Ice cream sandwiches are nostalgic, and Rice Krispie Treats are childhood gold. Put them together? You’ve got a dessert that’s chewy, creamy, and completely addictive. In this guide, we’re diving deep into how to make the ultimate rice krispie treat ice cream sandwich—with just a few ingredients and zero stress. I’ll also answer some quirky FAQs and link you to a few other treats and drinks that pair beautifully with this frozen gem. Let’s kick things off with a story from my own kitchen—and the happy accident that inspired this recipe.
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Rice Krispie Treat Ice Cream Sandwich: A Sweet Mashup You’ll Crave All Summer
Some recipes come from years of trial and error. Others show up when you’re craving something sweet and there’s a half-box of cereal staring at you. That’s exactly how this rice krispie treat ice cream sandwich came to life—pure kitchen spontaneity. It was one of those sticky Asheville nights when the windows fog from boiling water alone. I wanted something cold, chewy, and nostalgic. I spotted the marshmallows, a box of Rice Krispies, and a melting pint of vanilla bean in the freezer—and the rice krispie treat ice cream sandwich practically made itself.
Growing up in Kansas City, my mom always made big marshmallow squares when there was cereal to use up. She’d slice them thick and wrap them in wax paper, and I’d pull one from my lunchbox, still soft and sticky by noon. That familiar gooey bite inspired the frozen twist I didn’t know I needed.
I pressed a batch into a pan, froze it slightly, scooped in the ice cream, and hoped for the best. The next day? Gone. Every single one. And a neighbor even left a note: “That was you, right? Please make more.”
This rice krispie treat ice cream sandwich is the version I make now—chewy, firm enough to hold, and dreamy with vanilla, cookies & cream, or even fruity flavors like strawberry swirl. It’s a keeper.
And hey, if you’ve made my peanut butter mug cake or salted caramel brownies, you’ve already got a head start on dessert magic. But this? This one’s a freezer favorite you’ll come back to again and again.
PrintHow to Make the Best Rice Krispie Treat Ice Cream Sandwich at Home
This rice krispie treat ice cream sandwich recipe is a fun, nostalgic no-bake dessert with chewy marshmallow layers and creamy ice cream.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 5 mins
- Total Time: 15 mins + chill
- Yield: 8 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
4 tbsp unsalted butter
1 (10 oz) bag mini marshmallows
1½ pints vanilla or your favorite ice cream
Non-stick spray or parchment paper
Instructions
1. Line a 9×13 baking dish with parchment and spray lightly.
2. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.
3. Stir in marshmallows until fully melted and smooth.
4. Fold in cereal quickly, mix well.
5. Press half the mixture into the pan for the base layer.
6. Spread softened ice cream over the base evenly.
7. Add the top layer with the remaining cereal mix, press gently.
8. Freeze 2–4 hours until firm.
9. Cut into squares, serve, or wrap for storage.
Notes
To avoid freezer burn, wrap sandwiches tightly.
Let sit at room temperature for 2–3 minutes before eating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Making Your Rice Krispie Treat Ice Cream Sandwich at Home
Once you’ve tasted a homemade rice krispie treat ice cream sandwich, the store-bought versions just don’t hit the same. Luckily, they’re incredibly simple to make and totally customizable based on your favorite flavors.
What You’ll Need
Just a few pantry basics and your favorite ice cream. Here’s what goes into this freezer-friendly treat:
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 (10 oz) bag mini marshmallows
- 1½ pints of ice cream (vanilla bean, cookies and cream, or try something wild like strawberry swirl)
- Non-stick spray or parchment paper
- 9×13 baking dish
For a fun twist, try pairing it with something like this strawberry lemonade or go all out with a cheesy garlic bread cup on the side for a sweet-salty contrast.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep your pan. Line a 9×13 baking dish with parchment paper. Lightly spray it to prevent sticking.
- Make the treats. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the marshmallows until fully melted and smooth. Remove from heat and fold in the cereal quickly.
- Form the layers. Press half the mixture into the baking dish evenly—this will be your base. Let it cool slightly (about 10 minutes).
- Add ice cream. Scoop softened ice cream over the base and spread evenly.
- Top it off. Press the remaining cereal mix on top and gently flatten. Freeze for 2–4 hours or until firm.
- Slice and enjoy. Cut into sandwich-sized squares. Eat immediately or wrap and store.
Serve these with a side of iced brown sugar oatmilk shaken espresso if you’re feeling fancy—or tuck them into the freezer for an anytime treat.
Creative Variations for Your Rice Krispie Treat Ice Cream Sandwich
Once you’ve mastered the classic rice krispie treat ice cream sandwich, it’s time to get creative. One of the best things about a rice krispie treat ice cream sandwich is how customizable it is—flavors, mix-ins, even shapes. It’s a dessert that encourages play, invites variation, and sparks joy every single time.
Fun Flavor Combos to Try
Sure, vanilla is always a go-to. But imagine your rice krispie treat ice cream sandwich filled with mint chocolate chip, swirled strawberry, or classic cookies and cream. Chocolate fans? Layer in some fudge ripple, then drizzle melted dark chocolate on top before freezing—it adds a rich shell that cracks with every bite. Want something a little indulgent? Add a swirl of creamy peanut butter and serve it alongside my peanut butter mug cake for the ultimate dessert duo.
You can also personalize the cereal layers by mixing in mini chocolate chips, rainbow sprinkles, or crushed freeze-dried fruit before pressing them into the pan. It’s a simple way to match your sandwich filling or create themed treats for birthdays, holidays, or just a fun weekend project with the kids.
And don’t feel stuck on squares. Use a round cookie cutter for a traditional look, or heart shapes for something sweet and festive. You can even roll the mixture out thinner to create a lighter rice krispie treat ice cream sandwich that’s easier to bite into.
For storage, wrap each rice krispie treat ice cream sandwich in parchment or plastic, then place them in a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to two weeks—but let’s be honest, they usually disappear in a day or two. Let them sit at room temp for a couple of minutes before serving to get that perfect soft-chewy texture.
If you’re planning a brunch spread, these pair beautifully with my maple pecan scones. After you’ve made one, you’ll want to try your own flavor twists again and again—because a rice krispie treat ice cream sandwich is one of those simple joys you’ll never outgrow.
Conclusion
Whether you’re whipping these up for a summer BBQ, a birthday surprise, or a midnight freezer dive, the rice krispie treat ice cream sandwich always delivers.
It’s the kind of dessert that feels nostalgic and fun, yet takes barely any effort to make. With no oven needed and just a few pantry staples, you’ve got the perfect DIY treat that’s chewy, creamy, and endlessly crowd-pleasing.
The beauty of a rice krispie treat ice cream sandwich is that it fits any occasion—whether shared at a backyard table or snuck in after a long day. So go ahead: press your layers, scoop your favorite flavor, freeze it all together, and slice into a dessert that tastes like joy. From my Asheville kitchen to yours, I hope it becomes a sweet staple in your home.
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What People Are Asking About Rice Krispie Treat Ice Cream Sandwich?
Why do bodybuilders like Rice Krispie treats?
Believe it or not, bodybuilders often eat Rice Krispie treats as a quick pre-workout carb. The fast-digesting sugars provide an immediate energy boost without weighing you down. They’re easy to digest and give that little glucose spike needed for tough training sessions. So while your rice krispie treat ice cream sandwich might be more of a treat than fuel, it’s built on a surprisingly gym-friendly base.
Why do Walmart ice cream sandwiches not melt?
That viral rumor? It’s a bit misleading. Walmart’s ice cream sandwiches don’t melt as quickly because they use stabilizers like guar gum and cellulose, which help maintain shape longer—especially in warm environments. It’s more about food science than something sinister. When you make your own, like in this recipe, the ingredients are straightforward: ice cream, cereal, butter, and marshmallows. No preservatives—just joy.
Why are Trader Joe’s ice cream sandwiches so good?
Trader Joe’s versions are beloved for their real-deal ingredients: thick, chewy cookies, high-quality dairy, and bold flavors. That same chewy-creaminess is exactly what makes this homemade rice krispie treat ice cream sandwich such a hit. The combo of texture and flavor is pure comfort—just like the Trader Joe’s experience.
Where can I get pop tart ice cream sandwiches?
Pop tart ice cream sandwiches are often found at trendy dessert shops or Instagram-famous food trucks. But you can make your own at home too—just like this rice krispie version. Simply split and toast a pop tart, sandwich in your favorite ice cream, and freeze. For more homemade ideas, check out recipes like my salted caramel brownies or fluffy pancakes—they’re just as fun to remix.
