How to make Starbucks rice krispie treat recipe

Have you tried Starbucks Rice Krispy Treats (also known as Marshmallow Dream Bar) before? Then you understand how tasty it is. It's crispy, chewy, and incredibly delicious. When I was pregnant, I craved it virtually every night, and all of the Starbucks locations were closed, so I decided to make this Starbucks rice krispie treat recipe at home.

This way, I can eat them anytime I want. Also, I can avoid going to Starbucks (and waiting in lines) and create these delicious delights at home. These are gooey, melt-in-your-mouth delights that are enjoyed by everyone.

Whether you're creating them for a special event or simply as a sweet snack for yourself, these homemade delicacies will dazzle everyone around you.

It is not only simple to make, but also extremely versatile. I added red food coloring to my Starbucks Marshmallow Dream Bars for Valentine's Day, but this is optional and not how they are served.

Let's dive in!

Why you will love this Starbucks rice krispie treat recipe?

1. Easily available simple ingredients.
2. No added sugar.
3. Highly customizable and easy recipe. 
4. Ready in just 15 minutes.
5. Kids enjoy making this a lot.
6. Excellent for sharing.
7. Better than Starbucks.
8. Perfectly crispy treats with chewy texture.
9. Great snack for a picnic.
10. An amazing treat for your next bake sale.

How to make a Starbucks rice krispie treat recipe?

Let's take a look at the overview of all the steps. Jump to step-by-step recipe for more detailed version of the recipe along with images.

Sr. No.	Steps
1.	Melt butter and mini marshmallows.
2.	Add in salt, and vanilla extract.
3.	Mix rice cereals and extra marshmallows.
4.	Press, cut and serve.

Starbucks rice krispie treat ingredients

Here is a list of ingredients needed to make Starbucks rice krispy treats at home. For detailed measurements, have a look at the recipe card at the bottom.

• Unsalted butter - This is the secret to our crunchy, melt-in-your-mouth treats. Use unsalted butter to achieve a good flavor balance. It is acceptable to use salted butter if that is what you have on hand, but leave out the salt totally; otherwise, it will become salty.

• Mini Marshmallows - As the name implies (marshmallow dream bars), they are the main ingredients in our recipe. This acts as a glue, binding all of the elements together. We'll also add some micro marshmallows at the end for a soft, chewy, and gooey layer.

• Red food color - You can use either liquid or gel food coloring, depending on what you have in the a pantry. Simply modify the quantity accordingly, so if you're using gel, use very little, and vice versa.

• Salt - A small amount, but it is necessary. As I often say, a pinch of salt goes a long way when cooking a dessert.

• Vanilla extract - You can use either pure vanilla extract or vanilla imitation; both are great. Just be aware that pure vanilla extract will produce a more powerful flavor. So, pick according to your preferences and availability.

• Crispy rice cereal - This is an additional key ingredient that acts as the base for this recipe, providing crunch with each bite.

This is not only easy to make but also a great way to enjoy these treats at home. So, grab your ingredients, and let’s get started—it’s time to make the perfect Rice Krispies treat!

Any substitute?

Don't have some of the ingredients listed and wish to follow dietary restrictions? Don't worry; I've got you covered. Here are various replacements for our core ingredient.

• Butter - To make it vegan or dairy-free, we only need to replace one ingredient: butter. Simply replace any plant-based butter and you're ready to go.

• Mini Marshmallow- If you run out of marshmallows, substitute marshmallow fluff. You can either make your own fluff or buy it from a nearby supermarket. Fluff is also available through Amazon.

• Vanilla extract - Replace the vanilla extract with vanilla paste, almond extract, or lemon extract. Choose according to the flavor you wish to make.

Feel free to replace and enjoy these marshmallow dream bar at home.

Tools needed

1. 9-inch square pan - to make rice krispies.
2. Parchment paper/wax paper  - to cover our 9-inch pan.
3. Measuring cups / spoons - to measure ingredients.
4. Weighing scale - again to (precisely) measure ingredients.
5. Saucepan - to melt butter and marshmallows and prepare rice krispie mixture.
6. Plastic wrap - To press rice krispies in the pan.
7. Serrated knife - To cut the rice krispies in small squares.

Starbucks rice krispie treat (step-by-step) recipe

1. Prepare your pan by covering the bottom of the pan (a 9×9-inch pan) with parchment paper.

2. Add room temperature, softened butter in a large pot over low to medium heat. Heat until it is melted.

3. Now add 7.5 oz (200 gms) of marshmallows.

4. Coat the marshmallows with butter using rubber spatula.

5. Add red food drops and stir with butter until melted.

6. Remove from heat and stir in salt and vanilla extract.

7. Add cereal and stir to coat with the marshmallow mixture.

8. Stir in remaining marshmallows and mix until marshmallows start to look gooier.

9. Pour the Rice Krispy cereal into the prepared pan right away.

10. Cover it with cling wrap and make an even layer by firmly pressing it into the pan.

11. Let it set for at least 30 minutes and then cut it into small squares.

12. Let's look at the texture. Enjoy!

How to serve?

Now that your rice krispies are ready, you may be thinking how to present them in the finest way possible. Right? Here are some recommendations for you.

1. Squares - Cut into little squares and serve with your favorite hot or iced coffee.
2. Platter - This is the ideal grab-and-go treat for everyone. Serve them on a nice, cute tray to make them appear extra special.

Watch me making (video)

https://youtu.be/2I1YFx33Qrk

Storing and freezing instructions for Starbucks rice krispie treat recipe

Rice krispies, like any other dessert, can be stored at room temperature, in the refrigerated, or frozen.

Storing instructions

First things first, let the rice krispies cool completely.

To enjoy them within 3 to 4 days, keep them in an airtight jar at room temperature. After that, keep it in the fridge. They can stay healthy for up to two weeks.

At room temperature - Stays ok for up to 3 to 4 days.

In refrigerator - Stays ok for up to 2 weeks.

Freezing instructions

You can freeze them for later enjoyment. To freeze, follow the steps outlined below.

1. Cool - First, ensure that they have totally cooled and are not sticky when you touch them.
2. Wrap - Wrap each snacks in plastic or cling wrap, followed by aluminum wrap for added protection.
3. Freeze - Now store these individually wrapped snacks in an airtight container or freezer-safe Ziplock bag.

In the freezer - They stay ok for up to 2 months.

Thawing instructions

When you're ready to indulge, you have two options to choose from.

1. Room temperature - Remove the required krispies and place them on the kitchen counter for a few hours, or until soft.
2. Microwave -If you're in a rush, throw them in the microwave for a few seconds to get a soft, gooey rice krispy treat quickly.

In short,

Sr. No.	Storage Type	Duration (Days, Weeks, Months)
1.	Room temperature	3 to 4 days.
2.	Refrigerator	2 weeks.
3.	Freezer	2 months.

Variations

One of the most appealing aspects of this dish is the ability to make unlimited variations by changing a few ingredients here and there. Here are a few of my favorites:

1. Sprinkles - Mix 2 to 3 teaspoons of your choice colorful sprinkles into the rice cereals and melted marshmallows. It adds a colorful flare to our Krispies.

2. Chocolates - Once the rice krispies have completely cooled, drizzle some melted chocolate on top. It adds a delicious, rich depth.

3. Caramel - Drizzle some salted caramel over the cooled rice krispies. It creates a delicious sticky layer that is quite enticing.

4. Food color - Use different food colors depending on the festival you are making.

5. Peanut butter - If you enjoy peanut butter, add 3 teaspoons when melting the butter and marshmallows. It gives a creamy, nutty flavor that elevates these delicacies to a new level.

6. M&M candies - Add crushed or small M&M candies and marshmallows at the end. It provides crunch to the krispies.

Secret tips to make the best Starbucks rice krispie treat recipe

1. Grease the pan - Make sure to coat the pan with cooking spray to prevent goodies from sticking. Just one spritz is plenty.

2. Use fresh marshmallows - Fresh marshmallows provide the right gooey texture. Old marshmallows are dry and won't melt easily. As a result, it can provide a smooth and gooey feel.

3. Melt on low heat - Melt the marshmallows over low heat; otherwise, they will turn brown, spoiling the look and feel of our rice krispies.

4. Add rice cereals - Once the butter and marshmallow mixture has melted, immediately add the crispy rice cereals. The marshmallow mixture begins to stiffen as it cools. So it will be difficult to incorporate rice cereals.

5. Coat rice cereals - Gently combine rice cereals and melted marshmallows, making sure that every item is coated with sticky marshmallows.

6. Don't be in a hurry to cut - It can be tough to wait in some situations, such as this one. Allow the crispy snacks at least 30 minutes to cool. Once cooled, they will retain their shape beautifully. So do not rush the process.

FAQ's

Can I use different types of cereals? Of course, you can. I'm making a copycat Starbucks rice crispy recipe, so I'm using the cereal stated above. But feel free to substitute your favorite cereals.

How do I make it less sweet? To be honest, I haven't tried to make it less sweet. However, you can try two options. Reduce the number of marshmallows or increase the amount of salt (it will taste less sweet, but the amount of sugar from marshmallows will remain the same).

Why are my rice krispies so hard? Perhaps it has been sitting on the kitchen counter for too long and has gotten dry. Do not worry. Simply microwave them for 4 to 5 seconds until they are mushy and gooey.

What's the best technique to cut rice krispy? First, let them cool for at least 30 minutes. Then, lubricate the serrated knife with oil and cut it into your desired form.

If you have any further questions, please feel free to drop a comment below and I will be happy to answer them :).

Want to try some other Starbucks recipes?

If you like this Starbucks recipe, I have a bunch of others on my website. Here is the list for your ready reference.

1. Starbucks madeleines recipe.
2. Starbucks chocolate cake pops.
3. Starbucks red velvet loaf cake.
4. Starbucks dairy-free hot chocolate.

Did you make it?

Over to you! Make those yummy Starbucks rice krispies snacks and let me know how they turn out for you. I'd love to have your feedback.

Did you use an exact duplicate recipe, or did you add any of your favorite mix-ins, such as finely chopped chocolate or cinnamon? Whatever it is, please leave a remark about the experiment. I can't wait to hear about your creations.

If you post on Instagram, be sure to tag me @dessertkatta or use the hashtag #dessertkatta.

Recipe card