Rice Krispie Treat Recipe
Classic Rice Krispie treats with crisp rice cereal folded into buttery melted marshmallows and pressed into soft, chewy squares.
Contains: Milk · Barley
Check the labels of the cereal and marshmallows you use if allergies or dietary restrictions apply. This recipe uses standard Rice Krispies cereal rather than a specifically gluten-free crisp rice cereal, so Gluten-Free is not assigned.
WHY IT WORKS
Why This Recipe Works
01
Use the Classic Ratio
The familiar balance of crisp rice cereal, marshmallows and butter gives the treats enough coating to hold together while keeping the cereal light and crisp.
02
Melt Over Low Heat
Low heat melts the butter and marshmallows smoothly without unnecessary browning, which helps the finished squares stay soft and chewy.
03
Press Lightly
Gently pressing the warm mixture into the pan gives neat bars without compacting the cereal into hard, dense squares.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
Equipment
THE RECIPE
Ingredients & Method
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My Notes
Ingredients
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Method
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Lightly butter a 9 by 13-inch baking pan and set it aside.
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Melt the 3 tablespoons (tbsp) butter in a large saucepan over low heat.
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Add the marshmallows and cook over low heat for about 3 to 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until completely melted and smooth. Remove the saucepan from the heat as soon as the mixture is smooth.
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Add the Rice Krispies cereal and fold gently but quickly until all of the cereal is evenly coated with the marshmallow mixture.
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Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Using a lightly buttered spatula, press it into an even layer without compacting it firmly. Let the treats cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then cut into 12 squares.
COOKING GUIDANCE
Practical Cooking Notes
Make Ahead
Make the treats up to 1 day ahead. Cool them completely, cut into squares and store them in an airtight container at room temperature with parchment paper between layers. Refrigeration can make them firmer.
Recipe tools
Adapt This Recipe
Change the quantities, measurements, pan, cooking method or ingredients, then turn what you need into a shopping list.
Dietary options
Make This Recipe Work for You
Only straightforward swaps are offered automatically. If changing a defining ingredient would effectively create a different dish, that conversion is left out.
Make It Vegetarian
Change the following ingredient:
Replace10 ounces (oz) mini marshmallows
With10 ounces (oz) mini vegetarian marshmallows
Replace285 grams (g) mini marshmallows
With285 grams (g) mini vegetarian marshmallows
Use the same quantity and check the product label for the diet you need.
Make It Dairy-Free
Change the following ingredient:
Replace3 tablespoons (tbsp) unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing
With3 tablespoons (tbsp) unsalted plant-based butter, plus extra for greasing
Replace45 grams (g) unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing
With45 grams (g) unsalted plant-based butter, plus extra for greasing
Use the same quantity of a plant-based butter suited to cooking or baking as required.
For allergies, intolerances or strict dietary requirements, check the labels of the specific products you use. These swaps do not certify a recipe or ingredient as allergen-free.
Recipe Notes
Ingredient Notes
Fresh mini marshmallows melt quickly and evenly. Plain Rice Krispies cereal gives the familiar crisp texture; measure it without crushing the cereal so the finished treats stay light.
Useful Substitutions
Salted butter can replace unsalted butter, although the finished treats will taste slightly saltier. Another plain crisp rice cereal can replace Rice Krispies in the same volume, but the flavor and texture may vary.
INGREDIENT QUALITY
Quality Note
Use fresh, soft marshmallows and keep the saucepan over low heat. Heating the marshmallows longer or hotter than necessary can make the finished treats firmer instead of soft and chewy.
SPEND LESS
Cost-Saving Tip
A plain store-brand crisp rice cereal can replace Rice Krispies in the same volume when it has a similar light, crisp texture. Compare the unit price rather than the box price when choosing cereal.
COOKING TIPS
Tips
Use Fresh Marshmallows
Fresh, soft marshmallows melt more smoothly than older marshmallows and help give the finished treats a softer, chewier texture.
Melt Over Low Heat
Keep the saucepan over low heat and stir until the marshmallows are just smooth. Excess heat can make the finished treats firmer.
Fold in the Cereal Quickly
Once the marshmallows are melted, add the cereal promptly and fold just until it is evenly coated so the mixture stays easy to spread.
Press, Don’t Pack
Spread the mixture into an even layer with light pressure. Packing it down firmly can turn otherwise chewy treats hard and dense.
MAKE IT LAST
Storing & Freezing
Storing
Once fully cool, keep the squares in an airtight container at room temperature. For the best texture, use them within about 2 days and place parchment paper between stacked layers.
Freezing
Wrap individual squares well and freeze them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to about 1 month. Thaw them, still wrapped, at room temperature before serving.
Keep Them Soft
Room-temperature storage gives a softer texture than refrigeration. Keep the container tightly closed so the cereal does not dry out and the marshmallow coating stays chewy.
ESTIMATED PER SERVING
Nutrition
1 of 12 squares
Nutrition information is an estimate. Where shown, % Daily Value uses standard US Daily Values for adults and children aged 4+; actual values vary with ingredient brands, exact quantities and portion size.
QUESTIONS
Rice Krispie Treat FAQs
Why did my Rice Krispie treats turn out hard?
Hard treats are usually caused by heating the marshmallows too aggressively or pressing the mixture too firmly into the pan. Use low heat, stop cooking as soon as the marshmallows are smooth and press the cereal mixture into the pan gently.
Can I use large marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?
Yes. Use the same 10-ounce weight. Larger marshmallows may take a little longer to melt, so keep the heat low and stir until the mixture is completely smooth.
What size pan should I use for Rice Krispie treats?
A 9 by 13-inch pan gives the classic thickness for this batch. A smaller pan will make thicker squares and may need a little more cooling time before cutting.
Can I make Rice Krispie treats ahead of time?
Yes. They are best made no more than about a day ahead. Cool them completely, cut them into squares and keep them tightly covered at room temperature.
Do Rice Krispie treats need to be refrigerated?
No. An airtight container at room temperature is usually better for texture. Refrigeration can make the marshmallow coating firm and the treats less chewy.
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