Chocolate Vanilla Layered Rice Krispie Treats — a delicious mashup of the classic and chocolate Rice Krispie treats, layered together for a gooey, chocolatey, and nostalgic treat. Perfect when you can’t decide between the two, these bars combine a chocolate rice krispie base, a melted marshmallow middle, and the original rice krispie layer on top.
How to Make Chocolate Vanilla Layered Rice Krispie Treats
The best Rice Krispie treats are quick, simple, and wildly comforting — ideal when life is busy but you still want something homemade. If you love both the classic and the chocolate versions, layering them makes for an irresistible dessert. This recipe builds three distinct layers in one pan: a rich chocolate base, a gooey marshmallow center, and the classic vanilla rice krispie layer on top. You’ll make each layer in the same pot for easy cleanup and no oven or mixer required.
The Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats Layer
The bottom layer is intensely chocolatey. Start by melting butter and stirring in unsweetened cocoa powder and a touch of vanilla. Add marshmallows until they melt, then fold in milk chocolate chips and chocolate Rice Krispies cereal. Press this mixture into a prepared 9 x 13-inch pan to form an even chocolate foundation.
The Marshmallow Layer
The middle layer is simply melted marshmallows and a little butter. Heat gently until smooth, then pour this glossy marshmallow mixture over the chocolate layer and spread it evenly. This creates a soft, sticky barrier between the chocolate base and the final vanilla layer.
The Classic Rice Krispie Treats Layer
The top layer is the classic rice krispie mixture. Melt butter with vanilla and a pinch of salt, then stir in most of the mini marshmallows until melted. Turn off the heat, add Rice Krispies cereal, and fold in the remaining marshmallows so they remain slightly whole for texture. Spread and press this mixture over the marshmallow layer to finish.
Once assembled, let the pan rest at room temperature for at least one hour so the layers set properly before slicing into squares. Store bars in an airtight container for up to five days, though they rarely last that long.
Chocolate Vanilla Layered Rice Krispie Treats
Ingredients
Chocolate rice krispie treats layer
- 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter
- 1/2 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- 1/4 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 10.5 oz Mini Marshmallows (1 bag)
- 12 oz Milk Chocolate Chips
- 5 cups Chocolate Rice Krispies Cereal
Marshmallow layer
- 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter
- 10.5 oz Mini Marshmallows (1 bag)
Original rice krispie treats layer
- 8 tbsp (1 stick) Unsalted Butter, melted
- 2 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1/8 tsp or pinch of Salt
- 21 oz Mini Marshmallows (2 bags), divided (1 1/2 bags for the initial mixture; remaining 1/2 bag folded in at the end)
- 9 cups Rice Krispies Cereal
Instructions
- Line a 9 x 13-inch pan with aluminum foil and lightly butter or spray the inside. Set aside.
Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats Layer
- In a large pot over medium heat, melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter. Stir in 1/4 tsp vanilla and 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder.
- Reduce heat to low and add 10.5 oz mini marshmallows, stirring until fully melted and smooth.
- Stir in 12 oz milk chocolate chips until blended.
- Remove from heat and fold in 5 cups chocolate Rice Krispies cereal until evenly coated.
- Scoop the mixture into the prepared pan and press evenly with a spatula (spray the spatula first to prevent sticking). Wipe the pot clean with a paper towel for the next layer.
Marshmallow Layer
- Using the same pot over low heat, melt 2 tbsp unsalted butter. Add 10.5 oz mini marshmallows and stir until melted and smooth.
- Pour the marshmallow mixture over the chocolate layer and spread evenly with the sprayed spatula.
Original Rice Krispie Treats Layer
- In the same large saucepan, melt 8 tbsp (1 stick) unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in 2 tsp vanilla and 1/8 tsp salt.
- Reduce heat to low and add 1 1/2 bags of mini marshmallows (about 15.75 oz), stirring until melted.
- Turn off the heat and fold in 9 cups Rice Krispies cereal until combined.
- Add the remaining 1/2 bag of mini marshmallows and fold them in so they remain mostly whole for texture.
- Scoop this mixture over the marshmallow layer and press evenly into the pan using the sprayed spatula.
- Let the bars set at room temperature for at least 1 hour before cutting into squares.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Notes
- For tips and tools to make perfect Rice Krispie treats, consult a trusted rice krispie treats guide or your favorite reliable recipe resource.
Nutrition
| Carbohydrates: 64 g
| Protein: 2 g
| Fat: 11 g
| Sugar: 38 g
Nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients used.