Chocolate and Vanilla Layered Rice Krispie Treats

Chocolate Vanilla Layered Rice Krispie Treats—a delightful mash-up of the classic and chocolate Rice Krispie treats layered together for a rich, gooey, crowd-pleasing dessert. Perfect when you can’t decide between chocolate or original—you get both in one pan.

Chocolate-Vanilla Layered Rice Krispie Treats | All Images © Beyond the Butter, LLC
Chocolate-Vanilla Layered Rice Krispie Treats | All Images © Beyond the Butter, LLC

How to Make Chocolate Vanilla Layered Rice Krispie Treats

The base Rice Krispie treats recipe is quick and reliable, which makes it ideal for busy days. To combine both versions, start with a chocolate layer, add a thin melted-marshmallow layer, then finish with the classic Rice Krispie layer. The result is an irresistible combination of textures and flavors.

The Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats Layer

The chocolate layer follows the same simple technique as classic treats but with cocoa, chocolate chips, and chocolate cereal added in for an indulgent, fudgy base.

The Marshmallow Layer

The middle layer is just melted mini marshmallows with a little butter. It acts as a sticky, sweet binder between the chocolate and original layers and keeps the finished bars delightfully gooey.

The Classic Rice Krispie Treats Layer

The top layer is the traditional Rice Krispie mixture, with a portion of mini marshmallows folded in at the end so you get pockets of soft marshmallow throughout. All three layers can be made in the same large pot for easy cleanup, and no oven or mixer is required. Allow the pan to set for at least an hour before slicing so the layers hold together.

Chocolate Vanilla Layered Rice Krispie Treats

5 from 1 vote
Author: Jennifer
Prep: 35
Set Time: 1
Total: 1 35
Servings: 24 servings
Chocolate-Vanilla Layered Rice Krispie Treats arranged like a checkered board pattern on white parchment paper.
Pin
Print
When you love both the original and chocolate Rice Krispie treats, this layered version gives you the best of both worlds in one pan.

Ingredients 

chocolate rice krispie treats layer

  • 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter
  • 1/2 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
  • 1/4 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 10.5 oz Mini Marshmallows (1 bag)
  • 12 oz Milk Chocolate Chips
  • 5 cups Chocolate Rice Krispies Cereal

marshmallow layer 

  • 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter
  • 10.5 oz Mini Marshmallows (1 bag)

original rice krispie treats layer

  • 8 tbsp 1 stick Unsalted Butter, melted
  • 2 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 1/8 tsp Salt (or pinch)
  • 21 oz Mini Marshmallows (2 bags), divided (1 1/2 bags for melting, remaining 1/2 bag for folding in)
  • 9 cups Rice Krispies Cereal

Instructions 

  • Line a 9 x 13 inch rectangular pan with aluminum foil and lightly butter or spray the inside. Set aside.

Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats Layer

  • In a large pot over medium heat, melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter. Stir in 1/4 tsp vanilla and 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder until smooth.
  • Reduce heat, add 10.5 oz mini marshmallows and stir until melted and smooth.
  • Stir in 12 oz milk chocolate chips until incorporated, then remove from heat.
  • Fold in 5 cups chocolate Rice Krispies cereal until evenly coated.
  • Scoop the chocolate mixture into the prepared pan and press it evenly with a spatula. Spray the spatula first to prevent sticking.
  • Wipe the pot clean with a paper towel to prepare for the next layer.

Marshmallow Layer

  • Over low heat in the same pot, melt 2 tbsp unsalted butter and 10.5 oz mini marshmallows, stirring until melted and smooth.
  • Pour the marshmallow mixture over the chocolate layer and spread evenly with the sprayed spatula.
  • You may clean the pot now or leave it since you’ll prepare the final layer next.

Original Rice Krispie Treats Layer

  • In the same large saucepan, melt 8 tbsp (1 stick) unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in 2 tsp vanilla and a pinch (about 1/8 tsp) salt.
  • Reduce heat to low and add 1 1/2 bags (about 15.75 oz) mini marshmallows. Stir until melted.
  • Remove from heat and fold in 9 cups Rice Krispies cereal until evenly coated.
  • Stir in the remaining 1/2 bag of mini marshmallows so they remain mostly intact, adding pockets of soft marshmallow in the top layer.
  • Scoop the mixture over the marshmallow layer and press evenly with the sprayed spatula.
  • Let the pan set at room temperature for at least 1 hour before cutting into squares.
  • Store finished bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
  • Notes

    • For more tips on perfect Rice Krispie treats and recommended tools, consult a trusted Rice Krispie treats guide or recipe resource.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 355kcal | Carbohydrates: 64g

    Nutritional information provided above is an estimate only and will vary based on specific ingredients used.

    Like this recipe? Leave a comment below!