Nutella Rice Krispie Treats

Oh, these Nutella Rice Krispie treats! Honestly, just saying the name makes me a little giddy. It takes me right back to being a kid, the smell of melting marshmallows filling our tiny kitchen, and the absolute pure joy of a sticky, sweet, perfectly chewy treat. You know how some recipes are just comfort food personified? This is one of them, but with a ridiculously decadent twist that makes it feel like a special occasion, even when it’s just a Tuesday. Forget those basic Rice Krispie treats you might have had; this is the upgrade you didn’t know you needed, but once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. It’s that irresistible combination of crunchy cereal, gooey marshmallow, and that unmistakable hazelnut-chocolate magic that Nutella brings to the table. Honestly, it’s so good, it’s almost unbelievable how simple it is to make.

What are Nutella Rice Krispie Treats?

So, what exactly are Nutella Rice Krispie Treats? Imagine your favorite, classic Rice Krispie Treat – that perfect balance of soft chewiness and crispy crunch. Now, take that and swirl in a generous amount of glorious, creamy Nutella. That’s pretty much it! It’s not a complicated new dessert; it’s an evolution, a loving upgrade to a beloved classic. Think of it as taking something already fantastic and giving it a rich, chocolatey, hazelnut hug. The Nutella melts beautifully into the marshmallow mixture, creating gorgeous ribbons of flavor throughout the whole pan. It’s essentially the most comforting, nostalgic treat, elevated with that rich, addictive spread we all know and love. It’s that perfect bite that’s both familiar and excitingly new all at once.

How do you make Nutella Rice Krispie Treats?

Quick Overview

The magic of these Nutella Rice Krispie Treats lies in their utter simplicity. We’re essentially taking the classic no-bake method and infusing it with the irresistible flavor of Nutella. You’ll melt butter and marshmallows, stir in the star ingredient (Nutella, of course!), then fold in your crispy rice cereal. Once everything is combined and gorgeously gooey, you’ll press it into a prepared pan, maybe swirl in a little extra Nutella for good measure, and let it set. That’s it! No baking, minimal mess, and maximum deliciousness. It’s the perfect sweet treat for any occasion, and I promise, even if you’re a novice in the kitchen, you’ll nail this on the first try. It’s truly one of those recipes that feels like a cheat code for making something amazing.

Ingredients

For the Main Treat:
Let’s talk ingredients! For the base of our glorious Nutella Rice Krispie Treats, you’ll need:
– 6 tablespoons unsalted butter: I always opt for good quality butter because it really makes a difference in the richness of the final product. You can’t go wrong with a classic.
– 1 (10 ounce) package marshmallows (about 40 large or 4 cups mini): Fresh marshmallows are key here. If they’re old and hard, your treats will be too. Mini marshmallows melt a little faster, but either works perfectly.
– 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract: Don’t skip this! It adds a subtle depth of flavor that rounds everything out beautifully.
– 6 cups crispy rice cereal: The star crunch! Make sure you’re using the classic crispy rice cereal, not sweetened versions, as we’re already adding plenty of sweetness.
– 1/2 cup creamy Nutella: This is where the magic happens! Use your favorite jar of creamy Nutella. Make sure it’s at room temperature so it’s easy to stir in.

For the Swirl (Optional but highly recommended!):
This is where you can really make these treats sing.
– 1/4 cup creamy Nutella: Just a little extra to swirl on top for that extra wow factor. If you’re feeling extra decadent, you could even warm this slightly to make it pourable.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

First things first, let’s get our workspace ready. You’ll need a 9×13 inch baking pan. To make sure our treats don’t stick (and trust me, nobody wants to scrub sticky marshmallow off a pan!), I like to lightly grease it with butter or cooking spray. Some people also like to line it with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang on the sides. This makes lifting the whole block out so much easier! I usually go with a light coating of butter, it does the trick perfectly for me.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl – I’m talking REALLY large, you’ll thank me later – pour in your 6 cups of crispy rice cereal. Just let it sit there, looking innocent. This is the only “dry” ingredient we’re dealing with in this step, but it’s crucial to have it ready to go when everything else is melted and gooey. No need to mix anything yet; we’re just prepping our base.

Step 3: Melt Butter & Marshmallows

Grab a large saucepan. Add your 6 tablespoons of butter and let it melt over medium-low heat. Once the butter is mostly melted, add in your entire bag of marshmallows. Keep stirring gently. The goal is to melt them slowly and evenly, without scorching them. You want a smooth, luscious, gooey mass. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. If you’re using mini marshmallows, they’ll melt a bit faster than the large ones. Keep an eye on it; you’re looking for a super smooth texture, with no stubborn marshmallow lumps left.

Step 4: Stir in the Nutella & Vanilla

Once the marshmallows are completely melted and smooth, remove the saucepan from the heat. Now for the best part! Add the 1/2 cup of creamy Nutella and the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract directly into the melted marshmallow mixture. Stir it all together until it’s wonderfully combined and you have this gorgeous, glossy, chocolate-hazelnut-marshmallow goo. The color will be a beautiful light brown, and the smell? Divine! Seriously, this is where you start to understand why these are so special. Make sure the Nutella is fully incorporated; you don’t want streaks of plain marshmallow.

Step 5: Combine with Cereal

Now, quickly pour the melted Nutella-marshmallow mixture over the crispy rice cereal in your large bowl. Use a sturdy spatula or wooden spoon to gently fold everything together. Be quick but thorough! You want to coat every single piece of cereal with that delicious mixture. Don’t overmix, as that can make them tough, but ensure there are no dry pockets of cereal. It will look a little messy at first, but keep folding until it’s all beautifully coated and you have a sticky, glorious mass.

Step 6: Press into Pan & Swirl (Optional)

Spoon the mixture into your prepared 9×13 inch pan. This part can be a little sticky, so I often use lightly greased hands or the back of a greased spatula to gently press the mixture evenly into the pan. Don’t pack it down too hard, or your treats will be dense. A gentle, even press is all you need. If you’re doing the swirl, spoon dollops of the extra 1/4 cup Nutella over the top of the pressed mixture. Then, take a knife or a skewer and gently swirl it through, creating those beautiful ribbons of Nutella. Don’t over-swirl, or you’ll just mix it all in!

Step 7: Let Them Set

This is the hardest part: waiting! Let the treats sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to an hour to firm up. Resist the urge to cut into them too soon, or they’ll fall apart. They need a little time to set and get that perfect chewy texture.

Step 8: Slice and Serve

Once they’ve set, use a sharp knife (lightly greased if they’re still a little sticky) to cut them into squares. I usually cut mine into about 12-16 squares, depending on how large I want them. The smell alone when you cut them is incredible! Serve them immediately, or store them for later. They’re best enjoyed at room temperature.

What to Serve It With

These Nutella Rice Krispie Treats are so wonderfully self-sufficient, they truly shine on their own. But if you’re looking to build a little something around them, or just want to know my favorite ways to serve them, here are some ideas! For breakfast, though a bit decadent, a small square with a strong cup of coffee is pure bliss. The richness of the treat cuts through the bitterness of the coffee perfectly. For brunch, I love cutting them into smaller, bite-sized pieces and arranging them on a platter alongside fresh fruit like berries or sliced bananas. It adds a touch of sweetness without being overwhelming. As dessert, these are superstars. They pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla bean Ice Cream or a dollop of whipped cream. You can even drizzle a little extra melted chocolate over them for an extra special touch. And for those cozy, lazy afternoons or evenings? Just a big ol’ square with a glass of cold milk is pure comfort. My kids always ask for seconds when we serve them like this. Honestly, they’re so versatile, you can’t go wrong!

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Nutella Rice Krispie Treats

I’ve made these Nutella Rice Krispie Treats more times than I can count, and over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks to ensure they turn out perfectly every single time. Let’s dive into some of my favorite tips:
Melting Matters: Always melt your butter and marshmallows over medium-low heat. Patience is key here! If you rush it and use high heat, you risk scorching the marshmallows, which can give your treats an off-flavor and a grainy texture. Keep stirring gently until it’s smooth and creamy.
Fresh Marshmallows are a Must: Seriously, this makes a HUGE difference. Stale marshmallows just won’t melt properly and will result in hard, dry treats. If you only have stale marshmallows, try steaming them for a few seconds before melting, but fresh is always best.
Room Temp Nutella: Make sure your Nutella is at room temperature before you stir it into the melted marshmallow mixture. Cold Nutella can seize up the mixture and make it difficult to combine smoothly, potentially leading to a lumpy texture.
Don’t Overmix the Cereal: Once you add the cereal, you want to fold it in just until it’s coated. Overmixing can break down the cereal too much, resulting in a denser, less crispy treat. A light hand is all you need.
Greasing is Good: I can’t stress this enough – grease your pan, your spatula, and even your hands if you’re pressing them in with your fingers. It will save you a lot of frustration and sticky mess. A light spray of cooking oil or a swipe of butter works wonders.
The Swirl Technique: For the optional swirl, don’t go crazy with it. A few gentle passes with a knife or skewer are enough to create beautiful ribbons of Nutella. If you overdo it, you’ll just end up with a uniformly brown treat, which is still tasty, but loses that visual appeal.
Patience While Setting: I know it’s hard, but let them set completely before cutting. Cutting them too early will result in a messy, gooey disaster. A good 30-60 minutes at room temperature is usually sufficient for them to firm up nicely.
Ingredient Swaps: While I swear by the classic combination, I have experimented! If you’re not a fan of crispy rice cereal, you could try a similar puffed wheat cereal, but the texture will be slightly different. And if you’re out of Nutella, a good quality hazelnut spread or even a smooth peanut butter could work in a pinch, though the flavor profile will change. For an extra layer of decadence, you could even fold in some mini chocolate chips with the cereal!

Storing and Reheating Tips

These Nutella Rice Krispie Treats are best enjoyed fresh, but they do store quite well, which is perfect if you want to make a batch ahead of time.
Room Temperature Storage: Once they’re completely set and cut, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh and chewy for up to 3-4 days. I like to place a piece of parchment paper between layers if I’m stacking them to prevent them from sticking together. Avoid direct sunlight or heat, as this can cause them to get soft and greasy.
Refrigerator Storage: While not my first choice, you can refrigerate them if your kitchen is particularly warm. Store them in an airtight container. However, refrigeration can sometimes make them a bit harder and chewier. If you do refrigerate them, it’s best to let them come back to room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before serving for the best texture. They’ll last about a week in the fridge this way.
Freezer Instructions: If you want to make a big batch and freeze them for later, they freeze surprisingly well! Cut them into squares and wrap each square individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
Thawing Methods: To thaw, simply remove the desired number of treats from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature. This usually takes about an hour, depending on the size of the squares and the room temperature. They should be good to eat once they’ve reached room temperature.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you added the optional Nutella swirl, it holds up perfectly well with all storage methods. It might firm up a bit in the fridge or freezer, but it will soften again as the treats come back to room temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – my absolute favorite Nutella Rice Krispie Treats! This recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a little slice of happiness, a shortcut to pure joy that brings out the kid in all of us. The way the rich Nutella melts into the gooey marshmallows and coats every crispy flake is just pure magic. It’s that perfect chewy, crunchy, chocolatey-hazelnutty bite that makes you close your eyes and savor it. I truly believe everyone needs a go-to recipe like this – one that’s incredibly easy, unbelievably delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy my Fudgy Brownies or my No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars for more easy, decadent treats. I can’t wait for you to try these Nutella Rice Krispie Treats and make your own memories with them. Let me know in the comments how they turn out, or if you have any fun variations you tried! Happy baking (or, in this case, no-baking)!

Nutella Rice Krispie Treats

These Nutella Rice Krispie Treats are a delicious and easy no-bake dessert that combines the classic crunch of Rice Krispie Treats with the irresistible flavor of Nutella.

Prep : 10 Total : 25 minutes

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Ingredients

  

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Main Ingredients

• 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
• 10 oz marshmallows
• 0.333 cup butter
• 0.75 cup Nutella

Instructions

 

Preparation Steps

• Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter. Set aside.
• In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
  6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
• Add the marshmallows to the melted butter and stir until completely melted and smooth.
  6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
• Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the Nutella until well combined.
  6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
• Add the Rice Krispies cereal to the marshmallow-Nutella mixture and stir until evenly coated.
  6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
• Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and press down evenly with a greased spatula or your hands.
• Let the treats cool completely before cutting into squares.

Notes

For an extra decadent treat, you can drizzle melted chocolate or more Nutella over the top once cooled.