Rice Krispies treats are a classic but these upgrades make them even better.
Rice Krispies treats are one of those rare desserts that feel almost universally understood. They’re familiar without being tired, dependable without being boring. They feel like a nostalgic dessert that isn’t stuck in the past, which is why they continue to resonate across generations. And because the base recipe is so simple, you can dress them up a hundred different ways without losing what makes them so delicious in the first place. A swirl of something rich, a sparkle of something festive—these little upgrades let the classic stay a classic, just with a bit more personality.
Simple Ways to Elevate Rice Krispies Treats
One of the reasons Rice Krispies treats have stayed popular for so long is that they don’t demand much, which also makes them an ideal blank slate. A change in fat—like browning the butter—can deepen the flavor without overly complicating the process. Swirling in melted chocolate, caramel or cookie butter adds richness in seconds, while mix-ins like toasted nuts or freeze-dried fruit bring contrast and color. When the calendar calls for something festive, shaping the mixture into mini wreaths, stars or Christmas trees can make the same familiar recipe feel holiday-ready. These small tweaks don’t replace the classic; they simply give it a new direction, depending on where you’re headed and who you’re feeding.
10 Rice Krispies Treats Recipes to Try
Sometimes, the easiest way to switch things up is to start with a recipe that’s already headed in a new direction. These Taste of Home Rice Krispies treats build on the classic with extra flavor, festive shapes or clever twists—perfect when you want something familiar that still feels special.
1. Espresso Rice Krispies Treats
For an espresso upgrade, these Morning Buzz Rice Krispies Treats use coffee extract and chocolate-covered espresso beans to add a subtle, grown-up edge while keeping the method as simple.
2. Rocky Road Rice Krispies Treats
Take inspo from the legendary candy and lean in with chocolate, marshmallows and nuts. Rocky Road Rice Krispies Treats fold in semisweet chocolate chunks, roasted almonds and graham cracker pieces and top with additional marshmallows, chocolate and nuts for a rich, dessert-bar treat.
3. Chocolate-Raspberry Rice Krispies Treats
Chocolate-Raspberry Rice Krispies Treats brighten up the OG recipes with freeze-dried raspberries and mini chocolate chips to balance the sweetness and add color.
4. Caramel Apple Rice Krispies Treats
If your favorite classic fall treat is caramel apples, why not make these Caramel Apple Rice Krispies Treats? They combine dried apples with a caramel coating for a fun, sticky twist.
5. Cookies and Cream Rice Krispies Treats
Oreo Rice Krispies Treats mix crushed cookies into the cereal base, and finish with a white chocolate topping for a familiar cookies-and-cream note.
6. Peanut Butter-Banana Rice Krispies Treats
For something a little sweet and a little salty, turn to these Funky Monkey Rice Krispies Treats. They contain banana chips, peanut butter chips and peanuts for a playful upgrade that still feels familiar. Not into bananas? Try our Salted Caramel Pretzel Rice Krispies Treats instead.
7. Maple-Bacon Rice Krispies Treats
Just because you’re making a dessert doesn’t mean you can’t get a little savory. These Maple-Bacon Rice Krispies Treats are mixed with crunchy bacon bits for a treat that is surprisingly balanced.
8. Ice Cream Cone Rice Krispies Treats
For Ice Cream Cone Treats, you’ll play with the shape of the treats, not flavor. Mix your standard treats, but instead of pressing them into a pan, reshape the mixture into mounds on top of sugar cones.
9. Watermelon Rice Krispies Treats
Don’t be afraid to use color as an upgrade. Watermelon Rice Krispies Treats rely on tinted marshmallow layers and mini chocolate chips to create a whimsical, summery look.
10. Princess Rice Krispies Treats
Go all in on sprinkles! These Sparkly Princess Rice Krispies Treats use strawberry extract and a generous sprinkle finish to create a Princess-party-ready pan.
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