Okay, friend, let’s talk about this.Rice Krispie Treats: What areRice Krispie Treats: Not just *any* rice krispie treats, but the kind that are so ridiculously gooey, so perfectly. Is it true that sweet and salty, they almost disappear the second you put them on a spoon? They’re like blank canvas for fun too. Think of them as the simpler, even easier to customize cousin of a chocolate chip cookie, but they are more delicious. Can I bake without baking? Honestly, it feels like I’ve been making these since I was old enough to stand on a chair and help. My grandma in the kitchen. It’s the culmination of years of tweaking, tasting, and trying to achieve Rice Krispie Treats. I’m telling you, these are seriously addictive.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
What are rice krispie treats?
Rice Krispie Treats, at their heart, are a classic no-bake dessert. Think of it as crispy rice cereal held together by a sticky, sweet mixture of melted marshmallows and butter. That’s the essence of it! It’s essentially a blank canvas for deliciousness. The beauty lies in its simplicity. It’s also incredibly versatile – you can add chocolate chips, sprinkles, peanut butter, or anything your heart desires. The name comes, of course, from the cereal, but these treats are so much more than just a breakfast leftover. They are a symbol of easy comfort, of childhood nostalgia, and pure simple joy.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Why is this Rice Krispie Treat recipe a winner? First and foremost, the flavor. We’re not talking about those rock-hard, bland treats you sometimes get at the store. These are soft, chewy, and packed with marshmallow-y goodness. Is there a hint of salt that cuts through the sweetness perfectly? The texture is just *chef’s kiss*. But beyond the taste, the real magic is the simplicity. Is it possible to whip up these in 15 minutes? What are some of the best ways to enjoy a quick dessert on saturday night? What are pantry staples? What are some things I always have on hand? Marshmallows, butter, and cereal are. No fancy ingredients or complicated techniques needed! What are some fun activities for kids to participate in, and make them feel more involved in the activities. What is your cooking experience What I love about this recipe is the way it makes my kitchen smell. Is that melted butter and toasted marshmallow smell irresistible? What is your favorite chocolate flavor? What is the best way to use vanilla extract? What is a base recipe that you can tailor to your own tastes? I’ve tried a lot of these and will never go back to the store bought version again. What are some good s’mores bars?
How do you make Rice Krispie Treats?
Quick Overview
Making these gooey Rice Krispie Treats is so easy, it’s almost ridiculous. Melt butter, add marshmallows, stir in the cereal, press into a pan, and BAM! You’ve got a batch of deliciousness ready to go. The key is to not overcook the marshmallows and to use enough butter. Sounds easy, right? It is! The whole point is that this isn’t rocket science, it’s comforting simplicity.
Ingredients
For the Main Batter:
* 6 tablespoons butter (I always use unsalted butter, it helps control the overall sweetness)
* 10 ounces marshmallows (about 40 large, or 1 bag of mini marshmallow). How do you make a fresh marshmallow?
* 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal (name brand works best here, but feel free to experiment)
Optional Add-in
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (adds a lovely depth of flavor)
* 1/2 teaspoon salt (balances the sweetness)
* 1/2 cup chocolate chips (milk, dark, or white – your choice)
* Sprinkles (for a festive touch)
* Peanut Butter (for that extra deliciousness)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep Pan
First, grease a 9×13 inch pan with butter or cooking spray. Seriously, don’t skip this step unless you like your treats glued to the pan! I sometimes line it with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang. This makes it super easy to lift the treats out later. It may seem extra, but it definitely makes your job easier!
Step 2: Melt the Butter
In a large saucepan (nonstick is your friend here), melt the butter over medium heat. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn. Swirling the pan is a great way to make sure it melts evenly. The butter should be completely melted before you move onto the next step.
Step 3: Add Marshmallows
Add the marshmallows to the melted butter and stir constantly until they are completely melt. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. The key here is low and slow. Don’t crank up the heat to rush things, or you’ll end up with tough marshmallows. If you’re using mini marshmallows, they’ll melt a bit faster. I always add vanilla and salt at this stage.
Step 4: Cereal Time!
Remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately pour in the Rice Krispies cereal. Gently stir until the cereal is evenly coated with the marshmallow mixture. Do not crush the cereal. You want that crispy texture. I’ve found that a large rubber spatula works best for this.
Step 5: Press into Pan
Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and gently press it down evenly. You can use a spatula, buttered wax paper, or even your hands (lightly buttered, of course) to do this. Don’t press too hard, or you’ll end up with dense, hard treats. Just a gentle, even pressure is all you need.
Step 6: Cool and Cut
Let the treats cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. If you’re impatient (like me! ), this usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour. ), you can pop them in the fridge for a quicker cool-down. Once they’re cool, use a sharp knife to cut them into squares. Is it safe to dip a knife in warm water between cuts?
Step 7: Enjoy!
What’s the best part about eating? Rice Krispie Treats are best enjoyed fresh, but they will keep for a few days in an airtight container. Is it true that they never last that long in my house?
What is the best way to serve it?
These Rice Krispie Treats are pretty amazing on their own, but here are a few ideas to take them to the next level.
For Breakfast:What’s a Rice Krispie treat? What a good breakfast I know, it might sound a little too sweet, but sometimes you just need that little boost in the heart.For Brunch:Cut the treats into smaller squares and arrange them on a platter with fresh fruit and yogurt for scrumptious desserts. What are some fun and playful brunch spreads? What are some good ways to add sweetness to a meal?As Dessert:Serve with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an easy and delicious dessert. What are some of the Is whipped cream bad for you?For Cozy Snacks: Enjoy them with a warm mug of hot chocolate or a cup of tea on a chilly evening. It’s the perfect comfort food combination.
My family always had these during movie night! We’d all grab one and snuggle up under a blanket, completely content.
How do you make a perfect rice krispie treat?
What are some tricks to take your Rice Krispie Treats game to the next level? I’ve learned these the hard way, through years of trial and error. What are the best ways to make a difference?Marshmallow Matters Fresh marshmallows are KEY. Stale marshmallows will result in hard, dry treats. I always buy a fresh bag before making these. It seems obvious, but it’s easy to overlook.
Butter is Your Friend: Don’t skimp on the butter! It not only adds flavor but also helps keep the treats soft and gooey. Six tablespoons is my magic number, but feel free to adjust to your liking.
Low and Slow:Melt the marshmallows over low heat, stirring constantly. Is there a shortcut to making tough marshmallows?Don’t Overmix: Gently stir the cereal into the melted marshmallow mixture until just combined. Overmixing will cause the treats to be dense and hard.
Gentle Pressure: What is When pressing the mixture into the pan, use a light touch. Pressing too hard will result in dense treats. I like to use a piece of buttered wax paper to gently press down on the mixture.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla extract adds a lovely depth of flavor. Trust me, it makes a difference! I usually add about a teaspoon to the melted marshmallow mixture.
Salt Balance: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors. I usually add about 1/2 teaspoon to the melted marshmallow mixture.
Experiment with Add-Ins: Don’t be afraid to get creative with add-ins! Chocolate chips, sprinkles, peanut butter, chopped nuts…the possibilities are endless. My kids love adding M&Ms to theirs. I also love dark chocolate and sea salt!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Okay, let’s talk about how to keep these Rice Krispie Treats fresh and delicious.
Room Temperature: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. They’re best enjoyed fresh, but they will still be good for a few days. I always make sure they’re well-sealed to prevent them from drying out.
Refrigerator Storage: If you want to keep them for longer, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. However, they will become a bit harder in the fridge, so I recommend letting them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before eating.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2-3 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw them at room temperature for about 30 minutes before eating.
I usually don’t glaze or decorate mine if I know I’m going to freeze them, as the glaze can sometimes get a little weird after thawing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it: my ultimate recipe for ridiculously gooey and delicious Rice Krispie Treats. I truly hope you give this recipe a try. They’re so easy to make, and they’re always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, they’re a fun way to get creative in the kitchen! If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy my peanut butter bars or my homemade marshmallows. I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Please leave a comment below and let me know what you think, and share any variations you try. Happy treat-making!
Rice Krispie Treats
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 cup marshmallows
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted and smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in Rice Krispies cereal until well coated.
- Press mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking pan.
- Let cool completely before cutting into squares.
