Recipe

5 Ways to Make Rice Krispies Treats Great Again

By Megan Clarkson at University of San Diego

This past weekend, I went home and found my mom making Rice Krispie Treats. I was in awe at how this simple, quick recipe created such a delicious treat. Everybody loves the traditional Rice Krispie Treats, but my mom and I like adding unique toppings into the mix. So, I bring to you, the traditional recipe—plus four different add-ins to spice up your baking. 

Original Rice Krispie Treats

  • Prep Time: 3 mins
  • Cook Time: 7 mins
  • Total Time: 10 mins
  • Servings: 24
Ingredients
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1 package 10 oz. marshmallows
  • 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal

Photo by Megan Clarkson

Step 1

In a large pot, melt the butter over low heat. Add in the package of marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Add Rice Krispies and stir until well coated and they're sticking together.

Photo by Megan Clarkson

Step 2

Spray a 13x9x2-inch pan with cooking spray. Evenly press the Rice Krispie mixture into the pan using wax paper to press it down. Now it's time to lick the bowl!

#SpoonTip: In this example, I added M&M's for an added chocolatey flavor and colorfulness.

Photo by Megan Clarkson

Oreo Rice Krispies Treats

  • Prep Time: 5 mins
  • Cook Time: 10 mins
  • Total Time: 15 mins
  • Servings: 24
Ingredients
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 10 oz. bag marshmallows
  • 5-6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
  • Approximately 14 chopped Oreos
  • 1 1/3 cups white chocolate chips
  • Approximately 8 Oreos chopped into bits

Photo by Megan Clarkson

Step 1

Make the Rice Krispies Treats the same way as the Original recipe, except add in the 14 chopped Oreos before pouring them into the pan.

Step 2

Melt white chocolate in microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring after each interval until smooth and melted. Spread melted chocolate over Rice Krispies Treats and immediately sprinkle with 8 chopped Oreos.

Photo by Megan Clarkson

Crispy Chocolate Squares

  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 2 mins 30 secs
  • Total Time: 17 mins 30 secs
  • Servings: 24
Ingredients
  • 10 oz. package marshmallows
  • 1 cup chocolate chips
  • 2 cups Rice Krispies cereal
  • 1 cup peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 cup salted peanuts
  • 1 cup chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 2 cups powdered sugar

Photo by Megan Clarkson

Step 1

Combine marshmallows, peanut butter, chocolate chips, and 1/2 cup butter. Cover and microwave on HIGH for 2 1/2 minutes. Stir until blended (it will be lumpy). Add Rice Krispies cereal and peanuts. Stir until well coated. Spread into greased 9x13 inch pan.

Photo by Megan Clarkson

Step 2

This next step is for the topping. Combine chocolate chips, 1/4 cup butter, and milk. Cover and microwave on HIGH for 1 1/2 minutes. Mix well. Add powdered sugar and vanilla. With an electric mixer, beat frosting until smooth. Spread over cereal mixture.

Photo by Megan Clarkson

Step 3

Cover and refrigerate 2 hours or until firm. Cut into squares.

Photo by Megan Clarkson

Crispy Pretzel Bars

  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 3 mins
  • Total Time: 18 mins
  • Servings: 24
Ingredients
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter
  • 2 cups pretzel sticks
  • 1 cup light corn syrup
  • 5 cups Rice Krispies cereal
  • 1 cup plain M&M's

Photo by Megan Clarkson

Step 1

Combine the sugar and corn syrup. Microwave on HIGH for 3 minutes or until sugar is dissolved. Stir in peanut butter until blended. Add the cereal, pretzels, and M&M's. Stir until coated. Press into a greased 9 x 13 pan and cut into bars.

Photo by Megan Clarkson

Muddy Buddy Rice Krispie Treats

  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 2 mins
  • Total Time: 17 mins
  • Servings: 24
Ingredients
  • 2 tablespoons butter or vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter
  • 1 10 oz. bag marshmallows
  • 2 cups chocolate chips
  • 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
  • Powdered sugar

Photo by Megan Clarkson

Step 1

Spray 9x13 inch pan with cooking spray. Set aside. Place butter, peanut butter, marshmallows, and chocolate in a large bowl. Heat in 30 second increments, stirring between each time, until melted. Stir in Rice Krispies. Press into pan and let them cool. Cut into squares and then coat with powdered sugar.

Photo by Megan Clarkson

As you can see, there are many different varieties of Rice Krispies Treats you can make. There are flavors to fill whatever craving you're having, whether that is for peanut butter, chocolate, Oreos, or anything in between.