
✨ The Dessert That Makes Everything Better
Picture this: You’re hit with a sudden, unstoppable craving for something sweet, chocolatey, and ridiculously easy. You don’t want to preheat an oven, dig out a mixer, or wait hours. You want Easy Nutella Rice Krispie Treats – a dreamy mash-up of gooey marshmallows, crunchy cereal, and that glorious hazelnut spread. These no‑bake bars come together in just 15 minutes of active time, then set into chewy, Nutella‑swirled perfection. They’re the snack you’ll whip up for last‑minute parties, lazy Sunday afternoons, or when you just need a little hug in dessert form. And the best part? You probably have everything in your pantry right now. Ready to dive in?
💖 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No oven required – All done on the stovetop (or microwave) in minutes. No baking, no fuss.
- Nutella magic – That rich, creamy hazelnut flavor melds with marshmallow goo to create a dreamy swirl in every bite.
- Quick & forgiving – Prep in 10 minutes, cook in 5, then let them set. Hard to mess up, even for beginners.
- Customisable & crowd‑pleasing – Add sprinkles, chocolate chips, or a sea salt finish. Kids and adults both go crazy for them.
📋 Ingredients
- 🧈 6 tablespoons salted butter
- 🍬 1 (16‑ounce) package mini marshmallows, divided
- 🍯 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 🌰 1¼ cups Nutella spread, divided
- 🥣 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
Note: Unsalted butter works too – just add a pinch of salt.
👨🍳 How to Make Easy Nutella Rice Krispie Treats
- Prep the pan: Line a 9‑inch square baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides. This helps you lift the treats out cleanly later.
- Melt butter & most marshmallows: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, reduce heat to low. Add all but 1 cup of the mini marshmallows (reserve that cup for later). Stir constantly until the marshmallows are completely smooth and melted. Remove the pot from the heat.
- Flavor & Nutella: Stir in the vanilla extract and 1 cup of Nutella until the mixture is smooth and uniformly chocolate‑hazelnut.
- Fold in cereal & reserved marshmallows: Gently fold in the Rice Krispies cereal and the reserved 1 cup of mini marshmallows. Mix until everything is evenly coated. Don’t overmix – you want some marshmallow pockets for extra gooeyness.
- Press into pan: Transfer the mixture to your prepared dish. Using a spatula or lightly greased hands, carefully press it into an even layer. Don’t press too hard or the treats will be dense.
- Top with Nutella drizzle: Microwave the remaining ¼ cup of Nutella for about 30 seconds until warm and pourable. Drizzle it over the top in a zigzag pattern.
- Set & cut: Let the treats cool at room temperature for at least 1 hour (or until fully set). Lift out using the parchment, then cut into 18 squares.
Pro tip: For cleaner cuts, use a sharp knife greased with a little butter or cooking spray.
🎉 Ways to Present & Serve
- Classic squares – Perfect for lunchboxes or an after‑school snack.
- Bite‑sized balls – Roll the mixture into small truffles after it sets a bit, then drizzle with extra Nutella.
- Ice cream topping – Crumble a treat over vanilla ice cream for a crunchy sundae.
- Holiday flair – Add festive sprinkles or crushed candy canes on top before the drizzle sets.
- Dessert platter – Cut into tiny triangles and arrange on a board with fresh berries, pretzels, and chocolate dip.
🧊 Storage & Shelf Life
Store your Easy Nutella Rice Krispie Treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They’ll stay soft and chewy. For longer storage, wrap each square individually in wax paper and keep in the fridge for up to a week – just let them come to room temp before serving for the best texture. Don’t freeze them, as the marshmallow can become grainy.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Any hazelnut‑chocolate spread works, though sweetness may vary. You can also swap half with peanut butter for a different twist.
Overheating the marshmallows or pressing the mixture too firmly can make them dense. Keep heat low and press gently.
Yes – use vegan butter, vegan marshmallows, and a dairy‑free Nutella‑style spread. The texture will be similar.
Yes. Place butter and marshmallows in a large microwave‑safe bowl. Microwave in 30‑second bursts, stirring each time, until melted. Then proceed.
Microwave it a few seconds longer, or stir in 1 teaspoon of coconut oil or milk to thin it slightly.
Definitely! Fold in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips, chopped toasted hazelnuts, or even crushed wafer cookies along with the cereal.
Lightly grease your hands with butter or cooking spray, or use a spatula that’s been sprayed with non‑stick spray.
This happens if the marshmallow mixture is too hot. Let it cool for 2‑3 minutes before pressing, or use a damp spatula.
Yes – use a 9×13‑inch pan and double all ingredients. Increase the setting time slightly.
I recommend against freezing, as the marshmallow texture can become spongy. They’re best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
“`

Easy Nutella Rice Krispie Treats
Equipment
- 9-inch square baking dish
- Large Pot
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons salted butter
- 16 ounce mini marshmallows divided
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups Nutella spread divided
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
Instructions
- Prepare a 9-inch square baking dish by lining it with parchment paper.
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Reduce to low heat and add all but 1 cup of the mini marshmallows.
- Stir until smooth, then remove from heat. Stir in vanilla extract and 1 cup of Nutella until combined.
- Fold in the Rice Krispies cereal and the reserved 1 cup of marshmallows. Press the mixture into the prepared dish.
- Microwave the remaining 1/4 cup of Nutella for 30 seconds and drizzle over the top. Let set for at least one hour before cutting.