No-Bake Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Sweet, crunchy rice cereal bars bound with rich chocolate and marshmallows for an easy treat. This desserts ready in about 10 minutes layers unsalted butter, mini marshmallows, semisweet chocolate chips into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 230 calories and feeds 12, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Serves 12 Desserts cuisine 230 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Grease a 9x13-inch pan with 1 tbsp unsalted butter and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a large pot over low heat, melt 3 tbsp unsalted butter, then add 4 cups mini marshmallows and stir continuously until fully melted and smooth, about 5 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Remove the pot from heat and immediately stir in 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 1/8 tsp salt until the chocolate chips are melted and the mixture is uniform.
  4. Step 4: Add 6 cups rice cereal to the chocolate marshmallow mixture and gently fold with a spatula until all cereal is evenly coated.
  5. Step 5: Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and press down firmly with a buttered spatula to create an even layer.
  6. Step 6: Let cool at room temperature for 1 hour until set, then cut into squares and serve.

Frequently asked questions

How long does No-Bake Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats take to make?

Total time is about 10 minutes (10 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover No-Bake Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in No-Bake Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale No-Bake Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with No-Bake Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats?

Desserts desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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