If your inner child and your grown-up sweet tooth joined forces, they’d invent something very much like Root Beer Float Rice Krispie Treats! This mashup combines the iconic, gooey crunch of classic Rice Krispies with the nostalgic flavor of a frothy root beer float, layering creamy vanilla on top of that signature root beer zing. Each bite is pure joy: sweetly reminiscent of summer days, but destined to become a year-round favorite. Simple to make and absolutely delightful to share, Root Beer Float Rice Krispie Treats will steal the show at any gathering—or just make an ordinary afternoon a whole lot more fun.

Root Beer Float Rice Krispie Treats Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of simple ingredients to capture the magic of a root beer float, and each one plays a key role. The combo of cereal, marshmallows, extracts, and butter builds the taste, texture, and signature layers of these Root Beer Float Rice Krispie Treats. Let’s break down why each element matters before you get started!

Rice Krispies cereal: The crispy foundation for both layers, offering that familiar light crunch and making the bars easy to slice.
Butter (or margarine): Adds richness and helps the marshmallows melt smoothly; it also prevents sticking.
Mini marshmallows (or jumbo, chopped): The secret to ultimate gooeyness; they bind everything together and give that fluffy, chewy bite.
Root beer extract: The flavor that takes these treats straight to soda-fountain heaven, adding authentic root beer flair to the first layer.
Vanilla extract: Lends the creamy “float” vibe atop the root beer base, making the bars taste just like the classic dessert they mimic.
Nonstick cooking spray: Essential for keeping your hands (and pan) from being overtaken by stickiness when pressing the mixtures into layers.

How to Make Root Beer Float Rice Krispie Treats

Step 1: Prep Your Pan

Start by grabbing a 9-inch square baking pan and giving it a generous coat of nonstick cooking spray—canola or butter-flavored works best. This will make releasing your finished Root Beer Float Rice Krispie Treats a cinch and helps with pressing the layers smoothly. Set the pan aside and get your ingredients ready to rock.

Step 2: Make the Root Beer Layer

Measure out 3 cups of Rice Krispies cereal into a large bowl. In a separate large pot, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-low heat. As soon as it’s melted, add 2½ cups of mini marshmallows, stirring constantly. When the marshmallows are mostly—but not quite fully—melted, remove the pot from the heat and pour in 1 tablespoon of root beer extract. Return the pot to the heat and keep stirring until the mixture is completely smooth and infused with that root beer aroma.

Step 3: Combine and Layer the Root Beer Mixture

Quickly pour the oozy, fragrant marshmallow mixture over your bowl of Rice Krispies. Stir with a spatula until every bit of cereal is coated and sticky. Transfer this root beer layer to your prepared pan. Spray your hands with nonstick spray and gently press the mixture evenly into the bottom—don’t pack it down too hard, just enough to level it for the next layer.

Step 4: Make the Vanilla Layer

Now, repeat the basic process for the topping. Add 1½ cups of Rice Krispies cereal to a new bowl. In your cleaned pot, melt ½ tablespoon butter over medium-low heat. Toss in 1¼ cups mini marshmallows, stirring until almost melted. Remove from heat, pour in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and finish melting and mixing it all together over the heat. Pour this creamy vanilla marshmallow mixture over your cereal and mix quickly and thoroughly.

Step 5: Layer and Finish

Spoon the vanilla mixture on top of your root beer layer in the pan. Again, coat your hands with nonstick spray and gently press the vanilla layer all across the top—try to get it as even as possible. Let the entire pan cool on the counter until completely set; this usually takes about an hour. Once cooled, slice into 16 squares and—voilà—you’ve got Root Beer Float Rice Krispie Treats ready to share!

How to Serve Root Beer Float Rice Krispie Treats

Garnishes

To serve up extra-special Root Beer Float Rice Krispie Treats, sprinkle a few extra mini marshmallows or tiny sprinkles over the top just before the vanilla layer sets. For a true soda-shop touch, add a dollop of whipped cream and tuck in a maraschino cherry (or even a mini straw!) on each piece. The visual pop makes these treats look as irresistibly playful as they taste.

Side Dishes

Since these bars channel retro dessert vibes, think picnic or party classics for your side dishes! Offer up fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or oranges, or serve alongside mini burgers, hot dogs, or popcorn for a fun, nostalgic spread. Of course, a tall glass of cold milk (or even a real root beer float) will perfectly play up the theme.

Creative Ways to Present

There are plenty of playful ways to present Root Beer Float Rice Krispie Treats. Cut them into circles with a cookie cutter if you want “float” rounds, or serve them in cupcake liners for grab-and-go ease at parties. For a bake sale or birthday, tie a few squares together with a cute ribbon, or stack them in mason jars for a delightful gift. However you style them, these treats are bound to spark smiles!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Root Beer Float Rice Krispie Treats in an airtight container at room temperature; they’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to three days. Layer parchment paper between squares to keep them from sticking together. If the kitchen is particularly warm, keep the container in a cool spot to help maintain their texture.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can absolutely freeze Root Beer Float Rice Krispie Treats. Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap, then pop them all in a freezer bag or airtight container. These treats will keep well for up to six weeks. When your cravings hit, just let them thaw at room temperature for about an hour before enjoying.

Reheating

If you want to bring back a touch of gooey softness, pop a treat in the microwave for just 5 to 10 seconds. This quick warm-up works wonders, making that marshmallow layer taste freshly made all over again. Just don’t overheat, or the treats may lose their shape.

FAQs

Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?

Absolutely! If you only have large or jumbo marshmallows, just chop them into smaller pieces. For the root beer layer, about 30 jumbo marshmallows equals 2½ cups mini, and for the vanilla layer, use about 16 jumbo marshmallows for 1¼ cups mini equivalents.

Where can I find root beer extract for this recipe?

Root beer extract is usually available in the baking aisle of most grocery stores or online. Brands like McCormick and Zatarain’s make it. A little goes a long way, and the extract provides all the flavor you need for foundational Root Beer Float Rice Krispie Treats magic!

Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

Definitely! Simply double all the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch pan instead of the 9-inch square. The layers will be slightly thinner but just as delicious and perfect for feeding a big group.

Can I make these treats dairy-free or vegan?

Yes! Replace butter with a plant-based margarine and use vegan marshmallows. Double-check that your brand of Rice Krispies is also vegan, as some use animal-derived vitamin D.

What’s the best way to cut Root Beer Float Rice Krispie Treats cleanly?

Wait until the bars are completely cool, then use a sharp, buttered knife to slice. Wipe the blade between cuts if needed—this helps keep those layers neat and picture-perfect!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to whip up Root Beer Float Rice Krispie Treats as I am to share the recipe with you! Each gooey, nostalgic bite is proof that a little creativity can turn a childhood favorite into a grown-up treat everyone adores. Give these unique bars a try and watch how quickly they disappear—don’t forget to tell me which layer is your favorite!

Root Beer Float Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 7 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 16 squares 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Root Beer Float Rice Krispie Treats combine the classic flavors of a root beer float with the beloved chewy texture of rice krispie treats. These fun and easy-to-make treats are perfect for parties or a nostalgic sweet treat.

Ingredients

Scale

For the root beer layer:

3 cups rice krispies cereal
1 tablespoon butter or margarine
2½ cups mini marshmallows or about 30 jumbo marshmallows
1 tablespoon root beer extract

For the vanilla layer:

1½ cups rice krispies cereal
½ tablespoon butter or margarine
1¼ cups mini marshmallows or about 16 jumbo marshmallows
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Prepare the root beer layer: Coat a 9”-square baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Melt butter in a pot over medium-low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until almost melted. Remove from heat, add root beer extract, then return to heat until fully melted. Pour over cereal, mix, and press into pan.
Prepare the vanilla layer: Repeat the process with vanilla extract, layering it on top of the root beer layer in the pan. Cool and cut into squares.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American