Okay, let’s talk about these Monster Rice Krispie Treats. Seriously, forget your basic, square Rice Krispie treats. These are a whole different level of fun, flavor, and pure nostalgic happiness. Think about those classic treats you loved as a kid, then imagine them supersized, studded with colorful candies, and dipped in chocolate. They’re a bit like a Rice Krispie treat went wild at a candy store – which, let’s be honest, is pretty much my dream scenario. And the best part? They’re shockingly easy to make, even if you feel like you’re all thumbs in the kitchen. These treats have become a staple in our house. My kids practically beg me to make them, especially around Halloween. And between you and me? I’m always happy to oblige. They are the perfect treat!

What are Monster Rice Krispie Treats?

So, what exactly *are* Monster Rice Krispie Treats? Well, it’s essentially the classic, gooey, marshmallow-y goodness of Rice Krispie treats amped up to eleven. We’re talking about taking those simple treats and transforming them into something truly monstrously delicious. Think of it as a Rice Krispie treat’s wilder, more playful cousin. We’re adding a ton of mix-ins – candies, sprinkles, pretzels, you name it – to give them that fun, monster-like appearance. The name comes from their crazy, colorful, and over-the-top appearance. They’re not meant to be perfect or uniform; they’re supposed to look like a monster made them (in the best way possible!). They are great for parties!

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Seriously, where do I even begin? The reasons to love these Monster Rice Krispie Treats are endless!
First and foremost, the flavorWhat is the difference between Rice Krispies and marshmallows? What are some of the best mix-ins? It’s a party in your mouth, I tell you!simplicity is another huge win. Seriously, if you can melt butter and marshmallows, you can make these. It’s a fantastic recipe to get the kids involved in, too. They love helping to mix in all the goodies.
And let’s talk about Cost-. Rice Krispies, marshmallows, and a few bags of candy are all you need. Compared to baking a whole cake or buying a fancy dessert, these are super budget-friendly, making them a perfect option for parties or a simple weeknight treat.
Finally, the versatility of these is amazing. You can customize them with any candies, pretzels, or even dried fruit that you love. Change the colors to match a holiday or a birthday party. The possibilities are endless! What I love most about this recipe is how it brings everyone together. The kids love helping, and everyone enjoys eating them. I will never forget, one time, my daughter tried to make these herself and the house was a disaster. But, it was a memory for the books!

How do you make Monster Rice Krispie Treats?

Quick Overview

Making these Monster Rice Krispie Treats is easier than you think! Essentially, you’ll melt butter and marshmallows together to create a gooey base. Then, you’ll stir in the Rice Krispies and all your favorite mix-ins. Press it into a pan, let it cool, and slice into monstrously sized treats. The best part is that you can get creative with the mix-ins and customize them to your liking. Don’t be afraid to get messy and have fun!

Ingredients

For the Main Batter:
* 6 tablespoons unsalted butter: I always use good quality butter for flavor.
* 10 ounces marshmallows: Make sure they are fresh and not stale, they’ll melt better.
* 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal: Name brand or store brand works fine.

For the Monster Mix-Ins: What are some
* 1 cup mini M&Ms: Adds color and chocolate crunch.
* 1/2 cup pretzel sticks, broken: Provides a salty and crunchy contrast.
* 1/4 cup rainbow sprinkles: For extra fun and color!
* 1/2 cup chopped candy bars (like Snickers or Milky Way): Adds a rich, decadent flavor.

What is the optional chocolate drizzle?
* 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips: Use a good quality chocolate for best results.
* 1 tablespoon coconut oil: This helps the chocolate melt smoothly and stay glossy.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep Pan

Grease a 9×13 inch pan with butter or cooking spray. How do I remove treats from my mouth? I also line the bottom with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. How do you lift treats out of a pan?

Step 2: Melt Butter and Marshmallows

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the marshmallows and stir constantly until they are completely melted and smooth. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Be careful not to burn the marshmallows! Reduce the heat if necessary. I always keep a close eye on them because burnt marshmallows are no fun.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add Rice Krispies cereal and the monster mix-ins (M&M, pretzels, sprinkles and chopped candy). Stir until everything is evenly coated with the marshmallow mixture. Don’t overmix, just make sure everything is well combined. How do you distribute the mix-ins in treats?

Step 4: Press into Pan

Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and gently press it down with a spatula or your hands (lightly greased to prevent sticking). You want to create an even layer, but don’t pack it too tightly. I find that using the back of a buttered spatula works best for this step.

Step 5: Cool and Cut

Let the treats cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. This usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour. Once they are firm, you can lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang (if you used it) and cut them into whatever size squares you like. I usually make them pretty big because, well, they’re monster treats!

Step 6: Drizzle with Chocolate (Optional)

If you want to add a chocolate drizzle, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips and coconut oil in melted water. Add the chopped nuts and stir until combined. In a microwave-safe bowl, whisk in 30-second intervals, until smooth. Do not over-drink chocolate. Drizzle over cooled ice cream. Let set before serving. The chocolate drizzle adds an extra layer of flavor and makes them look even more appealing.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the Monster Rice Krispie Treats and enjoy! These are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. However, they rarely last that long in my house!

What to Serve It With

Monster Rice Krispie Treats are great on their own, but if you’re looking to create a unique treat for someone else, this is the recipe for you. What are some ideas for a whole experience?

For a Party:Arrange the treats on a platter with other fun snacks like popcorn, gummy worms, and juice boxes. What are some great party favors for kids’ birthdays?

For Dessert:Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or with milk. What is the best combination of sweet treats and cold ice cream?

For a Snack:What are some good afternoon teas? What is the best way to satisfy your sweet tooth?

In our family, we often serve them with hot chocolate during the colder months. It’s a cozy and comforting combination that everyone loves. And sometimes, we’ll even add a little whipped cream and extra sprinkles on top for an extra special treat!

How do you make a Monster Rice Krispie Treat?

How do I make these Monster Rice Krispie Treats? Is it possible to perfect every time

How do I use fresh MarshmallowFresh marshmallows melt more smoothly and create a gooier, more delicious treat. If your marshmallows are stale, they might not melt as evenly, resulting in a tougher texture.

Don’t Overcook the Marshmallows: Be careful not to overcook the marshmallows, as this can make the treats hard and brittle. Cook them over medium heat, stirring constantly, until they are just melted and smooth.

Add Butter to Your Spatula: When pressing the mixture into the pan, lightly grease your spatula or hands with butter to prevent sticking. This will make it much easier to create an even layer without making a mess.

Customize Your Mix-Ins: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your mix-ins! You can use any candies, pretzels, nuts, or dried fruit that you like. Just make sure to chop them into small pieces so they distribute evenly throughout the treats.

Let Them Cool Completely: Allow the treats to cool completely before cutting them into squares. This will prevent them from being too sticky and messy to handle. If you’re in a hurry, you can pop them in the fridge for a quicker cooling time.

Store Them Properly: Store the treats in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh and gooey. They will stay good for a few days, but they are best enjoyed fresh.

I’ve also found that adding a pinch of salt to the marshmallow mixture enhances the sweetness and balances out the flavors. It’s a small addition that makes a big difference!

Storing and Reheating Tips

To keep your Monster Rice Krispie Treats fresh and delicious, here are some storage tips:

Room Temperature: Store the treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep them away from direct sunlight or heat, as this can cause the marshmallows to melt and the treats to become sticky.

Refrigerator Storage: If you want to store the treats for longer, you can keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. However, keep in mind that they may become a bit harder and less gooey. To soften them up, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.

Freezer Instructions: For long-term storage, you can freeze the treats for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.

Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to drizzle the treats with chocolate, it’s best to do so right before serving. The chocolate can become sticky if stored for too long, especially at room temperature.

I usually prefer to store them at room temperature because they stay nice and gooey. But if it’s a particularly hot day, I’ll pop them in the fridge to prevent them from melting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, you can easily make these gluten-free by using gluten-free Rice Krispies cereal. There are several brands available, so just check the label to make sure they are certified gluten-free.

Can I use different types of marshmallows?

Absolutely! You can use any type of marshmallows you like, such as mini marshmallows, flavored marshmallows, or even homemade marshmallows. Just make sure they melt smoothly and evenly.

Can I add peanut butter to the mixture?

Yes, adding peanut butter is a great way to enhance the flavor! Simply stir in about 1/2 cup of peanut butter to the melted marshmallow mixture before adding the Rice Krispies and mix-ins.

What can I use instead of butter?

You can use coconut oil or margarine as a substitute for butter. Just keep in mind that the flavor may be slightly different. I prefer butter because it adds a rich, buttery taste to the treats.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can make these ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They are perfect for parties or when you need a quick and easy dessert.

Final Thoughts

These Monster Rice Krispie Treats are more than just a dessert; they’re a fun and nostalgic experience that everyone will love. From the gooey marshmallows to the colorful mix-ins, every bite is a burst of flavor and happiness. I can’t explain how easy these treats are to make, or how much fun you will have while making them. They’re incredibly versatile, so don’t be afraid to get creative with your mix-ins and customize them to your liking. If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like my recipe for classic chocolate chip cookies or my easy apple crisp. Both are family favorites that are sure to please.
Happy baking, and I can’t wait to see your monstrous creations! Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know how yours turned out. And if you made these be sure to share pictures! Happy baking!