Rice Krispie Treat Ice Cream: A Sweet, Crunchy, and Creamy Delight

Imagine your favorite gooey, buttery Rice Krispie treats blended into a rich, creamy scoop of ice cream. That’s exactly what Rice Krispie Treat Ice Cream is—a nostalgic, crunchy, and smooth dessert that combines two childhood favorites into one irresistible treat!

This ice cream captures the chewy texture of marshmallows, the crispness of Rice Krispies, and the richness of homemade ice cream. Whether you’re making it from scratch or using a no-churn method, this flavor is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Rice Krispie Treat Ice Cream, from its inspiration and ingredients to step-by-step recipes and fun variations. Let’s get started!

1. What is Rice Krispie Treat Ice Cream?

A Dessert Mash-Up of Dreams

Rice Krispie Treat Ice Cream takes the best parts of Rice Krispie treats—buttery, gooey, crispy goodness—and swirls them into a rich and creamy ice cream base. The result? A dessert that’s sweet, crunchy, and absolutely addictive!

Why Is It So Popular?

• Texture overload – The mix of creamy, crunchy, and chewy is irresistible.
• Nostalgic flavors – Reminds you of childhood Rice Krispie treats.
• Perfect for all ages – Kids and adults love it alike.
• Great for summer – A unique and refreshing twist on classic ice cream.

Where Can You Find It?

While Rice Krispie Treat Ice Cream isn’t widely available in stores, some ice cream shops and brands have featured it as a limited edition flavor. The good news? It’s easy to make at home!

2. What Makes the Perfect Rice Krispie Treat Ice Cream?

1. The Ice Cream Base

A rich, vanilla-flavored ice cream works best because it complements the sweetness of the Rice Krispies and marshmallows. You can use:

• Traditional custard base – Made with eggs for extra creaminess.
• No-churn base – Uses sweetened condensed milk and whipped cream for an easy shortcut.

2. The Mix-Ins

To get that authentic Rice Krispie treat flavor, you need:

• Toasted marshmallows – Adds caramelized sweetness.
• Buttery Rice Krispies – Coated in melted marshmallows for that classic taste.

3. The Crunch Factor

The key is to keep the Rice Krispies crispy so they don’t get soggy. To do this:

• Coat them in melted white chocolate before mixing them into the ice cream.
• Add them at the very end to keep them crunchy.

3. Step-by-Step Rice Krispie Treat Ice Cream Recipe

Ingredients

For the Ice Cream Base:

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 4 large egg yolks (for a custard-style base)

For the Rice Krispie Mix-In:

• 1 1/2 cups Rice Krispies cereal
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup mini marshmallows

For the Toasted Marshmallow Swirl:

• 1 cup mini marshmallows
• 1 tablespoon butter

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Ice Cream Base

1. Heat milk and heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring it just to a simmer, then remove from heat.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks and sugar until pale and creamy.
3. Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly.
4. Return the mixture to the stove and cook over low heat, stirring until it thickens enough to coat a spoon (about 5 minutes).
5. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract, and let cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Rice Krispie Mix-In

1. Melt butter in a pan over low heat.
2. Add marshmallows and stir until fully melted.
3. Remove from heat and mix in Rice Krispies.
4. Spread on a parchment-lined tray and let cool before breaking into chunks.

Step 3: Make the Toasted Marshmallow Swirl

1. Spread mini marshmallows on a baking sheet and broil for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
2. Melt with butter and stir until smooth.

Step 4: Churn and Assemble

1. Pour the cooled ice cream base into an ice cream maker and churn according to instructions.
2. When it reaches a soft-serve consistency, gently fold in the Rice Krispie chunks.
3. Swirl in the toasted marshmallow mix.
4. Transfer to a container and freeze for at least 4 hours before serving.

4. No-Churn Rice Krispie Treat Ice Cream (Easy Version!)

If you don’t have an ice cream maker, try this no-churn version!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup Rice Krispies cereal
• 1 cup mini marshmallows, melted

Instructions:

1. Whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
2. Fold in sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract.
3. Stir in melted marshmallows and Rice Krispies.
4. Pour into a loaf pan, cover, and freeze for 6 hours or overnight.

5. Fun Variations of Rice Krispie Treat Ice Cream

1. Chocolate Rice Krispie Ice Cream

• Add cocoa powder to the ice cream base for a chocolate twist.

2. Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Ice Cream

• Mix in peanut butter drizzle for extra richness.

3. Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Ice Cream

• Swirl in salted caramel sauce for a sweet and salty balance.

4. Fruity Pebbles Ice Cream

• Replace Rice Krispies with Fruity Pebbles for a colorful, fruity version.

6. Tips for the Best Rice Krispie Treat Ice Cream

1. Keep the Rice Krispies Crunchy

• Coat them in melted white chocolate before mixing into the ice cream.
• Add them at the very last minute before freezing.

2. Toast the Marshmallows for Extra Flavor

Broiling marshmallows before mixing them into the ice cream adds a deep, caramelized flavor.

3. Let It Soften Before Serving

Homemade ice cream can get very hard in the freezer. Let it sit for 5 minutes before scooping.

4. Use High-Quality Vanilla

Since this ice cream is vanilla-based, pure vanilla extract makes a huge difference

7. Conclusion

Rice Krispie Treat Ice Cream is the ultimate fun, nostalgic, and delicious dessert. Whether you use a classic custard base or an easy no-churn method, this ice cream is sure to be a hit. With crunchy cereal, gooey marshmallows, and rich ice cream, it’s the perfect treat for kids and adults alike.

So, why not make a batch today? One bite, and you’ll be hooked!

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FAQs

1. Can I make Rice Krispie Treat Ice Cream without an ice cream maker?

Yes! You can make a no-churn version by whipping heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then folding in sweetened condensed milk, vanilla, and mix-ins before freezing. This method creates a creamy texture without the need for an ice cream machine.

2. How do I keep the Rice Krispies from getting soggy in ice cream?

To prevent sogginess, coat the Rice Krispies in melted white chocolate or marshmallow coating before mixing them into the ice cream. Adding them at the last minute before freezing also helps maintain their crunch.

3. Can I use store-bought Rice Krispie treats instead of making them?

Yes! If you’re short on time, chop store-bought Rice Krispie treats into small chunks and mix them into the ice cream base. It will still have that delicious chewy and crispy texture.

4. How long does homemade Rice Krispie Treat Ice Cream last in the freezer?

Homemade ice cream stays fresh for 2-3 weeks in an airtight container. For the best texture, store it in a freezer-safe container with a piece of plastic wrap pressed against the surface to prevent ice crystals from forming.

5. Can I add other mix-ins to this ice cream?

Absolutely! Some fun additions include:

• Chocolate chips for extra richness.
• Caramel drizzle for a sweet, gooey touch.
• Peanut butter swirls for a nutty twist.
• Fruity Pebbles for a colorful variation.

6. Can I make a dairy-free version of Rice Krispie Treat Ice Cream?

Yes! Substitute coconut cream or almond milk for heavy cream and use dairy-free marshmallows. For best results, whip the coconut cream until thick before mixing in the other ingredients.

7. What’s the best way to scoop homemade ice cream?

Homemade ice cream can be harder than store-bought ice cream. Let it sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before scooping. Running your scoop under warm water also makes it easier to serve.

8. Can I make Rice Krispie Treat Ice Cream with different flavors?

Yes! You can experiment with different flavors by:

• Using chocolate ice cream instead of vanilla.
• Adding cinnamon sugar for a churro-like flavor.
• Swirling in Nutella or strawberry jam for a fruity twist.

9. Why does my homemade ice cream get too icy?

Homemade ice cream can become icy if it’s not churned properly or if there’s too much water content. To prevent this:

• Use full-fat dairy (heavy cream and whole milk).
• Churn the ice cream until thick before freezing.
• Store in an airtight container to prevent ice crystals.

10. What’s the best way to serve Rice Krispie Treat Ice Cream?

You can enjoy it on its own, but for extra fun, try:

• Scooping it into an ice cream sandwich with Rice Krispie treats.
• Serving it in a chocolate-dipped waffle cone.
• Drizzling it with extra melted marshmallow or caramel sauce.