If summer had a flavor, it would taste like rice krispie ice cream. This frozen twist on the classic treat layers cold vanilla ice cream between chewy, marshmallowy cereal bars — a texture-lover’s dream. Perfect for hot days, birthday parties, or simple weeknight cravings, it’s a no-bake recipe that kids devour and adults sneak from the freezer. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how this dessert became a favorite in my busy mom kitchen, how to make it step-by-step, and where to find it if you’d rather buy it. Spoiler: you’ll want to make it yourself.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Rice Krispie Ice Cream: A Fun & Easy Summer Dessert You Can Make at Home
- Total Time: 4 hours
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy, no-bake rice krispie ice cream sandwich recipe combines crispy marshmallow treats with creamy vanilla ice cream for a summer dessert everyone will love.
Ingredients
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 (10 oz) bag mini marshmallows
6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
1 pint vanilla ice cream (softened slightly)
Optional: sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, peanut butter swirl
Instructions
1. Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper and set aside.
2. Melt the butter in a large saucepan over low heat.
3. Add marshmallows and stir until fully melted and smooth.
4. Remove from heat and fold in the Rice Krispies cereal until well combined.
5. Press half the mixture into the bottom of the pan to form the base layer. Freeze for 10 minutes.
6. Spread softened vanilla ice cream over the base layer evenly.
7. Add the remaining cereal mixture on top and press gently.
8. Freeze the entire pan for 2–4 hours or until firm.
9. Cut into bars or sandwiches and serve immediately or store in the freezer.
Notes
For a fun twist, use Fruity Pebbles or Cocoa Krispies instead of Rice Krispies.
Swirl peanut butter or caramel into the ice cream before layering for added flavor.
Wrap individual sandwiches in parchment paper for easy grab-and-go storage.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 115mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
How My Love for Rice Krispie Ice Cream Sandwiches All Started
How a Busy Summer Day Sparked a Freezer Favorite
Hi, I’m Mae — mom of two and home cook just outside Nashville. One sweaty July afternoon, the freezer was full of ice cream, the pantry held half a bag of Rice Krispies, and my kids were restless. Out of options, I made some quick cereal treats, split the mix in half, spread vanilla ice cream in the middle, and froze it. That first batch of rice krispie ice cream sandwiches was born — and instantly devoured.
It’s now one of my favorite make-ahead desserts. If you love time-savers like my brownie in a mug or chicken leg slow cooker meals, this recipe will fit right into your weekly rotation.
Why Rice Krispie Ice Cream Is the Ultimate No-Bake Treat
What makes rice krispie ice cream so irresistible? It strikes the perfect mix of chilly, crispy, creamy, and just the right amount of gooey. The marshmallow gives you chew, the cereal adds a crisp bite, and the ice cream? Well, that just melts in your mouth. Best of all, it’s endlessly customizable. Want chocolate chips in the cereal layer? Do it. Prefer caramel-swirl ice cream? Even better.
It’s also a lifesaver when the oven’s off-limits. Like my slow cooker recipes or easy dinner ideas, this treat was made for real-life kitchens — quick, comforting, and kid-approved.
Whether you’re prepping for a party or just want to stock your freezer with happiness, rice krispie ice cream is a must-try summer dessert.
How to Make Rice Krispie Ice Cream at Home
Ingredients You’ll Need for the Perfect Ice Cream Sandwich
Making rice krispie ice cream sandwiches is quick, easy, and fun. Here’s what you need:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 bag (10 oz) mini marshmallows
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 pint of vanilla ice cream (softened slightly)
Optional: chocolate chips, sprinkles, crushed cookies, or peanut butter swirl.
This recipe uses basic pantry staples and takes less than 30 minutes of hands-on time. You can even mix in a bit of chocolate or drizzle caramel for an extra touch. If you’re all about simple, sweet wins like our brownie in a mug, this one will fit right into your dessert rotation.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Build and Freeze
- Melt & mix: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the marshmallows and stir until fully melted. Take it off the heat and gently stir in the cereal until it’s fully coated.
- Layer: Divide the mixture in half. Press one half into a parchment-lined 8×8-inch pan. Freeze for 10 minutes.
- Add ice cream: Spread a layer of softened vanilla ice cream over the base. Freeze again for 10 minutes.
- Top it off: Add the remaining cereal mixture on top, gently pressing it flat.
- Final freeze: Freeze 2–4 hours until fully set, then cut into bars or sandwiches.
This no-bake recipe is a go-to for busy summer days — and just as practical as our chicken leg slow cooker meals, especially when the oven’s off-limits.
Where to Buy Rice Krispie Ice Cream or Ice Cream Sandwiches
Can You Buy Rice Krispie Ice Cream in Stores?
If you’re wondering where to buy rice krispie ice cream, the truth is — it’s not always easy to find. Most major grocery stores don’t carry this specific combination in their freezer section. You might occasionally spot rice krispie treat ice cream sandwiches at specialty dessert shops or local creameries, especially during the summer.
Your best bet? Check regional ice cream brands, local artisan scoop shops, or browse the frozen novelty aisle at larger retailers like Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, or Kroger. But don’t be surprised if it’s a seasonal or limited-time item.
Where Can I Find Rice Krispie Ice Cream Sandwiches Online?
Online dessert shops are starting to offer creative frozen mashups — including gourmet rice krispie ice cream sandwiches. Websites like Goldbelly and small-batch dessert stores sometimes list them as part of gift boxes or summer collections.
That said, availability changes fast. That’s why making your own version at home (like we did in Part 2) is the most reliable — and delicious — option.
Should You Make It or Buy It?
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Homemade | Store-Bought |
|---|---|
| Custom flavors, lower cost | Convenient, but limited |
| Fun to make with kids | May contain additives |
| Ready when you want it | Often sold out or seasonal |
If you like easy, family-style meals like our slow cooker recipes, you’ll appreciate how simple this frozen treat is to make in batches and store for later.
Fun Twists on the Classic Rice Krispie Ice Cream Recipe
Make It Kid-Friendly (or Kid-Wild)
After you’ve nailed the basic recipe, the fun really begins. For the little ones (or your inner child), turn these into rice krispie ice cream pops! Use a popsicle mold or press your sandwich into silicone shapes like stars or dinosaurs. Dip the sides in rainbow sprinkles or mini M&Ms before freezing. You can even use colored cereal like Fruity Pebbles for a tie-dye effect — it’s a great way to get kids in the kitchen and excited about helping.
Looking for more low-effort ways to make mealtime magical? Try our mug meals — fun, fast, and made for multitasking families.
Upgrade It for Adults (Think Gourmet Ice Cream Truck Vibes)
Want to take your rice krispie ice cream from kid snack to dinner party dessert? Start by switching out the vanilla ice cream for something richer, like coffee, salted caramel, or pistachio. Add mix-ins like crushed pretzels, dark chocolate chunks, or a swirl of cookie butter. You can also toast the cereal mix with a dash of sea salt or browned butter for a deeper flavor.
Hosting friends? Cut the sandwiches into mini cubes and serve them bite-sized on a chilled platter — fancy, fuss-free, and guaranteed to impress. Like our easy dinner ideas, it’s all about simple upgrades that make a big impact.
Another idea: drizzle the finished squares with chocolate ganache or caramel just before serving. The contrast of warm sauce over frozen ice cream? Pure joy.
Conclusion: Your New Favorite Freezer Dessert
Whether you’re a busy parent, dessert lover, or just looking for a fun weekend kitchen project, rice krispie ice cream is a must-try. It’s everything you want in a summer treat — creamy, chewy, nostalgic, and ridiculously easy to make. Plus, it’s a freezer-friendly recipe that you can customize in endless ways, from kid-friendly sprinkles to gourmet twists like espresso or peanut butter swirls.
Skip the search through crowded freezer aisles or sold-out shops. With simple pantry ingredients and a little freezer time, you can make your own batch of rice krispie ice cream sandwiches that taste way better than store-bought.
Looking for more quick, satisfying recipes? Browse our easy dinner ideas or cool down with time-saving slow cooker meals that bring comfort to your table without the stress.
Homemade, heartwarming, and perfect for sharing — that’s what The Recipe Lounge is all about.
Follow me on Facebook and Pinterest for tasty new recipes, tried-and-true kitchen tips, and sweet inspiration from my family to yours!
Frequently Asked Questions About Rice Krispie Ice Cream
Where to Buy Rice Krispie Ice Cream?
Finding rice krispie ice cream in stores isn’t always simple — it’s not a mainstream commercial item like chocolate chip cookie sandwiches. However, certain regional ice cream makers or specialty dessert boutiques may offer small-batch versions, especially in summer. Try checking with your local ice cream shop or bakery that offers novelty desserts.
Still no luck? You’re not alone — that’s why most people prefer to make it at home using simple ingredients like marshmallows, Rice Krispies cereal, and ice cream. It’s faster than hunting down a limited-release frozen treat!
Where Can I Buy Rice Krispie Ice Cream?
If you’re looking to buy rice krispie ice cream, check sites like Goldbelly or Etsy, where artisanal bakers occasionally list gourmet versions of cereal-based frozen desserts. Some Instagram-famous dessert shops may sell them for pickup or delivery.
But keep in mind: shipping frozen items comes with cost and risk. That’s why homemade versions remain the most popular. With a few pantry staples and 20 minutes of prep, you can recreate it better and fresher in your own kitchen — just like our trusted slow cooker recipes that put convenience and taste first.
Where Can I Buy Rice Krispie Treat Ice Cream Sandwiches?
You might have seen these rice krispie treat ice cream sandwiches featured on TikTok or Instagram reels — and yes, they exist! Some gourmet markets, summer food trucks, or trendy dessert cafes offer them during warm months. But they’re still not widely available year-round.
The good news? Making them at home is not only easy but also more customizable. You can swap the cereal, switch the ice cream flavor, and even shape them into bars, squares, or popsicles. If you enjoy creating family-friendly, flexible meals like our mug meals, this treat fits right in.
Where Can I Find Rice Krispie Ice Cream?
Your local grocery store probably won’t carry rice krispie ice cream directly — at least not under that name. However, look out for cereal-flavored ice creams in specialty or boutique brands. Some might contain marshmallow swirls and rice puffs, especially in kids’ varieties or seasonal collections.
Still, for the true layered sandwich effect — soft cereal bar + creamy ice cream + crispy bite — nothing beats the homemade method. It’s budget-friendly, freezable, and fun to prep with kids or friends. Plus, it stores well, just like our other make-ahead ideas in the easy dinner ideas category.
Where Can I Find Rice Krispie Ice Cream Sandwiches?
If you’re determined to find ready-made rice krispie ice cream sandwiches, check local ice cream parlors, mobile dessert trucks, or themed dessert shops. They’re more likely to carry trendy mashups like this during summer festivals or in high-traffic city areas.
You can also try frozen novelty sections in larger natural food stores, but be aware: they sell out quickly. That’s one more reason why making a fresh batch at home — and keeping it in your freezer — is the smartest move.
