If you’re a lover of all things caramel, coconut, and chocolate, get ready to meet your new obsession: Samoa Rice Krispie Treats. Inspired by the famous Girl Scout cookies, these no-bake bars blend the golden crunch of classic marshmallow treats with layers of gooey caramel and toasted coconut, all finished off with a dreamy chocolate drizzle. They’re decadently chewy, perfectly sweet, and shockingly easy to whip up—making them a must for bake sales, party trays, or just a little weeknight indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Samoa Rice Krispie Treats is how their simple list of ingredients transforms into something extra-special. Each component plays a starring role, lending flavor, texture, or a little kitchen magic to every bite:
- Rice Krispies cereal: The backbone of our treats—crispy, airy, and ready to soak up that plush marshmallow base.
- Mini marshmallows: These melt down into gooey perfection, binding everything and giving those signature soft, chewy pulls.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps the marshmallows meld seamlessly with the cereal.
- Sweetened shredded coconut (toasted): The secret to that Samoa magic—toast it for the richest flavor and addictive nutty edges.
- Soft caramel candies (unwrapped): Quick-melt caramels make this layer effortless, bringing that iconic chewy sweetness.
- Heavy cream: Just a splash helps the caramel become silky-smooth and spreadable.
- Semisweet chocolate chips: Gives a not-too-sweet, glossy chocolate finish—choose good quality for the best drizzle.
- Coconut oil (optional): Stirring this in keeps your chocolate topping ultra shiny and easy to slice through.
How to Make Samoa Rice Krispie Treats
Step 1: Toast the Coconut
Start by toasting the shredded coconut in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently and keep a close eye—once the coconut turns golden and smells irresistibly nutty, it’s ready. Toasting brings out a deep, complex flavor that’s absolutely essential for authentic Samoa Rice Krispie Treats.
Step 2: Melt the Butter and Marshmallows
In a large pot, melt the butter over low heat. Once it’s melted, add the mini marshmallows and stir gently until everything is silky-smooth and completely melted into soft clouds. This step is the secret to treats that are soft but not soggy!
Step 3: Combine with Cereal and Coconut
Take the pot off the heat and fold in the Rice Krispies cereal along with 1 cup of your beautifully toasted coconut. Stir just enough to evenly coat every piece—the coconut will nestle right in, adding flavor and a pop of texture.
Step 4: Press into the Pan
Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment, then scoop your mixture in. Use a spatula or a sheet of wax paper to press it down firmly but gently—this keeps your bars chewy, not hard. Aim for a nice even layer so every bite is as good as the last.
Step 5: Make and Spread the Caramel
Pop your unwrapped caramel candies and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 20–30 second bursts, stirring in between until you have a glorious, luscious caramel sauce. Pour it over your Rice Krispie layer, gently nudging it into every corner, then sprinkle with the remaining toasted coconut for extra flair.
Step 6: Drizzle on the Chocolate
Melt the semisweet chocolate chips (and coconut oil, if using) in short bursts, stirring until velvety smooth. Use a spoon to zigzag the chocolate all over your pan—don’t worry about perfect lines, the more casual the drizzle, the prettier the effect on your Samoa Rice Krispie Treats!
Step 7: Set, Slice, and Devour
Let your treats cool completely at room temperature (or pop the pan in the fridge if you’re in a hurry). Once set, slice into neat squares with a greased knife (plastic knives work shockingly well!). Bask in the chocolatey-coconutty smell—then dig in!
How to Serve Samoa Rice Krispie Treats
Garnishes
A little extra flourish makes these bars truly shine. Try a final dusting of toasted coconut, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to balance the sweetness, or even a few mini chocolate chips before the chocolate drizzle sets—these simple garnishes elevate Samoa Rice Krispie Treats into something bakery-worthy.
Side Dishes
Pair your bars with fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or pineapple for a bright, tangy contrast to all that gooey richness. They also go beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside a warm mug of coffee or tea for the ultimate afternoon treat.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, arrange your Samoa Rice Krispie Treats on a tiered stand or pop them into colorful cupcake liners for standalone servings. Stack them high on a cake stand for a showstopping centerpiece, or wrap individual squares in wax paper and twine for irresistible party favors or lunchbox surprises.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep Samoa Rice Krispie Treats at their absolute best, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you’re in a humid climate, line the container with parchment to prevent sogginess and be sure the lid fits tightly so the bars stay soft.
Freezing
For longer storage, these bars freeze like a dream. Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap, then pack into a freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to two months and thaw on the counter in about 20 to 30 minutes—perfect for make-ahead dessert emergencies!
Reheating
If your treats have gotten a little too firm (especially after refrigeration), just let them sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes. For the ultimate just-made magic, zap an individual bar in the microwave for about 5 seconds—just enough to soften the caramel and coax out that ooey-gooey goodness.
FAQs
Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini?
Absolutely! Just be sure to use the same total weight (about 10 ounces). Cut them into smaller pieces for faster melting, and stir with patience for that cloudlike gooey base.
Are these treats gluten-free?
If you use gluten-free crisp rice cereal and check all other labels (especially caramels and marshmallows), you can adapt Samoa Rice Krispie Treats to be gluten-free with ease. Double check ingredients to ensure a treat everyone can enjoy!
How can I make the bars extra chewy?
Your best bet is not to overcook the marshmallow mixture and to press the cereal mixture into the pan just until it holds together—not too hard. The addition of caramel also brings plenty of extra chewiness to each square.
Do I have to use coconut oil in the chocolate drizzle?
No, but it’s a handy trick! Coconut oil makes your chocolate smoother and shinier, but if you skip it, the drizzle will still be delicious—just a little thicker and slightly less glossy.
Can I add nuts or change up the toppings?
Definitely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or even a handful of mini chocolate chips make fun mix-ins or toppings. You can experiment with extra caramel or a layer of chocolate underneath for a different twist on Samoa Rice Krispie Treats each time you bake them.
Final Thoughts
If you love classic Rice Krispie treats and crave that iconic Girl Scout cookie combo, give these Samoa Rice Krispie Treats a try—you might never go back to plain bars again! They’re easy, addictive, and guaranteed to get rave reviews from anyone lucky enough to snag a piece.
Print
Samoa Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes (plus cooling)
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of these Samoa Rice Krispie Treats that combine the classic cereal treat with the beloved combination of caramel, coconut, and chocolate. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 (10 oz) bag mini marshmallows
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
For Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut (toasted)
- 1 cup soft caramel candies (unwrapped)
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 teaspoon coconut oil (optional, for smoother chocolate drizzle)
Instructions
- Toast the Coconut: Toast shredded coconut in a skillet until golden brown. Set aside.
- Melt Marshmallows: Melt butter in a pot, add marshmallows, stir until smooth. Remove from heat.
- Mix Ingredients: Fold in cereal and 1 cup of toasted coconut. Press into a pan.
- Prepare Caramel: Melt caramels with cream, spread over cereal.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle remaining coconut over caramel.
- Drizzle Chocolate: Melt chocolate with oil, drizzle over bars. Let cool and slice.
Notes
- For easier cutting, grease the knife.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
