PERFECT Starbucks Rice Krispie Treat Dream Bar Recipe
These copycat Starbucks rice crispy treats (also called “marshmallow dream bars”) will be the BEST rice crispy treats you will ever eat! They are loaded with gooey marshmallows and have the perfect amount of sweetness to satisfy that sweet tooth! Best of all, they are SO easy to make!
This post may contain affiliate links. Read the full disclosure here.
Move aside, Starbucks Marshmallow Dream Bars. This copycat recipe will make you wonder if you’re dreaming. Seriously, somebody pinch me because these are DECADANT!!!!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Extremely easy to make. Even a caveman can do it.
- AFFORDABLE! For the price of two Starbucks Marshmallow Dream Bars, you can make an entire tray of 12 GIGANTIC servings at home.
- Delicious! Literally the best rice krispies treats I have ever had.
Trust me, you’re going to LOVE this rice krispie treat recipe.
Ingredients For Starbucks Marshmallow Dream Bars
You only need a few simple ingredients for these delicious cereal treats. They are easy to find. Best of all, the ingredients are affordable!
- Marshmallows. The mini ones. Sure, you CAN use the big ones if you have them, but it will make your life harder.
- Crispy Rice Cereal. The brand does not matter here. I used generic Rice Crispy cereal and I could not taste the difference. I am all about quality, but here, I vote to save some money and buy the cheaper option.
- Butter. Preferably unsalted. You can use salted butter, just omit the added salt.
- Salt. Always add salt to your desserts! It’s a flavor enhancer.
- Vanilla Extract. Optional, but highly recommended.
A Few Simple Steps
When I say this recipe is easy, I mean it! You cannot mess this up. This recipe is stupidly easy that I bet anyone can make it.
Here is the recipe in a quick summary:
1. Melt butter on the stovetop on medium heat.
2. Melt the mini marshmallows
3. Add the rest of the ingredients to the sticky mixture.
4. Spread on a buttered pan. Enjoy!
Customize This Copycat Recipe!
Customize this recipe to your liking. The world is your oyster. Yes, this is a copycat recipe. However, you do not need to follow it to a tee. Turn the classic rice krispie treat into something of your own.
Here are a couple of variations and ingredient substitutions:
- Use Different Cereal: Fruity Pebbles are a great option. (Note: would these treats still be called “rice crispy treats” if they were made with Fruity Pebbles? This hard hitting question keeps me up at night.)
- Brown The Butter: This adds a nutty flavor to the rice crispy treats.
- Add Extra Marshmallows: This great recipe already has a TON of marshmallows. However, you can always add more!
- Add Chocolate Chips: Stir them in at the end. You can also drizzle melted chocolate on the top of the treats.
How To Make The PERFECT Rice Krispie Treats
Yes, I said that this recipe is simple and straightforward. BUT, if you are still nervous about messing up, have no fear! I am here to guide you!
Here are the best tips on how to make the perfect Rice Krispie Treats:
Work Fast
Once the marshmallows are melted and off of the heat, they cool down fast. This makes the marshmallow mixture more difficult to mix. So, it’s important to work quickly. Add the rest of the ingredients and work quickly.
Spread The Mixture
I can bet money that you have had a homemade Rice Krispie Treat that was tough to eat. Wanna know why? It is because the mixture was pressed down into the pan instead of being spread evenly.
Pressing down on the mixture is a NO NO! DO NOT DO IT!
Do NOT Press Down On The Mixture!
Okay, I know I said this already. However, it is important! I cannot stress it enough!
Copycat Recipes You Will LOVE
Check out these copycat baked desserts recipes!!
Decadent Starbucks Chocolate Cake Pops
Subway Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe
Starbucks Toffee Doodle Cookie Recipe
Homemade Cici’s Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Perfect Starbucks Rice Krispie Treat Dream Bar Recipe
Save This Recipe
Enter your email below and I’ll send it to your inbox, and I’ll let you know when new recipes come out every week!
Ingredients
- ¾ Cups (170 g) Butter
- 30 ounces (850.49 g) Miniature Marshmallows divided
- ½ tsp (3 g) Salt
- 1 tsp (4 g) Vanilla Extract optional
- 10 Cups (267 g) Rice Crispy Cereal
Instructions
- Grease a 9×13-inch pan with butter. Set aside. (Note: This prevents the treats from sticking on the pan. You can also use cooking spray.)
- Stovetop: In a large pot, melt the butter on medium-low heat.
- Add Marshmallows: Once the butter melts completely, add 2/3s of the marshmallows into the pot (Note: Save ⅓ of the marshmallows for later!!!!). Stir continuously until the marshmallows are melted. The mixture should be smooth with no lumps.
- Remove From Heat: Turn off the stove and remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the salt and vanilla extract.
- Add Cereal: Add the Rice Crispy Cereal into the pot and fold.
- Add Remaining Marshmallows: Once the cereal is coated in the melted mixture, add the remaining marshmallows. Continue to fold until the marshmallows are evenly distributed.
- Pour the rice krispie mixture mixture into the prepared pan. Spread the mixture so that it is evenly distributed throughout the pan. Do NOT press down (see notes). It doesn't have to be perfect.
- Let sit at room temperature for one hour. Then, enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Tools Used: 9×13 Glass Pan | Dutch Oven
- No large pan? No Dutch oven? No problem! Melt the marshmallows on the stovetop. Then, transfer them into a large mixing bowl. Follow the rest of the recipe.
- Do NOT press down on the mixture!!! This ruins the texture. The treats will be compact and difficult to eat.
- Recipe Variations (Check Blog Post for more information):
- Brown The Butter for a nutty flavor
- Add chocolate chips at the end
- Use different cereal! Fruity Pebbles would be a great substitution.
- To Store: Store leftovers covered with plastic wrap at room temperature for 4-5 days. If you need to store them longer, you can freeze them in an airtight container for up to three months.
- Other Recipes You May Like:
