Rice Krispie Treats are a timeless classic, loved for their simplicity, crunch, and gooey texture. If you’re looking for the perfect Rice Krispie Treat recipe, you’re in the right place! Whether you’re whipping up a quick batch for a casual snack, preparing a fun treat for a party, or exploring creative variations for a special occasion, this Rice Krispie Treat recipe is incredibly versatile and easy to make. With just three basic ingredients butter, marshmallows, and Rice Krispies cereal you can create a treat that never fails to please.
Table of Contents
Ingredients and Tools
Ingredients
To make the original Rice Krispie Treats, you only need three simple ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 package (10 oz., about 40 regular-sized marshmallows)
or
5 1/2 cups mini marshmallows - 6 cups Kellogg’s Rice Krispies cereal
Optional Add-I
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for a hint of extra flavor)
Tools You’ll Need
Before you begin, make sure you have the following kitchen tools:
- Large saucepan – For melting the butter and marshmallows.
- Spatula or wooden spoon – For stirring the ingredients together.
- 9 x 13-inch baking dish – To spread and shape your treats.
- Non-stick spray or butter – For greasing the dish and spatula.
- Wax paper or parchment paper – To help press the mixture evenly.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you have your ingredients and tools ready, let’s dive into making the classic Rice Krispie Treats. This recipe comes together quickly, so it’s best to have everything prepped and measured before starting.
Melt the Butter
- In a large saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over low heat.
- Stir continuously to prevent burning and ensure the butter melts evenly.
Melt the Marshmallows
- Once the butter has melted completely, add the 10 oz. of marshmallows to the saucepan.
- Stir constantly until the marshmallows are completely melted and smooth. This step usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
- If you’re using vanilla extract, add 1/2 teaspoon to the mixture and stir to combine.
Tip: Keep the heat on low to avoid overheating the marshmallows, which can make your treats hard instead of gooey.
Add the Cereal
- Remove the saucepan from the heat.
- Gradually add 6 cups of Rice Krispies cereal to the melted marshmallow mixture.
- Stir quickly and gently until the cereal is evenly coated with the marshmallow mixture.
Press the Mixture into the Pan
- Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter.
- Pour the Rice Krispie mixture into the prepared dish.
- Use a buttered spatula or a piece of wax paper to press the mixture evenly into the pan. Be gentle and avoid pressing too hard, which can make the treats too dense.
Cool and Cut
- Let the Rice Krispie Treats cool for at least 30 minutes at room temperature.
- Once cooled, cut into squares or rectangles using a sharp knife.
- Serve and enjoy!
Fun Variations of Rice Krispie Treats
While the classic Rice Krispie Treat recipe is timeless, you can easily customize it with fun and flavorful variations. Here are some creative ideas to try:
1. Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats
- Add Melted Chocolate: Drizzle melted chocolate over the finished treats or mix in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips before pressing the mixture into the pan.
- Cocoa Cereal: Use a cocoa-flavored cereal like Cocoa Krispies instead of plain Rice Krispies for an extra chocolatey flavor.
2. Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats
- Peanut Butter Mix-In: Add 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter to the melted marshmallow and butter mixture before adding the cereal. This gives the treats a rich, nutty flavor.
- Peanut Butter Drizzle: Drizzle melted peanut butter on top for an extra layer of flavor.
3. S’mores Rice Krispie Treats
- Add Graham Crackers: Crush up a few graham crackers and mix them in with the Rice Krispies cereal.
- Chocolate Chips: Stir in some chocolate chips or layer melted chocolate between the treats for a s’mores-inspired twist.
4. Holiday-Themed Rice Krispie Treats
- Colorful Marshmallows: Use colored marshmallows to match holiday themes. For example, use red and green marshmallows for Christmas or pastel colors for Easter.
- Decorative Sprinkles: Add festive sprinkles on top before the treats cool. Press them gently into the surface to make them stick.
5. Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats
- Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the treats and sprinkle a little sea salt on top for a sweet and salty combination.
- Caramel Mix-In: Mix in caramel bits along with the cereal for bursts of caramel flavor.
6. Oreo Rice Krispie Treats
- Crushed Oreos: Chop up about 10-12 Oreo cookies and stir them into the marshmallow mixture along with the cereal.
- Cookie Topping: Press extra Oreo pieces on top before the treats cool for added texture and visual appeal.
7. Fruity Rice Krispie Treats
- Fruity Cereal: Swap out Rice Krispies cereal for a fruity cereal like Froot Loops or Fruity Pebbles for a colorful and tangy treat.
- Dried Fruit: Mix in some dried fruit like chopped strawberries or blueberries for a burst of natural sweetness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with a simple recipe like Rice Krispie Treats, a few common mistakes can affect the outcome. Here’s what to watch out for to ensure your treats turn out perfectly every time.
Overheating the Marshmallows
- Why It Happens: Melting marshmallows over high heat can cause them to overcook and become tough or brittle.
- How to Avoid It: Always melt the marshmallows over low heat. Be patient and stir frequently to ensure a smooth, even melt.
Using Old Marshmallows
- Why It Happens: Marshmallows that are stale or dried out don’t melt properly, leading to a lumpy or grainy texture.
- How to Avoid It: Use fresh marshmallows for the best results. If your marshmallows are hard or stuck together, it’s time to replace them.
Pressing the Mixture Too Hard
- Why It Happens: Pressing the mixture firmly into the pan can compact the treats, making them too dense and hard.
- How to Avoid It: Use a light touch when pressing the mixture into the pan. Gently pat it down until it’s even, but avoid squishing it.
Not Greasing Tools Properly
- Why It Happens: The sticky marshmallow mixture clings to your hands, spatula, or pan, making it hard to work with.
- How to Avoid It: Always grease your hands, spatula, and baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to keep the mixture from sticking.
Cutting Too Soon
- Why It Happens: Cutting the treats before they’ve fully cooled can cause them to fall apart.
- How to Avoid It: Allow the treats to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This helps them set and hold their shape better.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. How Do I Keep Rice Krispie Treats Soft and Chewy?
Answer: To keep your treats soft, avoid overheating the marshmallows. Also, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Adding a slice of white bread to the container can help maintain moisture.
2. Can I Freeze Rice Krispie Treats?
Answer: Yes! To freeze them, wrap each treat in wax paper or plastic wrap, and place them in a ziplock bag or airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 6 weeks. Let them thaw at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving.
3. How Long Do Rice Krispie Treats Stay Fresh?
Answer: Rice Krispie Treats stay fresh for about 2-3 days when stored at room temperature in an airtight container. For best results, avoid refrigerating them, as this can make them hard.
6. What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Answer: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. If the treats become a bit hard, you can soften them by briefly microwaving them for 5-10 seconds before eating.
Rice Krispie Treats are a timeless classic, loved for their simplicity, crunch, and gooey texture. Whether you’re whipping up a quick batch for a casual snack, preparing a fun treat for a party, or exploring creative variations for a special occasion, these delightful bars are incredibly versatile and easy to make. With just three basic ingredients butter, marshmallows, and Rice Krispies cereal you can create a treat that never fails to please.
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The Original Rice Krispie Treat Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 squares 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Original Rice Krispie Treats are chewy, gooey, and delightfully nostalgic. Made with just three simple ingredients marshmallows, butter, and cereal they come together quickly for a perfect no-bake snack that’s loved by kids and adults alike. Customize them with vanilla extract for a hint of flavor or enjoy them as-is for the classic experience.
Ingredients
Base Recipe
3 tablespoons butter
1 package (10 oz., about 40 regular-sized marshmallows)
OR5 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
6 cups Kellogg’s Rice Krispies cereal
Optional Add-In
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Melt the Butter
In a large saucepan over low heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Stir constantly to ensure the butter melts evenly and doesn’t burn.Melt the Marshmallows
Add the marshmallows to the melted butter. Stir continuously over low heat until completely melted and smooth—about 3–5 minutes. If using, stir in the vanilla extract at this stage.Add the Cereal
Remove the saucepan from heat. Gradually add 6 cups of Rice Krispies cereal, stirring quickly and gently until all the cereal is evenly coated.Press into Pan
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Pour in the cereal mixture and gently press it into an even layer using a buttered spatula or wax paper. Don’t press too firmly to avoid dense treats.
Cool and Cut
Let the treats cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Once set, cut into squares or rectangles and serve.
Notes
For extra gooey treats, use slightly less cereal (5 1/2 cups).
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
You can mix in chocolate chips, sprinkles, or drizzle with melted chocolate for variety.
Use fresh marshmallows for the best texture older marshmallows don’t melt as well.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 10g
- Sugar: 120
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg