If you’ve ever dreamed of combining the gooey, crunchy goodness of classic Rice Krispie treats with your favorite candy bars, this Candy Bar Rice Krispie Treats Recipe is exactly what your dessert cravings ordered. Imagine buttery marshmallow goodness packed with chopped Twix, Snickers, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, and M&M’s, all swirled into a crispy cereal base for the ultimate treat that’s chewy, crunchy, and utterly irresistible. Whether you’re making these for a party or a special family treat, they bring a playful twist to a beloved classic that’s sure to make everyone smile.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple but essential ingredients come together to create a symphony of flavors and textures, from creamy chocolate and peanut butter to that perfect toasted marshmallow flavor and crispy cereal crunch. Each component plays a starring role in making these treats unforgettable.
- 10 mini Twix candy bars (100 grams, chopped): Adds a delicious caramel and crunchy cookie layer.
- 10 mini Snickers candy bars (90 grams, chopped): Brings chewy nougat, nuts, and chocolate to the mix.
- ¾ cup mini M&M’s (133 grams): Offers colorful, sweet bursts of chocolate crunch.
- ¾ cup mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (104 grams, halved): Adds rich peanut butter flavor with a smooth texture.
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (113 grams, 1 stick): Essential for richness and to help melt the marshmallows evenly.
- 20 ounces jumbo marshmallows (567 grams, 2 packages): The key ingredient for that classic sticky, sweet binding.
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract (8 grams): Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, aromatic note.
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and boosts flavor complexity.
- 10 cups Rice Krispies cereal (283 grams, 10 ounces): Provides the iconic crispy crunch that holds it all together.
How to Make Candy Bar Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start by spraying a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy removal. Then, create an aluminum foil sling by fitting two overlapping pieces into the pan, which doesn’t just help with cleanup but makes lifting your treats out a breeze later. Don’t forget to give the foil a light spray too, so nothing sticks.
Step 2: Mix the Candy
In a medium bowl, combine all the chopped candy bars, mini M&M’s, and halved Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. This colorful, exciting mix will get folded into the classic Rice Krispie treat base, creating surprise bursts of flavor throughout every bite.
Step 3: Melt Butter and Marshmallows
In a large Dutch oven over medium-low heat, melt the butter slowly. Add in the jumbo marshmallows, vanilla extract, and kosher salt, stirring gently with a spatula sprayed with nonstick spray to keep everything moving easily. Cook just until the marshmallows are melted and silky smooth, about 3 minutes. This step is crucial because perfectly melted marshmallows are the foundation for the best texture.
Step 4: Incorporate Cereal and Half the Candy
Take the melted marshmallow mixture off the heat and immediately fold in the Rice Krispies cereal along with half of your candy mix. Stir gently to evenly coat every crisp, making sure the candy pieces are distributed well to create delicious pockets of chocolate and caramel delight.
Step 5: Press Into the Pan and Add Remaining Candy
Spray your spatula or hands again with nonstick spray and press the mixture firmly and evenly into your prepared pan. Then sprinkle the remaining candy on top and gently press it into the surface, creating a beautiful, colorful topping that also locks in extra candy flavor and texture when it cools.
Step 6: Cool and Cut
Set the pan on a cooling rack for an hour to let the treats firm up perfectly. When ready, use the foil sling to lift the entire slab from the pan, and let it cool completely on the rack. Finally, cut into 24 equally sized bars that will wow everyone with their rich candy-studded yumminess.
How to Serve Candy Bar Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Garnishes
Add an extra touch of fun by drizzling melted chocolate or peanut butter over the top just before serving. Sprinkle with sea salt for a sophisticated balance, or toss on some extra mini M&M’s for added color and crunch. These little details take the presentation to the next level.
Side Dishes
This recipe shines as a dessert star but also pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cold glass of milk, which helps mellow the sweetness and refresh the palate. For parties, consider serving alongside fresh fruit to offer a light contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn these Candy Bar Rice Krispie Treats Recipe bars into bite-size cubes for easy snacking at gatherings. Or, sandwich them with a layer of frosting or peanut butter between two bars to create decadent “treat cookies.” Wrapping them individually in parchment paper tied with a colorful ribbon also makes for an irresistible homemade gift.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover candy bar Rice Krispie treats in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to 3 days, though the sooner you enjoy them, the better the candy’s texture and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to save these treats for later, they freeze beautifully. Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When properly stored, they maintain their flavor and texture for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To bring frozen treats back to chewy life, let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours. Avoid microwaving, as it can change the texture of the candy and marshmallows. Enjoy them slightly chilled or at room temperature for the best bite.
FAQs
Can I use different candy bars in this Candy Bar Rice Krispie Treats Recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is flexible, and you can swap in your favorite mini candy bars. Just keep the total candy amount roughly the same to maintain the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
What if I don’t have jumbo marshmallows?
You can substitute regular-sized marshmallows; just use the same weight or volume. Jumbo marshmallows melt a bit more slowly, but either size will work well for making these treats.
Can these treats be made gluten-free?
Yes! Simply ensure you use gluten-free Rice Krispies cereal and check that all your candy bars are gluten-free as well. Many brands offer gluten-free options, making this an easy swap.
Why use an aluminum foil sling in the pan?
The foil sling makes it super easy to lift the entire batch out of the pan without breaking or crumbling your treats. It also makes cleanup easier and helps keep the treats in a perfect shape for cutting.
Can I add nuts or dried fruit to this recipe?
Definitely! Chopped nuts or dried fruit can add an extra layer of crunch or sweetness. Just fold them in along with the candy bars, but keep in mind the added texture when pressing the mixture into the pan.
Final Thoughts
There’s something downright magical about this Candy Bar Rice Krispie Treats Recipe. It effortlessly transforms a simple childhood favorite into a decadent, crowd-pleasing indulgence packed with all the best candy bar goodness. Give this recipe a try next time you want to wow friends or treat yourself — it’s bound to become a new classic in your dessert rotation!
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Candy Bar Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these Candy Bar Rice Krispie Treats, a fun twist on the classic snack combining the crispy crunch of Rice Krispies with chopped Twix, Snickers, mini M&M’s, and mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. Perfect for parties or a sweet treat to share, these bars are easy to make and bursting with rich flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Candy Mix
- 10 mini Twix candy bars (100 grams, chopped, about 1¼ cups)
- 10 mini Snickers candy bars (90 grams, chopped, about 1¼ cups)
- ¾ cup mini M&M’s (133 grams)
- ¾ cup mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (104 grams, halved)
Binding and Base
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (113 grams, 1 stick)
- 20 ounces jumbo marshmallows (567 grams, 2 packages)
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract (8 grams)
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 10 cups Rice Krispies cereal (283 grams, 10 ounces)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Create Foil Sling: Cut an 18-inch long piece of aluminum foil, fold it 8 inches wide and fit it into the pan lengthwise, pressing against sides and corners; leave about 2 inches excess on the sides.
- Add Second Foil Layer: Cut another foil piece 14 inches long (or fold extra-large foil to 12-inch width), place it perpendicular over the first piece, with a couple of inches excess on each end; spray both foil pieces with nonstick spray.
- Prepare Spatula: Spray a rubber spatula lightly with nonstick spray for easier mixing and stirring.
- Mix Candy: In a medium bowl, combine all chopped candy bars and candies, mixing well to evenly distribute.
- Melt Butter and Marshmallows: In a large Dutch oven over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Add marshmallows, vanilla extract, and kosher salt. Stir continuously with the sprayed spatula until marshmallows are just melted, approximately 3 minutes.
- Combine Cereal and Candy: Remove from heat and immediately stir in the Rice Krispies cereal and half of the prepared candy mixture until fully blended.
- Press Into Pan: Spray spatula or hands with nonstick spray and pour the mixture into the foil-lined pan. Press evenly to compact. Sprinkle remaining candy on top and lightly press it into the mixture.
- Cool and Set: Place the pan on a cooling rack and allow to sit for 1 hour to firm up. Use the foil sling to lift the treats from the pan, return to the cooling rack, and let cool completely before slicing into 24 bars.
Notes
- Use jumbo marshmallows for best melt and texture.
- Chopping candy bars into uniform sizes ensures even distribution.
- Spraying the spatula and hands prevents sticking while pressing the mixture into the pan.
- Allow the treats to fully cool for clean cutting and better structural integrity.
- For easier cleanup, the foil sling helps lift the bars out without breaking.
