Rice Krispie Treat Ice Cream Sandwich: The Ultimate No-Bake Summer Dessert

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Table of Contents

A Mom’s Sweet Shortcut to Summer Smiles

Hi, I’m Mae—a busy mom just outside of Nashville, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s this: kids don’t care if dessert is fancy, but they’ll remember if it’s fun. The first time I made rice krispie treat ice cream sandwiches, it was a last-minute idea on a sweltering afternoon when the AC was struggling and we were all desperate for something cold. I had a box of cereal, some marshmallows, and a half-empty tub of vanilla ice cream. What started as an attempt to keep the kids occupied turned into a hands-on treat we now make every summer.

We squished, layered, and licked melted ice cream off our fingers while giggling at how “gooey but good” everything turned out. Making a rice krispie treat ice cream sandwich turned into one of our most-requested summer traditions. They’re not just delicious—they’re a whole experience.

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Why This Dessert Works for Real-Life Families

Let’s be honest—most days I don’t have time to bake, and turning on the oven in June? Forget it. That’s why this rice krispie treat ice cream sandwich recipe is on repeat in my house. It’s quick, no-bake, and uses ingredients you probably already have. Best of all, the flavor combination of sweet, crispy cereal and creamy ice cream hits every note—crunchy, chewy, cold, and rich.

And you can mix it up depending on what’s in your pantry. Chocolate chip marshmallows? Go for it. Leftover strawberry ice cream from a birthday party? Perfect. This easy dessert adapts to what you’ve got, which is exactly the kind of flexible recipe I rely on as a mom.

It’s just as satisfying as our microwave mug brownie—perfect for anyone craving a fast, cozy, and customizable treat. If you’re looking for easy family desserts that don’t require a culinary degree or a grocery run, this rice krispie treat ice cream sandwich recipe is definitely for you.

How to Make Rice Krispie Treat Ice Cream Sandwiches

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need a long grocery list to pull off this crowd-pleaser. These rice krispie treat ice cream sandwiches are built from just a few simple ingredients, and you probably have most of them in your kitchen already:

• 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
• 1 bag (10 oz) mini marshmallows
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1.5 quarts of your favorite ice cream (vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, or something wild like cookie dough)
• Optional: mini chocolate chips, sprinkles, crushed cookies, or even a peanut butter swirl

To make it more fun, I let the kids pick one mix-in for each batch. It’s a great way to use up odds and ends—and turn snack time into a little adventure.

If you love no-fuss treats, these fit right in with your mug meals that skip the oven but still deliver on flavor. Plus, they’re perfect for summer days when you want to keep things cool and simple.

Step-by-Step: Building Your Rice Krispie Treat Ice Cream Sandwich

Begin by prepping your pan—line a 9×13-inch dish with parchment, making sure there’s extra on the sides to lift the treats out later.

Melt the butter in a large saucepan over low heat, then toss in the marshmallows. Stir gently as they soften, letting everything blend into one smooth, gooey mix.

Quickly mix in the cereal until it’s all coated. Split the mixture in half and firmly press one portion into the bottom of your prepared pan (pro tip: use buttered hands or a silicone spatula to avoid sticking). Slide it into the freezer for about 10 minutes so it firms up.

Once it’s set, spread your softened ice cream over the base, creating an even layer. Press the remaining cereal mixture on top to complete your sandwich. Pop the whole thing back in the freezer for at least two hours—or until it’s solid enough to slice.

When it’s frozen through, pull the parchment to lift everything out. Use a sharp knife to slice into bars, and dig into that perfect mix of creamy, crisp, and marshmallow magic. Every square of this rice krispie treat ice cream sandwich is a playful nod to childhood and summer fun.

These make-ahead treats are ideal when you’re short on time but want something homemade. Just like our go-to 30-minute recipes, they’re easy to prep in the morning and ready by afternoon.

What Makes Rice Krispie Treats So Popular?

Why Everyone’s Obsessed with These Treats

There’s something oddly timeless about a rice krispie treat. It’s one of those snacks that brings everyone to the kitchen—toddlers, teens, even adults who “don’t really do sweets.” The simplicity of cereal, marshmallow, and butter creates that perfect chewy-crunchy combo that satisfies without being heavy.

But what’s more surprising is how this childhood favorite has made its way into gym bags. Yep—bodybuilders love rice krispie treats for a reason. These sweet bars are packed with fast-digesting carbs that give a quick energy boost before a workout. No fiber, no fat, no long digestion time—just quick fuel when it’s needed most. It’s why they’re often found right alongside protein shakes and pre-workout drinks.

When you take something that iconic and mash it up with ice cream? You’ve got magic. The rice krispie treat ice cream sandwich isn’t just a dessert—it’s an experience that bridges childhood joy and adult indulgence. It’sh sweet, nostalgic, and surprisingly practical.

If you’re a snack-lover looking to level up your freezer stash, this dessert definitely belongs in your snacks rotation.

The Rice Krispie Treat Ice Cream Sandwich Makeover

Sure, you could go for a store-bought ice cream sandwich—but let’s be real, most of them are forgettable. Making your own with rice krispie treats? That’s a glow-up worth talking about. You’re trading dry cookies for gooey cereal bars, and suddenly, the textures are more fun and the flavors more flexible.

Want something colorful? Add Fruity Pebbles. Craving crunch? Toss in chopped nuts. Making a batch for a summer birthday party? Roll the edges in sprinkles and you’ve got a festive, mess-free hit.

And honestly, these are just as suited for adults as they are for kids. After a hot day or a backyard BBQ, there’s nothing more satisfying than pulling a homemade ice cream sandwich out of the freezer. If you’re planning your next get-together or just looking for a little frozen joy, this dessert is right up there with our summer recipes that never disappoint.

Variations and Store-Bought Alternatives

Fun Ways to Customize Your Rice Krispie Treat Ice Cream Sandwich

Once you’ve mastered the basic rice krispie treat ice cream sandwich, the real fun begins—customizing it. These are the kind of desserts that practically beg for a creative twist. Want to turn up the nostalgia? Try using Cocoa Krispies or Fruity Pebbles instead of the regular cereal. For a fun color burst, fold rainbow sprinkles right into the marshmallow mixture.

Need a little crunch? Press mini M&Ms or crushed pretzels into the top layer before freezing. Hosting a cookout? Drizzle melted chocolate or caramel over the bars right before serving for that wow factor. I’ve even layered in peanut butter cups between the ice cream and the cereal base, and let me tell you—it’s a game-changer.

Inspired by the popularity of brands like Trader Joe’s, whose ice cream sandwiches are raved about for their chewy, premium textures, you can easily create your own upgraded version at home. Use a salted caramel swirl ice cream, or blend two flavors like cookies and cream with espresso chip. The possibilities are endless, and the result is always crowd-pleasing.

These personalized twists make your treats not just delicious but also perfect for your go-to list of desserts that impress without stress.

Where to Buy or Try Unique Versions

While making your own is the real win, let’s be honest—sometimes you’re just in the mood to grab and go. Curious about those Walmart ice cream sandwiches that don’t seem to melt? It’s not magic—it’s a mix of stabilizers like guar gum and cellulose that help them hold shape longer. They’re designed for transport and shelf-life, not the homemade charm of a marshmallow-based dessert.

Trader Joe’s, on the other hand, uses richer ingredients and softer cookies, which is why their ice cream sandwiches feel like a bakery-style upgrade. They’re a hit for a reason—but you can absolutely recreate a rice krispie treat ice cream sandwich that rivals Trader Joe’s right in your kitchen.

And if you’ve seen pop tart ice cream sandwiches online and wondered where to get them, check local food trucks or novelty dessert shops—they’re a trending treat in urban areas. But honestly? Making them at home is simple: just toast two Pop-Tarts, cool slightly, add ice cream, and freeze. It’s quirky, sweet, and totally fun.

Looking for more cool ideas like this? Our collection of frozen treats has you covered, whether you’re keeping it classic or going wild with mash-ups.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a frozen dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, the rice krispie treat ice cream sandwich is it. It’s quick, customizable, and packed with playful texture. Whether you’re cooling off after a summer barbecue or just surprising the kids with an after-dinner treat, this rice krispie treat ice cream sandwich delivers flavor, fun, and freezer magic every time.

You don’t need a fancy kitchen or hours of prep—just a few ingredients, a bit of freezer space, and a sweet tooth. From casual afternoons to special occasions, A rice krispie treat ice cream sandwich isn’t just a dessert—it’s a memory in the making. And that’s what we’re all about at The Recipe Lounge..

For more easy, family-friendly treats like this rice krispie treat ice cream sandwich, be sure to follow us on Pinterest and Facebook—you’ll never miss a new recipe!

FAQs About Rice Krispie Treat Ice Cream Sandwiches