I’ve always approached Nutella with a healthy dose of skepticism, a stance many peanut butter loyalists might understand. It’s not that I disliked it, but more like I hadn’t found the perfect occasion to fully embrace its hazelnut-chocolate charm. That was until I stumbled upon a recipe that completely changed my perspective: Nutella Rice Krispie Treats, inspired by none other than The Pioneer Woman herself.
Ree Drummond, The Pioneer Woman, has a knack for taking classic comfort foods and elevating them with simple yet brilliant twists. When I saw her cookbook featuring a Nutella-infused Rice Krispie treat recipe, my curiosity was piqued. Could this be the recipe to finally convert me into a Nutella enthusiast? The answer, unequivocally, is yes. These aren’t just your average Rice Krispie treats; they’re a decadent, nutty, and utterly irresistible dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. I made a batch for my office colleagues, and they vanished in minutes, with requests for the recipe pouring in immediately. So, here it is, adapted and perfected for your enjoyment – let’s dive into making these extraordinary Nutella Rice Krispie Treats.
Close-up shot of Nutella Rice Krispie Treats in a pan, topped with melted chocolate and pecans, showcasing their gooey texture and rich toppings
What Makes These Nutella Rice Krispie Treats Pioneer Woman Approved?
The beauty of The Pioneer Woman’s recipes lies in their approachability and guaranteed deliciousness. This Nutella Rice Krispie Treat recipe is no exception. It takes the classic no-bake treat we all know and love and infuses it with the rich, nutty flavor of Nutella, adding layers of texture and flavor that are simply divine. The addition of pecans and a drizzle of melted chocolate elevates these treats from a simple snack to a truly indulgent dessert. It’s the perfect balance of nostalgic comfort and gourmet flair, making it a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults.
Ingredients for Your Nutella Rice Krispie Adventure
Before we begin, let’s gather all the ingredients. This recipe makes approximately 16 generous treats, perfect for sharing (or not!).
- 6 tablespoons butter, plus extra for greasing the pan
- 10 ounces large marshmallows
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅓ cup Nutella
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 ½ cups miniature marshmallows
- 1 cup pecans, finely chopped
- 5 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, melted
Ingredients laid out on a kitchen counter: butter, marshmallows, Nutella, Rice Krispies, pecans, chocolate, salt, ready for making Rice Krispie Treats
Step-by-Step Guide to Nutella Rice Krispie Treat Perfection
Now, let’s get started on creating these delightful treats. Follow these simple steps for guaranteed success:
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Generously butter a 9×13 inch cake pan. This is crucial to prevent the treats from sticking and ensure easy removal later. Don’t skimp on the butter!
Buttering a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter stick to prevent sticking of Rice Krispie Treats
Step 2: Melt Butter and Marshmallows
In a large pot or saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat. Once melted, add the 10 ounces of large marshmallows.
Melting butter in a saucepan on a stove, the first step for making marshmallow mixture
Step 3: Add a Pinch of Salt
Sprinkle in ⅛ teaspoon of kosher salt. This might seem like a small amount, but it plays a vital role in balancing the sweetness of the treats.
Adding kosher salt to melting marshmallows in a pot to balance the sweetness
Step 4: Melt Marshmallows Completely
Continue stirring the marshmallows as they melt. They’ll go through a gooey stage before becoming completely smooth and melted. Keep stirring until no lumps remain.
Melting marshmallows in a pot, stirring continuously until smooth and gooey
Close-up of completely melted marshmallows in a saucepan, smooth and ready for next ingredients
Step 5: Stir in the Nutella
Add ⅓ cup of Nutella to the melted marshmallow mixture. Stir until the Nutella is fully incorporated and the mixture is a beautiful, uniform chocolatey-hazelnut color.
Stirring Nutella into melted marshmallows in a pot, combining for Nutella flavor
Nutella fully mixed into melted marshmallows, creating a smooth chocolate-hazelnut base for Rice Krispie Treats
Step 6: Add Remaining Butter
Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. This adds richness and helps create a smooth, glossy texture for the treats.
Adding remaining butter to Nutella marshmallow mixture in a pot for richness
Step 7: Combine with Rice Krispies and Mini Marshmallows (Quickly!)
Remove the pot from the heat. This is where speed is key! Pour 6 cups of Rice Krispies cereal into a large bowl. Immediately pour the hot Nutella marshmallow mixture over the cereal. Gently fold the mixture together until the cereal is mostly coated. Then, add 1 ½ cups of miniature marshmallows and continue folding until everything is evenly distributed. Work quickly as the marshmallow mixture will start to cool and stiffen.
Pouring melted Nutella marshmallow mixture over Rice Krispies cereal in a large bowl
Mixing Rice Krispies cereal and Nutella marshmallow mixture with miniature marshmallows in a bowl
Close-up of Rice Krispie Treat mixture with Nutella and mini marshmallows, ready to be pressed into pan
Step 8: Press into Pan
Immediately transfer the sticky mixture into the prepared pan. Using buttered hands or a spatula, press the mixture evenly into the pan. Don’t worry if it’s a bit messy – embrace the gooeyness!
Pressing Nutella Rice Krispie Treat mixture into a buttered baking pan using hands
Spreading and shaping Nutella Rice Krispie Treat mixture evenly in a baking pan
Step 9: Add Pecans
Chop 1 cup of pecans finely. Sprinkle half of the chopped pecans evenly over the top of the treats. Gently press them into the surface.
Chopped pecans in a bowl, ready to be sprinkled on Rice Krispie Treats
Sprinkling chopped pecans over the top of Rice Krispie Treats in a pan
Step 10: Melt and Drizzle Chocolate
Melt 5 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate according to package directions or using the microwave method: microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until melted and smooth. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the treats and pecans.
Melting semi-sweet chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl for drizzling
Drizzling melted chocolate over Nutella Rice Krispie Treats and pecans in a pan
Step 11: Final Pecan Sprinkle and Cooling
Sprinkle the remaining chopped pecans over the melted chocolate. Now, let the pan sit at room temperature until the chocolate has hardened and the Rice Krispie treats are completely cooled and set. This usually takes a couple of hours. To speed things up, you can refrigerate the pan.
Sprinkling remaining pecans over melted chocolate on Rice Krispie Treats for final touch
Step 12: Cut and Serve
Once cooled and hardened, cut the treats into squares. They should easily lift out of the buttered pan.
Cutting cooled and hardened Nutella Rice Krispie Treats into squares in a pan
Removing cut Nutella Rice Krispie Treats squares from baking pan
Close-up of individual Nutella Rice Krispie Treats squares, showcasing layers and textures
Step 13: Enjoy!
Serve and enjoy these decadent Nutella Rice Krispie Treats! They are perfect for parties, potlucks, or a simple sweet treat at home.
Serving platter with Nutella Rice Krispie Treats, ready to be enjoyed
Tips for Extra Delicious Pioneer Woman Style Rice Krispie Treats
- Fresh Marshmallows are Key: Use fresh marshmallows for the best gooey texture. Older marshmallows can become dry and result in harder treats.
- Don’t Overcook the Marshmallows: Melt the marshmallows over low heat and stir constantly to prevent burning. Overcooked marshmallows can also lead to tough treats.
- Work Quickly: Once the marshmallow mixture is ready, work quickly to combine it with the Rice Krispies and press it into the pan. The mixture sets up fast!
- Buttered Hands are Your Friend: When pressing the mixture into the pan, lightly butter your hands or use a buttered spatula to prevent sticking.
- Customize Your Toppings: While pecans and chocolate are fantastic, feel free to experiment with other toppings like chopped nuts, sprinkles, or a different type of chocolate drizzle.
The Perfect Make-Ahead Treat
One of the best things about these Nutella Rice Krispie Treats is that they travel incredibly well. Simply cut them into squares, arrange them in a container, and they are ready to go! They are ideal for picnics, bake sales, or sending as a sweet treat to friends and family. Inspired by The Pioneer Woman’s approach to easy, delicious, and shareable recipes, these Nutella Rice Krispie Treats are sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen.
