Description
Ingredients:
INGREDIENTS ▢5 cups rice krispies cereal ▢2 cups graham crackers roughly chopped ▢¼ teaspoon salt ▢¼ cup (½ stick) salted butter ▢10 ounce bag marshmallows ▢7 ounce container marshmallow creme ▢12.75 ounce (3 4.25-ounce) Hershey’s special dark XL chocolate bars
Additional Ingredients:
– butter or cooking spray
– well and set aside
– the marshmallows and stir until completely melted
– in the marshmallow creme until well combined
– the marshmallow mixture over the cereal mixture and gently fold until evenly coated
– the rice krispie treats
Instructions:
1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine rice krispies cereal, graham crackers, and salt. Mix well and set aside.
3. In a large pot, melt the butter over low heat. Add the marshmallows and stir until completely melted.
4. Remove the pot from heat and quickly stir in the marshmallow creme until well combined.
5. Pour the marshmallow mixture over the cereal mixture and gently fold until evenly coated.
6. Press the mixture into the prepared baking dish using a greased spatula or wax paper.
7. Break the chocolate bars into pieces and place them on top of the rice krispie treats.
8. Allow the treats to cool and the chocolate to set before cutting into squares.
Servings: 12
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect S’mores Rice Krispie Treats every time. First, thoroughly grease your 9×13-inch baking dish; this prevents sticking. In your large bowl, combine the cereal, chopped graham crackers, and salt. The graham pieces should be roughly the size of a chocolate chip for the best texture. In your pot, melt the butter over truly low heat to avoid browning. Add the marshmallows and stir constantly until completely smooth and liquid. Immediately remove from heat and vigorously stir in the marshmallow creme until no streaks remain. Working quickly, pour the hot marshmallow blend over the dry ingredients. Use a sturdy silicone spatula to fold and press, ensuring every piece is coated. Transfer to the pan and press firmly with greased hands or a spatula for an even layer. Immediately place the broken chocolate bar pieces on top, spacing them out. The residual heat will soften the chocolate. Gently spread the softened chocolate with an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to create a smooth, even layer. Let cool completely at room temperature until the chocolate is set, about 1-2 hours, before slicing.
Serving Suggestions
These decadent treats are perfect for parties, bake sales, or a special after-school snack. For a festive touch, sprinkle a few mini marshmallows or a pinch of sea salt over the melted chocolate before it sets. They pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or a cup of coffee. For a summer campfire vibe, serve them alongside actual s’mores ingredients. To make them extra special for guests, cut them into fun shapes using cookie cutters (dipping the cutter in warm water first helps).
How-to Summary
Grease a 9×13 pan. Mix cereal, graham crackers, and salt. Melt butter, then marshmallows, in a pot. Off heat, stir in marshmallow creme. Combine with cereal mix. Press firmly into pan. Top with chocolate bars, let melt, then spread. Cool completely before cutting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use unsalted butter? Yes, you can. If using unsalted butter, consider adding a tiny pinch more salt to the dry ingredients to balance the sweetness.
How should I store these treats? Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, layer them between parchment paper and keep them in the fridge for up to a week.
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark? Absolutely. Any variety of Hershey’s bar or similar chocolate bar will work. Milk chocolate will yield a sweeter, classic s’mores flavor.
My mixture is too hard to stir. What happened? The marshmallow mixture begins to set as it cools. Work swiftly during the folding step. If it hardens too much in the pot, briefly re-warm it over very low heat.
Can I make these gluten-free? Yes. Ensure your rice cereal is certified gluten-free and use gluten-free graham crackers. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overheating the Marshmallows: Cooking over too high heat can scorch the butter or marshmallows, creating a burnt taste. Always use low heat.
- Insufficient Mixing: Failing to fully combine the marshmallow creme or coat the cereal can lead to dry, crumbly spots. Fold thoroughly.
- Pressing Too Lightly: Not pressing the mixture firmly into the pan will result in treats that fall apart easily. Apply firm, even pressure.
- Cutting Too Soon: Slicing before the chocolate has fully set will create a messy appearance. Allow for complete cooling.
Conclusion
These S’mores Rice Krispie Treats are a brilliant twist on two classic desserts. By combining the nostalgic crunch of cereal treats with the iconic flavors of a s’more, you create a no-bake bar that is irresistibly chewy, chocolaty, and satisfying. The step-by-step guide ensures success, while avoiding the common pitfalls guarantees a perfect texture. Whether for a quick family treat or a crowd-pleasing dessert, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. Enjoy the delicious fusion of simplicity and decadent flavor!