Rice Krispie Pinwheels with Marshmallow Creme

Tools and Equipment Needed

Making Rice Krispie pinwheels with marshmallow creme doesn’t require fancy tools—just a few kitchen basics to ensure smooth preparation and easy cleanup. Here’s everything you’ll need:

• Large saucepan or pot
  Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to melt the butter and mini marshmallows evenly without burning.

• 10×15-inch jelly roll pan or baking sheet
  This size gives the perfect thickness for rolling. A rimmed pan is best to contain the mixture.

• Parchment paper
  Essential for lining your pan and helping you roll the pinwheels cleanly. Leave an overhang to lift the base out.

• Greased spatula or wax paper
  Use a buttered spatula or wax paper to evenly press the mixture into the pan without sticking.

• Offset spatula or butter knife
  Great for evenly spreading the marshmallow crème layer.

• Refrigerator space
  Chilling the rolled log helps it firm up for cleaner slicing.

• Sharp knife
  Use a serrated or non-stick knife to slice the pinwheels without tearing them.

These basic tools are likely already in your kitchen, and they make it easy to whip up this no-bake dessert with minimal fuss. Need more inspiration on similar dessert tools and styling ideas? Check out Pinterest’s pinwheel dessert boards.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Rice Krispie S’mores Pinwheels

Creating these Rice Krispie pinwheels is a simple, satisfying process. Follow these steps to ensure perfectly swirled, delicious results every time.

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper, leaving extra on the sides for easy lifting. Lightly grease the parchment to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Melt the Marshmallows

In a large saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons unsalted butter over low heat. Add 1 (10 oz) bag mini marshmallows and stir constantly until completely melted and smooth.

Step 3: Mix in Dry Ingredients

Quickly remove the pan from heat and stir in 5 cups Rice Krispies cereal and 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs. Mix until everything is evenly coated and sticky.

Step 4: Spread the Mixture

Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Use a greased spatula or wax paper to press it down into an even layer. Make sure it’s tightly packed and level—this helps during rolling.

Step 5: Cool Slightly

Let the base cool for 10 minutes to prevent the marshmallow crème from melting when added.

Step 6: Add the Filling

Spread 7 oz of marshmallow crème evenly over the cooled base using an offset spatula. Be gentle to avoid tearing the surface.

Step 7: Sprinkle Chocolate Chips

Sprinkle 1½ cups mini chocolate chips evenly across the marshmallow layer. Press them down lightly so they stick. For a visual, scroll through Pinterest’s s’mores desserts for layout inspiration.

Step 8: Roll the Pinwheel

Starting from the long edge, carefully roll the treat into a tight log, using the parchment paper to guide and shape it. Roll slowly to keep everything aligned.

Step 9: Chill the Log

Wrap the rolled log tightly in parchment and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm it up for slicing.

Step 10: Slice and Serve

Unwrap the chilled log and use a sharp knife to slice into 1-inch thick pinwheels. Serve immediately or store for later.

This method makes it easy to achieve uniform, photogenic swirls with every slice—ideal for dessert trays, lunchboxes, or casual snacking.

Tips for Perfect Pinwheels Every Time

Even simple recipes benefit from a few expert tips. Here’s how to make sure your Rice Krispie pinwheels with marshmallow creme turn out perfect every time:

• Don’t overheat the marshmallows
  Low heat is best. Overheating causes the mixture to harden too quickly.

• Grease your hands and tools
  Use butter or non-stick spray to handle sticky ingredients easily.

• Let the base cool slightly
  If it’s too hot, the marshmallow fluff may melt and become difficult to spread.

• Roll tightly, but gently
  Avoid squishing the layers—use the parchment paper to help control the shape.

• Chill before slicing
  Refrigeration firms up the log, making clean slicing much easier.

• Use a sharp, non-stick knife
  A serrated knife or one sprayed with cooking spray ensures smooth cuts.

• Store properly
  Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

By following these tips, you’ll create treats that look as good as they taste—just like the ones on Pinterest’s Rice Krispie treat variations.

Creative Variations of Rice Krispie Pinwheels

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, there are endless ways to make these pinwheels your own. Here are some delicious and fun variations:

• Holiday Edition
  Add red and green sprinkles for Christmas or pastel-colored chocolate chips for Easter. Top with a drizzle of white chocolate for a snowy effect.

• Peanut Butter S’mores
  Spread a thin layer of peanut butter or Nutella between the marshmallow and chocolate chip layers for extra richness.

• Cookies and Cream
  Swap out the graham cracker crumbs for crushed Oreos and use white chocolate chips for a cookies-and-cream twist.

• Birthday Pinwheels
  Add rainbow sprinkles and use colorful marshmallows or flavored fluff. Great for kids’ parties.

• Trail Mix Style
  Mix in chopped nuts, pretzels, and dried fruit with the cereal base for a sweet-and-salty variation.

For even more inspiration, explore the no-bake dessert ideas on Pinterest that show how to adapt these treats for any season or occasion.

How to Store and Serve Rice Krispie Pinwheels

Proper storage keeps these treats fresh and chewy, while creative presentation makes them party-ready.

Storage Tips:

• Store pinwheels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

• For longer freshness, refrigerate for up to 7 days. Let them sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving to soften.

• To freeze, wrap individual pinwheels in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature.

Serving Ideas:

• Serve on a dessert platter with other bite-sized treats.

• Pack into school lunches as a sweet surprise.

• Wrap individually with ribbon for edible party favors.

These no-bake pinwheel desserts are perfect for any occasion, and they hold up beautifully whether you’re serving them fresh or saving some for later.

Are Rice Krispie Treats Gluten-Free?

This question comes up often, and the answer depends on the brand of ingredients you use.

• Traditional Rice Krispies cereal contains malt flavoring, which is derived from barley and is not gluten-free.

• To make a gluten-free version, use a certified gluten-free crisped rice cereal. Brands like Nature’s Path offer gluten-free alternatives.

• Substitute gluten-free graham crackers to complete the swap.

• Always double-check labels, especially for marshmallows and chocolate chips, which may contain traces of gluten.

Want to learn more? Check out Rice Krispies on Wikipedia for ingredient details and product history.

FAQs

Can I use large marshmallows instead of mini?
Yes. Chop them before melting, and measure by weight (10 oz). Stir continuously for even melting.

How do I keep Rice Krispie treats soft?
Avoid overcooking the marshmallows and store in an airtight container. Too much heat = hard treats.

What can I use instead of marshmallow crème?
You can melt additional marshmallows with a bit of butter as a substitute, though the consistency will be different.

Can I freeze Rice Krispie pinwheels?
Absolutely. Wrap each slice in plastic, then freeze in a zip-top bag. Thaw at room temperature before eating.

Why won’t my treats stick together?
This usually means the marshmallow-to-cereal ratio is off or the mixture was too dry. Stick to the recipe quantities and stir well.

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