Rice Krispie Ice Cream Stack

Rice Krispies Treats Ice Cream Sandwiches are the quintessential summer delight, offering a perfect blend of chewy, gooey krispie layers embracing a luxurious, creamy vanilla ice cream core. This incredible no-bake frozen dessert isn’t just a treat; it’s an experience that transcends ordinary sweets, promising pure joy with every bite.

Stacked homemade Rice Krispies Treats Ice Cream Sandwiches, perfectly cut and ready to be enjoyed, showcasing the crispy treat layers and creamy vanilla ice cream filling.

Unlocking the Magic of Homemade Rice Krispies Treats Ice Cream Sandwiches

The recent buzz around store-bought Rice Krispies Treats Ice Cream Sandwiches has taken the internet by storm. Whether people are raving about their newfound obsession or lamenting their inability to find them, one thing is clear: these frozen delights are in high demand. But what if we told you there’s an even better, more satisfying way to enjoy this trend? Forget the frantic store runs and the disappointment of empty shelves. We’re here to unveil the secret to creating these delectable treats right in your own kitchen – and trust us, the homemade version surpasses anything you’ll find pre-packaged.

There’s a unique charm in crafting these treats from scratch. Not only do you get to control the quality of ingredients, but the process itself is surprisingly simple and incredibly rewarding. As an avid dessert enthusiast, I can confidently say that these homemade Rice Krispies Treats Ice Cream Sandwiches are among the finest desserts I have ever had the pleasure of tasting and creating. In fact, they’ve become a weekly staple in my home. I’ve whipped up three batches of the classic vanilla and one of the rich chocolate version this week alone. The consensus among my family and their friends is unanimous: this is, without a doubt, the best dessert ever.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. It’s a no-bake wonder, making it perfect for hot summer days or any time you crave a quick, satisfying dessert without turning on the oven. The ease of preparation, combined with the sheer delight of customizing your own treats, makes this an exceptionally fun project for all ages. Why settle for less when you can effortlessly create a superior, personalized version of this viral sensation at home?

Process of melting marshmallows and mixing with crispy cereal, forming the foundation of soft and chewy Rice Krispies treat layers for the ice cream sandwiches.

The Secret to Perfectly Layered Rice Krispies Ice Cream Sandwiches

Crafting the ideal Rice Krispies Treats Ice Cream Sandwich involves a clever technique that ensures perfection every time. While you might be tempted to prepare one large batch of the Krispies treat mixture, our tried-and-true method involves dividing the process into two smaller batches. This strategic approach offers several key advantages that contribute to the superior texture and structure of your frozen desserts:

  • **Even Layers:** By making two separate batches, you can guarantee that both the top and bottom Krispies treat layers are perfectly uniform in thickness and consistency. This prevents one side from being too thin or dense, ensuring a balanced bite.
  • **Easier Handling:** Smaller batches are significantly more manageable to mix and press into the baking pan. The sticky nature of Rice Krispies treats can be challenging to work with in large quantities, but splitting it makes the spreading process smoother and more even, resulting in beautifully flat layers.
  • **Optimal Gooiness:** Overworking or excessively compressing the Krispies mixture can lead to a hard, brittle treat. Smaller batches allow for gentler handling and pressing, preserving that essential soft, chewy, and gooey texture that makes Rice Krispies treats so irresistible.

For a standard recipe yielding around 24 bars, I typically use one 12-ounce box of Rice Krispies cereal and a half-gallon of good quality ice cream. It’s always wise to have a little extra on hand, especially with the ice cream, to account for any generous scoops or unforeseen cravings during assembly!

Layering process for the ice cream sandwiches: pressing the first Rice Krispies layer into a 9x13 pan, adding a smooth layer of ice cream, and topping with the second Krispies treat layer.

Essential Ingredients for Your Ultimate Rice Krispies Ice Cream Sandwiches

Creating these delightful frozen treats requires only a handful of common ingredients. The key to their incredible flavor and texture lies in the quality and freshness of each component. Here’s what you’ll need to assemble your own batch of irresistible Rice Krispies Treats Ice Cream Sandwiches:

  • Butter: Opt for unsalted butter. This gives you complete control over the saltiness of your treats, ensuring they are perfectly balanced and not overly salty, which can overpower the sweet flavors.
  • Mini Marshmallows: Fresh miniature marshmallows are crucial for achieving that signature soft and gooey texture. Older marshmallows tend to be drier and won’t melt as smoothly, leading to a stiffer final product. They contribute to the elasticity and chewiness that makes these treats so enjoyable.
  • Rice Krispies Cereal: Fresh cereal is also vital for maximum crispiness. While plain Rice Krispies are the classic choice, feel free to experiment with other varieties like Cocoa Krispies for a chocolatey twist, or even Fruity Pebbles for a colorful and fruity rendition. The cereal provides the satisfying crunch against the creamy ice cream.
  • Salt: A small amount of salt is essential. It doesn’t make the treats salty; rather, it acts as a flavor enhancer, balancing the intense sweetness of the marshmallows and bringing out the depth of flavor in all the ingredients.
  • Vanilla Ice Cream: High-quality vanilla bean ice cream is a fantastic choice for its classic appeal and versatility. However, don’t hesitate to customize! Pair chocolate ice cream with Cocoa Krispies, or strawberry ice cream with Fruity Pebbles for an extra layer of themed deliciousness. Choose a flavor that complements your cereal of choice.

Expert Tips for Flawless Rice Krispies Treats Ice Cream Sandwiches

Achieving perfection with your homemade Rice Krispies Treats Ice Cream Sandwiches is simple when you follow a few expert tips. These guidelines will help you ensure your treats are chewy, creamy, and hold up beautifully:

  • **Keep the Ice Cream Layer Thin:** A common mistake is making the ice cream layer too thick. Aim for approximately a 1-inch layer. If the ice cream layer is too substantial, the bars will become incredibly hard when frozen, making them difficult and uncomfortable to bite into. A thinner layer maintains the perfect balance of soft treat and creamy filling.
  • **Always Use Fresh Marshmallows:** This tip cannot be stressed enough. Old, stale marshmallows will not melt properly, resulting in a tough, hard, and unpleasantly chewy treat rather than the desired soft and gooey consistency. Always open a fresh bag for the best results.
  • **Avoid Overcooking the Marshmallows:** When melting the butter and marshmallows, use medium-low heat and stir constantly until the marshmallows are *just* smooth. Immediately remove them from the heat once melted. If they get too hot or cook for too long, the sugar crystals in the marshmallows can recrystallize, leading to stiff, hard bars, especially after they’ve been frozen. Patience is key here.
  • **Freeze for Sufficient Time:** For the best structural integrity, allow your assembled ice cream sandwiches to freeze for a minimum of 4 hours, or ideally, overnight. If you cut into them too soon, the ice cream will likely be too soft and squish out when you take a bite, creating a messy situation. A fully frozen core ensures a clean and enjoyable eating experience.
  • **Work Quickly with the Ice Cream:** Once you’ve scooped the ice cream onto the first layer of treats, work swiftly to spread it into an even layer before it begins to melt excessively. The faster you can add the top Krispies layer and get the whole assembly back into the freezer, the better the final texture will be.
  • **Grease Your Hands (or Spatula):** When pressing the Rice Krispies mixture into the pan, lightly spray your hands or a rubber spatula with cooking spray. This prevents the sticky mixture from adhering, allowing for easier and more even spreading without over-compressing the treats.
  • **Sharp, Hot Knife for Cutting:** To achieve clean, neat cuts, use a very sharp knife that has been briefly run under hot water and then quickly dried. The warmth of the blade helps glide through both the frozen ice cream and the chewy treat layers, preventing sticking and tearing. Re-warm and wipe the knife as needed between cuts.
A delicious chocolate variation of the homemade Rice Krispies Treats Ice Cream Sandwiches, featuring chocolate Krispie layers and a rich chocolate ice cream filling.

Storage Solutions for Your Frozen Delights

Proper storage is key to maintaining the freshness and deliciousness of your Rice Krispies Treats Ice Cream Sandwiches. Once cut, each individual sandwich should be wrapped tightly. Use plastic wrap first to create an airtight seal, preventing freezer burn and keeping the treats soft. For extra protection, you can then wrap them again in aluminum foil. Store these carefully wrapped sandwiches in an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag in the freezer. For the absolute best texture and flavor, aim to enjoy them within one week. While they can last longer, the crispiness of the cereal and the quality of the ice cream may start to diminish over extended periods.

More Irresistible No-Bake and Easy Dessert Recipes:

If you’ve fallen in love with the simplicity and deliciousness of these Rice Krispies Treats Ice Cream Sandwiches, you’re in luck! There’s a whole world of easy, no-bake, and minimal-effort desserts waiting to be explored. Here are some more delightful recipes to satisfy your sweet tooth without spending hours in the kitchen:

  • No-Bake Cookies: A classic combination of chocolate and peanut butter, these quick cookies are always a crowd-pleaser.
  • Refreshing Ice Cream Pie: Featuring a delightful graham cracker crust, this pie is perfect for any celebration.
  • Easy Ice Cream Sandwich Cake: Layered with cookies and cream ice cream, this cake is as impressive as it is simple.
  • Delectable Pistachio Icebox Cake: A creamy and refreshing cake made with layers of whipped cream and delightful pistachio flavor.
  • Miniature Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes: Bite-sized cheesecakes topped with luscious cream cheese frosting, perfect for parties.
Finished Rice Krispies Treats Ice Cream Sandwich, cut into bars.
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Rice Krispies Treats Ice Cream Sandwich

By

Chelsea Lords
Rice Krispies Treats Ice Cream Sandwich elevates dessert to an extraordinary level. Imagine soft, buttery Krispie treats layered with a rich, creamy vanilla ice cream center.
Yields:

24
bars

Equipment

  • 2 9 x 13-inch baking pans plus parchment paper
  • Large pot

Ingredients

  • Cooking spray
  • 10 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
  • 16 cups miniature marshmallows divided, see note 1
  • 12 cups Rice Krispies cereal divided, see note 2
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt divided
  • 1 gallon vanilla bean ice cream

Instructions

  1. Line two 9×13-inch pans with parchment paper, ensuring there’s an overhang on the sides for easy lifting. Lightly spray the parchment paper with cooking spray to prevent sticking, then set the pans aside.
  2. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, melt 5 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium-low heat. Once the butter is fully melted, reduce the heat to its lowest setting. Add 8 cups of miniature marshmallows to the pot. Stir constantly, gently coaxing the marshmallows to melt until the mixture is just smooth and creamy. It’s crucial not to increase the heat, as this can lead to tough treats. Remove the pot from the heat as soon as they are melted.
  3. Immediately remove the pot from the stove. Stir in 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 6 cups of Rice Krispies cereal. Mix gently but thoroughly until the cereal is evenly coated with the marshmallow mixture. Transfer this mixture to one of your prepared pans. Using lightly greased hands or a greased spatula, gently press the mixture into an even layer in the pan. Avoid pressing too firmly, as this will compact the treats and make them hard instead of soft and chewy.
  4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 to create a second batch of Rice Krispies treats, using the remaining 5 tablespoons of butter, 8 cups of marshmallows, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 6 cups of Rice Krispies cereal. Press this second batch into the other prepared pan. Allow both pans of Rice Krispies treats to cool completely at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes.
  5. Once the Krispies treats are cool, take one pan and scoop a thin, even layer of ice cream over it. Aim for a layer that is about 1 inch thick. Spread and press the ice cream gently to ensure it covers the entire surface evenly. A thinner ice cream layer is crucial, as a thick layer will make the final bars much harder to eat once frozen solid. Work quickly to prevent the ice cream from melting too much.
  6. Using the parchment paper overhang, carefully lift the second block of Rice Krispies treats out of its pan. Invert it directly onto the ice cream layer in the first pan. Gently press down firmly and evenly across the top to adhere the two Krispies layers to the ice cream. Once secured, carefully peel off the parchment paper from the top layer.
  7. Cover the entire pan tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Transfer the pan to the freezer and allow it to freeze until completely solid, which typically takes about 4 to 8 hours, or preferably overnight for the best results.
  8. Once fully frozen, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire Rice Krispies ice cream sandwich block onto a sturdy cutting board. To cut into individual bars, use a very sharp knife that has been run under hot water and thoroughly dried. The warm blade will help create clean cuts through the frozen layers. If the bars are too hard to cut immediately, let them sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes to soften slightly. Promptly return any leftover bars to the freezer, ensuring they are tightly covered to maintain freshness.

Recipe Notes

Note 1: The quality of your marshmallows significantly impacts the final texture of your treats. Always use soft, fresh miniature marshmallows. Avoid overcooking them or using high heat during the melting process, as this can cause the sugar to crystallize and lead to overly firm or hard bars, especially after they’ve been frozen. Gentle, low heat is key for a perfectly gooey consistency.

Note 2: While classic plain Rice Krispies cereal delivers that nostalgic flavor, don’t be afraid to get creative! Try using Cocoa Krispies for a chocolate-infused treat, or even Fruity Pebbles for a vibrant, colorful, and fruity twist. If you opt for Cocoa Krispies, chocolate ice cream makes an exceptional and complementary filling!

Storage: To keep your Rice Krispies Treats Ice Cream Sandwiches fresh and prevent freezer burn, wrap each individual sandwich tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Store them in an airtight container in the freezer. For optimal flavor and texture, it is best to enjoy them within one week of preparation.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 serving |
Calories: 452kcal |
Carbohydrates: 66g |
Protein: 6g |
Fat: 19g |
Saturated Fat: 12g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g |
Monounsaturated Fat: 1.3g |
Cholesterol: 102mg |
Sodium: 306mg |
Potassium: 213mg |
Fiber: 0.5g |
Sugar: 43g |
Vitamin A: 966IU |
Calcium: 106mg |
Iron: 0.5mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.






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