Use a jar of marshmallow creme instead of marshmallows to make these simple 3-ingredient Marshmallow Fluff Rice Krispie Treat for dessert tonight or a snack this afternoon. Your whole family will love them!
Recently a friend of mine asked me, "can you use marshmallow fluff to make Rice Krispie treats?"
I told her that you can definitely swap out marshmallow fluff (also known as marshmallow cream, marshmallow creme, marshmallow spread, or marshmallow paste) for the marshmallows in a rice crispy treats recipe.
The flavor is pretty identical however the texture will be slightly different.
Traditional rice krispie treats made using marshmallows are crispy and very chewy. When you pull apart a treat that is made using the right proportion of marshmallows to cereal you see ribbons of sticky glistening white marshmallows clinging to the tiny crisp rice cereal.
When you pull apart a marshmallow cream Rice Krispie treat you won't see those sticky ribbons of marshmallow.
When you look at the crispy treats pictured above you definitely see the creamy marshmallow fluff that holds the treats together but when you take a bite you'll notice the cereal treat comes apart really easily. They are not sticky or very chewy.
When you watch the video you'll notice just how easily the treats pull apart.
So, what is marshmallow fluff?
- Marshmallow fluff (also known as marshmallow cream, marshmallow creme, marshmallow paste, and marshmallow spread) is essentially a spreadable version of marshmallows.
- It is typically made using corn syrup, sugar, vanilla, and egg whites.
- Most store-bought marshmallow cream is gelatin-free.
- It's smooth and creamy and tastes just like marshmallows.
- You can find jars of marshmallow fluff in the grocery store on shelves along with traditional marshmallows.
- Marshmallow creme has a shelf life of 6-8 months, about the same as marshmallows.
- The spreadable marshmallow cream is edible after it's best-buy date but once the jar is opened the sugars in the fluff may begin to crystallize causing it to become gritty.
- You should store your jars of marshmallow fluff in a cool dry place like a pantry or cupboard (away from direct heat like the stovetop or oven.)
Advantages of using spreadable marshmallow cream to make treats:
- They are easier to stir and spread into a pan.
- Marshmallow fluff melts easier and more quickly than marshmallows.
- You'll save yourself a trip to the store if you don't have a bag of marshmallows in your pantry but you do have a jar of marshmallow creme.
- You can eat marshmallow fluff rice crispy treats even if you wear braces because they are not too sticky.
- These treats won't tug on your dentures.
So if you have a jar of marshmallow creme in your pantry go ahead and give this recipe a try and be sure to let us know what you think in the comment section below. Oh, and don't forget to give us a star rating too!
To make these treats you'll need:
- 5 cups Rice Krispies Cereal
- 4 tablespoons salted butter*
- 7 ounces marshmallow fluff (cream or creme)
*We recommend using European-style butter when making these cereal treats. In our taste testing, we found that European-style butter which has a higher butterfat content provides better flavor.
Salted butter also enhances the flavor. If you don't have salted butter and you choose to use unsalted butter, do not add salt to the recipe. It's difficult to get the grains of salt evenly distributed in your treats. You may end up with pockets of salt which will make some of your treats taste salty.
Instructions:
- Grease an 8-inch square pan, a large mixing bowl, and a rubber spatula using butter or non-stick baking spray.
- Pour the Rice Krispies Cereal into the bowl and set aside.
- Cut the butter into slices and set them in the bottom of a medium saucepan.
- Set the pan over low heat and allow the butter to melt.
- Spoon the marshmallow fluff into the pan and begin to stir.
- Continue to stir until the marshmallow cream and butter come together into a smooth mixture, this may take up to a minute.
- Pour the marshmallow mixture over the cereal and toss to coat.
- Spread the cereal mixture into an even layer in the square baking pan.
TIPS:
- Do not overheat the marshmallow mixture or your treats may become hard instead of soft and chewy.
- Typically when I'm making crispy treats made using marshmallows I gently press them into the pan. I don't want to compact them too tightly. With these treats, you need to use a bit more pressure. Go ahead and compact them a bit more to ensure they stay together.
- Cover and set the pan aside for about 2 hours until the treats are firm.
- Remove the treats from the pan and cut into 16 squares.
Can I make these treats in a 9X13-inch pan?
- Yes, you can simply double the recipe and spread it into a 9 by 13-inch pan. Just note that treats made this way will be thicker than those shown in my pictures.
- If you prefer your treats to be similar in thickness to those I've made then use these measurements:
- 7 ½ cups of rice krispies
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 9 ½ ounces marshmallow cream
TIP:
When measuring marshmallow creme, I recommend spraying your measuring cup and spoon with non-stick baking spray. The sticky marshmallow will be less likely to stick!
Be sure to watch the video to see how easy it is to make these no-bake desserts.
Recipe
Marshmallow Fluff Rice Krispie Treats
Equipment
- medium saucepan
- 8-inch square pan
Ingredients
- 5 cups Rice Krispies Cereal
- 4 tablespoons salted butter (European-style butter provides the best flavor)
- 7 ounces marshmallow fluff (cream or creme)
Instructions
- Grease an 8-inch square pan, a large mixing bowl, and a rubber spatula using butter or non-stick baking spray.
- Pour the Rice Krispies Cereal into the bowl and set aside.
- Cut the butter into slices and set them in the bottom of a medium saucepan.
- Set the pan over low heat and allow the butter to melt.
- Spoon the marshmallow fluff into the pan and begin to stir.
- Continue to stir until the marshmallow cream and butter come together into a smooth mixture.
- Pour the marshmallow mixture over the cereal and toss to coat.
- Spread the cereal mixture into an even layer in the square baking pan.
- Cover and allow the treats to cool for about 2 hours before cutting into 16 squares.
Notes
You might also like these other cereal treat recipes...
Lisa Delph
You are definitely right that these treats taste very similar to treats made with marshmallows and that they are less chewy. My son has braces and I don't let him eat regular rice krispie treats, but he had no trouble eating these.
Beth Klosterboer
I'm glad your son was able to enjoy these less-chewy treats!
Mindy Melrose
I loved the flavor of these treats made with marshmallow creme! They were so easy to make and I didn't mind that they weren't quite as chewy. I'll definitely be making these again. Thanks for all the great recipes.
Beth Klosterboer
I'm happy you enjoyed this recipe!
aj
am i doing something wrong? everytime i make rice krispies with the marshmallow fluff they wont hold together, they just fall apart completely. i cant have normal marshmallows bc of gelatin & cant have vegan ones bc of soy, i dont see any other people that have had this issue? please help! 🙁
Beth Klosterboer
If you have tried this recipe and tips to make these marshmallow fluff rice krispie treats and they still fell apart, I would suggest you stir in some more marshmallow fluff. I haven't had my treats fall apart so be sure to try this recipe using the ingredients as listed.
KTB
about to use this recipe for homemade 🌿 edibles ! I'm adding small marshmallows and Philadelphia creme cheese white chocolate chips! Thank you!
Beth Klosterboer
I hope they turned out great!
Judy
I just tried this recipe, and I had the same problem. I suspect the mixture needs to be cooked longer. I'll try that next time and let you know my results.
Judy
Just cook the butter-fluff mixture, stirring constantly, for a few minutes longer. The treats will be cohesive. But they won't be stretchy like with gelatin-based marshmallows, and can seem a bit 'dry' (the trade-off seems to be soft and falling apart or a bit dry and holding together). I like to brown the butter first, and they are SO DELICIOUS this way. (I've tried vegan marshmallows, and you're not missing much as far as treat-making goes. They turn out VERY similar to treats made with marshmallow fluff.)
Beth Klosterboer
Thanks for the suggestion. I'll have to try cooking the butter and marshmallow fluff a little longer next time I make these marshmallow fluff treats. I typically don't recommend cooking the butter and whole marshmallows for too long as the treats get too hard but marshmallow fluff has a different consistency than whole marshmallows so I can see it working well.
I agree that browned butter does give a marshmallow treat a wonderful flavor! It's a great step to take if you enjoy that nutty flavor.
Alexandria
I have the same issue with the fluff!
Sha
So glad I found I can make with marshmallow creme! I bought two containers for Christmas fantasy fudge but after making 15 different kinds of Christmas cookies, fudge went by the wayside! I was wanting something crunchy and sweet and these helped the want!
Beth Klosterboer
I'm happy to hear that you found a good use for your jars of marshmallow creme and that you enjoyed these Rice Krispie Treats!
Jacqueline Pepper
I love that these treats taste great but aren't as chewy. I have dentures and always have to worry about eating sticky foods. These were perfect for me.
Donna
The treats taste great, but I had an issue with how much fluff to use. I purchased a 13oz jar of Jet-Puf marshmallow creme. The recipe said 4 1/4 cups equals 9 ounces. I used the entire jar, and it was barely over 3 cups.
Beth Klosterboer
Sorry about that. You are right. There are just 3 cups of fluff in a 13-ounce jar of marshmallow fluff.
Pia Toscana
My kids wanted rice krispie treats but I didn't want to run to the store to get marshmallows. I had fluff and wanted to try it. I have to admit that I prefer your traditional recipe (it is amazing, by the way) but these were pretty good. My kids aren't as particular as I am and they loved them! Thanks for the great alternative recipe.
Beth Klosterboer
I definitely agree with you and I understand not running to the store! I'm glad your kids enjoyed the treats.
BJ
I don’t recommend the fluff. I just tried it— and it fell apart like sand at the beach. Stick to regular marshmallows. 🙁
If you like it like this, falls apart easily, that’s fine. I didn’t like it. Tasted yummy, crumbled, which made me sad.
Beth Klosterboer
I'm sorry to hear your treats fell apart. They definitely are not gooey like traditional treats! I'm glad you enjoyed the flavor though.
Nancy H.
The texture of the treats made with marshmallow fluff is definitely lighter than those made using regular marshmallows. I have dentures so I really appreciated the lack of chew. The flavor is really nice and they are easy to eat.
Beth Klosterboer
I'm glad you enjoyed them, Nancy.
rebecca griffin
I used this recipe and mad 4 batches. In the recipe it calls for 7 ounces of fluff. You noted that 7 ounces =2.5 cups. Well I dont know where you came up with that since 8 ounces = 1 cup. How is 2.5 ounces of fluff 7 ounces. ?
Beth Klosterboer
I know it doesn't seem right but 8 fluid ounces (of water) equals 1 cup but fluff is lighter than water. One cup of marshmallow fluff weighs a little more than 3 ounces. One 7-ounce (or 7 1/2 ounce) jar of fluff measures out to approximately 2.5 cups.
Melissa
loll it seems right to me. these were good though! I tried them bc I had strawberry fluff and wasn't sure what to do with it. did miss the chew but still good, def recommend w strawberry fluff also!
Ted Parsons
"How is 2.5 ounces of fluff 7 ounces. ?"
Because 2.5 ounces of marshmallow fluff in volume, is 7 ounces in weight.
Patti C.
Hi, would you be able to add peppermint or vanilla extract to these deliciously good treats?
Beth Klosterboer
Yes, you can. Stir the extract into the melted marshmallows before adding the marshmallows to the cereal.
Heather Yingling
How much Vanilla extract would I use?
Beth Klosterboer
You can add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the recipe.
Lori Weeler
We enjoyed making these during our snow day. They definitely aren't the same texture as treats made using regular marshmallows but they did in a pinch. My kids thought they were pretty darn good so that made me happy.
Celia Sharp
We loved these marshmallow fluff rice krispie treats. My son has braces and he missed eating marshmallow treats. These are definitely a good alternative. I'm sure we'll go back to making them with real marshmallows once his braces are off, but for now we will enjoy these less chewy treats.
Mary Ann S.
I've always wanted to try making rice krispie treats using marshmallow fluff. Thanks for all the great tips. They turned out great. I do prefer the treats made with real marshmallows, but these were delicious too.
Monica P.
Thanks for the tips for making treats using marshmallow fluff. Mine turned out great. They are soft and less sticky than normal treats. We loved them.
Robb
I needed an immediate treat to take to a kids' party but, like many of your contributors, didn't have a bag of marshmallows on hand. I found a large jar of Fluff in the pantry and it came together better than the marshmallows. No time to make them fancy, so I just shook chocolate sprinkles over them. (So who doesn't like sprinkles?) Thanks for the recipe and directions!
Beth Klosterboer
You are welcome! I'm happy your marshmallow fluff treats turned out so well. I hope the kids at the party enjoyed the treats.
Kialey
My fiancé and I loved these treats! There were quick and easy in my opinion, but it was also my first time making home made rice crispy treats. To be completely honest I had no clue people used real marshmallows until I read these comments LOL. But overall really tasty, and delightful treats to make when you want something sweet! Also I likes how these turned out much better then the package ones, those make the roof of my mouth hurt usually because they’re kinda hard lol. So these were AWESOME! And it was nice to try a FRESH rice crispy instead of the packaged ones!
Beth Klosterboer
That's great! I'm glad you enjoyed this recipe. It definitely makes nice soft treats that are easy to eat and do not hurt the roof of your mouth. I understand what you are talking about. I've had plenty of treats do that to me.
Allyson K.
Thanks for all the great tips in this recipe. My kids wanted some treats and I didn't feel like going to the store to get a bag of marshmallows. The fluff worked great.
Flora Guilar
These treats turned out great. They are soft and easy enough for my elderly mom to eat. She loved them.
Beth Klosterboer
I'm happy your mom enjoyed these marshmallow fluff treats. My elderly parents love them too because they are easy to chew.
Kali Gassman
Thanks for this recipe. These treats were better than I thought they'd be. They are definitely softer than traditional treats which I really liked.
Beth Klosterboer
I'm glad you enjoyed this recipe!
Maria
do i need to melt the fluff can’t i just mix it together with rice crispies
Beth Klosterboer
You need to melt the marshmallow fluff with butter. This will thin it out enough that you can mix it with the cereal. It will also add a nice buttery flavor to your treats which will cut down on the sweetness.
Janice Binion
I made these for my daughter who has been wearing braces for a year now. She was so happy to finally be able to enjoy rice krispie treats again. She loved the treats. Thanks for helping me bring her joy!
Tiffany
I made these with fluff and Honey Nut Cheerios instead of Rice Crispies, I made a double batch for a 9x13 container, they turned out awesome!!!! Thank you!!!
Beth Klosterboer
I'm glad to hear you had success using a different cereal with the marshmallow fluff. I have not tried that yet but now I will!
Sue
Delicious! They are not too sticky and a creaminess that is really yummy.
RemyAlbert
I've been looking forward to preparing this marshmallow fluff rice Krispie treat for a while now.
I thought It would be challenging. But you just make it look ridiculously simple.
Thanks, Beth and Meaghan
Chris
Followed recipe and it never came together. Taste good but it was a rice krispy crumble.
Beth Klosterboer
Sorry to hear your treats didn't work out. Without knowing exactly how you measured your ingredients, I am not able to troubleshoot this for you.
Donetta Beery
I don't know why I didn't do this years ago, I love this and will be using it for now on. My husband said Thank You.
Ingrid Setser
How would you make these treats with peanut butter added. I have no problem making Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats with marshmallows, but am hesitant to make them with fluff. Have you tried this?
Beth Klosterboer
Hi Ingrid,
I have not tried this yet but will get into the kitchen and give it a try. I'll let you know how it turns out and if I need to make adjustments.
Mama-Coco
I just made these w/peanut butter and they turned out great! I add 1/2 cup pb to the already melted & mixed fluff/butter. mixed in 6 cups rice krispies. after I pressed it into and 8x8 pan, I topped with 4 full sized Hershey bars, popped in a 250°f oven for about 5-8 mins and then spread the chocolate over the treats. Let cool completely before cutting. Delicious! Thanks for your base recipe!
Beth Klosterboer
That sounds amazing! I'm glad it worked out.
Kris
So, my 90 year old mother passed recently and she was a baking fool. Left behind in her pantry were several containers of fluff. Super glad to have a way to use 'em up. My question was wether or not van. extract could be added. Glad the answer is YES. Heading in to the kitchen in honor of grandma Joanie! Wish me luck
Beth Klosterboer
I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. I do hope you had a fun day making treats. Those special ladies are watching over you.
Anissa Cromer
Very easy and quick. Really Good too. I actually prefer them over the traditional recipe.
Thanks for the recipe ❤️
Beth Klosterboer
I'm glad you enjoyed this marshmallow fluff treat recipe!
Nancy
I love rice krispie treats and this article gave a ton of information. I looked for the calorie count, and if there was any protein in them. I couldn't find the breakdown. I've gotten used to looking at the breakdown.
Beth Klosterboer
Hi Nancy,
Sorry, my recipe card doesn't include all the nutrition information. I ran this recipe through a nutrition calculator and this is what it came up with. I hope this helps.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 16
Amount per serving
Calories 449
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 20.3g 26%
Saturated Fat 12.8g 64%
Cholesterol 54mg 18%
Sodium 374mg 16%
Total Carbohydrate 64.7g 24%
Dietary Fiber 0g 0%
Total Sugars 25.4g
Protein 2.4g
Vitamin D 14mcg 70%
Calcium 6mg 0%
Iron 5mg 28%
Potassium 34mg 1%