Ultimate S’mores Rice Krispie Treats: The Gooey, No-Bake Dessert with Golden Grahams

Prepare to elevate your dessert game with these incredible **S’mores Rice Krispie Treats**! Forget the campfire – you can now enjoy all the classic s’mores flavors in a convenient, no-bake bar. This recipe combines the satisfying crunch of Rice Krispies with the delightful honey-graham taste of Golden Grahams cereal, all bound together by a perfectly gooey, melted marshmallow mixture. But it doesn’t stop there! We take it a step further by adding a luscious layer of melty chocolate and a generous topping of extra marshmallows, truly transforming this beloved summer treat into an irresistible, handheld delight. Get ready for a dessert that’s easy to make, utterly delicious, and packed with that nostalgic s’mores magic.

Once you’ve mastered the art of the classic Rice Krispie Treats, a world of creative possibilities opens up. These versatile cereal bars are perfect for experimentation! Add a vibrant pop of color with my popular Fruity Pebble Rice Krispie Treats or the decadent Red Velvet Rice Krispie Treats. For an extra layer of gourmet flavor, try my sophisticated Salted Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats! And if you love a simple but effective mix-in, my M&M Rice Krispie Treats are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. This S’mores version, however, stands out as a unique twist, bringing the beloved campfire experience right to your kitchen.

Why This S’mores Rice Krispie Treat Recipe is a Must-Try

There are countless reasons why this S’mores Rice Krispie Treats recipe will become your new favorite no-bake dessert. It perfectly encapsulates the nostalgic flavors and textures of a classic s’more, all in an easy-to-make bar format. Here’s what makes it truly special:

• Authentic S’mores Flavor with Golden Grahams. The secret to capturing that genuine s’mores essence lies in the clever use of Golden Grahams cereal. These crispy, honey-flavored squares flawlessly mimic the taste and texture of graham crackers, eliminating the need for actual crushed crackers. This simple swap ensures every bite delivers that unmistakable s’mores flavor, combining with the Rice Krispies for a delightful textural contrast that truly sets these treats apart.
• Irresistible Melty Chocolate Layer. What’s a s’more without melty chocolate? This recipe ensures you get that gooey chocolate goodness in every bite by incorporating a strategic layer of Hershey’s chocolate pieces right in the middle of the treats. We start with a base of the s’mores Rice Krispies mixture, then add a generous layer of chocolate, followed by more of the cereal mixture. As the treats set, the chocolate slightly melts into the warm marshmallow, creating delightful pockets of rich, creamy chocolate that ooze when you take a bite – just like a real campfire s’more! (And yes, we even top it with more chocolate for good measure!)
• Effortless No-Bake Preparation. One of the biggest advantages of these S’mores Rice Krispie Treats is how incredibly easy they are to make. There’s no baking involved, making them perfect for hot summer days or when you need a quick dessert without turning on the oven. With minimal cooking steps and simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these delicious treats in under 15 minutes of active prep time.
• Perfect Gooey Texture. The combination of expertly melted marshmallows and the addition of extra mini marshmallows at the end creates an incredibly soft, chewy, and irresistibly gooey texture. We’ll share tips below on how to achieve this ideal consistency every time, ensuring your treats are never hard or dense.
• A Fun Twist on a Classic. While traditional Rice Krispie Treats are wonderful, this s’mores variation offers an exciting and innovative twist that delights both kids and adults. It’s a creative way to enjoy two beloved desserts in one spectacular treat, perfect for parties, potlucks, or just a sweet craving.

Essential Ingredient Notes for Perfect S’mores Treats

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of flavor and texture in these S’mores Rice Krispie Treats. Here’s what you need to know to ensure your treats are nothing short of spectacular:

• Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter is key for controlling the overall flavor profile of your treats. This allows you to adjust the amount of salt in the recipe precisely, ensuring a perfectly balanced sweetness without being overly salty. If you only have salted butter on hand, you can use it, but be sure to reduce the added kosher salt by at least half a teaspoon to avoid an overly salty outcome.
• Mini Marshmallows: When it comes to Rice Krispie Treats, mini marshmallows are always your best friend. Their smaller size means they melt much faster and more evenly over lower heat. If you opt for larger marshmallows, the mixture will need to stay on the heat for a longer period to achieve complete melting. This extended cooking time can lead to a tougher, chewier, and less desirable texture in the final marshmallow mixture. Stick with mini marshmallows for the ultimate soft and gooey result.
• Kosher Salt: Salt is not just for savory dishes; it’s a flavor enhancer in sweets too! Kosher salt has a coarser texture and a purer flavor than standard table salt. It helps to balance the sweetness of the marshmallows and chocolate, adding depth to the s’mores flavor. Remember that kosher salt measures differently than table salt: if a recipe calls for kosher salt, use 1/4 teaspoon less of table salt per teaspoon. Conversely, if a recipe calls for table salt, use 1/4 teaspoon more of kosher salt per teaspoon.
• Golden Grahams Cereal: This is the secret weapon for these s’mores treats! Golden Grahams cereal delivers that authentic graham cracker flavor and satisfying crunch that is essential for a true s’more experience. It blends seamlessly with the Rice Krispies, providing the perfect balance of textures and flavors to mimic the classic campfire treat.
• Rice Krispies Cereal: It wouldn’t be Rice Krispie Treats without the classic Rice Krispies cereal! These light, crispy puffed rice pieces provide the iconic airy and crunchy base that absorbs the gooey marshmallow mixture beautifully. They are fundamental to the treat’s structure and texture.
• Hershey’s Chocolate Bars: For that classic s’mores taste, Hershey’s chocolate bars are the ideal choice. We’re not just adding chocolate on top; we’re creating a delightful molten layer within the treats. Breaking the bars into pieces and layering them into the mixture ensures you get pockets of rich, melted chocolate throughout, mirroring the experience of biting into a warm, gooey s’more. Plus, extra pieces on top make for a beautiful presentation.
• Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla extract is crucial for rounding out the flavors. It enhances the sweetness of the marshmallows and adds a warm, aromatic note that complements the chocolate and graham flavors, elevating the overall taste of your treats.

Easy Step-by-Step Instructions to Make S’mores Rice Krispie Treats

Crafting these delectable S’mores Rice Krispie Treats is surprisingly simple! Follow these detailed steps for a perfectly gooey and delicious result every time:

1. Prepare Your Pan and Melt the Gooey Base. First, line an 8×8 inch square baking pan with aluminum foil, making sure to leave an overhang on the sides for easy removal later. Generously spray the foil with nonstick cooking spray; this is crucial to prevent sticking. Set the prepared pan aside. Next, in a large, heavy-bottomed pot, melt the unsalted butter over medium-low heat. It’s important to err on the side of low heat to prevent the butter from browning too quickly, which can alter the flavor. Once the butter is fully melted, add 8 cups of mini marshmallows. Stir continuously with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon until the marshmallows are just melted and smooth. Be patient and keep the heat low to avoid scorching.
2. Infuse Flavor with Vanilla and Salt. As soon as the marshmallows have just melted and formed a smooth, gooey mixture (refer to image 2 for the ideal consistency), remove the pot from the heat immediately. Swiftly stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. Mix thoroughly until these ingredients are fully combined into the marshmallow base. The vanilla adds a lovely warmth, and the salt perfectly balances the sweetness.
3. Combine with Cereal. Now for the cereal! Add 3 cups of Golden Grahams cereal and 3 cups of Rice Krispie cereal into the pot with the marshmallow mixture. Working quickly, use your spatula to gently fold and mix the cereals until every piece is completely coated in the sticky marshmallow goodness. Be sure to scrape the bottom and sides of the pot to ensure an even distribution.

4. Add More Marshmallow Goodness. To achieve those wonderful pockets of soft, melted marshmallow throughout your treats, add the remaining 2 cups of mini marshmallows to the cereal mixture. Stir them in just enough so they are coated but still mostly whole. This technique prevents them from fully melting and ensures a delightful gooeyness in the final product.
5. Layer the Treats with Chocolate. Now it’s time to assemble! Spoon exactly half of the s’mores Rice Krispie Treats mixture into your prepared pan. Using a lightly greased spatula or your fingertips (also lightly greased to prevent sticking), GENTLY spread the mixture to cover the bottom of the pan evenly. Remember, do NOT press down firmly; a light hand is key for soft treats. Next, arrange the broken Hershey’s chocolate squares evenly over this layer of treats, ensuring good coverage.

6. Finish Layering and Top with Extra Goodies. Spoon the remaining half of the s’mores Rice Krispie Treats mixture over the chocolate layer. Again, using that same gentle spreading technique, lightly spread the mixture to cover the chocolate completely. For that irresistible s’mores aesthetic, immediately scatter the remaining chocolate pieces, a few extra Golden Grahams cereal pieces, and a small handful of mini marshmallows over the top. This not only looks great but adds more texture and flavor. Allow your gooey S’mores Rice Krispie Treats to sit undisturbed at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, to fully set. Once cooled, use the foil overhang to lift the entire slab out of the pan, place it on a cutting board, and slice into squares with a sharp, lightly greased knife. Serve and enjoy!

Expert Tips for the Best S’mores Rice Krispie Treats

Achieving perfectly soft, chewy, and genuinely gooey S’mores Rice Krispie Treats is all about a few key techniques. Keep these expert tips in mind to ensure your treats are nothing short of spectacular:

• The Golden Rule: Do NOT Press! This is perhaps the most critical tip for any Rice Krispie Treat, and especially for this S’mores version with Golden Grahams. When transferring the mixture to the pan, resist the urge to press it down firmly. Pressing the mixture compacts it, crushing the delicate cereal and marshmallows, which will instantly make your treats hard, dense, and difficult to chew. Instead, use a lightly greased spatula or your fingertips to GENTLY spread the mixture into an even layer, letting it settle naturally into the pan. You want a light, airy touch.
• Customize Your Chocolate Factor. The recipe calls for a specific amount of Hershey’s chocolate, but feel free to add more in the middle layer if you’re a true chocolate lover! You can also mix in milk chocolate chips or chopped chocolate chunks along with the cereal for an extra chocolatey boost throughout the entire treat.
• Mini Marshmallows Are Superior. As mentioned in the ingredient notes, using mini marshmallows yields far superior results. Their small size allows them to melt quickly and evenly over low heat, minimizing the time the marshmallow mixture is exposed to heat. Overcooking the marshmallow mixture, even slightly, can lead to a tough, hard texture once cooled. Mini marshmallows help keep everything wonderfully soft and gooey.
• The Secret to Gooey Pockets: Late Addition Marshmallows. Adding 2 cups of mini marshmallows towards the end, after the initial batch has fully melted and coated the cereal, is a game-changer. These partially melted, partially whole marshmallows create delightful pockets of pure, gooey marshmallow throughout the finished S’mores Rice Krispies. This technique not only enhances the flavor but also significantly contributes to a softer, more luxurious texture.
• Chocolate Substitutions and Enhancements. If you don’t have Hershey’s chocolate bars on hand, don’t fret! You can easily substitute with an equal amount of milk chocolate chips or good quality chocolate chunks. For an even deeper chocolate flavor that runs through the entire treat, consider using Cocoa Krispies instead of or in combination with regular Rice Krispies.
• Elevate the Visual Appeal with Toppings. For that irresistible “wow” factor and to truly emphasize the s’mores theme, I love adding extra mini marshmallows, more broken chocolate pieces, and a few Golden Grahams cereal pieces on top before the treats set. This not only makes them look professionally made but also offers a preview of the deliciousness inside.
• Patience is Key for Setting. Allowing the S’mores Rice Krispie Treats to sit undisturbed for 30-60 minutes at room temperature is essential. This crucial setting time lets the marshmallow mixture firm up just enough to hold its shape while remaining wonderfully soft and gooey. Cutting them too soon can result in a messy, sticky situation.
• Effortless Slicing. Once set, use a large, sharp knife to cut your treats. For cleaner cuts and to prevent sticking, you can lightly grease the knife with cooking spray or butter. Wiping the knife clean between cuts also helps.
• The Power of Nonstick Spray. Don’t underestimate the importance of a generous spray of nonstick cooking spray on your aluminum foil-lined pan. This simple step ensures that the finished squares can be lifted out and separated with absolute ease, preventing any frustrating sticking.

Make Ahead, Storing, and Freezing Your S’mores Rice Krispie Treats

These S’mores Rice Krispie Treats are so quick and easy to prepare that “make-ahead” isn’t usually necessary for the actual mixing. However, preparing your pan with foil and spray in advance can shave off a minute or two when you’re ready to assemble!

• Storing: To keep your treats perfectly soft and gooey, store them in an airtight container or a large Ziploc bag (ensure all excess air is pressed out) at room temperature. They will stay fresh and delicious for 2-3 days. Do NOT store these in the refrigerator! The cold temperature will cause the marshmallow mixture to harden substantially, making the treats dense and tough.
• Reheating for Ultimate Gooeyness: If your treats have sat for a while and you want to recapture that fresh-out-of-the-pot gooeyness, simply place an individual square in the microwave for just a few seconds (5-10 seconds should do it!). This gentle warmth will soften the marshmallows, bringing back that delightful sticky texture.
• Freezing: Yes, you can freeze these sweet treats! To freeze, first cut the treats into individual squares. Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap, then wrap it again in aluminum foil. This double layer of protection helps prevent freezer burn. Store the wrapped treats in a freezer-safe bag or container in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply remove a square from the freezer, unwrap it, and let it thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. You can then warm it slightly in the microwave for a few seconds if desired, to bring back that delightful gooey texture.

S’mores Rice Krispie Treats: Your Questions Answered

Have more questions about making the best S’mores Rice Krispie Treats? We’ve got you covered with answers to common inquiries:

More Irresistible Snack Recipes to Try

If you loved these S’mores Rice Krispie Treats, you’re in for a treat with these other easy and delicious snack recipes. Perfect for satisfying those sweet cravings or for a quick party platter!

• Donut Apples: A healthy and fun twist on a classic treat, perfect for kids!
• Almond Joy Protein Balls: Fuel your day with these delicious, energy-boosting bites that taste like your favorite candy bar.
• Oreo Popcorn: The ultimate movie night snack, combining crunchy popcorn with chocolatey Oreo cookies.
• Cinnamon Roll Popcorn: Sweet, sticky, and bursting with cinnamon sugar flavor – a delightful twist on classic popcorn.