This Post May Contain Affiliate Links. Please Read Our Disclosure Policy.
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. Easy no bake recipe made on the stovetop that takes about 10 minutes to prepare. I have two tricks to making the best rice krispie treats ever.
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
The best part about making rice krispie treats is that it takes very few ingredients.
- Unsalted butter – I always recommend using unsalted butter because brands can vary on how much salt they add to their butter. So by using unsalted I can control how much salt is added. If you only have salted butter than reduce or omit the salt completely.
- 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). If you only have large marshmallows, then stir them all in at the beginning.
- Vanilla extract – This might be a new ingredient you add to your treats but trust me on this. Adding vanilla extract just helps bring out the flavor of the marshmallows and I think is what makes them the best ever
- Salt
Related: You might also like the rest of these 5 Ingredient Desserts
How to make rice krispie treats
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot go ahead and melt the butter over low heat, until completely melted and smooth.
You want to set aside 2 cups of the mini marshmallows. You will stir these in at the end. When butter is melted, add the rest of the marshmallows. Again you can use one bag of large and mini or just two bags of mini marshmallows. 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, rice krispies.
Spread in pan (use a piece of saran wrap lightly sprayed with cooking spray to help make this part easier or spray your hand with cooking spray ) and press into the pan.
Let rest for 1 hour. Cut into squares and enjoy.
Heather’s Baking Tips
- 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.
- Cooking spray – 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. OR you can spray your hand with cooking spray and press them 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
ld 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.
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.
You can place them in a bag with a slice of bread and let them sit overnight and they will soften again.
They will be fine and stay fresh at room temperature, covered, for about 3 days.
I don’t recommend freezing rice krispie treats. The texture isn’t the same after they thawed.
More recipes to try
Tools needed to make the Best Rice Krispie treats
- Baking Dish- Either an 7×11, 9×9 or 8×8
- Large Stockpot – I own a large Cuisinart stockpot that I love and have had for years!
- 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!)
- Sturdy silicone spatula to stir with!
Let’s Bake Together
Subscribe to my newsletter to never miss a new recipe or baking challenge! And if you bake one of my recipes be sure to tag me on Instagram. You can also follow along with me on Facebook and You Tube.
Classic Rice Krispie Treats
Ingredients
- 6 Tablespoons (85 g) unsalted butter
- 7 cups (210 g) rice krispie cereal
- 20 ounces marshmallows divided (see note)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Lightly spray x 9×13 pan or line with with aluminum foil or parchment paper. 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 later with the rice krispies.
- 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. This can be tricky to incorporate so do your best to stir it altogether!
- Spread in pan (use a piece of saran wrap lightly sprayed with cooking spray OR spray your hand with cooking spray) and press into the pan.
- Let rest for 1 hour. Cut into squares and enjoy.
Notes
- Storage: Keep covered and store at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: I do not recommend freezing rice krispie treats. The texture is not the same after thawing.
- Marshmallows– I like to stir in mini marshmallows with the rice krispies. So you can use one bag of large marshmallows and one bag of mini marshmallows or just use two bags of mini marshmallows. If you only have large marshmallows stir them in all at the beginning with the butter.
- Butter – Salted butter can have varying amounts and might make these very salty in the end. Not what we want! So use unsalted butter. If you only have salted butter than reduce or omit the salt.
- Pan size– I used a 9×13 pan but if you want thicker treats then simply use a smaller pan.
- Cooking spray– 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 OR spray your hand with cooking spray and press them down with your hand.
- 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.
Lil Philly says
Making rice krispy treats for the first time tomorrow. Wish me luck, lol. Thanks for sharing your recipe 🙂
Heather says
Have fun mixing them up Lil! Let me know how they turn out!
Dannii says
These bring back happy memories of making them as a kid. I am going to make them with my daughter this weekend.
Taylor Smith says
What a sweet memory. ❤️
Rachna says
This is such an easy recipe and also no bake. So wonderful. I am imagining how the kids will just relish this. Thanks for sharing.
Sharon says
You’re not kidding that these are the best! My batch disappeared quickly when the family was over last weekend. Thanks!
Taylor Smith says
Next time you just might have to make a double batch. 😉
Tara says
Oh yum! I love how easily these Rice Krispie treats come together with only five ingredients! So good with all those marshmallows.
Heather Johnson says
my boyfriend loves these – i had to learn how to make them so thanks! this was easy and he thinks they’re perfect!!!
Taylor Smith says
How sweet that you’re making these for your partner!
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!!
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!
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 🙂
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!
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 🙂
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!
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!
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!