This black sesame rice krispie treats recipe is going to change your dessert game forever! These black sesame seed rice krispies are gooey, crisp, and not overly sweet! Such a fun twist on the traditional rice krispie treat, the touch of nutty sesame gives this dessert tons of elevation and with just the right mix of marshmallows and butter, this recipe creates soft, chewy treats that stay deliciously sticky.
Table of contents
I love all desserts, but my favorite kinds are the ones that are not so overly sweet. I love a balanced, sweet, textural, and fun treat! Black sesame seed rice krispies are exactly that!
Plus, let’s face it. If you are like me, you’ve been there and done that with making and eating rice krispies. They never get old…but in today’s world of amazing, instagram-worthy donuts and desserts, the rice krispie is way more fun when it has something that makes it stand out.
Black sesame seeds are that unexpected touch, that definitely bring these black sesame rice krispies to the next level.
What are Black Sesame Seed Rice Krispies Treats
Black sesame rice krispies are traditional style rice krispies with the addition of black sesame seeds! That’s almost it…but there are a few extra ingredients to make this recipe come out right.
Not to mention, using a food processor to blend the black sesame seeds will make a black sesame butter that not only is delicious, but adds color and texture to the sesame krispie treats.
This recipe is even better because it’s gooey with the perfect ratios of butter, marshmallows, and black sesame seeds. The result is a treat that is fun to eat and not too sweet!
Black sesame rice krispies are perfect for any occasion and especially holiday gatherings. I love these unexpected treats for Halloween or decorating them with silver bells, silver sprinkles, and stars for Christmas! They truly are versatile and always make a statement.
What are Black Sesame Seeds?
Black sesame seeds are small, flavorful seeds that come from the Sesamum indicum plant, widely used in Asian, Middle Eastern, and African cuisines. Known for their rich, nutty flavor and crunchy texture, these seeds add depth to all types of dishes…and especially to rice krispies!
- Distinct Flavor: Black sesame seeds have a stronger, nuttier flavor than white sesame seeds.
- Nutrient-Dense: They’re packed with calcium, iron, magnesium, and antioxidants.
- Rich Cultural Use: In Asian cuisines, black sesame is often used in Asian desserts, pastries, and sauces, such as black sesame paste.
- Health Benefits: Black sesame seeds are believed to support digestion, skin health, and bone density due to their high mineral content.
- Visual Appeal: Their dark color makes them popular as a garnish, adding contrast and visual interest to dishes.
Ingredients
This black rice krispie treats recipe is a smaller serving and makes about 10 squares. Double the recipe to use a whole package of marshmallows and to serve a gathering or fill a whole pan (12″ x 17″)
- 1-2 tbsp black sesame seeds – ground; use to your taste preference
- 3 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 3 cups mini marshmallows
- 4½ tbsps unsalted butter
- 1/8 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Equipment
- Food Processor
- Small pan – 9×13
- Parchment Paper
- Large Pot
- Spatula
Instructions
- Prep the Pan: Line with parchment paper or Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking. Set it aside.
- Ground Black Sesame Seeds: Add the black sesame seeds to a small food processor and blend till the seeds are finely grounded.
- Melt the Butter: In a large pot or microwave, melt the butter over low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. To save time, you can microwave the butter to melt it faster and add it to the pot.
- Add Marshmallows: Once the butter is melted, add the mini marshmallows to the pot. Stir constantly over low heat until the marshmallows are fully melted and smooth (or microwave until softened. Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt for extra flavor.
- Add Black Sesame Seeds: Stir in the black sesame mix and fold it in. Mix until the marshmallow mix is melted and the sesame seeds are incorporated. Do not overmix.
- Mix in the Cereal: Remove the pot from heat right away. Quickly add the Rice Krispies cereal to the melted marshmallow mixture. Gently fold the cereal into the marshmallow mixture until evenly coated. Do not over mix.
- Press into the Pan: Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan. Lightly grease your hands or a spatula with butter or spray to prevent sticking, then gently press the mixture into an even layer in the pan. Avoid pressing too firmly, as this can make the treats too dense.
- Cool and Cut: Allow the Rice Krispie treats to completely cool in the pan for about 1 hour. Once set, decorate, cut them into slices, and enjoy!
Tips for Extra Gooey Treats
Fresh Marshmallows: Use fresh marshmallows, as older ones can make the treats too stiff.
Prep: Be sure all ingredients are measured out and ready. This recipe goes by very fast!
Add Ins and Variations
- Extra Marshmallows: Add an additional cup of mini marshmallows right before pressing the mixture into the pan for added gooey bites.
- Make it Festive: Add matcha powder for a green zombie affect or ube halaya on Halloween, or add silver sprinkles and snowflake sprinkles for a winter wonderland Christmas, or add silver ball sprinkles and Hannukah sprinkles for a silver and blue holiday.
- Drizzle of Icing or Chocolate: Once set, drizzle melted chocolate on top for a decorative and delicious finish.
- Chocolate Chips: Fold in half a cup of dark chocolate chips for a sweet and slightly bitter contrast to the nuttiness of the black sesame.
- Coconut Flakes: Mix in sweetened or unsweetened coconut flakes for a tropical twist.
Common Questions
What makes black sesame unique, and how does it flavor the Rice Krispies treats?
The black sesames, when ground, release more sesame flavor but it is mild, nutty, and slightly earthy. This dessert is nicely balanced and not too sweet once the black sesame is incorporated. You can add more or less, per your preference.
Can I substitute regular sesame seeds or other ingredients for black sesame?
Yes! While this is a black sesame rice krispies recipe, you can use the same method to experiment with other flavors.
Are there vegan or gluten-free options for this recipe?
Yes! Sub with vegan marshmallows and use vegan butter.
How can I store Black Sesame Rice Krispies to keep them fresh?
They need to be in an airtight container and stored in a cool, dry place.
What are some tips for evenly incorporating black sesame into the mixture?
Do this when making the marshmallow mixture so the seeds or ground black sesame seeds are mixed very thoroughly.
Gooey Black Sesame Seed Rice Krispie Treats
Equipment
- Small pan – 9×13
- Parchment Paper
- large pot
- spatula
Ingredients
- 1½ tbsp black sesame seeds ground; to your taste preference
- 3 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 3 cups mini marshmallows
- 4½ tbsps unsalted butter
- 1/8 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt optional
Instructions
- Prep the Pan: Line with parchment paper or Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking. Set it aside.Prep all the ingredients before starting…this recipe goes by fast!
- Ground Black Sesame Seeds: Add the black sesame seeds to a small food processor and blend till the seeds are finely grounded.1½ tbsp black sesame seeds
- Melt the Butter: In a large pot or microwave, melt the butter over low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. To save time, you can microwave the butter to melt it faster and add it to the pot.4½ tbsps unsalted butter
- Add Marshmallows: Once the butter is melted, add the mini marshmallows to the pot. Stir constantly over low heat until the marshmallows are fully melted and smooth (or microwave until softened. Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt for extra flavor.3 cups mini marshmallows, 1/8 tsp vanilla extract, Pinch of salt
- Add Black Sesame Seeds: Stir in the black sesame mix and fold it in.
- Mix until the marshmallow mix is melted and the sesame seeds are incorporated. Do not overmix.
- Mix in the Cereal: Remove the pot from heat right away. Quickly add the Rice Krispies cereal to the melted marshmallow mixture. Gently fold the cereal into the marshmallow mixture until evenly coated. Do not over mix.3 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- Press into the Pan: Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan. Lightly grease your hands or a spatula with butter or spray to prevent sticking, then gently press the mixture into an even layer in the pan. Avoid pressing too firmly, as this can make the treats too dense.
- Cool and Cut: Allow the Rice Krispie treats to completely cool in the pan for about 1 hour. Once set, decorate, cut them into slices, and enjoy!
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