Rice Krispies Treats Recipe (2024)

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Posted by Aimee 436 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 are my homemade rice crispy treats so hard? ›

If you melt the marshmallows too fast, it might result in a Rice Kripsy treat that is harder and crunchy than chewy. Take your time and let the butter and marshmallows melt slowly. Use an 8×8 or slightly smaller pan. Use a small and deep pan if you want thick and chewy rice Krispy treats.

How do you keep homemade Rice Krispie treats from getting hard? ›

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 did they stop making Rice Krispies? ›

That's largely due to the supply chain crisis affecting the food industry as a whole, Market Realist shares. But the way it's affecting Rice Krispies specifically has to do with the supply of barley malt extract, one of the main ingredients in the cereal.

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.”

What happens if you put too much butter in Rice Krispie 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.

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.

Why are my Rice Krispie treats rubbery? ›

Why are my Rice Krispie Treats rubbery? A rubbery of flimsy Rice Krispie treat is due to the addition of too much butter! The cereal is coated in more butter than marshmallow, making it soggy.

How far in advance can you make rice crispy treats? ›

Allow to thaw at room temperature before serving. Make-ahead- I truly believe the best rice krispies are the ones fresh from the pan but if you want to make them in advance remember to make them no more than 3 days before you plan to serve them or freeze them right away.

Can you cut Rice Krispie treats with a cookie cutter? ›

Using buttered spatula or wax paper evenly press mixture into 15 x 10 x 1-inch pan coated with cooking spray. Cool slightly. Using cookie cutters coated with cooking spray cut into desired shapes. Decorate with frosting and/or candies.

Why did Kellogg's change Rice Krispies? ›

With Rice Krispies Vanilla we have moved from a single grain to a multi-grain formula which has additional nutritional benefits and allows us to source locally, promoting local farmers and jobs. The New recipe also contains 9 vitamins & iron.

Are Rice Krispies good for constipation? ›

It can cause bloating; if someone is constipated, it can make that worse; and if they're loose it will make them looser,' says Professor Whorwell. 'So try eating refined cereals – Rice Krispies, white bread, white pasta, cream crackers – and avoid things like brown bread, Weetabix, Ryvita and digestive biscuits. '

Why do athletes like Rice Krispies? ›

“Rice Krispies are an awesome source right before a workout because they hit your stomach, they get digested really quickly, they enter your bloodstream, and boom, you have carbs to power your workout. This is why as sports dietitians, we recommend cereal as a pre-workout snack,” Klinger says in a video post.

Are Rice Krispie Treats healthy? ›

Besides the fortified cereal's iron, folate, and B vitamins, the packaged version of Rice Krispie Treats has virtually no nutritional value. It also has too much added sugar which can affect blood sugar. The homemade version is significantly less unhealthy.

Why do bodybuilders eat squares bars? ›

Rice Krispies treats are easy to digest, making them an ideal snack for before or during a workout. Carbs mixed with fat and protein slow digestion, which can increase the feeling of fullness. This prevents blood-sugar spikes caused by carbohydrate-only meals.

Why aren t my rice crispy treats crispy? ›

Usually, this means you have too much moisture in your recipe. This could be because the marshmallows were over-melted or because the brand of butter you used has higher water content. But this is an easy fix - just add more Rice Krispies until you get a stiffer mixture that will stick together.

How far in advance can you make Rice Krispie Treats? ›

Allow to thaw at room temperature before serving. Make-ahead- I truly believe the best rice krispies are the ones fresh from the pan but if you want to make them in advance remember to make them no more than 3 days before you plan to serve them or freeze them right away.

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