A Sweet Memory Turned Recipe Favorite
My love for baking started early, with sticky fingers and big smiles in our warm little kitchen. Rice Krispies treats were one of the first recipes my mom taught me. We’d laugh as marshmallows melted into golden butter, folding in those puffy little rice crisps until the mixture turned glossy and sweet.
The sound of the spoon scraping the pot still rings in my ears. Years later, I wanted to give that nostalgic treat a cool twist, perfect for hot days. That’s when I created these rice krispies ice cream bars—a mashup of my childhood favorite and a creamy summer indulgence.
These rice krispies ice cream bars quickly became a family favorite, especially at summer get-togethers. I tested batch after batch, tweaking the layering until it was just right. My friends and family couldn’t stop at one, and now they request these rice krispies ice cream bars for every sunny celebration.
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Rice Krispies Ice Cream Bars Recipe – A Fun, Chilled Classic
- Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy, creamy, and nostalgic, these rice krispies ice cream bars are a cool summer treat made with just 5 ingredients. Perfect for parties, BBQs, or a freezer-friendly dessert.
Ingredients
3 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cups mini marshmallows
6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
1.5 quarts vanilla ice cream (softened)
1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional for drizzle)
Instructions
1. Line a 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper.
2. Melt butter in a pot over low heat. Stir in marshmallows until fully melted.
3. Remove from heat and stir in Rice Krispies until coated.
4. Press half the mixture into the pan evenly. Let cool slightly.
5. Spread softened ice cream evenly over the cereal base.
6. Top with remaining cereal mixture and press gently.
7. Freeze for at least 3 hours or until firm.
8. Lift with parchment and slice into bars.
9. Drizzle with melted chocolate if desired.
Notes
Use parchment for easy removal.
For clean cuts, use a hot knife.
Store bars in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
What Makes Rice Krispies Ice Cream Bars So Special?
There’s something downright irresistible about these bars. You get the chewiness of Rice Krispies treats paired with smooth, rich ice cream. That contrast of crisp and creamy? Pure dessert harmony. Unlike store-bought ice cream sandwiches, rice krispies ice cream bars stay tender in the freezer, and the cereal base never gets soggy.
The recipe is simple: buttery Rice Krispies layers wrapped around your favorite frozen flavor. Whether you go classic with vanilla or switch it up with cookies and cream, the results are always delicious. These rice krispies ice cream bars are not only nostalgic and fun but also naturally gluten-free, customizable, and freezer-friendly.
What You’ll Need & How to Make It
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
You just need five basic items for these rice krispies ice cream bars, but each one plays a big role in building flavor and texture:
- Rice Krispies cereal – this light and crispy base gives the bars their signature crunch.
- Marshmallows – for that sticky, gooey binding magic.
- Butter – adds a rich, buttery flavor and smooth texture.
- Softened vanilla ice cream – the creamy center that cools everything down. Swap for chocolate, strawberry, or even mint.
- Optional chocolate chips – melt these over the top for a simple chocolate drizzle.
Easy Assembly for Maximum Fun
- Prepare the pan – Line a square baking dish with parchment paper, leaving extra hanging on two opposite sides.
- Make the cereal layer – Melt butter and marshmallows in a pan over low heat, stirring until glossy. Mix in Rice Krispies until every piece is coated.
- First layer – Press half the cereal mixture firmly into the pan. Use a buttered spatula to get even coverage.
- Add ice cream – Spread softened vanilla ice cream evenly over the bottom layer, smoothing with an offset spatula.
- Top it off – Gently press the remaining cereal mixture onto the ice cream, as evenly as possible.
- Freeze until firm – Transfer the dish to the freezer for at least 2–3 hours or overnight for the best texture.
Pro tip: while layering, chill your spatula in the freezer for cleaner lines. When it’s frozen solid, lift the whole slab using parchment paper and slice into bars. Serve chilled or wrapped for a grab-and-go treat.
Variations & Tips to Customize
Creative Twists on the Classic
Rice krispies ice cream bars are already a treat, but why stop at classic vanilla? There are so many fun ways to change things up depending on your cravings and the season. For a fruity flair, spread a thin layer of strawberry jam over the bottom cereal crust before adding ice cream. Want a nutty twist? Swirl in peanut butter or almond butter with the marshmallow mixture before pressing it into the pan.
Chocolate lovers can stir mini chocolate chips or cocoa nibs into the cereal mix, or even melt chocolate and coconut oil for a snappy coating over the top. Around the holidays, a peppermint ice cream version with red and green sprinkles is always a hit. And yes, the fun doesn’t stop there—try using Fruity Pebbles or chocolate rice cereal for bold color and flavor.
Helpful Prep & Storage Tips
To make sure your rice krispies ice cream bars come out perfectly, here are a few tricks I swear by. First, lightly butter your parchment paper—it keeps the cereal layers from sticking as you press them. Also, soften the ice cream just enough to spread without melting; too soft and it’ll soak into the base.
Once your bars are fully frozen, lift the whole slab out by the parchment and slice with a warm knife—just run it under hot water, dry, then cut. Store the sliced bars in a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers, or wrap individually in wax paper for easy snacking.
They’ll keep well for up to two weeks—though let’s be real, they never last that long in my house.
Conclusion: Chill, Crunch, Repeat
There’s something truly joyful about desserts that blend comfort with creativity. These rice krispies ice cream bars are just that—a little bit retro, a whole lot of fun, and totally doable in your own kitchen. Whether you stick with classic vanilla or add your own twist, rice krispies ice cream bars bring flavor, nostalgia, and ease to the table. And because they’re freezer-friendly and crowd-pleasing, they’re perfect for gatherings, BBQs, or simply treating yourself after a long day.
If you’ve loved this recipe, I’d be thrilled if you checked out more easy favorites like my Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup or Dubai Chocolate Covered Strawberries.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are Kellogg’s Rice Krispies bars healthy?
Rice Krispies bars, while fun and nostalgic, aren’t exactly a health food. The classic store-bought versions are mostly made from rice cereal, corn syrup, sugar, and sometimes added fats or preservatives. While they’re low in fat and have modest calories per bar, they offer little in terms of fiber, protein, or vitamins. However, when you make rice krispies ice cream bars at home, you can control portions, ingredients, and even reduce sugar by opting for lighter ice cream or adding in fruit like banana slices
Why don’t they sell Rice Krispies anymore?
This is a common question lately! Kellogg’s Rice Krispies cereal has experienced supply chain delays and ingredient sourcing issues in recent years. In some regions, it has become harder to find, especially during peak production challenges post-pandemic. But don’t worry—it’s not discontinued. Kellogg’s has stated they are working to stabilize production. Meanwhile, most grocery chains carry generic puffed rice cereal that works just as well for this recipe.
Are Rice Krispies bars halal?
Kellogg’s Rice Krispies cereal itself is generally made with ingredients that are plant-based and not inherently non-halal. However, the marshmallows used in traditional Rice Krispies treats (and ice cream bars) are often made with gelatin, which may not be halal unless sourced from halal-certified beef. The good news is, there are many halal-certified or gelatin-free marshmallows on the market, so you can easily make this recipe suitable for halal diets.
Why were strawberry Rice Krispies discontinued?
Strawberry Rice Krispies cereal, the pink-hued fruity spin-off, was discontinued due to low sales and limited demand, though it had a small cult following. While it occasionally makes limited-edition comebacks, it’s not part of the core cereal lineup. If you loved the flavor, you can recreate the vibe by mixing freeze-dried strawberries or strawberry-flavored marshmallows into your rice krispies ice cream bars—a trick I use often in my berry dessert recipes.