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This single serving Rice Krispie Treat is soft, chewy, and made with real butter and marshmallows. Just 3 ingredients and about 5 minutes, microwave or stovetop.
Featured Comment
“This is just the most perfect little treat and it literally takes just a few minutes to make!”
– Debbie
Quick Look
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Equipment: Microwave-safe bowl or mug, small dish (stovetop: small saucepan)
- Cook Method: Microwave or stovetop
- Servings: 1
- Difficulty: Easy
- Flavor Profile: Buttery and sweet with soft, sticky marshmallow and crispy rice crunch.
A snack size mini Rice Krispie Treat made with just butter, marshmallows, and crispy rice cereal in a small dish or mug.
Why I Make This Single Serve Rice Krispie Treat
Rice Krispie Treats were a constant in my kitchen when my kids were growing up. I made them for school parties, after-school snacks, sleepovers. But a full pan of Rice Krispie Treats when you’re cooking for one? That’s a lot of temptation sitting on the counter.
This single serving Rice Krispie Treat uses the same 3 ingredients as the classic recipe, just scaled down to one dish or a mug. I melt the butter and marshmallows in the microwave in about 30 seconds, stir in the cereal, and press it into a buttered dish. The whole thing takes about 5 minutes. You can also make it on the stovetop in a small saucepan if you don’t have a microwave.
I tested the ratio until I got it right: ½ tablespoon butter, 1 cup mini marshmallows (or 8 large), 1 cup crispy rice cereal. That balance gives you a treat that’s soft and sticky in the middle with enough crunch to hold together. You can double it using the same method and a slightly larger dish.
Swap in Cocoa Krispies, Fruity Pebbles, or Froot Loops for a different spin. Press M&Ms or mini chocolate chips into the top while it’s still warm. I’ve scaled down hundreds of recipes for my cookbook and my site, and this is still one of the fastest single serving desserts I make.
Looking for more no-bake desserts for one? Try my mini chocolate pie, no-bake cheesecake for one, chocolate-covered Oreos, and small batch peanut butter balls.
Ingredient Notes
If you have any ingredients leftover from this individual Rice Krispie Treat recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
Butter: Use ½ tablespoon of salted or unsalted butter. Salted adds a little flavor balance to the sweetness. If you go with unsalted, add a small pinch of salt while melting. The butter coats the marshmallows as they melt and keeps the mixture from sticking to the bowl.
Marshmallows: Use 1 cup of mini marshmallows or 8 large. Either works. Mini marshmallows melt a little faster in the microwave, but both give you the same result.
Leftover marshmallows? Use them in my mini s’mores dip, single serve hot chocolate, or ambrosia for one.
Crispy Rice Cereal: Use 1 cup of Kellogg’s Rice Krispies or any store-brand crispy rice cereal. The cereal gives the treat its crunch and structure. Stale cereal will make a soft, flat treat, so check freshness before you start.
Recipe Variations
Customize your small batch Rice Krispie Treat with these easy add-ins and swaps.
Peanut butter: Stir 1 tablespoon of creamy peanut butter into the melted marshmallow mixture before adding the cereal. It gives you a thicker treat with a peanut butter and marshmallow combo that’s hard to beat.
Chocolate: Mix in a tablespoon of mini chocolate chips, or drizzle melted chocolate over the top after pressing.
Cereal swaps: Use Cocoa Krispies for a chocolate version, Fruity Pebbles for color and fruity flavor, or Froot Loops for a sweeter treat.
Candy toppings: Press M&Ms, sprinkles, or crushed cookies into the top while it’s still warm.
Marshmallow fluff: Substitute 4 to 5 tablespoons of marshmallow fluff for the marshmallows. Melt it with the butter the same way.
Chocolate frosting: Spread a layer of homemade chocolate frosting over the top once it cools.
How To Make A Rice Krispie Treat For One
This quick, no-bake Rice Krispie Treat recipe works in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Microwave Method
- Melt the butter and marshmallows. Place ½ tablespoon of butter and 1 cup of mini marshmallows (or 8 large) in a microwave-safe bowl or mug. Microwave for 20 to 30 seconds until the marshmallows puff up. Stir until smooth.
- Add the cereal. Pour in 1 cup of crispy rice cereal and stir until every piece is coated in the marshmallow mixture.
- Shape the treat. If using a mug, you’re done. Just let it cool slightly and eat it right from the mug. If you want a bar shape, transfer the mixture to a lightly buttered small dish or ramekin. Use the back of a spoon or wet fingers to press it into an even layer.
Stovetop Method
- Melt the butter. Place ½ tablespoon of butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Keep the heat low the entire time. High heat will make the marshmallows tough and your treat will turn out hard instead of chewy.
- Add the marshmallows. Add 1 cup of mini marshmallows (or 8 large) and stir constantly until melted and smooth. Remove from heat.
- Add the cereal. Stir in 1 cup of crispy rice cereal until every piece is coated.
- Shape the treat. Transfer to a lightly buttered small dish and press into an even layer with the back of a spoon or wet fingers. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Expert Tips
Make this easy mini Rice Krispie Treat right every time with these tips.
Wet your hands or spray them with nonstick cooking spray before pressing. The marshmallow mixture is sticky. Wet or greased fingers keep it from clinging to your hands and make it easier to shape.
Don’t overheat the marshmallows. Pull them from the microwave as soon as they puff up, about 20 to 30 seconds. Overheated marshmallows turn rubbery and make the whole treat hard to stir.
Stir gently. Heavy stirring crushes the cereal and you lose the crunch. Fold the cereal in with a spoon until it’s coated, then stop.
Press lightly into the dish. The harder you pack it, the denser the treat. A gentle press gives you that soft, chewy texture.
Use fresh marshmallows. Stale marshmallows have lost moisture and won’t melt smoothly. If your bag has been open a while, check that they’re still soft before you start.
Use fresh cereal. Stale cereal makes a flat, soggy treat. If the cereal doesn’t snap when you bite a piece, grab a fresh box.
For an extra gooey treat, add a few more marshmallows. An extra tablespoon or two of mini marshmallows stirred in after the first batch melts gives you pockets of soft marshmallow throughout.
Troubleshooting
If your Rice Krispie Treats aren’t turning out quite right, here is how to fix common issues like hard or tough treats, sticky mixture, or a treat that falls apart.
Why is my Rice Krispie Treat hard and tough?
The marshmallows were overheated. Microwave for only 20 to 30 seconds and pull them as soon as they puff. On the stovetop, keep the heat on low and stir constantly.
Why is my Rice Krispie Treat so sticky I can’t work with it?
Your hands need to be wet or greased. Wet your hands with water or spray them with nonstick cooking spray before pressing. A buttered spoon works too.
Why is my Rice Krispie Treat falling apart?
You need more marshmallows. Use a full cup of mini marshmallows (or 8 large) to 1 cup of cereal and stir until every piece is coated before pressing.
Why does my Rice Krispie Treat taste stale?
Your cereal or marshmallows are old. Both go stale once the bag is opened. If the cereal has lost its snap or the marshmallows feel firm, start with fresh.
How do I keep my Rice Krispie Treat from sticking to the dish?
Butter or spray the dish before pressing. A thin layer of butter or nonstick spray keeps the treat from sticking. Parchment paper works too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Double all three ingredients and use a slightly larger dish. The microwave and stovetop methods stay the same.
Rice Krispie Treats stay fresh for up to 2 days stored in an airtight container at room temperature. After that the cereal loses its crunch.
Yes. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, place it in a freezer bag, and freeze for up to 6 weeks. Thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
A 5-inch baking dish, ramekin, or small bowl works for one serving. A mug works too if you want to skip pressing and eat it with a spoon.
Standard Kellogg’s Rice Krispies contain malt flavoring from barley and are not gluten free. Kellogg’s makes a gluten free version, and store brands like Nature’s Path offer gluten free crispy rice cereal.
RELATED: 15 Easy Dessert Recipes For One
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have leftover ingredients from this recipe, try using them in these single serving and small batch recipes, or explore our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder for more ideas.
If you’ve tried this single Rice Krispie Treat recipe or any recipe from One Dish Kitchen, let me know what you think. Rate the recipe and share your thoughts in the comments below.
If you take a picture, tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see.
Rice Krispie Treat For One
Equipment
- 5-inch baking dish or mug
Ingredients
- ½ tablespoon salted butter
- 1 cup miniature marshmallows or 8 large marshmallows
- 1 cup crispy rice cereal
Instructions
Microwave method:
- Place ½ tablespoon of butter and 1 cup of mini marshmallows (or 8 large) in a microwave-safe bowl or mug. Microwave for 20 to 30 seconds until the marshmallows puff up.
- Stir until the butter and marshmallows form a smooth, sticky mixture.
- Add 1 cup of crispy rice cereal and stir until every piece is coated.
- For a bar shape, transfer to a lightly buttered small dish and press into an even layer with the back of a spoon or wet fingers. For a mug treat, skip this step and eat it right from the mug.
- Let it cool for a few minutes to set, or enjoy it warm.
Stovetop method:
- Melt ½ tablespoon of butter in a small saucepan over low heat.
- Add 1 cup of mini marshmallows (or 8 large) and stir constantly until melted and smooth. Remove from heat.
- Stir in 1 cup of crispy rice cereal until every piece is coated.
- Transfer to a lightly buttered small dish and press into an even layer with the back of a spoon or wet fingers.
- Let it cool for a few minutes to set, or enjoy it warm.
Notes
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
This is just the most perfect little treat and it literally takes just a few minutes to make!
I made this recipe but added 1/8 t. Vanilla extract to the melted marshmallows. I also used a lightly greased 2 x3 inch Ziploc container to make the treat a bit thicker.
Thanks so much for this and all your recipes Joanie, my 6 and 8 yr old boys love making one for each of them and they get to be decorate them with any kind of sprinkle they want. We usually split each into two servings, so dessert two nights in a row, yay! Love these!
I’m absolutely thrilled to hear that your boys are having a blast making their own Rice Krispie Treats! The idea to decorate them with their choice of sprinkles is just genius. It’s like a mini art project with a delicious outcome. Splitting each treat into two servings for dessert two nights in a row is a smart move! More to enjoy and it makes the fun last longer.
Just made this tonight with unsalted butter. I really appreciate the nutrition facts as I recently had to go on a renal diet and it has helped me find some fun things to cook and still eat appropriately. Especially since I rarely enjoy leftovers. Thanks Joanie. ❤
Simple, easy and super satisfying! I had the three simple ingredients on hand and am grinning from ear to ear with happiness over the satisfying taste and crunch! Boy have I missed Rice Krispie treats! I’ll be making again!
I’m so happy you enjoyed the rice krispies treats!
This was great and simple too. My 7 year old grandson was over and was able to make this. (Yes, I oversaw his efforts.) I buy those variety packs of cereal and we used one of those bags. (32 grams/1.12 ounces) It was a scant cup but worked fine. We used Cocoa Puffs. Next we’ll try Golden Grahams and throw in some mini-chips.
Add a tsp of peanut butter to the marshmallow mix while melting then add rice cereal-gives it some flavor. To get really crazy throw in a tblsp of mini chocolate chips after it’s all mixed but not too hot. Press into dish as usual.
kinda blah with the missing vanilla! otherwise, this is a great recipe!
Nice simple recipe for one or two ….
Thank you, Christina.
I am so happy I found this recipe! I love Rice Krispie treats, but since I live alone, I never make them because I don’t want to eat the whole pan myself. Now that won’t be a problem. The only possible problem I can see is I might make this recipe to often 😊
Hi Laura, I love this recipe so much and for the exact same reasons you do. It’s great for portion control and with Rice Krispies treats, I have absolutely no will power. This mini size is perfect for me 🙂 Thank you so much for letting me know like the recipe.
Love the concept of cooking for one. Kids grown and out of house. Ex-wife moved on. Not found of fancy foods or left overs. Have freezed extra food but except for soups things get thrown out(my dogs love leftovers.). Thanks again.
Thank you so much! I always had to make a big batch, for the “grandkids”. But Mimi always ended up eating most of them! This is sooooo perfect. I added a little bit of vanilla after I mixed it all up.