats to cool and set up at room temperature for about 1 hour before cutting the bars.
Notes
*I love using a European style butter in this recipe.
Kellogg's or Kroger brand crispy rice cereal are what this recipe was tested with.
Store any leftovers in an air tight container at room temperature for up to three days.
Sprinkle Rice Krispie treats can also be frozen for up to 2 months, but the texture may change slightly. Wrap each treat individually and then place inside a zip top freezer bag. Allow to defrost at room temperature before serving.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
16Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 109Total Fat: 4gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 50mgCarbohydrates: 19gFiber: 0gSugar: 11gProtein: 1g
The nutrition information is an estimate and may not be entirely accurate.
Caleb - Never Ending Journeys
Such a great idea to make your own rice krispy treats! They look and sounds so delicious.
Tasia
Thank you Caleb! They really are a delicious variation of the original recipe.
2pots2cook
So kid friendly autumn treat ! Love extra vanilla flavour added !!!
Tasia
Thank you! Definitely kid and adult approved!;-)
Ben Maclain | Havocinthekitchen
Who doesn't like some puffed rice treats? I do! But those you can get in store are often so mediocre and sometimes even taste stale. So whipping up some homemade treats sounds like a perfect alternative! These look utterly delicious, too.
Tasia
Thank you Ben! Homemade definitely beats store bought when it comes to Rice Krispie treats!
Katherine | Love In My Oven
Sprinkles in rice krispies are genius. My kiddos go crazy for anything sprinkled, haha! These would be so great in their lunchboxes for school.
Tasia
Yes! Thank you Katherine! I hope you get to surprise your kids with one of these sprinkled treats!