Toasted Rice Krispie Treats

Published 7/3/2024 • Updated 7/16/2024

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These Toasted Rice Krispie Treats REDEFINE what a rice krispie treats recipe should be! They start out made the traditional way, BUT THEN get toasted (or grilled) and loaded with mouthwatering goodies like peanut butter, chocolate, and toasted coconut.

Consider your expectations for rice krispie treats raised!

Stack of three toasted rice Krispie treats drizzled with chocolate and peanut butter on a white surface.

As a kid, I LOVED rice krispie treats — they were the perfect combination of sweet and crunchy. But as an adult with more refined taste buds, I started to find the traditional recipe a bit boring.

So naturally, I went to the lab (a.k.a. my kitchen) and created these Healthy Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats and Chocolate Peanut Butter Brown Rice Crispy Treats. BUT I took this rice krispie treats recipe a step further and declared it QUEEN.

And guess what? You don’t need to do too much more to make them even better. Cook ’em up like you usually would and then toast, add your toppings, and welcome to dessert heaven.

Ingredients for the BEST Homemade Rice Crispy Treats

Rice Crispies: Need I say more? The star ingredient of this classic dessert. The crispy texture and subtle flavor make them perfect for these treats.
Mini marshmallows: We prefer mini marshmallows as they melt more evenly, but you can use regular-sized ones as well.
Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps bind the ingredients together.
Peanut butter: This is the secret ingredient that takes these toasted rice krispie treats to the next level. The creamy, nutty flavor pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.
Mini chocolate chips: Melted and drizzled over the top, these add an extra layer of decadence.
Toasted coconut: I love the added crunch and flavor that toasted coconut brings to these treats. Plus, it gives them a beautiful appearance!

A pot filled with melted marshmallows and some toasted Rice Krispie treats, with a wooden spoon resting inside, on a light-colored surface.

Other Delicious Topping Ideas

Swap the peanut butter, chocolate, and coconut for a completely different flavor profile! Here are some creative and tasty ideas:

Nutella and hazelnuts: Spread a layer of Nutella on top before toasting for a rich and chocolatey twist. BTW, If you’re a Nutella lover, you’ll love our Healthy Nutella Energy Balls!

White chocolate and dried cranberries: The white chocolate adds sweetness while the tartness of the cranberries balances it out.

Caramel and sea salt: Drizzle caramel sauce over the top and sprinkle with sea salt for that perfect sweet and salty combo.

Peanut butter cups and pretzels: Crushed pretzels add crunch, while chopped peanut butter cups add an extra layer of deliciousness.

Make Grilled Rice Krispie Treats!

Give these rice krispie treats even more of a summer vibe, and grill them for a unique and tasty twist. Here’s how to do it:

Preheat the grill to 350ºF.
Place the rice krispie bar on a skewer and hold over the indirect heat of the gas.
Grill the rice crispy bars for 1-2 minutes or until golden brown, not black. Flip the rice crispy bar and repeat.

Three toasted Rice Krispie treats in a cast iron skillet on a light textured surface.

Our top recipe tips

We believe these rice krispie bars taste better golden brown than charred, but if you prefer them crispier, toast or grill them for a bit longer!
If you like your rice krispie treats thinner, make them in a 9×13-inch pan.

Close-up of five toasted Rice Krispie treats drizzled with chocolate and peanut butter, arranged on parchment paper. The treats are topped with crushed nuts.

How to Store Toasted Rice Krispie Treats

We highly doubt these treats will last long, but if you have some leftovers (or if you want to save some for later), simply let them cool before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap or storing them in an airtight container. They should stay fresh for up to 5 days at room temperature.

Toasted Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

These toasted rice krispy treats raise the bar on the classic dessert. The marshmallows get an extra toasty flavor and are topped with decadent ingredients like peanut butter, chocolate, and coconut for an indulgent twist.

By: Linley Hanson

Cook: 5

Total: 5

Servings:

Stacked toasted rice krispie treats drizzled with chocolate and caramel sauces on a white surface.

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Ingredients

▢ 6 cups rice crispies
▢ 5 ½ cups mini marshmallows
▢ 3 tablespoons butter

Load them up

▢ Drizzle of peanut butter
▢ Mini chocolate chips
▢ Toasted coconut

Instructions

Stove Top Method

Heat a large nonstick skillet over low heat and add the butter. Once the butter has melted add the marshmallows. Stir frequently until the marshmallows have melted. Remove from heat.
Add the rice krispies to the pan and stir until just combined.
Transfer the rice krispies to a 9×9-inch pan and gently press into the bottom. Set the rice kripsies aside for 15 minutes to allow them to firm up a bit.
After the rice crispies have firmed cut them into 12 bars.
Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Place 2-3 bars in the pan making sure not to crowd the pan. Toast for 1-2 minutes moving frequently so the marshmallows do not burn. Flip and toast for an additional 1-2 minutes. Feel free to cook for an additional minute if you would like the bars to be darker.
These toasted rice krispy treats are perfect to eat as is. But we like to LOAD THEM UP! To load them up drizzle with peanut butter, melted chocolate, and toasted coconut shreds.

Grill Method

Preheat the grill to 350ºF.
Place the rice krispy bar on a skewer and hold over the indirect heat of the gas.
Grill the rice crispy bars for 1-2 minutes or until golden brown, not black. Flip the rice crispy bar and repeat.

Tips & Notes

We believe these rice krispy bars taste golden brown better than charred, but to each their own.
If you like your rice krispy treats thinner, make them in a 9×13-inch pan.