Irresistible Chocolate Hazelnut Rice Krispies Treats: An Easy No-Bake Recipe for Sweet Indulgence

Prepare to fall in love with these delightful Chocolate Hazelnut Rice Krispies Treats! This recipe is a special treat, especially for anyone who adores the rich, nutty flavor of hazelnuts combined with luscious chocolate. We’ve taken the beloved classic Rice Krispies Treat and elevated it with a gourmet twist, incorporating creamy chocolate hazelnut spread and a subtle hint of espresso powder to deepen the flavors. The result is an incredibly easy, no-bake dessert that’s perfect for satisfying sweet cravings, sharing with friends, or simply enjoying a moment of pure bliss.

This particular version of the recipe is designed for an 8-inch square pan, yielding a generous amount perfect for a small gathering or to have on hand for a few days. The original inspiration for this recipe comes from the meticulous kitchens of America’s Test Kitchen, where their version is typically doubled and made in a larger 13×9 inch pan. Should you be feeding a larger crowd, or simply wish to have more of these delectable treats, feel free to easily double the ingredients. Scaling this recipe is straightforward, making it versatile for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family night or a bigger celebration.

At its heart, this recipe remains wonderfully simple and quick to prepare, living up to the no-bake dessert standard. The addition of espresso powder might seem unusual, but it plays a crucial role. While entirely optional, a small dash of espresso powder works magic, subtly enhancing the rich chocolate and nutty hazelnut flavors without making the treats taste like coffee. It provides a deeper, more complex taste profile that truly makes all the ingredients pop. However, if coffee notes aren’t your preference, rest assured these treats are still incredibly delicious without it.

Elevate Your Treats with an Optional Chocolate Drizzle

For an extra touch of decadence and visual appeal, we highly recommend adding a simple chocolate drizzle to these treats. It’s a quick step that adds another layer of rich chocolate flavor and a beautiful finish. Whether you prefer dark chocolate for a more intense cocoa experience or milk chocolate for added sweetness, both work wonderfully. Simply melt about 2 ounces of your chosen chocolate in the microwave. It’s best to do this in short bursts (30-second intervals) at 50% power, stirring between each interval to prevent burning. Once smooth, drizzle the melted chocolate generously over the cooled bars. To set the chocolate quickly, pop the pan into the freezer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chocolate is firm. This ensures a clean cut and a satisfying snap when you bite into them.

Key Ingredients for Your Chocolate Hazelnut Rice Krispies Treats

Crafting the perfect batch of these unique Rice Krispies Treats starts with understanding the role of each ingredient. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and why:

• Butter: We recommend using unsalted butter (54 grams or 4 tablespoons) as it gives you complete control over the salt content in your recipe. If you only have salted butter on hand, that’s perfectly fine, but remember to omit the extra salt called for in the recipe to avoid over-salting your delicious treats. Butter is essential for creating that chewy, binding base.
• Salt: Just an ⅛ teaspoon of salt (if using unsalted butter) balances the sweetness beautifully, enhancing all the other flavors without making the treats taste salty. It’s a small addition with a big impact!
• Marshmallows: The sticky, sweet heart of any Rice Krispies Treat! You’ll need 10 ounces (280 grams) of marshmallows. Large marshmallows or mini marshmallows work equally well; the key is to weigh them for accuracy. Marshmallows melt down to create the sticky binder that holds everything together, providing that classic chewy texture.
• Espresso Powder: This secret ingredient (⅛ teaspoon) is truly a game-changer. It doesn’t make the treats taste like coffee but rather deepens and amplifies the chocolate and hazelnut flavors, adding a sophisticated complexity. It’s highly recommended, but if you prefer to skip it, the treats will still be delicious.
• Chocolate Hazelnut Spread: This is where the magic happens! You’ll need ¼ cup of your favorite chocolate hazelnut spread, like Nutella or a store-brand option. The original post mentioned “Hazel Nuttin'” from Wegmans, and while the name might be playfully misleading, these spreads are rich in both chocolate and hazelnut flavor. This ingredient infuses the treats with their signature taste.
• Vanilla Extract: A ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract adds warmth and depth to the overall flavor profile. It complements chocolate and hazelnut beautifully. While some might consider it optional, a good quality vanilla always elevates a dessert.
• Cereal: 5 cups (140 grams) of classic Rice Krispies cereal are the foundation, providing that satisfying crunch. Ensure your cereal is fresh for optimal crispiness. The cereal quantity is key to texture – use 5 cups for gooier bars, 6 cups for a firmer treat.
• Hazelnuts (or Almonds): Toasted and chopped hazelnuts (¼ cup) are crucial for reinforcing the hazelnut flavor and adding a delightful crunch. If hazelnuts are difficult to find, roasted almonds can be a suitable substitute, offering a similar nutty texture and balancing the sweetness. However, for the true “chocolate hazelnut” experience, hazelnuts are highly recommended for their distinct, rich flavor.
• Melted Chocolate (optional): As discussed, 2 oz of milk or dark chocolate for drizzling adds an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal, turning a simple treat into something special.

• Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats
• Marshmallow and Rice Krispies Topped Brownies
• Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats Without Marshmallows
• White Chocolate Dried Cherry Rice Krispy Treats
• Small Batch Chocolate Peanut Butter & Krispies Topped Brownies

Recipe

Chocolate Hazelnut Rice Krispies Treats

Anna

A delightful twist on a classic! These Rice Krispies Treats are infused with rich chocolate hazelnut spread and a hint of espresso, then topped with crunchy roasted hazelnuts for an irresistible no-bake dessert.

Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Ingredients

 

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (54 grams)
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• 10 ounces marshmallows (large ones) (280 grams)
• ¼ cup chocolate hazelnut spread
• ⅛ teaspoon espresso powder
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 5 cups Rice Krispies (140 grams)
• ¼ cup roasted hazelnuts or almonds, chopped
• 2 oz milk or dark chocolate (optional) For melting and drizzling

Instructions

 

• Prepare Your Pan: Line an 8-inch square pan with aluminum foil, ensuring it overhangs slightly on the sides to create “handles” for easy removal. Lightly spray the foil with cooking spray to prevent sticking. This step is crucial for effortless cutting and serving.
• Melt Butter and Infuse Flavors: In a large, sturdy saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. As the butter begins to melt (about halfway), add the salt (if using unsalted butter) and espresso powder. Stir continuously until the butter is fully melted and the salt and espresso powder are dissolved and well combined. This infuses the butter with a rich base flavor.
• Melt Marshmallows: Add the marshmallows to the saucepan. Stir constantly over medium heat until they are about halfway melted. At this point, reduce the heat slightly to low-medium. Continue stirring until the marshmallows are completely melted and smooth. Immediately stir in the chocolate hazelnut spread until fully incorporated and the mixture is uniformly colored.
• Add Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully combined. The residual heat will help mix it in smoothly.
• Combine and Press: Quickly add the Rice Krispies cereal and chopped hazelnuts (or almonds) to the marshmallow mixture. Stir vigorously with a spatula or wooden spoon until all the cereal and nuts are evenly coated. Transfer the mixture into your prepared 8-inch pan. Using a buttered spatula or wax paper, gently but firmly press the mixture evenly into the pan. Do not over-compress, as this can make the treats too hard. Allow them to cool completely at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
• Optional Chocolate Drizzle: If opting for the chocolate drizzle, melt the 2 ounces of milk or dark chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Use 50% power and stir every 30-40 seconds until smooth and fully melted. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the cooled bars. Place the pan in the freezer for about 15-20 minutes, or just until the chocolate topping is set.
• Cut and Serve: Once completely cooled and set, use the foil handles to lift the entire slab of treats from the pan. Place it on a cutting board and cut into desired squares or rectangles. Enjoy your homemade Chocolate Hazelnut Rice Krispies Treats!

Notes

• Butter Choice: If you use salted butter, remember to omit the ⅛ teaspoon of added salt from the recipe.
• Texture Preference: For a wonderfully gooey and slightly less stiff bar, stick to 5 cups of Rice Krispies cereal as specified. If you prefer a firmer, more traditional Rice Krispies Treat texture, you can increase the cereal amount to 6 cups.
• Toasting Hazelnuts: For maximum flavor, lightly toast your hazelnuts (or almonds) before chopping them. Spread them on a baking sheet and toast in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, until fragrant. Let them cool slightly before chopping.
• Storage: Store these Chocolate Hazelnut Rice Krispies Treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can keep them in the refrigerator, but they are best enjoyed at room temperature for optimal chewiness.
• Preventing Stickiness: When pressing the mixture into the pan, lightly butter your hands, a spatula, or use a piece of wax paper or parchment paper to prevent the sticky mixture from adhering.
• Scaling the Recipe: This recipe is for an 8-inch pan. If you’re using a standard 13×9 inch pan, simply double all the ingredient quantities. The cooking times will remain largely the same, but you might need to press the mixture a bit more firmly due to the larger volume.

Keyword Marshmallow, Chocolate, Hazelnut, No-Bake, Dessert

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

These Chocolate Hazelnut Rice Krispies Treats are more than just a dessert; they are a celebration of flavor and simplicity. The combination of crispy cereal, gooey marshmallow, rich chocolate hazelnut spread, and the subtle depth of espresso powder creates an unforgettable treat that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, this recipe promises a delightful experience from start to finish. Happy baking (or rather, no-baking)!