10-Minute Black Sesame Rice Krispie Treats
These black sesame rice krispie treats are the perfect quick treat with an Asian twist. Made with homemade black sesame paste, these rice krispies have the perfect balance of sweet and bitter flavors. Get this 10 minute recipe in this blog post, and learn how to properly break down your black sesame seeds into fine powder.
Growing up, one of my favorite treats was rice krispie treats. I used to get them all the time pre-packaged in those blue wrappers, but even as a kid, I always felt those pre-made ones were too sweet. Thats why I loved making them from scratch. It’s so easy, and they taste infinitely better. This black sesame rice krispie treat recipe is definitely one of my favorite takes on this classic childhood treat because it combines 2 things I love: black sesame seeds and rice krispie treats!
Why black sesame paste is essential to this rice krispie recipe
One of the most popular recipes on this blog is my black sesame paste recipe. Not only is it simple to make, but it can be used in sooooo many ways. I usually eat it on toast in the mornings or with my fruit as a snack. One of my favorite ways to use it is in dessert recipes like this black sesame babka! The reason black sesame paste is essential to this recipe vs using powdered black sesame seeds is that the honey helps the seeds incorporate with the other ingredients. In testing, I tried to use just black sesame seeds and found it tasted infinitely better when it was combined with the honey. The honey adds a different kind of sweetness to these black sesame rice krispies that take it from good to great.
Using a food processor vs a spice grinder
On the subject of powdered black sesame seeds. I used to exclusively use a food processor to make my black sesame paste, but recently, I discovered the magic of a spice grinder. Spice grinders are a godsend when you have whole spices like cardamom seeds or whole coffee beans that need to be broken down into powder. Sesame seeds are extremely hard to break down, and most of the time, food processors don’t get the job done. In my experience, I still had whole sesame seeds leftover even after running my food processor for a few minutes. A spice grinder can get it all broken down in 1-2 minutes. It’s mind blowing!
Get the Recipe:
10-Minute Black Sesame Rice Krispie Treats
Ingredients
- ¼ cup black sesame seeds, powdered
- ¼ cup honey
- 3 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 bag marshmallows, 10 oz
- 6 cups Rice Krispie cereal
Equipment
Instructions
- Line a 9×9 baking dish with parchment paper.
- First make the black sesame paste. Toast the black sesame seeds for 10-20 seconds until you can smell a toasted aroma coming from the seeds. Use a spice grinder or food processor to break down the sesame seeds into powder. Mix the black sesame powder with honey. Set aside.
- Melt butter over medium heat. Add in the black sesame paste and marshmallows. Mix until everything is well incorporated.
- Pour the black sesame marshmallow mixture into a large mixing bowl with the Rice Krispie cereal. Mix until the cereal is well coated.
- Put the rice krispie treats into the 9×9 baking dish and press down with a spatula so the rice krispie treats are distributed evenly. Set aside and let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- This recipe can be made gluten free by using gluten free rice krispies cereal.
- I would highly recommend using a spice grinder because it results in finer black sesame powder.
- These rice krispie treats can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Hi, I have a jar of 100% pure sesame paste (not sweetened). Would that work as a substitute for the sesame seeds plus honey?
Yes that would! Use 1/3 cup of sesame paste.
Hi Becca,
Quick question – this recipe looks awesome and I’m curious if you’ve tried browning the butter? Would that take away too much from the black sesame flavor? Just curious as to your thoughts!
Thank you!
CRM
I have! And I think it adds to the flavor but it does reduce the overall liquid content, so it could be a bit drier.
I love Rice Krispie Treats so when I saw this recipe it intrigued me. I made them exactly as the recipe states and they are delicious. I don’t really taste the sesame, but the honey gives them a slightly creamier texture….not too sweet, but sweet in a different way. I will make these again, they’re super good. I did have to give half of them away because I’d be tempted to eat them all myself!
I can relate. I have to give away these too. Otherwise I’d eat them all! Thank you for making the recipe!
Hi!!! I’m about to make these. I’ve already made the sesame paste. Very excited! Question though…did anyone find them too sweet, considering it has marshmallows AND the sesame paste, which adds an additional 1/4 cup of honey to the whole thing? Just curious. Thanks!
Hi Morgana. I’m excited you’re making these! I think it depends on each person and how sweet they normally like their desserts. Personally, I thought the bitterness from the black sesame balanced out the sweetness from the honey and marshmallows really well. Let me know what you think though.
I just made these with vegan marshmallows and vegan butter- they turned out great! I feel like it took too long for the vegan marshmallows to break down… I would definitely use the small size next time.
Amazing! I love the vegan substitutes! Thank you for trying the recipe!
hi! how long can they last outside? love this black sesame variation!
Thank you! I personally love this variation too! They can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Hi, can I make these with vegan marshmallows?
Hi Chris. Honestly, I am not sure. I have never used vegan marshmallows before. Sorry I couldn’t be of more help.
Did you try it? I’m hoping to make them vegan too, also subbed my out home for maple syrup or date syrup and using miyoko’ plant based butter
I made them with vegan marshmallows and it turned out great!
I love that they work with vegan marshmallows too!