There’s something about a rice crispy treats ice cream sandwich that just screams childhood joy. It’s the perfect blend of gooey, crispy, and creamy—no baking, no fancy tools, just good old-fashioned fun. In this article, I’ll share how we make these nostalgic desserts at home, how to customize them, and even how to store them for later. Whether you’re planning a backyard birthday bash, looking for a no-mess dessert, or simply craving something sweet, this treat delivers.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Rice Crispy Treats Ice Cream Sandwich – This Is the Only Summer Dessert You Need
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 sandwiches 1x
Description
This rice crispy treats ice cream sandwich is a no-bake, freezer-friendly dessert that blends marshmallow cereal bars with creamy ice cream for the ultimate summer treat.
Ingredients
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 (10 oz) bag mini marshmallows
6 cups crispy rice cereal
1 quart vanilla ice cream
Optional: sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, wax paper
Instructions
1. Melt butter and marshmallows in a large pot until smooth.
2. Stir in crispy rice cereal and mix well.
3. Press half into a lined 9×13 pan, let cool.
4. Spread softened ice cream evenly on top.
5. Add remaining cereal layer and press gently.
6. Freeze for 2 hours, then slice and serve.
Notes
Swap vanilla ice cream with chocolate, strawberry, or cookie dough.
Try using fruity pebbles or cocoa cereal for fun flavor twists.
Roll sandwich edges in sprinkles or crushed cookies for extra flair.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Why We Love Rice Crispy Treats Ice Cream Sandwiches
Sweet Memories of Summer Treats
Hi, I’m Mae—a 38-year-old mom and self-taught home cook living just outside Nashville. And let me tell you, summer in Tennessee gets hot. We’re talking fry-an-egg-on-the-sidewalk hot. So when my kids are running wild in the backyard and the humidity’s thick as molasses, I need a dessert that cools everyone down and makes them smile. That’s where the rice crispy treats ice cream sandwich comes in.
This recipe was born out of a grocery store “oops.” I had all the makings for classic rice crispy treats—marshmallows, butter, cereal—but forgot dessert for a cookout. I looked at that tub of vanilla ice cream and thought, “Why not?” A little press, a little freeze, and boom: a no-bake dessert that had everyone asking for seconds.
It’s now our go-to for everything from birthday parties to late-night movie snacks. I especially love that it takes just a few ingredients and lets the kids help without making a massive mess. Plus, no oven means I can keep the kitchen cool while making something fun and delicious. It’s proof that the best ideas often come from a little kitchen chaos.
How This Dessert Became a Family Favorite
We’ve played with different cereals, swapped in fun ice cream flavors, and even rolled the sides in sprinkles. But the original—soft, buttery rice crispy treats hugging a thick slab of creamy vanilla—still wins hearts every time. If you’re wondering, do they have Rice Krispies in America?—oh yes, and they’ve been a pantry staple for decades. Kellogg’s introduced them back in the 1920s, and they’ve been fueling sticky-fingered fun ever since.
The American version of an ice cream sandwich usually means two soft chocolate cookies with vanilla ice cream in between, but this twist turns that idea into something crunchier, chewier, and more nostalgic. It’s got the all-American ice cream sandwich feel with a cereal-lover’s twist.
Whether you’re celebrating a special day or just trying to keep cool, this dessert is about to be your new favorite freezer treat. And as you’ll see in the next section, it’s incredibly easy to make.
Related treat ideas like this no-bake brownie in a mug or this slow cooker chicken leg recipe are great for busy days too.
Building the Perfect Sandwich
What You Need for Rice Crispy Treats Ice Cream Sandwiches
When it comes to easy summer desserts, nothing beats a rice crispy treats ice cream sandwich. It’s a simple no-bake treat made with just a handful of ingredients—but it delivers big on flavor and fun. All you need to make your own rice crispy treats ice cream sandwich at home is:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 (10 oz) bag mini marshmallows
- 6 cups crispy rice cereal
- 1 quart ice cream (vanilla is classic, but any flavor works)
To take your rice crispy treats ice cream sandwich up a notch, have fun with add-ins like mini M&Ms, sprinkles, or chocolate chips. You can also roll the sandwich edges in candy or crushed cereal for extra texture.
If your family enjoys easy desserts, check out this brownie in a mug—it’s another microwave treat perfect for busy weeknights.
Smart Tips for No-Mess, No-Fuss Success
Start by melting your butter and marshmallows in a large pot. Once the mixture is smooth, quickly fold in the crispy rice cereal. Press half the mixture into a parchment-lined 9×13-inch pan. This forms the chewy top and bottom of your rice crispy treats ice cream sandwich.
Allow the bottom layer to cool completely, then spread the softened ice cream evenly over it. Place the second cereal layer on top and press down lightly to create the sandwich. Freeze for at least two hours to firm up.
Slice into squares and serve immediately—or wrap individually and store in the freezer for grab-and-go treats. For parties, create a rice crispy treats ice cream sandwich bar where kids can roll their sandwiches in sprinkles or mini candies.
They’re a hit at cookouts, birthday parties, or just as a cool treat after dinner. I love pairing these with easy mains like our chicken leg slow cooker meals—no oven, no stress.
Whether you’re making one batch or ten, this rice crispy treats ice cream sandwich recipe is a keeper. It’s one of those treats everyone asks for—and once you make it, you’ll know why.
Flavor Variations and Creative Spins
Flavor Combos Your Kids Will Beg For
What makes the rice crispy treats ice cream sandwich such a winner is how easy it is to make it your own. Vanilla might be the classic, but why stop there? Try sandwiching your favorite cereal treats around flavors like strawberry cheesecake, peanut butter cup, or mint chip. One of my kids swears by cookies and cream. Another loves rainbow sherbet—don’t ask me why, but it works.
You can even do half-and-half sandwiches. Use one flavor on one side and another on the other. Each bite comes with a fun little surprise. And if you really want to take it over the top, drizzle some melted chocolate on top before freezing or swirl a spoonful of Nutella into the ice cream.
This rice crispy treats ice cream sandwich is perfect for picky eaters because you can build them however you want. Want crunch? Add chopped peanuts. Need a color pop? Try fruity pebbles instead of plain cereal. The possibilities are endless, and it’s such a fun kitchen activity with kids.
Cereal Swaps and Add-Ins That Work Wonders
The best part? You don’t have to stick with classic Rice Krispies—feel free to switch it up! You can swap the cereal base for cocoa rice cereal, fruity pebbles, or even cinnamon toast crunch. Just keep the butter and marshmallow ratio the same to make sure your rice crispy treats ice cream sandwich stays firm yet chewy.
Don’t forget the edges! Coat the edges of your sandwich with mini chocolate chips, rainbow sprinkles, crushed pretzels, or toasted coconut for extra flavor and crunch. These add texture and fun—especially if you’re planning a dessert bar for guests.
These fun twists make every rice crispy treats ice cream sandwich feel brand-new. You can make a batch with different cereals and flavors, wrap them individually, and store them in the freezer. Perfect for pool parties, after-school treats, or when you just want to smile after a long day.
How to Store, Serve, and Share
Keeping Them Fresh (Yes, You Can Freeze ’Em!)
One of my favorite things about the rice crispy treats ice cream sandwich is that it’s easy to prep ahead. These hold up incredibly well in the freezer for up to a month, making them perfect for parties, meal prep, or midnight snack emergencies. Once you’ve assembled and frozen the full tray for at least two hours, slice the sandwiches into squares and wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap or parchment. Next, transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag or a sealed airtight container.
The rice crispy layers stay chewy, and the ice cream stays smooth—no freezer burn if sealed well. Want to make them even more convenient? Cut them smaller for kid-size portions. I do this often when we have little guests running through the house. It also helps maintain steady sugar and energy levels.
You can also serve these rice crispy treats ice cream sandwiches straight from the freezer at summer events, picnics, or after-dinner get-togethers. They won’t melt instantly, so you have a solid 5–10 minutes to serve and enjoy before things get sticky.
Looking for other dishes that freeze beautifully? Our slow cooker chicken legs are also perfect for make-ahead meals, especially when paired with a frozen treat like this one.
Easy Party Bar Idea for Kids’ Birthdays or BBQs
Planning a birthday party? These are perfect. Set up a DIY rice crispy treats ice cream sandwich bar. Let each child press their own cereal squares (pre-mixed, cooled, and portioned) and choose from flavors like chocolate chip cookie dough, strawberry swirl, or caramel fudge. Set out a topping station with rainbow sprinkles, crushed graham crackers, mini candies, and shredded coconut.
For extra fun, let each kid wrap their sandwich in wax paper and write their name on it before freezing. It’s hands-on, personalized, and way easier than baking a cake.
Need more celebration-friendly ideas? Our kid-friendly recipes are packed with stress-free inspiration that still wows the crowd.
This dessert is not only mom-approved—it’s kid-created and kid-loved. Whether you’re making a quiet freezer stash or hosting a wild backyard bash, rice crispy treats ice cream sandwiches bring big smiles with very little effort.
Conclusion
When life gets busy (and the kitchen gets hot), nothing beats a rice crispy treats ice cream sandwich. It’s the kind of dessert that checks every box—no-bake, fast, fun, and totally customizable. Whether you’re wrangling little ones on a school night, hosting a backyard birthday bash, or just craving a midnight treat, this recipe has you covered.
What I love most is how easy it is to make it your own. You can stick to the classic version or go wild with new flavors, cereals, and toppings. Want to make it healthier? Use low-sugar cereal and frozen yogurt. Want to impress party guests? Create a build-your-own sandwich bar. However you serve it, one thing’s for sure—this is a treat people remember.
At The Recipe Lounge, I believe the best recipes aren’t just about food—they’re about family. This rice crispy treats ice cream sandwich has become a freezer favorite in our house, and I hope it brings that same joy to yours.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do they have Rice Krispies in America?
Yes, absolutely! Rice Krispies are an American classic. The crispy rice cereal was introduced by Kellogg’s in the United States back in 1928, and it’s been a pantry staple ever since. Whether you’re whipping up traditional marshmallow treats or making a fun twist like a rice crispy treats ice cream sandwich, Rice Krispies are easy to find in nearly every grocery store across the country. They’re even available in store-brand versions under names like “crispy rice cereal.”
In fact, this cereal is a big part of why the rice crispy treats ice cream sandwich has become such a beloved no-bake dessert. It’s easy, affordable, and a perfect match for creamy ice cream layers.
What is an American ice cream sandwich?
In America, the classic ice cream sandwich typically features a thick slab of vanilla ice cream pressed between two soft chocolate cookies. You’ll find them wrapped in paper at school lunchrooms, gas stations, and grocery freezer aisles. But over the years, creative home cooks (like us moms!) have reimagined the ice cream sandwich in all kinds of ways—like using donuts, brownies, or in this case, crispy marshmallow cereal bars.
A rice crispy treats ice cream sandwich is the no-bake version of this iconic American treat. It’s gooey, crispy, and creamy all at once—and totally customizable with any cereal or ice cream flavor you love.
What country invented rice crispy treats?
Rice crispy treats were invented right here in the United States. They were created in 1939 by Kellogg’s employees Malitta Jensen and Mildred Day. The recipe was originally developed as a fundraising treat for a Girl Scouts group—and it was a hit! Since then, it’s become a beloved American dessert and an essential ingredient in making a rice crispy treats ice cream sandwich.
Who invented the ice cream sandwich in America?
The ice cream sandwich dates all the way back to the early 1900s in New York City. The original version was simple: vanilla ice cream pressed between thin graham-like wafers and sold for just a penny. Today’s versions are much more creative, and the rice crispy treats ice cream sandwich is one of the most fun variations out there—combining nostalgic cereal bars with rich, frozen goodness.
