Rice krispie treat ice cream

Summer afternoons in Santa Rosa always feel like a celebration of simple joys. One of my favorite childhood memories is biting into a frozen Rice Krispie treat ice cream sandwich; sweet, chewy, and cold enough to give you a brain freeze if you weren’t careful! After years of testing (and taste-testing), I recreated the version that’s as nostalgic as it is easy. These rice krispie treat ice cream sandwiches combine gooey marshmallow cereal bars with creamy vanilla ice cream. The result? A handheld dessert that’s fun, freezer-friendly, and full of delight. And you don’t need a fancy mold; just a 9×13 pan and a little freezer space.

Table of contents

Table of Contents

Why Rice Krispie Treat Ice Cream Sandwiches are the Perfect Frozen Dessert

There’s a reason rice krispie treat ice cream desserts are showing up everywhere from TikTok trends to gourmet scoop shops; they strike that rare balance between nostalgic comfort and modern wow-factor. Unlike traditional ice cream sandwiches that rely on thin cookies or wafers, rice krispie treat ice cream offer a chewy, sturdy, and satisfyingly sweet foundation. Their texture stays soft even when frozen, which means no painful chipping through frozen layers.

The real beauty? You can make a big batch ahead of time, slice and serve with zero mess. Whether you’re prepping for a birthday party or stocking the freezer for late-night cravings, these treats deliver.

Each bite offers three playful textures: the crispy crackle of toasted rice cereal, the gooey sweetness of marshmallows, and the smooth chill of premium vanilla ice cream. I personally love using Tillamook Old-Fashioned Vanilla; its creamy richness stands up beautifully to the bold sweetness of the treat layers.

Even better, this no-bake recipe is ready in under 30 minutes of active prep. That’s quicker than your average trip to the store.

👉 Looking for more frozen inspiration? Check out Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls for a high-protein cool snack.

👉 Or pair these with Brookie Cookie Bars at your next summer bash for a double-dessert spread.

And let’s not forget; they’re gluten-free if you use gluten-free cereal. That makes them party-perfect for mixed-diet groups.

How to Make Rice Krispie Treat Ice Cream Sandwiches with Just 4 Ingredients

The magic of this recipe? It’s built around just four pantry staples: butter, marshmallows, rice cereal, and ice cream. You can even split the work into stages, making it as flexible as it is fun.

Here’s how to do it:

🍦 Ingredients:

• 6 Tbsp unsalted butter
• 32 oz Jet-Puffed marshmallows
• 12 cups Rice Krispies cereal
• 1.5 qt vanilla ice cream (Tillamook works wonders!)

🥄 Directions Summary:

1. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving extra on the sides for easy lifting.
2. Melt 3 Tbsp butter and 16 oz marshmallows in a pot.
3. Stir into 6 cups of cereal and press into pan. Freeze 15 min.
4. Do the same with the second portion; this will form the base layer.
5. Spread softened vanilla ice cream over the bottom layer evenly.
6. Place the first cereal layer on top. Gently press.
7. Freeze at least 4 hours or overnight.
8. Slice and serve!

👉 Want more no-bake magic? Check out our Cake and Pops collection for more easy, crowd-pleasing treats.

And if you’re short on marshmallows? Try a twist with Moist Biscoff Cake for a layered, creamy treat.

This recipe shows how simple doesn’t mean boring. Each layer of the rice krispie treat ice cream sandwich is bursting with texture and flavor, yet takes just minutes to prepare. No oven. No mixer. No fuss.

Plus, this is an excellent recipe for kids to help with; just be sure to assist with the hot marshmallow step. They’ll love squishing the layers together.

Freezing, Storage, and Why Bodybuilders Love Rice Krispie Treats

Let’s bust a myth: homemade rice krispie treat ice cream sandwiches absolutely freeze well. In fact, freezing enhances their bite, preventing the cereal from becoming too soft over time. The marshmallow acts as a binding agent and moisture barrier, locking in the texture even after days in the freezer.

❄️ How to Freeze and Store:

• Once assembled, wrap the entire pan tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
• Slice into individual portions after freezing for 4–6 hours.
• Store squares in an airtight container or ziplock bag for up to 6 weeks.

Pro tip: Place parchment paper between the layers to avoid sticking.

Now, onto a fun fact; why are rice krispie treat ice cream so popular with bodybuilders?

Turns out, they’re a quick-digesting carb that spikes insulin post-workout, helping shuttle nutrients (especially protein) into muscle cells. Athletes often enjoy them before or after the gym to replenish glycogen. That doesn’t mean your ice cream sandwich is a protein bar; but it might just be the tastiest post-leg-day indulgence.

Avoid These Mistakes:

• Using stale cereal – Your treats will fall flat, literally. Always use fresh cereal for the best crispness.
• Overheating marshmallows – This creates hard, brittle treats. Stir just until smooth, not boiling.
• Not greasing your hands – Wet or buttered hands make pressing the mixture easy and mess-free.

👉 Want more treat ideas that freeze well? Our Sourdough Buns are perfect for sweet and savory fillings.

👉 Planning brunch? Try Sourdough Croissants for a buttery twist on flaky pastries.

These frozen treats may be sweet, but they’re also smart. With a little prep, your freezer can become a dessert treasure trove.

For more Frozen treats make sure to follow me on Pinterest.

👉 Want a soft treat to pair? Our Sourdough Croissant Bread is luscious with sweet spreads or ice cream.

👉 Curious how to elevate dessert textures? The Sourdough Bread Bowl makes a unique edible container for chilled fillings too!

🍦 FAQ: Your Rice Krispie Treat Ice Cream Questions Answered