Remember those summer days when we’d chase down the ice cream truck? Well, I’ve found a way to bring that nostalgic treat right into my kitchen, and it’s even better than the original. These rice krispies ice cream sandwiches combine two of my favorite childhood treats into one perfectly sweet dessert. I started making these when my kids begged for ice cream sandwiches, but I wanted something a bit more special than store-bought.
The best part? You can make these ahead and keep them in the freezer for whenever the craving hits. I usually make a batch on Sunday afternoons while I’m doing my weekly meal prep. Just grab the basic ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, add your favorite ice cream flavor, and you’re good to go. Trust me, once you try these homemade treats, you’ll never look at regular ice cream sandwiches the same way again.
Why You’ll Love These Rice Krispies Ice Cream Sandwiches
- No-bake dessert – Perfect for hot summer days when you don’t want to turn on the oven – just melt, mix, and freeze!
- Kid-friendly fun – These treats combine two childhood favorites – Rice Krispies treats and ice cream – into one exciting dessert that kids love to help make and eat.
- Simple ingredients – You only need 4 basic ingredients that you can easily find at any grocery store.
- Make-ahead friendly – These ice cream sandwiches can be made days in advance and stored in the freezer, ready whenever you need a cool treat.
- Customizable dessert – You can swap in any ice cream flavor you like – vanilla, chocolate, mint chip – the possibilities are endless!
What Kind of Marshmallows Should I Use?
Regular-sized white marshmallows are your best bet for this recipe, and most people reach for the Kraft Jet-Puffed or store brand varieties. Mini marshmallows will also work just fine and might even melt a bit faster, though you’ll want to measure them by weight rather than count. Fresh marshmallows are important here – when they get old and stale, they don’t melt as smoothly and can make your treats harder to work with. If you’re checking your pantry stash, give the bag a gentle squeeze – the marshmallows should feel soft and squishy, not firm or crusty.
Options for Substitutions
Looking to switch things up with your rice krispies ice cream sandwiches? Here are some handy swaps you can try:
- Honey butter: Regular butter works perfectly fine here – just add a tablespoon of honey. You can also use margarine or even coconut oil plus honey for a dairy-free version.
- Marshmallows: Regular or mini marshmallows both work great. For a vegan option, try using vegan marshmallows, though keep in mind they might melt differently, so you may need to adjust the heating time.
- Crispy rice cereal: While the original Rice Krispies give the best results, other crispy rice cereals work too. Just avoid sugary varieties as they can make the treats too sweet.
- Strawberry ice cream: This is where you can get creative! Any ice cream flavor works great – try vanilla, chocolate, mint chip, or cookie dough. Non-dairy ice cream alternatives work well too, just make sure they’re firmly frozen before assembling.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making
The biggest challenge when making Rice Krispies ice cream sandwiches is working with marshmallows that are either overmelted or not melted enough – aim for a smooth, just-melted consistency by heating them slowly with the honey butter over medium-low heat, stirring constantly.
Another common mistake is pressing the cereal mixture too firmly into the pan, which can make your treats rock-hard when frozen – instead, gently press the mixture using wax paper or slightly buttered hands until just compact.
The ice cream layer needs special attention too – make sure it’s softened just enough to spread (about 10-15 minutes at room temperature), but not so soft that it turns soupy, and work quickly to assemble the sandwiches before everything starts melting.
For the cleanest cuts, freeze the assembled treats for at least 2 hours and dip your knife in hot water between slices – this prevents the sticky marshmallow mixture from clinging to the blade and gives you picture-perfect portions.
What to Serve With Rice Krispies Ice Cream Sandwiches?
These sweet and crunchy ice cream sandwiches are perfect for summer gatherings and make a great dessert on their own, but you can definitely dress them up with some fun toppings and sides! Try serving them with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or caramel sauce on the plate for extra indulgence. A bowl of fresh strawberries or mixed berries on the side complements the strawberry ice cream filling perfectly and adds a fresh element to the dessert. For a fun party setup, put out some colorful sprinkles or mini chocolate chips so everyone can roll the edges of their ice cream sandwiches in their favorite toppings.
Storage Instructions
Keep Frozen: These ice cream sandwiches need to stay in the freezer to maintain their shape and prevent melting. Place them in an airtight container or wrap individually in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. They’ll keep their best quality for up to 2 weeks in the freezer.
Layer: If you’re stacking multiple sandwiches in a container, place a piece of parchment paper between each one to prevent them from sticking together. This makes it super easy to grab just one when you’re craving a cool treat!
Serve: When you’re ready to enjoy one, let it sit at room temperature for about 2-3 minutes – just enough time to slightly soften the Rice Krispies layer while keeping the ice cream firmly frozen. This makes it easier to bite into without the ice cream squishing out the sides.
| Preparation Time | 15-20 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 0-5 minutes |
| Total Time | 75-85 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 2500-2700
- Protein: 30-40 g
- Fat: 90-100 g
- Carbohydrates: 400-450 g
Ingredients
- 3 oz smooth honey butter
- 10 oz bag of marshmallows
- 6 to 7 cups crispy rice cereal
- 4 cups strawberry ice cream
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pans
Lightly grease two 8×8 baking pans.
Once greased, set them aside as you’ll use these to shape the rice krispie treats.
Step 2: Melt the Honey Butter and Marshmallows
In a large pot, heat your honey butter and marshmallows over medium heat.
Stir continuously until the mixture is completely melted and smooth.
This will form the sticky base for your rice krispie treats.
Step 3: Combine with Rice Cereal
With the honey butter and marshmallow mixture ready, stir in the rice cereal.
Mix thoroughly until all the cereal is well coated and combined.
This ensures each bite is perfectly crisp and sweet.
Step 4: Form the Rice Krispie Layers
Divide the rice krispie mixture in half, pressing one half into each of the prepared 8×8 pans.
Press it down evenly to create a smooth layer in each pan.
Allow these to set for a few minutes so they firm up.
Step 5: Construct the Ice Cream Sandwich
Scoop your desired flavor of ice cream onto the top of the rice krispie layer in one of the pans.
Smooth out the ice cream with a spatula to create an even layer.
Carefully remove the second square of rice krispie treats from its pan and place it on top of the ice cream to form a sandwich.
Step 6: Freeze and Serve
Place the assembled ice cream sandwich in the freezer for 1 hour to allow it to set firmly.
Once frozen, cut into squares and serve immediately for a refreshing and delightful treat!