Irresistible Nutella Rice Krispie Treats: The Ultimate No-Bake Chocolate Hazelnut Recipe
On those chilly afternoons, when the craving for something sweet and comforting strikes, there’s nothing quite like a homemade treat. What started as a simple idea for classic crispy rice cereal bars evolved into something truly extraordinary in my kitchen: **Nutella Rice Krispie Treats**. This recipe takes the beloved childhood staple and elevates it to a whole new level of decadence, infusing every bite with the rich, creamy, and utterly irresistible flavor of chocolate hazelnut spread.
One particular afternoon, while my boys and I were engrossed in a movie, the need for a sweet snack became undeniable. I rummaged through the pantry, pulling out a bag of fluffy marshmallows and a half-full box of crispy rice cereal – the usual suspects for our impromptu krispie treats. But as I gathered the ingredients, a familiar thought sparked: “What if we could make these even better?” The classic version, while comforting, felt like it was missing that extra ‘oomph’ I was looking for.
My eyes scanned the shelves for potential mix-ins. Would M&Ms work? Perhaps peanut butter or a handful of chocolate chips? Then, like a beacon of delicious inspiration, my gaze landed on a jar of **Nutella**. That’s it! The ultimate jackpot for elevating a simple treat into a gourmet experience. The thought of blending that iconic chocolate hazelnut spread into the gooey marshmallow base was enough to get me excited, and I knew these would be a huge hit.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Nutella Rice Krispie Treats
These aren’t just any rice krispie treats; they are a celebration of flavor and texture. The addition of **Nutella** transforms the traditional recipe into something truly special. You get that delightful crunch from the crispy rice cereal, perfectly balanced by the soft, chewy, and unbelievably gooey marshmallow mixture, all infused with a generous amount of chocolate hazelnut goodness. It’s a sensory experience that delivers on every front: a satisfying crunch followed by a melt-in-your-mouth richness.
Beyond their incredible taste, these **no-bake treats** are incredibly simple and quick to prepare, making them an ideal choice for busy weeknights, impromptu gatherings, or simply when a serious sweet craving hits. With minimal effort and a few pantry staples, you can whip up a batch of these extraordinary bars in under 10 minutes of active preparation time. They’re perfect for kids to help with too, making it a fun family activity. Plus, who can resist the allure of homemade goodness?
The Magic Ingredients for Unforgettable Treats
The secret to the intense flavor in these **Nutella Rice Krispie Treats** lies in the generous amount of chocolate hazelnut spread used. We’re talking almost a whole jar of the stuff, ensuring that the signature chocolate-hazelnut combo is undeniably front and center in every bite. This isn’t just a hint of Nutella; it’s a full-bodied, luxurious embrace of its delightful flavor, making these bars truly addictive.
While the base recipe is heavenly on its own, I’ve found that a couple of optional additions truly make these treats shine: a sprinkle of coarse salt and an extra drizzle of Nutella. The coarse salt, preferably a good quality flaky sea salt, introduces a fantastic sweet-and-salty dynamic that beautifully contrasts the richness of the chocolate and the sweetness of the marshmallows. It elevates the flavor profile, making the Nutella notes even more pronounced and sophisticated. And as for the extra drizzle? While entirely optional, it adds an extra layer of decadence and a beautiful visual appeal. Why would you ever pass up an opportunity to add more **Nutella**?
Embrace these enhancements: add the salt, indulge in the drizzle, and prepare to love every single, glorious bite. These small touches transform a delicious treat into an unforgettable culinary experience.
Gathering Your Tools for Success
Making these **Nutella Rice Krispie Treats** is incredibly straightforward, requiring minimal equipment. However, having the right tools can make the process even smoother. You’ll primarily need a large, heavy-bottomed pot for melting the ingredients evenly, a sturdy rubber spatula for mixing, and an 8 or 9-inch square pan (or a 9×13 inch pan for thinner bars) to press the mixture into. Greasing your pan thoroughly is key, and parchment paper can be a lifesaver for easy removal.
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Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter (56 grams)
- 1 cup chocolate hazelnut spread, such as Nutella (295 grams)
- 10 oz bag marshmallows (280 grams)
- 6 cups crispy rice cereal (150 grams)
- More chocolate hazelnut spread , for drizzling
- Flaked or coarse salt , for sprinkling
Instructions
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In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter, chocolate hazelnut spread, and marshmallows until smooth, about 5 minutes.
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Immediately stir in the crispy rice cereal.
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Spread mixture into an 8 or 9-inch pan that’s been greased with butter or nonstick spray. Let sit about 30 minutes until firm.
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If desired, warm some chocolate hazelnut spread in the microwave and use a fork to drizzle it over the bars. Add flaked or coarse salt.
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Slice and serve!
Expert Tips for Perfect No-Bake Bars Every Time
Achieving the perfect consistency for your **Nutella Rice Krispie Treats** is crucial. Here are a few tips to ensure your bars are wonderfully crispy, chewy, and never hard:
- Use Fresh Marshmallows: Stale marshmallows can result in hard, brittle treats. Always use fresh, soft marshmallows for the best gooey texture.
- Don’t Overcook the Marshmallows: Heat the butter, Nutella, and marshmallows over medium heat just until they are melted and smooth. Overcooking can make the marshmallows seize up and lead to tough bars. Gentle heat and constant stirring are key.
- Mix Quickly and Thoroughly: Once the marshmallow mixture is melted, immediately add the crispy rice cereal. Work quickly to combine everything evenly before the mixture starts to cool and harden.
- Don’t Over-Compress: When pressing the mixture into your prepared pan, use gentle pressure. Over-compressing the treats can result in dense, hard bars instead of light, chewy ones. Lightly buttered hands or a piece of parchment paper can help prevent sticking.
- Grease Your Pan Well: Whether you use butter or non-stick spray, make sure your pan is thoroughly greased to prevent the sticky mixture from adhering to the sides and bottom. Lining with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides, can make removal and slicing incredibly easy.
- Cool Completely: Allow the treats to set at room temperature for at least 30 minutes (or longer if it’s warm) until they are firm enough to slice cleanly. Rushing this step can result in messy bars.
Creative Variations to Make Them Your Own
While these **Nutella Rice Krispie Treats** are phenomenal as is, there are plenty of ways to customize them to your liking or for special occasions:
- Add-Ins: Fold in mini chocolate chips, chopped hazelnuts (to enhance the Nutella flavor), pretzel bits for extra crunch and saltiness, or even dried cranberries for a tart contrast.
- Different Drizzles: Instead of extra Nutella, try drizzling with melted white chocolate or dark chocolate for a beautiful two-tone effect.
- Spices: A pinch of cinnamon or a tiny dash of cayenne pepper could add a warm, complex note to the chocolate hazelnut.
- Flavored Extracts: A few drops of vanilla extract, almond extract, or even a hint of coffee extract can deepen the flavor profile.
- Colorful Cereal: For a fun, kid-friendly twist, try using fruity crispy rice cereal or other colorful cereals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Nutella Rice Krispie Treats
Can I use a generic chocolate hazelnut spread instead of Nutella?
Absolutely! While Nutella offers a distinct and beloved flavor, many generic brands of chocolate hazelnut spread will work just as well. The key is to use a brand you enjoy the taste of, as it’s a prominent flavor in these treats.
How long do these Nutella Rice Krispie Treats last?
When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these treats will stay fresh and delicious for about 3-5 days. Beyond that, they might start to lose their chewiness and become a bit harder.
Can I freeze Nutella Rice Krispie Treats?
Yes, you can! Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 6 weeks. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Why are my rice krispie treats hard?
There are a few common culprits for hard rice krispie treats: overcooking the marshmallows, using too much cereal, or packing the mixture too tightly into the pan. Follow the instructions carefully, and be gentle when pressing them into the pan, using buttered hands to avoid excessive compaction.
How can I prevent the mixture from sticking to my hands?
Lightly buttering your hands (or using a non-stick cooking spray) before pressing the mixture into the pan is the best way to prevent sticking. You can also use a piece of parchment paper or wax paper on top of the mixture and press down with your hands or a flat-bottomed glass.
These **Nutella Rice Krispie Treats** are more than just a dessert; they’re a delightful experience waiting to happen. Easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and packed with that irresistible chocolate hazelnut flavor, they are sure to become a new favorite in your household. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a batch of pure bliss!
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