Rice Krispies Treats Recipe (2024)

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Posted by Aimee 437 comments
Published: Sep 26, 2023 Last Updated: Sep 26, 2023

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Get the secret tips and tricks to making the most PERFECT Rice Krispies Treats recipe. From using fresh butter and marshmallows to adding vanilla extract, this is our favorite dessert.

Love easy cereal treats? Try our recipes for homemade puppy chow (muddy buddies)! Or make a savory snack like this Taco Chex mix!

Rice Krispies Treats Recipe (1)

Table of Contents

  • The Original Rice Krispie Treats
  • Why My Recipe Is Best
  • Ingredient Notes
  • Aimee’s Secret Ingredient
  • Tips and Tricks
  • Recipe FAQs
  • More Rice Krispie Treat Flavors
  • More Easy Dessert Recipes:
  • Rice Krispie Treats Recipe Recipe

The Original Rice Krispie Treats

I spend days and days trying to come up with the perfect cake. Or the most beautiful cupcakes. Or to create the fudgiest brownies.

But, it’s no secret, Rice Krispie Treats have always been the key to my heart. Knowing how to make rice krispie treats has gotten me far in life.

  • I love crispy treats so much that I’ve created over a dozen flavors….from Fluffernutter Krispie Treats to Cinnamon Roll Krispie Treats.
  • I’ve even got these adorable TURKEY Krispie Treats and this Pumpkin Pie Rice Krispie Treat for Thanksgiving!

But, in the end, it’s the classic, original, homemade RICE KRISPIE TREAT that draws me in.

The biggest question is how to spell it. Some people say Rice Crispy, Some say Crispy Rice, some say Rice Crispies. Either way, you get the point!

Rice Krispies Treats Recipe (2)

Why My Recipe Is Best

There are thousands of recipes for making this classic treat, and I’m putting it out there that my recipe is BEST. Why?

  • Only 4 ingredients
  • Thick and chewy
  • Vanilla flavor
  • Perfect ratio of cereal to marshmallows

We love that this classic treat can be changed up using different cereals too!

  • ChocolateCocoa Krispie Treats
  • FruityFruity Pebbles Treats
  • S’moresGolden Grahams Treats
  • CheeriosCheerio Treats

Ingredient Notes

Rice Krispies Treats Recipe (3)
  1. Butter- use salted butter for this recipe. Just trust me! Don’t have any on hand? Use unsalted butter and a pinch of salt while melting. DO NOT use margarine.
  2. Marshmallows- you’ll need 9 cups of mini marshmallows, keeping about 1 cup aside to add in at the end!
  3. Rice Krispies Cereal- any brand of crispy rice cereal will work, just make sure it’s FRESH.

Aimee’s Secret Ingredient

Adding my homemade vanilla extract or any pure vanilla extract takes this recipe over the top.

Tips and Tricks

  • Line a 9-inch square baking dish with parchment paper. This way you don’t have to worry about extra butter on your fingertips, or the other extreme of your bars sticking to the pan! Use binder clips to help the parchment paper stay in place.
  • Use fresh marshmallows. Seriously, they make a difference. Don’t grab that bag that’s been in your pantry for months and months thinking it will be okay since you are melting them. It won’t be okay.
  • Add my secret ingredient. VANILLA EXTRACT. Not imitation vanilla, but PURE VANILLA extract. It makes a difference in creating the illusion that you’re using homemade marshmallows.
  • Toss in some extra marshmallows with your cereal. This adds a whole dimension of chewiness!
  • DO NOT (I repeat) DO NOT press these bars into your pan firmly. Using your fingertips, GENTLY press them in just until they are spread out. The harder you pack them in, the harder they are when it’s time to eat them!
  • The trick to pressing them in your pan without sticking to your hands is to run your fingers in water, shake off the excess, and press. Voila. No sticking!
  • Store in an airtight container for two days. If they last that long, I’d be shocked! ENJOY
  • Make these gluten free by choosing a crispy rice cereal labeled Gluten Free (and check your marshmallow labels too just in case).
Rice Krispies Treats Recipe (4)

Recipe FAQs

Why do my rice krispies treats get hard?

Your krispies treats could be getting hard if you press the treats too firmly into the pan. Also, be sure to start with fresh marshmallows and cereal, not stale!

Do rice krispie treats need to be refrigerated?

Do NOT refrigerate rice krispie treats, as it can make the marshmallow very hard. Instead, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for best results.

Can you freeze rice krispie treats?

I do not advise freezing rice krispie treats. Fresh is best.

Can rice krispie treats be made in a 13×9 baking dish?

You can choose a 13×9 dish instead of a square dish if prefered for rice crispy treats. Just know that they will be thinner.

Rice Krispies Treats Recipe (5)

More Rice Krispie Treat Flavors

Add in some flavored gelatin (or pudding mix) to the melted marshmallow for a unique twist! Cherry Krispie Treats!

Make Lucky Charms Treats for a St.Paddy’s Day dessert idea.

  • For best results, name brand cereal stays fresher longer and can hold up to the melted butter and marshmallows better
  • Always start with fresh marshmallows. If you use stale marshmallows in hopes that melting them will give you good results, you’ll be disappointed!
  • More mix-ins: fold in some m&m’s or Reese’s peanut butter cups for a delicious dessert idea.
Rice Krispies Treats Recipe (6)

More Easy Dessert Recipes:

  • Scotcheroos
  • Peanut Butter Rice Crispies Treat
  • Easter Krispie Treats
  • Biscoff Rice Crispy Squares
  • No Bake Cookies

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Rice Krispies Treats Recipe (11)

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Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

4.80 from 727 votes

By: Aimee

Get the secret tips and tricks to making the most PERFECT Rice Krispie Treats recipe. From using fresh butter and marshmallows to adding vanilla extract, this is our favorite dessert.

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes minutes

Additional Time: 1 hour hour

Total Time: 1 hour hour 10 minutes minutes

Servings: 9 large bars

Ingredients

  • 6 Tablespoons salted butter
  • 16 ounce bag mini marshmallows divided
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 6 cups rice krispies cereal

Instructions

  • Line a 9-inch square baking dish with parchment paper. Set aside.

  • In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Once melted, add in all but 1 cup of the marshmallows. Reduce heat to low and continue stirring until completely melted.

  • Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla. Add the cereal and the remaining 1 cup of marshmallows and gently stir until combined.

  • Pour into the prepared baking dish. Press GENTLY with your fingertips just until completely spread out (the harder you pack them in, the harder they are to eat).

  • Allow to set, about 1 hour. Cut and enjoy!

Notes

  • How many marshmallows do I need? One 16 ounce bag of marshmallows is about 8-9 cups. You’ll melt all but one cup of the marshmallows in the butter, reserving the last cup for adding with the cereal.
  • Line a 9-inch square baking dish with parchment paper. This way you don’t have to worry about extra butter on your fingertips, or the other extreme of your bars sticking to the pan! Use binder clips to help the parchment paper stay in place.
  • Use fresh marshmallows. Seriously, they make a difference. Don’t grab that bag that’s been in your pantry for months and months thinking it will be okay since you are melting them. It won’t be okay.
  • Add my secret ingredient. VANILLA EXTRACT. Not imitation vanilla, but PURE VANILLA extract. It makes a difference in creating the illusion that you’re using homemade marshmallows.
  • DO NOT (I repeat) DO NOT press these bars into your pan firmly. Using your fingertips, GENTLY press them in just until they are spread out. The harder you pack them in, the harder they are when it’s time to eat them!
  • The trick to pressing them in your pan without sticking to your hands is to run your fingers in water, shake off the excess, and press. Voila. No sticking!
  • Store in an airtight container for two days. If they last that long, I’d be shocked!
  • Make these gluten free by choosing a crispy rice cereal labeled Gluten Free (and check your marshmallow labels too just in case).

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1bar, Calories: 300kcal, Carbohydrates: 57g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 8g, Saturated Fat: 5g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g, Cholesterol: 20mg, Sodium: 139mg, Sugar: 31g

Course: Rice Krispie Treats

Cuisine: American

Did you make this recipe?Mention @shugarysweets or tag #shugarysweets!

Original Rice Krispie Treats recipe with all the tips and tricks for making them thick and chewy!

Rice Krispies Treats Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Why won't my rice crispy treats harden? ›

Why won't my rice crispy treats harden? If the treats are soft and falling apart, it. could be because you're trying to cut them when they're too warm. Let them cool to room temperature and try again.

What happens if you put too much butter in Rice Krispies treats? ›

What happens if you put too much butter in Rice Krispies Treats? If you put too much butter in rice krispies treats they will become oily, the cereal will soak up the butter and the treats will become soggy, rather than crispy.

Why won t my marshmallows melt for Rice Krispie Treats? ›

Don't crank the heat on the stovetop too high.

High heat is the prime culprit for rock hard rice krispie treats. → Follow this tip: It will take a few more minutes of cook time, but melt the butter and marshmallows over low heat. You'll be rewarded with delicious, soft and chewy treats!

Why are my Rice Krispie Treats falling apart? ›

9 -Troubleshooting: do your rice krispie treats fall apart? You've either used too much butter or haven't pressed it down in the tin enough. 10 - Rice krispie treats will last for up to a week like this or freeze for up to 2 months. They do not need to be refrigerated.

How long does it take for Rice Krispies to harden? ›

This is our favorite recipe for classic rice krispie treats. Adding a little extra butter and marshmallow, plus a splash of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt makes all the difference! Let them set for at least 1 hour before cutting into squares.

Why are my Rice Krispie treats hard as a rock? ›

There are a few things that can cause your Rice Krispie Treats to be hard or tough. Pressing your bars too hard or melting your gooey mixture too fast or over heat that is too high are all sure fire ways to end up with a dessert that is hard as a rock.

Can you leave homemade rice crispy treats out? ›

- Store no more than two days at room temperature in airtight container. - To freeze, place in layers separated by wax paper in airtight container. Freeze for up to 6 weeks. Let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.

Why do lifters eat rice krispie treats? ›

Medical News Today, an online health news platform, said that “Rice Krispies Treats make for a suitable pre-workout snack due to their simple carbohydrate content. Carbohydrates are the body's primary fuel source, so eating a high-carb snack before a training session can boost energy and performance.”

Are rice krispie treats a bad snack? ›

They are mostly high-glycemic carbs (meaning the type that spike energy quickly), Collingwood says. Other than some iron and B vitamins (thanks to the fortified cereal they're made with), they have little nutritional value. You'll still need to focus on a healthy diet throughout the rest of your day, Collingwood says.

Is there a trick to cutting rice krispie treats? ›

To prevent the Rice Krispie Treats from sticking together when cutting, you can dip the knife into warm water and wipe it with a paper towel between each cut. This will help remove any residue from the treats and ensure clean, separate pieces.

Do you add butter to melt marshmallows? ›

However, if you need the marshmallows to be melted for use in a recipe like a mousse or cereal bar, then it's best to do so very gently in a saucepan, ideally with other ingredients like butter, milk or water, depending on your recipe.

Can you revive old marshmallows? ›

Marshmallows don't really go “bad” that I am aware of. Personally, I would try to use them. You can soften hard marshmallows by dipping a sealed bag in a hot pot of water boiling for a couple of minutes. The expiration date is just a best by date.

Can you use hard marshmallows for rice crispy treats? ›

Recipe Notes

* Make sure your marshmallows are fresh. Stale, hard marshmallows won't result in nice, chewy bars. ** Any brand is fine, but be sure the cereal you use is fresh. Stale cereal will make for stale-tasting Rice Crispy Treats.

What can you do with expired marshmallows? ›

I found some ideas here and here (adding bread to the bag of stale marshmallows, zapping them with water in the microwave, adding water to them in the melting process).

How do you keep Rice Krispie treats from sticking together? ›

Lay a piece of wax paper between each layer of treats.

This will help prevent the rice crispy treats from sticking and bonding. Measure your container or freezer bag, then cut the wax paper to about the same size. This will make stacking and sealing much easier.

How do you fix dry Rice Krispie treats? ›

Another addition that can bring Rice Krispie treats to a whole other level, and make them softer and more moist, is sweetened condensed milk. In fact, it can keep these sweets from being too dry and chewy from the moment that you bite into them.

How do you fix soggy rice crispy treats? ›

Soggy Rice Krispies Treats
  1. Increase the amount of gelatin in the recipe.
  2. Make the marshmallows ahead of time and allow them to dry out, then re-melt for rice krispies.
  3. Dust the outside of the marshmallows with powdered sugar/cornstarch mixture prior to melting.
Dec 12, 2018

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