Rice Krispies Treats Ice Cream Sandwich is the ultimate no-bake dessert that brings together the chewy crunch of marshmallow cereal bars with the smooth chill of creamy ice cream. Whether you’re nostalgic for after-school snacks or planning a weekend treat for friends, this frozen delight delivers comfort and joy in every bite. In this guide, I’ll show you how to make your own from scratch, walk you through step-by-step assembly, and offer creative twists, storage tips, and answers to common questions like “Why do bodybuilders eat Rice Krispies Treats?” and “Is Rice Dream ice cream discontinued?” Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Homemade Base – Why Make Rice Krispies Treats Ice Cream Sandwich
There’s something undeniably magical about biting into a Rice Krispies Treats Ice Cream Sandwich that you’ve made yourself. You control every delicious layer from the buttery, marshmallow-rich cereal base to the creamy middle. Unlike store-bought options that often come with freezer burn and preservatives, homemade lets you build something fresher, tastier, and way more fun to share.
From Scratch vs Store-Bought Treats
Homemade wins on taste, texture, and customization. When you prepare your own treats, the marshmallow layer is gooey and soft yet holds its crisp form, which is ideal for sandwiching ice cream. Plus, the freedom to adjust your marshmallow-to-cereal ratio or incorporate flavors like vanilla or cinnamon gives you full creative control. You can even use our classic Rice Krispies base recipe as a reliable foundation and browse the no-bake desserts collection for more variations.
Store-bought sandwiches, though convenient, often come with flat, overly sweetened layers and inconsistent textures. Many also skimp on the ice cream quality or add fillers. With homemade, you get that freshly pressed feel and real creaminess in every bite.
Key Ingredients and Tools
To make the perfect Rice Krispies Treats Ice Cream Sandwich, you only need a few simple ingredients:
- Rice Krispies cereal: for crunch and structure
- Mini marshmallows and butter: to bind and sweeten
- Vanilla ice cream (softened): for the creamy middle
You’ll also need a baking pan (8×8 or 9×13), a spatula for spreading, parchment paper to prevent sticking, and a sharp knife for cutting clean slices.
Rice Krispies Treats Ice Cream Sandwich – Easy Homemade Summer Dessert
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 sandwiches
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fun, no-bake dessert combining gooey Rice Krispies treats with creamy ice cream. Perfect for summer parties, birthdays, or a nostalgic treat anytime.
Ingredients
3 tablespoons butter
4 cups mini marshmallows
6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
1.5 quarts vanilla ice cream (softened slightly)
Optional: mini chocolate chips, peanut butter, sprinkles
Instructions
1. Melt butter and marshmallows over low heat, stirring until smooth.
2. Fold in Rice Krispies cereal until well combined.
3. Press half of the mixture into a parchment-lined baking pan.
4. Spread softened ice cream evenly over the cereal layer.
5. Press remaining cereal mixture on top to sandwich the ice cream.
6. Freeze for at least 2 hours or until firm.
7. Slice into squares and wrap individually or serve immediately.
Notes
For easy slicing, use a hot knife and wipe between cuts.
Try swapping in different ice cream flavors or mixing crushed cookies into the Rice Krispies layer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 125mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Step-by-Step Assembly – Crafting the Perfect Thin Ice Cream Layer
Once your homemade Rice Krispies Treats Ice Cream Sandwich layers are firm and ready, it’s time to bring everything together. This section walks you through every step of melting, layering, and freezing so your sandwich looks and tastes fantastic.
Preparing the Rice Krispies Layers
Begin with the base for your Rice Krispies Treats Ice Cream Sandwich by melting butter and marshmallows together over low heat, stirring steadily until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy. This helps maintain a silky, glossy texture.
Next, fold in Rice Krispies cereal gently, making sure every piece is fully coated. You want the base to hold together without becoming too dense.
Now, press the mixture firmly into a parchment-lined pan this keeps it from sticking and gives you an even layer.
A thickness of about half an inch works perfectly for a Rice Krispies Treats Ice Cream Sandwich because it balances with the creamy center.
Chill this layer in the fridge for 15 to 20 minutes. This short cooling period sets the treat and ensures cleaner cuts during sandwich assembly.
Adding and Sealing the Ice Cream
After the layers have cooled completely, you’re ready to add the creamy ice cream filling. Soften your vanilla ice cream just enough to spread it should be pliable but not melting. Spread it evenly across one of your Rice Krispies layers using a spatula. A half-inch layer again works best for that classic Rice Krispies Treats Ice Cream Sandwich ratio.
Gently press the second layer over the ice cream to seal everything together. Be sure the ice cream reaches the edges so every bite includes all the good stuff.
Finally, freeze your assembled Rice Krispies Treats Ice Cream Sandwich for at least two hours. This locks in the structure and guarantees clean slices. For even more tips, check out our no-bake dessert techniques page.
Flavor Variations & Fun Twists – Customizing Your Treat
Now that you’ve mastered the classic Rice Krispies Treats Ice Cream Sandwich, let’s get creative! Customize flavors, sprinkle in mix-ins, and shape your sandwiches to delight both kids and adults.
Creative Mix‑Ins & Flavors
Jumpstart your creativity by stirring delight into your Rice Krispies Treats Ice Cream Sandwich. Mix in peanut butter before pressing the cereal mixture into the pan, or fold in mini chocolate chips or crushed Oreos for extra crunch. For a fruity twist, swirl in raspberry jam into softened ice cream before spreading every bite becomes an explosion of texture and taste.
Shaping & Customizing
Why stick to squares? Turn your Rice Krispies Treats Ice Cream Sandwich into round, heart, or star shapes using cookie cutters once chilled but not frozen solid. Roll the edges in sprinkles, small candies, or shredded coconut to dress them up for parties. To give each customized sandwich a polished finish, wrap it in parchment paper and secure it with a simple tie of kitchen twine. These decorative touches tie back to the custom dessert ideas that make every bite feel special.
Storage, Serving & Expert Tips – Keep It Crisp, Serve It Best
Proper storage and serving ensure your Rice Krispies Treats Ice Cream Sandwich stays as delicious as when it was freshly assembled. Let’s cover how to freeze, slice, and enjoy every bite perfectly.
Freezing, Cutting & Wrapping
Once your Rice Krispies Treats Ice Cream Sandwiches are frozen solid (after about two hours), remove them carefully from the pan using the parchment overhang. Use a sharp, warm knife to achieve clean cuts running the blade under hot water between slices helps prevent cracking. Individually wrap each sandwich in baking parchment or plastic wrap. This keeps them from sticking together and preserves crisp edges. Store them in a freezer-safe container with separators, or stand them upright in a sealable bag for quick access. For more freezer tips, our storage methods guide has great suggestions.
Serving Tips & Avoiding Melting
To prevent melting, take your Rice Krispies Treats Ice Cream Sandwich out of the freezer 2–3 minutes before serving this gives it just enough time to soften while remaining firm. Whole wheat or gluten-free Rice Krispies cereal works beautifully if you need dietary adjustments, and you can always swap in dairy-free ice cream for a vegan option. Looking for extra texture? Serve alongside fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce we detail variations in our serving ideas post.
A well-stored and properly served sandwich offers that perfect contrast: cold ice cream against crisp, chewy Rice Krispies treats. Keep them wrapped well and slice with care and every bite will taste homemade and impeccable.
Conclusion
Making your own Rice Krispies Treats Ice Cream Sandwich at home is more than just a fun kitchen project it’s a delicious throwback packed with texture, flavor, and creativity. From crafting buttery marshmallow layers to spreading your favorite ice cream in between, every step is simple yet satisfying. With endless ways to customize and a few key storage tips, this frozen treat easily becomes a go-to favorite for summer parties, birthdays, or cozy nights in. Don’t forget to explore flavor twists, shaping ideas, and mix-ins for even more joy. Now, head to your pantry your next homemade ice cream sandwich is just a few steps away.
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FAQs
Is Rice Dream ice cream discontinued?
Yes, Rice Dream ice cream has been discontinued in many areas because of decreased demand and the rise of newer, more popular dairy-free alternatives. If you’re looking for a similar substitute for your Rice Krispies Treats Ice Cream Sandwich, try coconut milk, almond, or oat-based ice creams they pair beautifully with crispy layers.
Why don’t they sell Rice Krispies anymore?
Rice Krispies cereal is still sold in most stores, but some areas may face temporary shortages caused by supply chain disruptions or production delays. If you can’t find them, generic crisped rice cereal works just as well for your homemade Rice Krispies Treats Ice Cream Sandwich.
Why do bodybuilders eat Rice Krispies treats?
Bodybuilders often choose Rice Krispies treats as a pre-workout snack. They’re easy to digest, provide quick carbs for energy, and have minimal fat making them ideal just before lifting. That fast-digesting glucose also happens to make your Rice Krispies Treats Ice Cream Sandwich taste like a sweet post-lift reward.
Why do Walmart ice cream sandwiches not melt?
This viral question started after a video showed Walmart-brand ice cream sandwiches remaining solid even when left out of the freezer. It’s due to stabilizers and emulsifiers added to prevent melting during shipping. But your homemade Rice Krispies Treats Ice Cream Sandwich? It melts just like real ice cream should softening gently, making every bite more satisfying.