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A classic treat you can make anytime of year when you need a quick no bake treat. These seriously are the best rice krispie treats recipe ever. Promise.
It’s been a long time since I have had a rice krispie treat. And probably longer when I have had a GOOD rice krispie treat. You know the kind where they are too tough, not enough marshmallow, just eh.
It seemed when the craving hit, the universe was just egging me on or maybe it was teasing me? I’m not sure. It seemed once the craving hit, no joke rice krispie treats were everywhere..Pinterest…TV…Ok maybe not everywhere but after one two many pins and commercials I had to make some myself. It’s a good thing they are a quick and easy dessert recipe to whip up.
Rice Krispie treats are simple right? Melt butter. Add marshmallows. Melt those. Stir in rice krispie treats (do this off the heat please!). Spread into the pan. And done. You get to enjoy them. But I still have a few simple tricks for you to make these the best ever.
Ingredients needed to make these rice krispie treats
The best part about making rice krispie treats is that it takes very few ingredients.
- Unsalted butter
- Rice Krispies
- Marshmallows – You will need to have 2 bags of marshmallows (at least one of them should be the mini variety so you can stir in 2 cups of the mini’s at the end. If I have a large marshmallow variety I use that bag as the type to melt down as you will see in the photo, and then stir in mini marshmallows at the end).
- Vanilla extract
- Salt
Related: You might also like the rest of these 5 Ingredient Desserts
How to make rice krispie treats- step by step photos
More Marshmallows!
A trick for pressing them into the pan
Tips for making rice krispie treats
- Use unsalted butter – Salted butter can have varying amounts and might make these very salty in the end. Not what we want! So use unsalted butter.
- Pan size– I used a 9×13 pan but if you want thicker treats then simply use a smaller pan.
- Add extra marshmallows – Reserve some marshmallows to stir in at the end so you get some marshmallows that haven’t melted into the mixture. Of course you could always make your own homemade vanilla marshmallows.
- Use saran wrap – These can be tricky to press down into the pan because of how sticky they are. So lightly spray a piece of plastic wrap and use that to press the mixture down into the pan.
- Do not press down too much – You do need to press them down somewhat but if you press down too much you could create a rice krispie treat that ends up too dense.
Rice Krispie Treat FAQ’s
Why did my rice krispie treats get hard?
This could be if you used stale rice krispies or stale marshmallows. Another reason might be you pressed down TOO much when pressing them into the pan.
Do I need to bake rice krispie treats?
That’s the best part of rice krispie treats. No baking required! That means they are ready in a flash and a great no bake treat to make in the summer time.
Do I need to refrigerate rice krispie treats?
Nope! In fact that could contribute to them turning too hard as well. They will be fine and stay fresh at room temperature for about 2 days.
Can I use a different cereal?
You absolutely can. Try using Lucky Charms, Cocoa Krispies, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, or Cheerios instead.
How do I store rice krispie treats?
These will stay fresh in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
If they last that long that is.
More Rice Krispie Treat recipes
Tools needed to make the Best Rice Krispie treats
- Baking Dish- Either an 7×11, 9×9 9×9 or 8×8
- Saucepan
- Mixing bowl (if your saucepan is big enough, I just melt my butter than throw everything in- if not I transfer to a large mixing bowl!)
- Spatula to stir with!
Classic Rice Krispie Treats
Ingredients
- 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- 7 cups rice krispies
- 2 10-ounce bags of mini marshmallows divided
- 1/2 teaspoon table salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Lightly spray x 9x13 pan or line with with aluminum foil. You can use a smaller pan if you want thicker treats.
- Melt butter in a very large pot on low heat.
- Open one bag of marshmallows and reserve 2 cups of mini marshmallows. Set these aside. These will be stirred in at the very end.
- When butter is melted, add the remaining marshmallows (1 whole bag, and what's left of the second bag). Stir with a rubber spatula or a wooden spoon until melted.
- Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla extract and salt.
- Stir in remaining 2 cups mini marshmallows and rice krispies.
- Spread in pan (use a piece of saran wrap lightly sprayed with cooking spray) and press into the pan.
- Let sit for 10 minutes. Cut into squares and enjoy.
Notes
- Use unsalted butter - Salted butter can have varying amounts and might make these very salty in the end. Not what we want! So use unsalted butter.
- Pan size- I used a 9x13 pan but if you want thicker treats then simply use a smaller pan.
- Add extra marshmallows - Reserve some mini marshmallows to stir in at the end so you get some marshmallows that haven't melted into the mixture. Of course you could always make your own homemade vanilla marshmallows.
- Use saran wrap - These can be tricky to press down into the pan because of how sticky they are. So lightly spray a piece of plastic wrap and use that to press the mixture down into the pan.
- Do not press down too much - You do need to press them down somewhat but if you press down too much you could create a rice krispie treat that ends up too dense.
Nutrition
Amanda says
I love rice krispie treats and it is my daughters favorite too. I love that yours also has mini marshmallows scattered throughout. I am making some asap
Heather says
They are a favorite around here as well! And yes the mini marshmallows make them extra yummy and special!
Analida Braeger says
I love the extra marshmallows in this recipe! These would not last one hour at my house so storage would not be an issue but thanks for all the great tips!
Heather says
Yes the extra mini marshmallows are where it’s at with this recipe. And yes they didn’t last long around here either!
shobee says
Woow, what an easy recipe. I will be making this to be in my son’s lunch box. Crispy treats are very expensive when you but it. Love it. Thanks!
Heather says
That’s so true! THey are so much better and cheaper when you make them!
Leslie says
Yes, these are perfect! This is exactly how I like my rice krispie treats, with those marshamallows only partly melted in between. YUM!!
Heather says
It’s the only way to have them Leslie 🙂
Tammy says
I don’t care how old you are, rice krispie treats will always be fun and delicious! It’s been too long since I’ve had one and now you’re inspiring me to whip up a batch ^_^
Heather says
I’m the same as you Tammy! Age doesn’t matter when it comes to rice krispie treats!
Jenni LeBaron says
Yes! I love a classic rice krispie treat. These look spectacular and would go over so well at my house. I don’t think that I would be able to make these last for more than a day.
Heather says
They didn’t last a day in my house either Jenni 🙂
Paula Montenegro says
I love that the marshmallows are not completely melted! So easy to make! Next time I’m making them with some chocolate cereal, as you suggest in the variations. Thanks for sharing!
Heather says
That’s my favorite part too Paula! And yes chocolate cereal would be fantastic!
Danielle says
I am imagining myself trying these cute little treats, and it feels really good. I’ve got to make them time soon. I am sure they will be a hit in my house!
Heather says
Let me know how you like them Danielle!!