If you’ve ever wished your favorite childhood treat could grow up just a little, Black Sesame Rice Krispie Treats will absolutely make your dreams come true. This recipe blends the gooey, nostalgic charm of classic Rice Krispie squares with the nutty, sophisticated flavor of black sesame — the result is jaw-droppingly delicious, loaded with both crunch and a touch of savory depth. The best part? They’re a breeze to make and always spark conversation, whether you’re sharing them at a potluck, stashing them in your snack drawer, or handing them out as edible gifts. Get ready for an upgrade to a beloved classic with just a hint of something unexpected!

Black Sesame Rice Krispie Treats Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Black Sesame Rice Krispie Treats lies in the harmony of just a few thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one has a role to play, from building crunchy structure to deepening flavor or creating that perfect sticky bite — so don’t skimp, and read those labels!

Crispy rice cereal (6 cups): This familiar base brings the signature crunch and satisfying crispness you know and love.
Black sesame seeds, toasted and ground (1/4 cup): Toasting and grinding releases rich, nutty oils for an unbeatable aroma and flavor boost.
Black sesame paste (1/2 cup): Also known as Kuro Goma Neri, it gives these treats their unique depth — try to use real black sesame paste, but tahini plus extra ground sesame seeds works in a pinch!
Unsalted butter (1/4 cup): A little butter adds melt-in-your-mouth richness and helps bind everything together.
Mini marshmallows (1 10-ounce bag): These create the gooey foundation, sweetening and binding the cereal with perfection.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just a pinch balances the sweetness and unlocks the savory notes of the sesame.
Extra sesame seeds for garnish (optional): A sprinkle on top adds crunch, flair, and a tempting finish.

How to Make Black Sesame Rice Krispie Treats

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

First things first — grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with a little butter or nonstick spray. This small step makes it effortless to remove your cooled treats later, saving frustration (and preserving those beautiful squares).

Step 2: Melt the Butter and Marshmallows

Set a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat and toss in your unsalted butter. Once the butter has melted to a glossy pool, add all the mini marshmallows and start stirring gently. Keep stirring as the marshmallows soften and merge with the butter, becoming a smooth, shiny mixture. Don’t walk away — marshmallows can go from golden to burnt faster than you’d think!

Step 3: Add the Black Sesame Goodness

Turn the heat to low, then add your black sesame paste, the toasted and ground black sesame seeds, and the pinch of salt. Stir steadily to evenly incorporate everything; the mixture will turn a striking, speckled grey-black color, which is exactly what you want for classic Black Sesame Rice Krispie Treats flavor and appearance.

Step 4: Fold in the Rice Cereal

Remove the pot from the heat before quickly pouring in all the crispy rice cereal. Fold with a spatula or wooden spoon, making sure every piece is coated with the dark, nutty marshmallow mixture. Work a little quickly here; as soon as it starts to cool, the mixture becomes harder to stir.

Step 5: Press Into the Pan

Scoop the sticky mixture into your prepared baking dish. To keep things tidy (and your fingers burn-free), use a buttered spatula or a piece of wax paper to press everything down firmly and evenly. If you love a touch of crunch and visual interest, sprinkle extra black sesame seeds over the top while it’s still soft.

Step 6: Let Cool and Slice

Resist the urge to dive in right away; let the treats cool at room temperature for about an hour. Once set, lift them out and cut into squares — you should get about 16 perfect portions. Congratulations, you’ve just created Black Sesame Rice Krispie Treats that will wow your tastebuds!

How to Serve Black Sesame Rice Krispie Treats

Garnishes

Take garnish to the next level by scattering a pinch more toasted black sesame seeds over your freshly pressed treats; for extra flair, go for a delicate dusting of powdered sugar or even a drizzle of melted white chocolate. Each adds fun contrast and makes the treats irresistibly photogenic.

Side Dishes

Since Black Sesame Rice Krispie Treats bring together sweet and nutty notes, serve them alongside green tea or matcha lattes for a satisfying afternoon pick-me-up. Fresh fruit (think: berries or orange segments) balances the decadence and adds a pop of bright color to your dessert plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack squares in parchment-lined gift boxes for thoughtful homemade presents, or use cookie cutters to punch out fun shapes for birthdays and parties. Feeling extra fancy? Skewer them on lollipop sticks or sandwich a scoop of ice cream between two thin squares for a playful, grown-up treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Black Sesame Rice Krispie Treats tasting fresh and chewy, pop any extras into an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay at their best for up to three days (if they last that long!).

Freezing

You can freeze these treats for longer storage: lay them flat on a baking sheet to flash-freeze, then transfer to a zip-top bag, separating layers with parchment. Thaw at room temperature to revive their signature texture and flavor.

Reheating

If you’d like to recapture that just-made softness, briefly microwave a square (no more than 10 seconds) to reawaken the gooey factor. Careful: too long and it’ll melt! Enjoy immediately for the coziest experience.

FAQs

Can I use regular sesame seeds instead of black?

Technically, yes — but black sesame seeds have a deeper, earthier flavor and a more striking color, which are both key to the unique personality of Black Sesame Rice Krispie Treats. If you do substitute, the taste will be milder and the appearance lighter.

What if I don’t have black sesame paste?

No worries! You can blend equal parts tahini with finely ground black sesame seeds for a similar taste and texture. This homemade hack delivers great flavor and is easy to pull off in any kitchen.

Are Black Sesame Rice Krispie Treats gluten-free?

Check your crispy rice cereal’s label: many are gluten-free, but some contain barley malt. With gluten-free cereal, all the remaining ingredients are naturally safe for those avoiding gluten.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap the butter for coconut oil or a vegan margarine, and use vegan marshmallows. The treats will have a slightly different flavor, but still deliver on the chewy, nutty goodness.

How do I toast and grind sesame seeds for this recipe?

Toast the seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring often, until fragrant (about 2–3 minutes). Let them cool, then blitz in a food processor or spice grinder until finely ground. This easy step brings out their fullest flavor for your treats.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend these Black Sesame Rice Krispie Treats enough; whether you’re a long-time sesame lover or just craving something a little different, this recipe will surprise and delight. Grab your ingredients and give them a try — your snack game is about to get a seriously delicious upgrade!

Black Sesame Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 9 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes (plus 1 hour cooling)
Yield: 16 squares 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Black Sesame Rice Krispie Treats offer a delightful twist on the classic favorite, with the nutty flavor of black sesame adding a unique and delicious dimension to the gooey marshmallow and crispy rice combination.

Ingredients

Scale

Rice Krispie Treats:

6 cups crispy rice cereal
1/4 cup black sesame seeds, toasted and ground
1/2 cup black sesame paste (or tahini with ground sesame for texture)
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1 (10-ounce) bag mini marshmallows
1/4 teaspoon salt
Extra sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the Pan: Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and set aside.
Melt Butter and Marshmallows: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the marshmallows and stir constantly until fully melted and smooth.
Stir in Sesame: Reduce heat to low and stir in the black sesame paste, ground black sesame seeds, and salt until evenly incorporated.
Add Cereal: Remove from heat and quickly fold in the rice cereal, stirring until well coated.
Press into Pan: Press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan using a buttered spatula or wax paper.
Optional Garnish: Sprinkle additional black sesame seeds on top for extra flavor and texture.
Cool and Serve: Let cool completely at room temperature, about 1 hour. Slice into squares and serve.

Notes

To toast sesame seeds, heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently.
These treats can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired, American