Okay, so you know how some recipes just *feel* like sunshine and happy memories? This one is that for me, but with a serious chocolate-hazelnut twist. It all started when my youngest kiddo, who’s normally pretty picky, started asking for “those crunchy chocolate squares” after seeing a picture online. I’ll admit, I was a little skeptical. Rice Krispie treats are already pretty darn perfect, right? They’re the ultimate easy dessert, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and they taste like childhood in a bite. But adding Nutella? I thought, “Could it really be better?” Oh, my friends, let me tell you, it absolutely, undeniably *is*. This recipe takes that nostalgic crunch and elevates it to something truly decadent, something that feels both familiar and totally new. If you’re looking for a simple way to impress your family, your friends, or even just yourself when you need a little pick-me-up, these Nutella Rice Krispie treats are your new best friend. They’re a lifesaver on busy weeknights when baking a whole cake feels like an Olympic sport, and they always disappear in minutes at any gathering I bring them to. Seriously, prepare for the compliments!
What are Nutella Rice Krispie Treats?
So, what exactly *are* these magical little squares? Think of your classic, beloved Rice Krispie treat – that perfect balance of gooey marshmallow, crispy cereal, and buttery goodness. Now, imagine swirling in a generous amount of rich, creamy Nutella. That’s it! It’s essentially a flavor-boosted, more indulgent version of the treat we all grew up with. The name itself, Nutella Rice Krispie Treats, tells you exactly what you’re getting: the comforting familiarity of Rice Krispie treats married with the irresistible allure of hazelnut-chocolate spread. It’s not a complicated concoction; it’s more of a delicious upgrade. It’s the kind of treat that makes you close your eyes with the first bite and utter a little “mmm.” It’s that perfect late-night snack when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want the fuss of baking, or the star of any potluck where you want to bring something that’s guaranteed to be a hit. It’s simple, it’s delicious, and it’s pure joy in every bite.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Honestly, where do I even begin with why this recipe is pure gold? First off, the FLAVOR is an absolute game-changer. You get that iconic crunchy texture from the Rice Krispies, the sweet, slightly salty chewiness from the marshmallows, and then BAM! That deep, rich chocolate and nutty flavor of the Nutella just explodes in your mouth. It’s not overly sweet, which I love, but it has this luxurious depth that’s just incredibly satisfying. Then there’s the SIMPLICITY. I’m talking genuinely five to ten minutes of active prep time. No fancy equipment, no complicated techniques. If you can melt marshmallows, you can make these. It’s a recipe I can whip up with my kids helping (and they *love* helping with this one!), and we’re done before you know it. And let’s talk COST-EFFICIENCY. The ingredients are super basic and affordable. You likely have most of them in your pantry already. It’s a fraction of the cost of buying fancy store-bought treats, and frankly, it tastes a million times better. Finally, the VERSATILITY. While they’re amazing on their own, I’ve discovered they’re perfect for so many occasions. They make a fantastic addition to a breakfast buffet, a delightful after-school snack, or even a quick dessert for unexpected guests. What I love most about this recipe, though, is that it takes something universally loved and makes it even *more* special. It’s like adding a secret, delicious ingredient that elevates everything. It’s proof that sometimes, the simplest upgrades are the best ones.
How do you make Nutella Rice Krispie Treats?
Quick Overview
Making these incredible Nutella Rice Krispie Treats is ridiculously easy. You’ll melt butter and marshmallows together until smooth, stir in that glorious Nutella until it’s beautifully incorporated, then toss in your Crispy Rice cereal. Press the mixture into a prepared pan, let it set, and that’s pretty much it! The whole process takes less than 15 minutes of hands-on time, and the result is a batch of chewy, chocolatey, nutty perfection. It’s the ultimate shortcut to a homemade treat that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, but really, you didn’t. Trust me, this method is foolproof and guarantees delicious results every single time.
Ingredients
For the Main Batter:
This is the foundation of our chewy, crunchy magic!
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter: Using unsalted butter gives you a little more control over the saltiness. Make sure it’s good quality, it really does make a difference!
- 1 package (10 oz or about 4 cups) mini marshmallows: Mini marshmallows melt more evenly and quickly than the large ones. If you only have large ones, just chop them up a bit.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: This isn’t strictly necessary, but I find it really rounds out the flavors and adds a subtle warmth. Don’t skip it if you can help it!
- 6 cups crispy rice cereal: Use your favorite brand! I find the classic ones give the best texture.
For the Filling:
This is where the magic happens – the star of the show!
- 1 cup Nutella (or your favorite hazelnut-chocolate spread): Be generous! You want that delicious swirl throughout. Make sure it’s at room temperature so it blends easily.
For the Glaze (Optional, but highly recommended!):
A little something extra to make them *extra* special.
- 1/2 cup Nutella: For drizzling.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or melted coconut oil: This helps thin out the Nutella for easier drizzling.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
First things first, grab a 9×13 inch baking pan. Lightly grease it with butter or cooking spray, or even better, line it with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang on the sides. This makes lifting the treats out so much easier later. Seriously, parchment paper is a lifesaver here. Set your pan aside. You don’t need to preheat your oven for this recipe, which is one of the many reasons I love it!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a very large bowl (and I mean *very* large, you’ll thank me later!), measure out your 6 cups of crispy rice cereal. Give it a quick toss to make sure it’s evenly distributed. We want every single piece to get coated in that gooey goodness, so having it all ready to go is key.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
Now for the gooey part! In a large saucepan over low heat, melt your 6 tablespoons of butter. Once it’s mostly melted, add the entire bag of mini marshmallows. Stir continuously, making sure to scrape the bottom of the pan, until the marshmallows are completely melted and smooth. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once smooth, stir in the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. The smell at this stage is already amazing!
Step 4: Combine
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Immediately pour the melted marshmallow mixture over the crispy rice cereal in your large bowl. Using a sturdy spatula (a rubber spatula works great here), gently but quickly stir everything together until the cereal is evenly coated. Work fast, because this mixture starts to set up pretty quickly!
Step 5: Prepare Filling
This is where the Nutella love comes in! Dollop the 1 cup of Nutella over the marshmallow-coated cereal mixture. Now, here’s the fun part: with your spatula, gently swirl the Nutella into the cereal mixture. Don’t overmix! You want ribbons and pockets of Nutella throughout, not a uniform chocolate color. This creates those delicious bursts of flavor in every bite.
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
Transfer the mixture into your prepared 9×13 inch baking pan. Now, using a lightly greased spatula or your hands (lightly greased so it doesn’t stick!), gently press the mixture evenly into the pan. Again, don’t pack it down too hard, or your treats will be dense. Just press enough to make it compact and even. For that extra visual appeal, you can take the remaining 1/2 cup of Nutella, warm it slightly with the 1 tablespoon of oil until pourable, and drizzle it over the top. Use a toothpick or skewer to swirl the glaze into the treats for a beautiful marbled effect.
Step 7: Bake
This recipe doesn’t actually require baking! You just need to let them set. Let the treats cool at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, or until they are firm to the touch. You can speed this up by popping them in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes, but I find they have a better chewy texture when they set at room temperature.
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
Once the treats are set and firm, you can add the optional glaze. In a small bowl, combine the 1/2 cup of Nutella with the 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Microwave for about 15-20 seconds, stirring halfway through, until it’s a pourable consistency. Drizzle this mixture over the top of the treats. Use a toothpick or a skewer to create pretty swirls. Let the glaze set for another 10-15 minutes before slicing. This is the part that always makes them look extra special!
Step 9: Slice & Serve
Once everything has set, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire block of treats out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife (lightly greased if needed) to cut them into squares. I usually get about 16-20 squares from a 9×13 pan. Serve them immediately for the best chewy texture, or store them for later. They are absolutely divine served at room temperature!
What to Serve It With
These Nutella Rice Krispie Treats are pretty much a standalone star, but they also play wonderfully with other things! For a simple Breakfast, they’re fantastic alongside a tall glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee. The creamy richness of the treat is a lovely contrast to a bitter coffee. For a more substantial Brunch, I love serving them on a platter with fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries. The tartness of the berries cuts through the sweetness beautifully. A mimosa or a sparkling cider pairs perfectly with them too. As a Dessert, these are pure indulgence. They’re amazing on their own, of course, but I’ve also served them as part of a dessert board alongside mini brownies or Chocolate Chip Cookies. A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream makes them even more decadent. And for those cozy Snacks, especially on a chilly evening, they’re perfect with a steaming mug of hot chocolate. It’s like a double dose of comfort! My family tradition is to always have a batch ready for movie nights. We just grab a square (or two!) and curl up on the couch. It’s simple, comforting, and always a hit.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Nutella Rice Krispie Treats
Over the years of making these, I’ve picked up a few little tricks that I swear by. For the cereal, don’t over-measure! It’s tempting to just pack it in, but using the exact measurement ensures you get that perfect chewy-to-crispy ratio. If you use too much cereal, they’ll be dry and crumbly. Conversely, too little and they’ll be too gooey and fall apart. For the marshmallow melting, low and slow is the way to go. If you melt them too fast or on high heat, they can scorch, and nobody wants burnt marshmallow bits in their treats! Also, make sure your butter is fully melted before adding the marshmallows. I’ve learned that a large, wide bowl is essential for mixing. Trying to cram that much cereal and marshmallow into a small bowl is a recipe for disaster (and a messy kitchen!). When you’re swirling in the Nutella, the key is *not* to overmix. You want distinct swirls, not a homogenous brown mixture. That’s where the magic is! If you’re adding the optional glaze, make sure your Nutella is warm enough to be drizzly but not so hot that it melts the treats underneath. I usually warm it for just 15-20 seconds in the microwave. If it’s too thick, add another tiny drizzle of oil. If it’s too thin, it’ll just soak in. For ingredient swaps, I’ve experimented with different brands of hazelnut spread, and while they all work, the classic Nutella really does have that perfect flavor profile. I’ve also tried adding a pinch of sea salt to the cereal before mixing, which really makes the chocolate flavor pop even more. Baking, or rather, the setting time, is crucial. Don’t rush it! Let them set up properly at room temperature for the best texture. If you refrigerate them, they can sometimes become a bit too hard and less chewy. Patience, my friends, is key here for that perfect texture.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Proper storage is key to keeping these Nutella Rice Krispie Treats deliciously chewy! At Room Temperature, they’re best enjoyed within 1-2 days. I always store them in an airtight container, and if I’m worried about them sticking, I’ll place pieces of parchment paper between layers. They can sometimes get a little soft if it’s humid, but they’re still delicious. For Refrigerator Storage, they can last a bit longer, up to 3-4 days. Again, an airtight container is your best friend. Just be aware that refrigeration can make them a bit firmer. When you take them out of the fridge, let them sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to soften up before enjoying. If you’re thinking about freezing, these freeze surprisingly well! Wrap individual treats tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 weeks. To thaw, simply transfer them from the freezer to the refrigerator overnight, and then let them come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before eating. For the Glaze Timing Advice, I always recommend letting the treats set *before* applying the glaze, whether you plan to eat them right away or store them. If you glaze them and then press them down too much, the glaze can get messy. Once the glaze is applied, let it set for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving or storing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my absolute favorite Nutella Rice Krispie Treats! This recipe is a true testament to how simple ingredients can create something incredibly special. It’s the perfect blend of nostalgic comfort and decadent flavor, easy enough for any weeknight but impressive enough for any occasion. What I love most is seeing the smiles it brings to people’s faces, from my own kids to friends at parties. It’s a little bite of happiness that never fails to deliver. If you’re a fan of classic Rice Krispie treats or just can’t get enough Nutella, you *have* to try this. It’s genuinely one of those recipes that I come back to again and again. For those of you who loved this recipe, you might also enjoy my Salted Caramel Brownies or my Easy Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls for more no-bake deliciousness! I can’t wait to hear what you think! If you make these, please leave a comment below and let me know how yours turned out, or share any fun variations you tried. Happy baking (or rather, no-baking)!
Nutella Rice Krispie Treats
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
- 10 ounces Marshmallows mini marshmallows work best
- 3 cups Crispy Rice Cereal
- 0.75 cup Nutella
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over low heat.
- Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted and smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in Nutella until combined.
- Add cereal and stir until well coated.
- Pour mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking pan.
- Press evenly into the pan.
- Let cool completely before cutting and serving.
