If you love the buttery crunch of classic Rice Krispie treats but crave a little extra something special, you are going to adore this Churro Rice Krispie Treats Recipe. It takes that nostalgic childhood favorite and gives it a warm, cinnamon-sugar twist inspired by everyone’s favorite street snack, churros. The result is a perfect balance of gooey marshmallow, crunchy cereal, and a hint of saltiness that keeps every bite exciting. It’s a treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, and honestly, once you try this version, you’ll wonder how you ever enjoyed Rice Krispies any other way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Churro Rice Krispie Treats Recipe lies in its simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one plays a key role, from the sweet marshmallows creating that signature gooey texture to the cinnamon and sugar adding that unmistakable churro flavor. Don’t underestimate the pinch of flaky sea salt—it truly brings everything together by balancing the sweetness.
- Sugar: Adds the essential sweetness and caramel-like flavor when mixed with cinnamon.
- Cinnamon: Provides the warm, spicy note that defines the churro taste.
- Kosher salt: Used in the mix to enhance flavors without overpowering.
- Unsalted butter: Brings richness and helps melt the marshmallows smoothly.
- Marshmallows: Create the signature sticky, sweet base that holds everything together.
- Flaky sea salt: Sprinkled on top for a subtle crunch and a perfect salty contrast.
- Rice Krispies cereal: Adds that iconic crispy crunch and lightness to the treats.
How to Make Churro Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start off by greasing a 9×13 inch baking dish with a little bit of butter. This will make sure your churro Rice Krispie treats slide out easily once they’re set and ready to be cut. Getting this step right means no sticky fingers later on!
Step 2: Mix Sugar and Cinnamon
In a small bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon thoroughly. This simple mixture is going to be your secret weapon—it’s what gives these treats their signature churro flavor. Set it aside so you can use it at just the right moment.
Step 3: Melt Butter and Marshmallows
Next, melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat until it’s bubbly and warm. Add in the marshmallows and stir continuously until they melt into a smooth, gooey mixture. This part smells absolutely heavenly and is the glue that holds your treats together.
Step 4: Combine Rice Krispies
Once your marshmallow mixture is silky and melted, remove the pan from heat. Immediately fold in the Rice Krispies cereal, making sure every piece is fully coated in that luscious marshmallow goodness. This is where the texture magic happens.
Step 5: Add Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture
Sprinkle half of your cinnamon-sugar blend evenly over the Rice Krispie mixture. Stir it in gently but thoroughly, so every bite bursts with that churro-inspired flavor you’re aiming for. The remaining sugar will come into play later for topping.
Step 6: Press Mixture into the Baking Dish
Transfer your sticky Rice Krispie mash into the prepared baking dish. Using a buttered spatula or your hands (lightly buttered, of course), press the mixture down firmly and evenly. This ensures your treats hold together and slice up nice and neat.
Step 7: Sprinkle with Flaky Sea Salt
Sprinkle the flaky sea salt over the top. This final flourish of saltiness is like the cherry on top, perfectly highlighting the sweet and cinnamon flavors while adding a delightful crunch.
Step 8: Cool and Cut
Let the treats cool completely at room temperature before cutting into squares. Patience here really pays off, as the treats firm up and hold their shape beautifully. Then dive in and enjoy your churro-inspired creation!
How to Serve Churro Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Garnishes
While these treats are scrumptious all on their own, a light dusting of additional cinnamon sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate can take your presentation over the top. For an extra special touch, a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips or a swipe of caramel sauce creates a dessert that’s both eye-catching and delicious.
Side Dishes
Pair your churro Rice Krispie treats with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a cup of rich hot chocolate to enhance the flavors and add a comforting touch. Fresh berries or sliced apples on the side also add a refreshing contrast to the sweet, crunchy treats.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these treats as bite-sized squares on a whimsical platter for parties or pack them up in cute cellophane bags tied with a ribbon for an irresistible homemade gift. You can also press the mixture into silicone molds shaped like churros or hearts for a playful twist that will wow friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover churro Rice Krispie treats fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay wonderfully soft and delicious for up to 3 days, making them perfect for snacks throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to make a big batch ahead of time, these treats freeze beautifully. Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature for about 30 minutes before digging in.
Reheating
These treats are best enjoyed fresh, but if you prefer them extra gooey, you can warm them in the microwave for about 10 seconds. Be sure not to overheat—they melt quickly! A brief warming revives that soft, chewy texture and enhances those cinnamon notes.
FAQs
Can I use a different cereal instead of Rice Krispies?
Absolutely! While Rice Krispies provide the classic crispy texture, you can experiment with similar puffed rice cereals or even cornflakes. Just keep in mind that the texture and taste might change slightly.
Why is sea salt sprinkled on top?
Flaky sea salt adds a surprising pop of flavor that balances the sweetness and enhances the overall churro-inspired profile. The crunch contrasts beautifully with the soft, gooey treats.
Can I make these treats gluten-free?
Yes! Rice Krispies cereal is not gluten-free in its traditional form, but you can find certified gluten-free puffed rice cereals to substitute, ensuring the recipe stays safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
How do I prevent the marshmallows from burning?
Keep the heat on medium and stir constantly while melting butter and marshmallows. Removing the saucepan from heat as soon as they are melted prevents burning and keeps the mixture smooth.
Is there a way to make these treats less sweet?
To tone down the sweetness, you can reduce the amount of sugar slightly or add a bit more salt in the mixture. Just be careful not to lose the signature churro flavor that makes this recipe so special.
Final Thoughts
This Churro Rice Krispie Treats Recipe is such a fun and flavorful twist on a beloved classic, combining simple ingredients for an irresistibly sweet, crunchy, and cinnamon-kissed experience. I can’t recommend it enough for those days when you want a quick homemade treat with big personality. So grab your ingredients and get ready to make some magic in your kitchen—you’re about to create a new favorite everyone will ask for again and again!
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Churro Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Churro Rice Krispie Treats are a delightful twist on the classic marshmallow cereal bar, infused with cinnamon sugar and topped with flaky sea salt for a perfect sweet and salty flavor combination. This easy-to-make treat takes only 25 minutes and yields a crispy, gooey dessert reminiscent of everyone’s favorite churro snack.
Ingredients
For the Treat Base
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 stick (4 ounces) unsalted butter (plus extra for greasing the baking dish)
- 1 (10 ounce) bag marshmallows
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
For Topping
- 1 heaping teaspoon flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Prepare Your Baking Dish: Start by greasing a 9×13 inch baking dish with a little butter to prevent sticking and make it easier to remove the treats after cooling.
- Mix Sugar and Cinnamon: In a small bowl, thoroughly mix the sugar and cinnamon. Set this mixture aside; it will be used to flavor the Rice Krispies for that iconic churro taste.
- Melt Butter and Marshmallows: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the stick of unsalted butter. Once melted, add the marshmallows and stir continuously until they are fully melted and smooth, creating the sticky base for the treats.
- Combine Rice Krispies: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Immediately add the Rice Krispies cereal and gently stir until all the cereal is evenly coated with the marshmallow mixture, ensuring a uniform texture.
- Add Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture: Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the coated Rice Krispies. Stir well so the cinnamon sugar is evenly distributed throughout, giving each bite a sweet and spicy flavor.
- Press Mixture into the Baking Dish: Transfer the sticky cereal mixture into the prepared baking dish. Using a spatula or your hands slightly buttered, press the mixture down firmly and evenly to create a compact layer.
- Sprinkle with Flaky Sea Salt: Evenly sprinkle the heaping teaspoon of flaky sea salt over the top of the pressed mixture. This will add a pleasant contrast and enhance the overall flavor profile of the treats.
- Cool and Cut: Allow the treats to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled and set, cut into 12 squares for serving. Enjoy your churro-inspired crispy treats!
Notes
- For best results, press the mixture firmly into the baking dish to ensure the treats hold together well.
- Use freshly ground cinnamon for a more aromatic flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and use vegan marshmallows.
