How to Make Rice Krispie Squares with Homemade Marshmallows

Rice Krispie Treats were my favorite thing growing up. They were a must-have in the summer at every family gathering, reunion, or potluck, and they were probably the first things gone from the table too. But when I later discovered that I had a sugar allergy (and had a near-death reaction to corn syrup), it was time for me to say goodbye to processed marshmallows. After all, they are mostly sugar. 

I loved marshmallows a little too much to give them up entirely though, so I learned how to make my own! Once I discovered how to make homemade marshmallows with maple syrup, the world opened up a bit more for me. It was time to put rice krispie treats back on the menu for good without having to worry about my throat swelling. 

Did you know that you can make healthy rice crispy bars by combining marshmallow root and a few simple ingredients? Marshmallow root is easy to work with and is also packed with many health benefits. Today, we will be discussing these benefits and sharing our farmhouse recipe for homemade marshmallow rice krispie treats. These tasty rice krispie squares are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth!

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What is Marshmallow Root?

Marshmallow root is an herb that is known for its natural, subtle sweetness mixed with a slightly earthy flavor. It is safe to consume and can be used for both medicinal and culinary purposes. 

Native to Europe, Asia, and Africa, but common in the United States, too, marshmallow root has been used for centuries in traditional herbal remedies. This herb contains plenty of vitamins and minerals that help with natural healing. 

The marshmallow root plant has anti-inflammatory and cooling properties. Some of its most well-known uses include relieving pain, helping with digestion, and boosting the immune system. It is also a prebiotic, meaning it is good for your gut too.

It’s an extremely versatile plant and can be used to make teas, tinctures, balms, salves, syrups, and powders. And of course, marshmallow root can be used to make healthier sweet treats, like our healthy rice crispy bars — safe for folks like me who have a sugar allergy.

Can you make marshmallows from marshmallow root?

Yes, you can use marshmallow root to make delicious, fluffy marshmallows! The steps are simple, and the total preparation and cooking time takes just over twenty minutes. It does take a few hours for them to set, but I promise it will be worth the wait.

When preparing the ingredients, we start by preparing the marshmallow root and grinding it up into powder. Then, combine water and gelatin powder in a small bowl and set it aside. In a saucepan, combine more water, honey, and the marshmallow root powder, and bring this mixture to a boil. 

Next, you will add the gelatin mixture into your saucepan and whisk to fully dissolve it. Then, mix everything together until light and fluffy. Finally, spread the mixture in a pan lined with parchment and let it cool for a few hours until set. 

Be sure to check out the full recipe in our step-by-step guide for making homemade marshmallows! It also includes some pro tips for getting the perfect marshmallow texture and preventing too much sticking!

Why Make Homemade Rice Krispie Squares

One of the best things about homemade marshmallows is using them to make rice crispy and marshmallow squares that are healthier for everyone!

Most store-bought marshmallows are highly processed and made with corn syrup. There are so many negative things about corn syrup. For starters, there are GMOs and artificial additives, and the corn used to make the syrup may have been touched by chemical sprays when grown. It’s no surprise that many people’s bodies have a negative reaction to this processed food.

The good news is that these healthy rice crispy bars are made with ingredients that will boost –– rather than harm –– your health. Whip up a homemade marshmallow mixture, add in some organic crisped rice, grass-fed gelatin, and grass-fed butter… we can call this almost healthy food, right? 

These squares are just as tasty as the store-bought ones, but best of all, they won’t make you feel sick when eating them. 

On top of being a healthier alternative for the whole family, they’re sure to add joy to your life too. Making rice crispies from scratch is a fun and easy activity that you can do with the kiddos at home. 

You can also share your homemade goodies at a party, bake sale, picnic, or other special occasion. It’s a simple but meaningful way to spend time with others. I guarantee that anyone you share homemade marshmallow rice krispie treats with will love them just as much as we do! 

Our Favorite Healthy Rice Crispy Bars Recipe

Making rice krispie squares with homemade marshmallows is as easy as can be! For this recipe, we start out with the same steps as our classic marshmallow recipe, then combine the whipped marshmallows with vanilla, salt, and rice crispy cereal instead of letting them set.

Other Treats to Try with Homemade Marshmallows

• S’mores: The fire pit has always been one of my favorite spots on our farm. We love having family time out by the fire and toasting up homemade marshmallows to make s’mores. Just note these melt quicker than store-bought ones with preservatives. You will want them well and air dry them but still use caution.
• Chocolate-dipped marshmallows: A combination that you can never go wrong with! Soft, fluffy marshmallows taste extra yummy coated in a crunchy layer of chocolate. Yum!

• Hot chocolate toppers: Hot chocolate just isn’t complete without a marshmallow topping. Take your hot chocolate to the next level by using a cookie cutter to cut marshmallows into fun shapes.

• Marshmallow-stuffed cookies: Next time you’re making a batch of cookies, try hiding a little bit of homemade marshmallow inside each scoop of cookie dough. The result will be a gooey, sweet, satisfying surprise in the center of each cookie. Plus it's super fun!

Rice Krispie Squares Frequently Asked Questions

What does gelatin do for rice krispies?

Gelatin is a key ingredient when making rice crispy and marshmallow squares. It helps bind the other ingredients together and gives the treats a chewy texture. If you are interested in other recipes that use gelatin, try our homemade jello, elderberry sea moss gummies, and herbal apple cider vinegar gummies.

How do I make my rice krispie squares soft?

To make perfectly soft rice krispie treats, be sure not to pack the mixture too tightly in the pan. Doing so gets rid of the air in each bite and will make the final product hard. It is also important that you do not overcook your marshmallow mixture or prepare it at a temperature that is too high.

Do homemade rice krispies need to be refrigerated?

No, these treats are best stored at room temperature in an airtight container for a few days (if they last that long!). Refrigeration will cause rice krispie treats to become hard and tough to chew.

Crispy Gooey Dessert That Hits the Spot

Rice krispie squares with homemade marshmallows are the perfect treat for anyone on a paleo or whole foods diet or those who want a healthier alternative to the ones sold in stores. This recipe for rice crispy and marshmallow squares is easy to make, and the only thing easier than making it is enjoying it! We hope that making and sharing these treats brings you joy. It's a great step into learning how to cook with herbs in daily life.

If you are serving up sweet treats and want a savory spread to balance out the flavors, be sure to check out our FREE Charcuterie Board E-Book for some inspiration!

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