
Introduction
Imagine this: It’s 10 p.m., you’re in your dorm after a long day of classes, and your sweet tooth suddenly hits. The dining hall’s closed, your wallet’s crying, and all you’ve got are Rice Krispies, marshmallows, and some leftover ice cream in the freezer. Guess what? You’re minutes away from a Rice Krispie Ice Cream Sandwich — a dessert that’s cheap, no-bake, and downright magical.
This isn’t just any snack. It’s the crunchy-meets-creamy treat that turns a late-night craving into a masterpiece. Whether you’re celebrating the end of exams, hosting a dorm hangout, or just need comfort food on a budget, this Rice Krispie treat ice cream sandwich is your new go-to.
🍫 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Let’s be real — we all love desserts that check these three boxes: cheap, quick, and nostalgic. The Rice Krispie Ice Cream Sandwich does all that and more:
- Budget-friendly: Only a few pantry staples.
- No oven, no stress: You can make it in your dorm with just a microwave.
- Customizable: Use any ice cream flavor — from vanilla bean to cookie dough.
- Perfect for sharing: Slice and serve during movie nights or study breaks.
🎓 Student tip: Make a batch during the weekend and freeze them. You’ll thank yourself during finals week.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make your no-bake Rice Krispie Ice Cream Sandwich magic happen:
- 3 tablespoons butter (unsalted or salted — up to you)
- 1 package (10 oz) marshmallows or 4 cups mini marshmallows
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 pint (2 cups) ice cream (vanilla, chocolate, or your fave flavor)
Optional but amazing:
- A pinch of salt (to balance sweetness)
- Chocolate chips, M&Ms, or sprinkles for the mix
- Parchment paper for easy layering
🧊 Hack: If you’re short on ice cream, use frozen yogurt or even whipped topping for a lighter version.
Got a half bag of minis to use up? Check out these mini marshmallow dorm desserts for more quick ideas. 👉 mini marshmallow dorm desserts
🍦 How to Make a Rice Krispie Ice Cream Sandwich
Here’s the step-by-step guide (yes, even your microwave can handle this):
Step 1: Melt the marshmallows
- In a large microwave-safe bowl, add butter and marshmallows.
- Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth and gooey.
Step 2: Mix in the cereal
- Stir in Rice Krispies until evenly coated.
- The mixture should be sticky but manageable.
Step 3: Press and shape
- Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper.
- Press half the mixture into an even layer.
- Freeze for 10 minutes to firm up.
Step 4: Add the ice cream layer
- Spread softened ice cream evenly over the bottom Rice Krispie layer.
- Place the second half of the mixture on top and gently press down.
Step 5: Freeze, cut, and serve
- Freeze for at least 2 hours or until firm.
- Slice into squares or rectangles and enjoy!
🍪 Bonus tip: Dip half the sandwich in melted chocolate and refreeze for a gourmet twist.
🎓 Tips & Tricks for College Cooks
- No pan? No problem. Use a clean lunch box lid or Tupperware container as a mold.
- Microwave only? You can melt the butter and marshmallows in a microwave-safe mug if needed.
- Mini-batch idea: Halve the recipe for a personal dorm treat.
- Cheaper ice cream alternative: Try store-brand or $1 pints — they freeze perfectly for this recipe.
Got a Ninja Creami? Spin leftover pints and sandwich them here — peek our most popular Ninja Creami recipes for flavors that slap.
👉 Ninja Creami recipes
🍨 Flavor Variations (Student Remix Ideas)
Make it your own! Here are some combos that totally slap:
- Peanut Butter Crunch: Add 2 tbsp peanut butter to the marshmallow mix. Use chocolate ice cream.
- Cookies & Cream: Mix in crushed Oreos and fill with cookies ‘n cream ice cream.
- Matcha Magic: Add a tsp of matcha powder and use vanilla ice cream for a chill aesthetic.
- S’mores Version: Add mini chocolate chips and drizzle melted chocolate before freezing.
🌈 Trend alert: Try layering different ice cream colors for a TikTok-worthy cut shot.
Strawberry Cheesecake Swirl: Use vanilla ice cream and ribbon in a scoop of our homemade strawberry cheesecake ice cream for a dorm-gourmet moment.
👉 homemade strawberry cheesecake ice cream
❄️ Storage Tips
- Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.
- Wrap individually in parchment for easy grab-and-go desserts.
- Let sit for 2–3 minutes before eating to soften the ice cream slightly.
🥗 Nutrition Info (and Guilt-Free Notes)
Per serving (1 sandwich):
- Calories: ~230
- Fat: 8g
- Carbs: 35g
- Protein: 3g
Hey, no guilt here. You’re a student. You earned this treat. Balance it with water, fruit, or a short walk to class. 😄
❓ FAQ: Your Rice Krispie Ice Cream Sandwich Questions Answered
1. Can I use flavored Rice Krispies?
Absolutely! Cocoa Krispies or Fruity Pebbles make amazing flavor twists.
2. My Rice Krispie layer is too hard. What happened?
You might’ve packed it too tightly or let the mix cool before pressing. Work quickly while it’s warm!
3. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use vegan butter, dairy-free marshmallows, and non-dairy ice cream like coconut or oat milk-based.
4. How do I keep them from sticking?
Always use parchment paper — it’s your best dorm kitchen friend.
5. Can I make these ahead for a party?
Totally! Prep and freeze up to a week ahead. Just slice right before serving.
🧁 Conclusion & Next Dessert Idea
And there you have it — the Rice Krispie Ice Cream Sandwich, a nostalgic, no-bake dessert that’s part childhood memory, part college survival win. Whether you’re up late studying or hosting friends, this dessert proves you don’t need fancy gear or cash to create something amazing.
Ready for your next treat? Try my 3-Ingredient Oreo Mug Cake (link) or check out Cheap Dorm Desserts You Can Make in a Microwave (link).
Stay sweet, stay thrifty, and remember — dessert is self-care 🍦

Rice Krispie Ice Cream Sandwich (No-Bake Dessert)
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 10 oz bag mini marshmallows
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 2 –3 cups vanilla ice cream softened
- Chocolate chips
- Rainbow sprinkles
- Crushed Oreos
- Freeze-dried strawberries
Method
- Melt the butter in a large saucepan over low heat.
- Add marshmallows, stir constantly until smooth and fully melted.
- Remove from heat and fold in the cereal. Mix well.
- Divide mixture in half. Press each half flat (9×13 inch) on parchment or greased sheet.
- Freeze 10 minutes to firm the layers.
- Spread softened ice cream on one Krispie layer.
- Top with second layer, press gently to form a sandwich.
- Freeze 2–3 hours, then slice and serve.
Nutrition
Notes
- Use parchment for easy slicing.
- Let bars sit at room temp for 2–3 minutes before eating.
- Add peanut butter or fluff for extra richness.
- Try cinnamon sugar or Fruity Pebbles for variations.