Take it from this self-proclaimed black sesame lover: these are the best and easiest black sesame rice krispies treats to make at home! It takes only five ingredients and about ten minutes, not including cooling time. Use them for Halloween, turn them into Totoros, or make them for everyday snacking. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.

Hi, friends! I’m back with another easy Asian-ish snack, and this time it’s perfect for Halloween. But of course, if you’re a black sesame lover like me, this dessert is perfect for any season. What I love about this recipe is that it’s also SO EASY. I’ve been making Rice Krispies treats with my mom for as long as I can remember, and if you know my mom, you know she’s actually not a very good cook (sorry, mom).

So if you’ve seen some of my other recipes and thought, “I could never,” then this is the one for you. You can do this!

If you’re both a black sesame and a Rice Krispies expert, go on and click that “Jump to Recipe” button, and I’ll meet you down below. Otherwise, keep reading for information on what kind of black sesame to buy for this recipe and my tips and tricks for keeping your Rice Krispies super soft.

What is Black Sesame?

If you’re completely new to black sesame, it is exactly what it sounds like: a type of sesame seed that is black. It is not the same as a white sesame seed that has been cooked. Black sesame has a very distinct toasty, nutty flavor that is much stronger than a white sesame seed. You can often find black sesame as a flavor in Asian desserts, including traditional foods like Chinese tang yuan or modern creations like black sesame soft serve.

Black Sesame Seeds vs. Paste in Baking?

I always recommend using black sesame paste in desserts. Many bloggers use black sesame seeds that they grind into a coarse powder. However, I find that both the flavor and color of black sesame powder is not that strong. And then on top of that you can get a gritty texture, which you may or may not want. Another bonus, black sesame paste in this recipe is very easy to incorporate evenly into your marshmallow mixture.

black sesame paste jar

Can I Make My Own Black Sesame Paste?

I know some people attempt to grind black sesame seeds into a paste, and technically this is possible. However, I have never been able to achieve as smooth a texture as when I buy it from the store. Plus, it takes a LOT of seeds to make paste. So I recommend just buying the paste unless you’re super against it for whatever reason.

What Marshmallows to Use for Rice Krispies?

Here’s something I don’t understand: for the mini sizes, one bag marshmallows is 10 ounces in weight. However the regular sized ones often come in 12-ounce bags. Make it make sense.

I personally like to use mini marshmallows for Rice Krispies because they melt more quickly and evenly. But I kind of like that extra couple ounces I get with using a whole bag of large marshmallows. Oh, the dilemma.

In any case, this recipe actually works with either size, and it doesn’t make much of a difference between the 10-ounce vs. 12-ounce amounts. So go with your heart.

Tips for the Softest Rice Krispies

I think I read this in a Kitchn article somewhere, but adding a little sweetened condensed milk seems to keep my Rice Krispies soft for DAYS! It’s totally optional, and I don’t notice any difference in flavor, but I think it’s worth it.

Another tip for soft treats: don’t let your marshmallows boil or you may cook the sugar too much. Low and slow is the name of the game. But even going slow is really only like 5 minutes.

Making Totoro Black Sesame Rice Krispies

Want to take these treats to the next level? My kids really loved decorating these as Totoros! Instead of cutting your treats into squares, cut them into rectangles instead. Then, melt some white chocolate and milk chocolate in the microwave, and draw the designs on with toothpicks.

Extra hint: I sometimes add a tiny bit of coconut oil to the chocolate while it’s melting to make it smoother and easier to “paint” onto the cereal.

More Easy Snack Recipes

Like this easy dessert with Asian flair? You’re in the right place! Check out these other recipes:

black sesame rice krispies treats overhead shot with marshmallow pull
5 from 2 reviews

Black Sesame Rice Krispies Treats

Mochi Mommy
This recipe for black sesame rice krispies treats is super easy but also super delicious. It comes together with only five ingredients and about ten minutes, not counting cooling time. Plus, it's gluten-free!
Servings: 16 squares
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
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Ingredients
  

  • 6 oz marshmallows, see note on mini vs. jumbo
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter, .5oz
  • 2 tbsp black sesame paste
  • 1 tbsp sweetened condensed milk, optional
  • 3 cups Rice Krispies cereal, 3oz

Equipment

  • 1 square 9" baking pan or other container of choice

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, melt butter on low-medium heat.
  • Add marshmallows and stir occasionally until almost melted.
  • Add black sesame paste and condensed milk and stir until well mixed and marshmallows have completely melted. Do not let the marshmallows bubble.
  • Remove from heat and add Rice Krispies cereal. Stir to combine.
  • Transfer Rice Krispies to your greased pan. If you'd like to easily remove your Rice Krispies treats to cut and serve, I recommend lining your tin with parchment paper. Otherwise, you can also serve your Rice Krispies treats directly from the pan.
  • Press down on your Rice Krispies to create an even surface and let cool down for at least 20-30 minutes before attempting to slice. Leftovers keep in an airtight container at room temperature for around 5 days.

Notes

  • Mini marshmallows come in bags of 10oz while large marshmallows come in bags of 12 oz. This recipe works with either half a bag (5oz) of mini marshmallows or large (6oz) – whichever you prefer or have on hand. The mini marshmallows melt much faster.
  • The sweetened condensed milk is optional, but I find that it helps keep the treats soft for longer. Another tip for soft rice krispies treats is to make sure not to let the marshmallows bubble while melting them.
  • You can double this recipe for a 9×13″ pan. Feel free to use other sizes or shapes of containers or even freehand sculpt your own design.
  • To make Totoro Rice Krispies, melt about 1/4 cup white chocolate and 1 tbsp milk chocolate, separately. Paint the stomachs and eyeballs white and add irises, a nose, and markings with the milk chocolate.
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