Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats – Crazy for Crust

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Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats are chocolaty marshmallow cereal bars that are so easy to make with only 4 ingredients! Cocoa Krispies Treats are SO thick and gooey and are the perfect chocolate version of a classic cereal treat.

If you love the classic marshmallow treat but crave chocolate, these Cocoa Pebbles Rice Krispie Treats are for you. By swapping out plain cereal for chocolatey Cocoa Pebbles, we’ve created a decadent, gooey, and ultra-rich snack that takes less than 10 minutes to make. These Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats are the perfect no-bake dessert! I’m obsessed with rice krispie treats and make tons of flavors (have you tried peanut butter krispie treats or fruity pebble cereal treats?) and chocolate is one of my favs too!

Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats made with Cocoa Pebbles are a rich, marshmallowy dessert that swaps traditional puffed rice cereal for chocolate-flavored crisp rice cereal. These treats are made by melting butter and marshmallows together, stirring in the Cocoa Pebbles, and pressing the mixture into a pan. Adding a splash of vanilla and a pinch of salt enhances the deep chocolate flavor for a decadent, no-bake snack.

4 Ingredient Cereal Treats

• You can use either Cocoa Rice Krispies or Cocoa Pebbles. Cocoa pebbles are slightly smaller and denser than traditional Rice Krispies, so use a light hand when pressing in to the pan.
• Mini marshmallows are the best for melting (they melt the easiest). However, large marshmallows may be used.
• The age of your marshmallows is the #1 factor in a chewy treat. Don’t use older, stale marshmallows!
• Unsalted Butter but you can substitute salted butter if needed
• I always add vanilla extract to my cereal treats!

Click to see the recipe card below for full ingredients & instructions. See below the recipe card for even more information: process shots, variations, FAQ and more.

Keep Rice Krispie Treats Soft

• Use fresh marshmallows for this recipe. Even marshmallows that are a little bit stale will make your rice krispy treats hard. Also use fresh cereal so it has the best crispy texture and flavor.
• Melting marshmallows over low heat is essential. High heat can scorch the marshmallows, leading to burned or brittle treats.
• When transferring the mixture to your pan, use a buttered spatula or a piece of waxed paper to gently press it into the corners. If you pack the cereal down too firmly, the treats will be tough to eat.
• Since Cocoa Pebbles are sweeter than plain rice cereal, a generous pinch of salt is essential to balance the sugar and make the chocolate flavor pop.
• This recipe has been tested numerous times and I guarantee they’ll stay soft and gooey!

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

• Line a 9×13-inch pan with foil and spray with nonstick cooking spray.

• Melt the butter in a large pot over medium low heat. Add the marshmallows and stir until melted. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.

• Add cereal and stir to coat with the marshmallow mixture. Pour into pan. Press firmly to compact. Tip: spray wax paper with nonstick cooking spray so you can press without it sticking to your hands.

• Let set until firm then slice into bars. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Serving: 1treat | Calories: 240kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 16mg | Sodium: 166mg | Potassium: 50mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 25g | Vitamin A: 787IU | Calcium: 8mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional information not guaranteed to be accurate

How to Make Cocoa Krispie Treats

1. Place the butter in a large pot. Melt it over medium-low heat. Add the marshmallows and stir until they are melted. Stir in the vanilla.
2. Add the Cocoa Rice Krispies (or Cocoa Pebbles) and stir to coat the cereal evenly in the melted marshmallow.
3. Press the mixture into a prepared 9×13” baking pan lined with foil. Allow the bars to set before slicing and serving.

Variations

• For an extra chocolatey Rice Krispie treat add 1 cup chocolate chips to the marshmallow mixture. They’ll melt into the butter and make your treats extra chocolatey.
• You can also use this same recipe to make Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats!
• Add chopped nuts, Oreos, sprinkles, or really anything you like to the mixture after you stir in the cereal.

FAQs

Can I use a different chocolate cereal?

Yes, you can use Cocoa Krispies or any generic chocolate puffed rice cereal, though Cocoa Pebbles are preferred for their intense chocolate flavor and thin, crispy texture.

How do I stop the marshmallows from sticking to my hands?

Lightly grease your hands with butter or non-stick cooking spray before pressing the mixture into the pan.

Are these gluten-free?

Unlike traditional Rice Krispies (which often contain malt flavoring), Cocoa Pebbles are generally labeled gluten-free in the US, but always check the box to be certain.

How long do these stay fresh?

These are best eaten within 2-3 days. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature; do not refrigerate, as this will make them hard.

Favorite Cereal Treat Recipes