These easy Rice Krispie Smores Bars bring all the classic flavors of a campfire treat right to your kitchen. Chewy marshmallows, crispy cereal, and rich chocolate combine with a hint of graham cracker for an irresistible dessert that everyone will love.
Imagine biting into a perfectly golden square, where the sweetness of marshmallows dances with the crunch of Rice Krispies and the delightful contrast of chocolate and graham cracker.
Recipe Details
- Flavor Profile: Sweet, with notes of chocolate and a hint of cinnamon from the graham crackers.
- Texture: Chewy, crispy, and slightly fudgy.
- Total Time: About 20 minutes of active time, plus cooling.
- Difficulty: Very easy; perfect for beginner bakers.
What You’ll Need
This recipe comes together with just a few pantry staples. You’ll need a base of Rice Krispies cereal, gooey marshmallows to provide the chewiness, and unsalted butter for that rich, creamy flavor. Chocolate chips and graham cracker crumbs round out the s’mores experience.
Ingredient Notes
- Rice Krispies Cereal – This is the star of the show, providing the delightful crunch. Use your favorite brand.
- Marshmallows – These melt into a gooey base that holds everything together. Use fresh marshmallows for the best texture.
- Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and a smooth texture. It also helps to prevent the cereal mixture from sticking to the pan.
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – These melt beautifully and add the classic chocolate flavor.
- Graham Cracker Crumbs – Provide the traditional s’mores flavor.
Add-ins and Substitutions
- Different Chocolate: Try using milk chocolate chips or even dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
- Nut Butter: Swirl in a tablespoon or two of peanut butter or almond butter for a nutty twist.
How to Make Luscious Rice Krispie Smores Bars
This recipe is incredibly simple, making it a wonderful treat for any occasion. Here’s how to create these delightful bars:
- Prep the Pan: Begin by greasing a 9×13 inch baking pan. This ensures the bars won’t stick and makes it easy to cut and serve them later. Set the greased pan aside.
- Melt the Butter: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Be sure to keep a close eye on it, as butter can go from melted to burnt quickly.
- Melt the Marshmallows: Once the butter is melted, add the marshmallows to the saucepan. Stir constantly with a spatula until they are completely melted and smooth. Do not stop stirring, as marshmallows burn easily.
- Add Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. This adds a nice depth of flavor to the marshmallows.
- Coat the Cereal: Add the Rice Krispies cereal to the marshmallow mixture. Stir until the cereal is evenly coated.
- Fold in the Mix-ins: Gently fold in the chocolate chips and graham cracker crumbs. Be careful not to overmix, so that your bars remain light and airy.
- Press into the Pan: Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Gently press it down with a spatula or your hands to even it out.
- Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature. This will help them set up and achieve the perfect chewy texture.
- Cut and Serve: Once cooled, cut the bars into squares and serve.Pro Tip: Cutting into these Luscious Rice Krispie Smores Bars when they’re cool is key. It helps them retain their shape and gives you clean, neat squares.
Recipe Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh marshmallows will melt more evenly and create a better texture.
- Don’t Overcook: Do not overheat the marshmallows. Keep the heat on low and stir constantly.
- Press Gently: When pressing the mixture into the pan, don’t press too hard. You want the bars to be firm, but not overly dense.
- Let Cool Completely: Allowing the bars to cool completely is crucial for achieving the right texture and ensuring they hold their shape.
- Clean Cuts: Use a sharp knife to cut the bars into even squares.
FAQs
- Can I use different types of cereal? While you can experiment, Rice Krispies are essential for an authentic s’mores flavor and texture.
- How can I prevent the mixture from sticking to my hands? If you press the bars into the pan with your hands, lightly grease your hands with butter or cooking spray.
- Can I make these bars in a smaller pan? Yes, you can use an 8×8 inch pan, but the bars will be thicker, and you might need extra cereal.
- How do I store Rice Krispie Smores Bars? Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delightful bars on their own or alongside:
- A tall glass of milk
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream
- A cup of hot chocolate
- Fresh fruit, like strawberries or raspberries
- A drizzle of extra melted chocolate
Make This Recipe in Advance
You can make this recipe a day or two in advance. Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature. They also freeze well. Simply wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to a month. Thaw at room temperature for an hour before serving.
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Luscious Rice Krispie Smores Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
Description
These easy Rice Krispie Smores Bars bring all the classic flavors of a campfire treat right to your kitchen. Chewy marshmallows, crispy cereal, and rich chocolate combine with a hint of graham cracker for an irresistible dessert that everyone will love.
Ingredients
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
16 ounce bag mini marshmallows, plus 2 cups mini marshmallows, divided
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon sea salt, plus more for sprinkling
7 cups crispy rice cereal
2 cups Graham cracker pieces
1 cup chocolate chips
2 graham cracker sheets, broken-up, for garnish
Hershey’s chocolate candy bar, broken-up, for garnish
Instructions
Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with nonstick spray. Set the pan aside.
In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat until it foams and turns brown. Watch carefully so the butter doesn’t burn. Reduce the heat.
Add the 16 oz bag of marshmallows and stir until melted. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and salt.
Add cereal and mix gently until coated. Stir in remaining marshmallows and graham crackers. Fold in chocolate chips.
Transfer to the pan. Press down gently with a greased spatula or hands. Press graham cracker and Hershey’s pieces on top. Sprinkle with extra salt, if desired.
Let cool for an hour before cutting and serving.
Notes
Use fresh marshmallows will melt more evenly and create a better texture.
Do not overheat the marshmallows. Keep the heat on low and stir constantly.
When pressing the mixture into the pan, don’t press too hard. You want the bars to be firm, but not overly dense.
Allowing the bars to cool completely is crucial for achieving the right texture and ensuring they hold their shape.
Use a sharp knife to cut the bars into even squares.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 3g
