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These S’mores Rice Krispie Treats bring the classic campfire flavors of marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers into a chewy, no-bake dessert that is quick to prepare and perfect for any occasion. They offer a delightful twist on the traditional Rice Krispie treat with extra texture and bursts of sweet, melty chocolate throughout.
I made these treats for a summer get-together, and they vanished so fast everyone asked for the recipe. The joy of combining nostalgic s’mores flavors into an easy dessert has me making these yearly now.
Ingredients
- Golden Grahams cereal: Five cups of Golden Grahams cereal which add a rich graham cracker flavor and sturdy texture
- Crispy rice cereal: Four cups of crispy rice cereal to keep the treats light and crunchy
- Mini marshmallows: Four hundred fifty-seven grams of mini marshmallows, divided to melt smoothly and also top for gooey bursts
- Salted butter: Eighty-five grams of salted butter melted to enhance richness and help bind ingredients
- Vanilla extract: Half a teaspoon of vanilla extract to add warmth and depth to the flavor
- Semi-sweet mini chocolate chips: Forty-five grams of semi-sweet mini chocolate chips folded in for little pockets of melty chocolate
- Fun-size milk chocolate bars: Fifty-six to ninety grams of fun-size milk chocolate bars broken into pieces to press on top and create a luscious finish
- Golden Grahams cereal (topping): Half a cup of Golden Grahams cereal reserved for topping to add extra texture and visual appeal
Choose fresh Golden Grahams for the best crunch and mini chocolate chips that melt smoothly. Using good quality milk chocolate bars elevates the dessert.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- Line a 23 by 33 centimeter baking dish with parchment paper and lightly coat it with non-stick spray to ensure the treats release easily once cool. Set this aside for use later.
- Melt Butter and Marshmallows:
- In a large saucepan over low to medium heat, melt the salted butter gently so it does not brown. Add the vanilla extract and three hundred grams of the mini marshmallows, stirring continuously until everything is completely smooth and melted together creating a sticky, sweet base.
- Combine Cereal and Marshmallow Mixture:
- Remove the pan from heat and fold in the crispy rice cereal along with five cups of Golden Grahams cereal. Add one cup of the reserved mini marshmallows to the bowl and mix gently but thoroughly to coat every piece with the marshmallow mixture without crushing the cereal.
- Add Chocolate Chips:
- Next fold in a quarter cup of the mini chocolate chips just enough to distribute them evenly throughout the mixture without letting them melt completely.
- Prepare the Pan and Add Toppings:
- Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the reserved half cup of Golden Grahams cereal and the remaining mini marshmallows over the top. Press broken pieces of the fun-size milk chocolate bars gently into the surface to create a generous chocolate layer that will melt slightly at room temperature.
- Allow to Set and Slice:
- Let the treats cool at room temperature for fifteen to twenty minutes until firm enough to cut. Slice into sixteen squares or the size of your choosing and serve immediately to enjoy the gooey goodness.
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The marshmallows bring irresistible chewiness while the chocolate bars on top create a delicious melty contrast. I remember the first time I served these at a family picnic, and watching the kids’ faces light up with excitement made the effort so worthwhile. The simple fun of these treats always brings back warm memories of campfires and shared stories.
Storage Tips
For the best texture store the treats in an airtight container at room temperature rather than the fridge to avoid hardening. If you want to keep them longer, wrapping them individually in wax paper before placing in the container helps retain freshness. Avoid storing near heat to prevent the chocolate from melting and becoming messy.
Ingredient Substitutions
If Golden Grahams are unavailable you can substitute with plain graham cracker crumbs or honey nut cereal for a slightly different flavor profile. For dairy-free options use coconut oil instead of butter and vegan marshmallows which hold up well in this recipe. Dark chocolate chunks work well as an alternative to milk chocolate bars if you prefer a more intense chocolate flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These treats shine on their own but also pair delightfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgent dessert. They are ideal for parties, potlucks, or a kid-friendly dessert at any season. You can also cut them into fun shapes using cookie cutters to dress them up for celebrations.
Recipe FAQs
- → What cereals are used in these bars?
A combination of Golden Grahams and crispy rice cereal provides a crunchy texture and subtle honey flavor.
- → How do I ensure the bars hold together well?
Melting the butter with marshmallows thoroughly, then mixing cereals gently helps coat each piece evenly, resulting in cohesive bars.
- → Can I use flavored chocolate for topping?
Yes, flavored chocolate bars can add extra depth and a richer taste to the final treat.
- → Is refrigeration needed after preparation?
These bars set well at room temperature; refrigeration isn’t necessary but can extend freshness if kept airtight.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
Keep the bars in a sealed container at room temperature to maintain their chewy texture for several days.
- → Can I adjust the sweetness level?
Reducing the amount of chocolate chips or marshmallows slightly can tone down overall sweetness without affecting texture greatly.