This post may contain references to products from one or more of our advertisers. Oh Sweet Basil may receive compensation when you click on links to such products.

When you’re craving something sweet but don’t want a whole pan of treats sitting around, make a Rice Krispie treat for one! This gooey single serving Rice Krispie treat is made with just 3 ingredients in the microwave and is ready in about 2 minutes.

A photo of gooey rice krispie treat in a white mug with someone taking a spoonful out.
Want to save this recipe?
Just enter your email and get it sent to your inbox! Plus, you’ll get new recipes from us every week!

QUICK LOOK

  • Serves: 1
  • Time: 2 minutes
  • Ingredients: 3
  • Method: Microwave
  • Best for: Late-night cravings, after-school treats, quick desserts

My sister and her family started making single serving Rice Krispie treats so they wouldn’t have a whole pan of dessert sitting around tempting everyone all week. I thought it was such a great idea, and now this little microwave version has become one of our favorite late-night treats after the kids are in bed.

And when you do need enough to share, our classic gooey Rice Krispie treats are the way to go. Or go all out with our brown butter dulce de leche Rice Krispie treats.

Why You’ll Love This Single Serving Rice Krispie Treat

Carrian Cheney
  • No whole pan of leftovers. It’s perfectly portioned for one sweet craving.
  • Almost no cleanup. Mix it and eat it right from the mug.
  • So gooey! Enjoy it warm and extra gooey or let it cool for that classic chewy texture.
  • Easy to customize. Add chocolate chips, M&M’s, peanut butter or your favorite cereal.
A photo of a handful of rice krispies treat being pulled out of a mug full of gooey rice krispies treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need:

  • Butter: Adds richness and keeps the melted marshmallows smooth. Salted or unsalted butter will work.
  • Marshmallows: Mini marshmallows melt fastest, but regular marshmallows work too. For the smoothest, gooiest results, use fresh marshmallows.
  • Crispy rice cereal: Rice Krispies give you the classic crunch, but other crispy rice cereals work too.

If you happen to be out of Rice Krispies, scroll down to the section below for substitution ideas.

How to Make a Rice Krispie Treat in the Microwave

Grab a microwave-safe mug and you’re ready to go!

  1. Melt the butter and marshmallows. Add them to a microwave-safe mug and microwave until the marshmallows puff and soften.
  2. Stir until smooth. Stir the melted butter and marshmallows together until completely combined.
  3. Add the cereal. Quickly fold in the Rice Krispies while the marshmallow mixture is still warm and gooey.
  4. Enjoy! Eat it warm and extra gooey, or let it sit for a few minutes if you prefer a firmer Rice Krispie treat.

Tips for the Best Rice Krispie Treat for One

  • Use fresh marshmallows. Older marshmallows don’t melt as smoothly.
  • Don’t overheat them. Microwave just until the marshmallows are puffed and soft, then stir.
  • Work quickly. Stir in the cereal while the marshmallow mixture is still warm.
  • Use a microwave-safe mug with room to spare. Marshmallows expand dramatically as they heat.
  • Grease your spoon if needed. A little nonstick spray or butter makes the sticky mixture much easier to stir.
  • Eat it warm for maximum gooeyness. Let it cool for a few minutes if you want it to hold together more like a traditional bar.
A photo of a white mug full of rice krispies treat with a spoon in it on an orange cloth napkin and another mug of rice krispies in the background.

Rice Krispie Treat Variations

The classic version is delicious, but it’s also fun to change things up! Try adding:

  • Mini M&M’s
  • Butterscotch chips
  • Cinnamon chips
  • Sprinkles
  • Freeze-dried strawberries
  • A pinch of cinnamon
  • A pinch of flaky salt

Peanut Butter: Stir a spoonful of peanut butter into the melted marshmallow mixture.

Chocolate: Add mini chocolate chips after stirring in the cereal.

S’mores: Use Golden Grahams in place of some of the crispy rice cereal and add mini chocolate chips.

Can I Use a Different Cereal?

No Rice Krispies? No problem! Several other cereals work great in this single serving treat:

  • Cheerios (any flavor)
  • Chex (any flavor)
  • Cocoa or Fruity Pebbles
  • Crispix
  • Honey Bunches of Oats
  • Golden Grahams (add some chocolate chips and thank me later!)
  • Another flavor of Rice Krispies (the cinnamon ones are so good!)

Rice Krispie Treat for One FAQs

Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?

Yes! Regular marshmallows work just fine, though they may take slightly longer to melt.

Why did my Rice Krispie treat turn out hard?

The marshmallows were most likely overheated. Microwave them just until they’re soft and puffy, then stir until smooth.

Can I make this without butter?

Yes. You can substitute coconut oil or your favorite dairy-free butter.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, but you’ll need to use a crispy rice cereal specifically labeled gluten-free. Standard Kellogg’s Rice Krispies contain malt flavoring, so they aren’t considered gluten-free.

A photo of a white mug full of gooey Rice Krispie treats with a spoonful being pulled out.

It’s buttery, gooey, crunchy and sweet! This Rice Krispie treat for one is exactly what you need for that late night craving! Now grab a mug, hide from the kids and enjoy every gooey bite! 😉 And if you make one, tag us on social media so we can see!

More Easy Desserts for One:

Watch How This Recipe is Made…

4.66 from 20 votes

Rice Krispie Treat for One

By Carrian Cheney
Prep1 minute
Cook1 minute
Total2 minutes
Servings1
This easy Rice Krispie treat for one is made with 3 ingredients in the microwave in just 2 minutes. It's buttery, gooey, crunchy and the perfect single serving dessert when you're craving something sweet.
Want to save this recipe?
Get this sent to your inbox, plus get new recipes from us every week!

Ingredients 

  • ½ Tablespoon Butter, unsalted
  • 1 Cup Rice Krispies Cereal
  • 1 ¼ Cup Mini Marshmallows, or 9 Large Marshmallows

Instructions 

  • Place the butter and marshmallows in a microwave safe mug and microwave in 30 second intervals, or until the butter is completely melted.
    ½ Tablespoon Butter, 1 ¼ Cup Mini Marshmallows
  • Stir the marshmallows with the butter and add the rice krispies cereal quickly, stirring as soon as it has been added.
    1 Cup Rice Krispies Cereal
  • Enjoy!

Recipe Notes

Rice Krispie treats will keep for 3 days.  Store in an airtight container.

Nutrition

Serving: 1mug, Calories: 356kcal, Carbohydrates: 75g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 6g, Saturated Fat: 4g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Trans Fat: 0.2g, Cholesterol: 15mg, Sodium: 243mg, Potassium: 40mg, Fiber: 0.2g, Sugar: 39g, Vitamin A: 2037IU, Vitamin C: 18mg, Calcium: 5mg, Iron: 9mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Like this? Leave a comment below!
A photo of gooey rice krispie treat in a white mug with someone taking a spoonful out.

About The Author

Carrian Cheney

Carrian Cheney is the creative force behind ‘Oh, Sweet Basil,’ a food blog she co-authors with her husband, Cade. She creates fresh, family-friendly recipes that encourage togetherness in the kitchen.

More Ideas

4.66 from 20 votes (14 ratings without comment)

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




32 Comments

  1. Cleo says:

    3 stars
    I don’t know what I did wrong, but the marshmallows exploded

    1. Sweet Basil says:

      Oh no!! Did you use mini marshmallows? And did you heat them up in 30 second intervals and stir in between?

  2. Bre says:

    Such a tasty late night snack!

    Add a touch of peanut butter and some chocolate chips and boom! Next level!

    1. Sweet Basil says:

      Now you’re talkin’! Thanks for the feedback Bre!

  3. Deanna Jacobsen says:

    Going to try this. And add some soft caramel pieces with the rice krispies.

    1. Sweet Basil says:

      That sounds amazing! Thanks for the feedback Deanna!

  4. Michelle says:

    Yummy!

    1. Sweet Basil says:

      Yay! Thanks Michelle!