So proud! UW students make world's largest Rice Krispie treat

James Johonnott |

Project Freshman 15,000 started out with one clear mission: to make the world’s largest rice krispie treat. Their goal was for the enormous edible to weigh in at 15,000 pounds; a clever reference to the notorious “Freshman 15.” Led by sophomore Joe Tarnowski, students melted butter and marshmallow over boiling water in six groups and then baked blocks of rice krispies in five baking teams. The massive treat didn’t quite meet the goal but it did weigh in at 11,327 lb. which handily beats the previous Guinness World Record holder by a tasty 1,013 pounds.

Someone get me a machete, a poncho, and a glass of milk. I'm going in. Image: WSJ
Someone get me a machete, a poncho, and a glass of milk. I'm going in. Image: WSJ

All of this deliciousness wasn’t done purely for an undergraduate sugar rush. Blocks of the treat were sold to support the United Way of Dane County and Camp Kasem, a foundation that supports children with parents diagnosed with cancer.