Irresistible Homemade Rice Krispie Treat Ice Cream Sandwich (Better Than Store-Bought!)

Rice Krispie treat ice cream sandwich; the moment I saw it on my feed, I knew I had to try it. You know the feeling: you’re scrolling TikTok late at night, and suddenly a gooey marshmallow layer pressed around vanilla ice cream floats across the screen. Boom. It hits. You’re instantly craving it. That’s exactly how I felt when I saw those viral ice cream bars made with crispy cereal squares.

So naturally, I did what any dessert lover would do. I headed to the kitchen and made my own copycat version. And let me tell you: they’re everything you hope for. Sweet, crunchy, creamy, nostalgic. They’re like your favorite childhood Rice Krispie treats met your favorite summer ice cream truck memory and had a delicious baby.

This article will walk you through how to make rice krispie treat ice cream sandwich from scratch with simple pantry staples, nothing fancy, just good old-fashioned butter, marshmallows, cereal, and vanilla ice cream (Tillamook is my favorite, but more on that later).

Looking for inspiration? Try our twist on frozen desserts like Sweet Corn Ice Cream while you’re here.

Ready to whip up your own stack of cool, chewy, creamy rice krispie ice cream sandwiches? Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

The Viral Rice Krispie Treat Ice Cream Sandwich

Sensation Behind the Rice Krispie Treat Ice Cream Sandwich

This isn’t just a snack, it’s a full-on summer vibe. The Rice Krispie treat ice cream sandwich exploded on social media because it’s ridiculously easy to make and even easier to devour. Instead of tough frozen cookies, this treat keeps it simple: soft marshmallow cereal layers hugging a thick slab of ice cream. It’s the ultimate upgrade to childhood Rice Krispie treats.

People love it because it’s nostalgic, budget-friendly, and totally customizable. Chocolate drizzle? You got it. Strawberry ice cream? Sure thing. Dip half in sprinkles or crushed cookies? Why not! That’s what makes this viral trend stick, it’s made to be your own.

Why Copycat Recipes Are Trending in 2025

Here’s the thing: we all love a good store-bought dessert, but making it yourself? That’s where the magic happens. Copycat recipes are booming in 2025 because people are craving that balance of comfort food and creativity. Plus, let’s be honest, homemade always tastes better, and you get bragging rights.

With the Rice Krispie treat ice cream sandwich, you’re getting more than a dessert. You’re getting a DIY project that turns out delicious every time. And best of all? No baking required. Just melt, mix, freeze, and slice. Let’s get into the details.

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Ingredients You’ll Need for Rice Krispie Ice Cream Sandwiches

Essential Ingredients for Rice Krispie Treat Base

To make the perfect rice krispie treat ice cream sandwich, you only need a few pantry staples. Most of these are probably already in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need for the cereal treat layers:

Ingredient	Amount (per layer)	Total Needed
Unsalted Butter	3 tablespoons	6 tablespoons
Mini Marshmallows	16 ounces	32 ounces
Rice Krispies Cereal	6 cups	12 cups

You’ll be making two separate cereal layers, so we double the ingredients. It’s best to make one layer at a time because once that marshmallow mix cools, it gets sticky and hard to shape. Pro tip: wet your hands before pressing the mixture into the pan, it keeps it from sticking.

Choosing the Best Vanilla Ice Cream for the Sandwich

Ice cream is the soul of this dessert. Pick a flavor that complements the cereal’s sweet, toasted crunch.

Here are a few top picks:

Ice Cream Brand	Flavor	Why It Works
Tillamook Old-Fashioned Vanilla	Classic Vanilla	Ultra creamy and firm, perfect for slicing
Häagen-Dazs	Vanilla Bean	Rich and dense, holds shape well
Ben & Jerry’s	Cookie Dough or Half Baked	Fun twist if you want to break tradition
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams	Salted Peanut Butter with Chocolate Flecks	Gourmet upgrade with extra flair

You’ll need about 1.5 quarts of ice cream total, but you can use up to 2 quarts if you want a thicker center. Just make sure to slightly soften it before spreading, about 15–20 minutes in the fridge does the trick. Avoid letting it melt on the counter, or you’ll have a mess on your hands.

Want to get creative? Swap vanilla for strawberry, chocolate, or cookies & cream. You can even fold in your own mix-ins like mini chocolate chips, crushed Oreos, or rainbow sprinkles to both the ice cream and the Rice Krispie layers.

How to Make the Rice Krispie Ice Cream Sandwich, Step by Step

Preparing the Pan and Setting Up Your Workstation

First things first, line a 9″ x 13″ baking pan with parchment paper. Be sure to let the paper hang over the sides so you can lift the treats out easily later. Spray the parchment with non-stick cooking spray, trust me, this will save your life when the marshmallow mix tries to stick.

Clear off some counter space because you’ll be doing this in two parts. Make sure you have two large mixing bowls, a silicone spatula, and a medium saucepan ready to go.

Making the First Rice Krispie Treat Layer

Now let’s make the base. This will be your bottom layer, the foundation of your sandwich.

1. Melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
2. Once melted, add 16 ounces of mini marshmallows, stirring constantly until smooth and gooey.
3. Measure 6 cups of Rice Krispies cereal into a large mixing bowl.
4. Pour the melted marshmallow mix over the cereal and stir quickly with a silicone spatula.
5. Transfer the mixture into your prepared pan. To keep the mixture from sticking, lightly dampen your hands and press it evenly into the bottom of the pan.
6. Pop the pan into the freezer for 15 minutes to firm up the layer.
7. Once chilled, lift the cereal layer out by the parchment paper and transfer it to a baking sheet in the fridge while you prep the next layer.

Freezing and Prepping the Second Layer for the Sandwich

Now repeat the entire process with the second half of your ingredients to create the top Rice Krispie treat layer:

1. Grease the pan again and line it with a fresh sheet of parchment paper, then give it a light spray.
2. Melt 3 tablespoons of butter, stir in 16 ounces of marshmallows, then add 6 more cups of Rice Krispies and mix until fully combined.
3. Press it into the pan using wet hands again.
4. Let this chill in the freezer for 15 minutes while you prepare your ice cream.

And boom, you’re halfway there!

Assemble the Magic: Rice Krispie Treat Ice Cream Sandwiches

Spreading the Vanilla Ice Cream Evenly

Alright, your top and bottom cereal layers are ready and chilling. Now it’s time to bring in the star of the show: ice cream.

Here’s how to do it right:

1. Take the second cereal layer (still in the pan) out of the freezer.
2. Scoop out your slightly softened vanilla ice cream, about 1.5 to 2 quarts should do it.
3. Using an offset spatula or silicone spreader, gently press and spread the ice cream over the entire surface of the cereal layer. Work quickly but carefully, you want it to be thick and even, not melting and running.
4. Make sure the ice cream reaches all four corners and is smooth across the top. Try to spread the layer to about 1 to 1.5 inches in thickness.

Pro Tip: Pop the pan back in the freezer for 5–10 minutes if the ice cream starts getting too soft while spreading.

Placing the Top Layer and Freezing Techniques

Once the ice cream is spread out and smooth, it’s time to finish the sandwich:

1. Take the first cereal layer out of the refrigerator.
2. Carefully flip it onto the ice cream layer, marshmallow side down. Do your best to line up the edges evenly.
3. Use your hands to gently press the top layer down, but don’t squish it too much, you want the sandwich to stay thick.
4. Tightly cover the pan with foil or plastic wrap to seal it.
5. Place the whole thing in the freezer for at least 4 hours, overnight is even better for a firm, sliceable treat.

Once it’s frozen solid, lift it out of the pan using the parchment paper, and cut it into rectangles with a sharp knife. You can go big (4″x2″) for full-sized sandwiches or slice smaller for mini party treats.

And just like that, you’ve made your own homemade rice krispie treat ice cream sandwiches, ready to eat, share, or hoard in your freezer for those late-night cravings.

Storing Homemade Rice Krispie Ice Cream Sandwiches: Tips & Shelf Life

How to Store Rice Krispie Treat Ice Cream Sandwiches

Once your sandwiches are frozen and sliced, proper storage is key to keeping them just as delicious as day one. Luckily, it’s super simple:

• Use an airtight container: Place your sandwiches in a single layer in a freezer-safe container. If you’re stacking them, place parchment paper between each layer to keep them from sticking together.
• Freeze immediately after slicing: Don’t leave them out at room temperature. The quicker they go back in the freezer, the better their texture.
• Avoid re-freezing repeatedly: Only take out what you plan to eat. Thawing and refreezing may dull the flavor and break down the texture.

They’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to 2 weeks, though let’s be real, they probably won’t last that long.

Preventing Freezer Burn and Keeping Treats Fresh

Freezer burn can turn even the best dessert into a disappointment. To keep your rice krispie treat ice cream sandwich safe from icy invaders:

• Wrap individually: Use plastic wrap or wax paper to wrap each sandwich before storing in a container. This creates an additional layer of protection from air exposure.
• Vacuum seal if you’re fancy: For longer storage (3–4 weeks), vacuum sealing is a game-changer. It keeps air and moisture out and locks in freshness.
• Label and date: Mark your container with the date you made them. That way, you know how long they’ve been sitting if you somehow still have leftovers after a week.

Bonus tip: If you’re prepping ahead for a party, you can make these up to 5 days in advance and they’ll be in perfect shape by dessert time.

Ingredient Variations to Try at Home

Flavor Swaps: Chocolate, Strawberry, Cookies & Cream

Vanilla ice cream is a timeless choice, but why not explore beyond the basics? Changing up the flavor can take your rice krispie treat ice cream sandwich to the next level. Here are some delicious combos to try:

Ice Cream Flavor	Why It Works
Chocolate Fudge Swirl	Adds richness and balances the marshmallow sweetness
Strawberry Cheesecake	Bright and fruity, perfect with classic cereal
Cookies & Cream	Texture overload, in the best way
Peanut Butter Cup	Salty-sweet combo that wins every time
Birthday Cake	Adds sprinkles and that party vibe, no effort needed

Tip: Try to avoid overly soft or airy ice creams, they melt too quickly when assembling. Stick with brands that are dense and creamy.

Creative Mix-ins and Chocolate Dipped Upgrades

Want to level up your cereal layers? Toss in something extra:

• Mini chocolate chips: Stir into the warm marshmallow mix before pressing.
• Rainbow sprinkles: Add some color to your Rice Krispies, kids love this!
• Crushed cookies: Oreos, graham crackers, or even Nilla Wafers bring extra crunch.
• Marshmallow flavor twist: Use strawberry, chocolate, or caramel marshmallows for added fun.

And if you’re feeling extra, why not dip the sandwiches in melted chocolate after slicing?

Here’s how:

1. Melt 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips with 1 tablespoon of coconut oil in the microwave, heating in 30-second intervals and stirring in between.
2. Dip half of each frozen sandwich into the chocolate and let it harden on a parchment-lined tray.
3. Optional: While the chocolate is still soft, top with crushed nuts, extra cereal, or festive sprinkles for added texture and fun.

This gives you that gourmet finish while keeping the recipe playful and customizable. Perfect for parties, bake sales, or simply treating yourself to something sweet and satisfying.

Pro Tips for Perfect Rice Krispie Ice Cream Sandwiches

How to Work Fast with Ice Cream

Ice cream waits for no one, and it melts even faster. Here’s how to keep it from turning your treats into a puddle:

• Soften smartly: Let your ice cream sit in the fridge (not on the counter) for 15–20 minutes before assembling. It softens evenly without becoming soup.
• Use a cold spatula: Pop your spatula in the freezer for 5 minutes before spreading ice cream, it glides better and prevents melting on contact.
• Keep it cold: Work in a cool kitchen if possible, and return layers to the freezer between steps if they start to get warm.

If you’re making these with kids (or just easily distracted), pre-chill everything: your pan, bowls, even the ice cream scooper.

Tricks for Evenly Spreading and Assembling Layers

Uneven layers = messy bites. Here’s how to keep it neat:

• Use damp hands when handling the cereal: Lightly wet your fingers before pressing the Rice Krispie mixture into the pan to prevent sticking.
• Line up your layers: When flipping the top cereal layer onto the ice cream, align it slowly starting at one corner. This gives you a clean edge and prevents cracking.
• Use parchment paper for even pressing: After assembling, place a sheet of parchment on top and gently press down with your hands or a small baking sheet to create a smooth, even layer.

Bonus tip: For picture-perfect slices, run your knife under hot water, wipe it dry, then slice. Repeat between cuts.

Conclusion

The rice krispie treat ice cream sandwich isn’t just a dessert, it’s a vibe. It brings together childhood nostalgia and modern indulgence in one ridiculously easy, freezer-friendly treat. Whether you’re making them for a summer party, sharing with the family, or sneaking one solo late at night, you’ll love how quick and customizable they are.

Once you’ve nailed the base recipe, the possibilities for flavor twists and creative add-ins are limitless. From chocolate-dipped edges to fruity swirls and mix-ins galore, every batch can be its own little masterpiece.

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FAQs About Rice Krispie Treat Ice Cream Sandwiches