Rice Krispie Treats
Rice Krispie Treats are soft, chewy, and loaded with pockets of sweet marshmallows. Made with just a few ingredients and ready in no time, this classic dessert will be a hit with everyone!
I’m so excited to share with you my latest dessert recipe, as it’s been on my list for years to make.
I know it may seem silly to share a rice krispie treats recipe, but since I’m all about easy desserts and sharing classic dishes, I figured it was time for me to through my chef’s hat in the ring.
Chances are that you’ve also made these treats once or twice before, so you can probably attest to how easy it is to make.
Easy, but oh-so deliciously good. Chewy, soft, gooey, flavorful…my requirements for the best rice krispie treat recipe.
So, what makes my rice krispie treats the perfect recipe?
The texture…soft, ooey, and gooey. These aren’t dry or crumbly, like too many rice crispie treats that I’ve tried. These treats are thick and chewy, with little pockets of melted marshmallows that you can actually see. And, of course, the flavor. With just the right combination of cereal, marshmallows, butter, and vanilla extract (yes, pure vanilla extract is what makes these extra delicious!), the taste is subtly sweet and all-around delectable.
Once I made the perfect rice krispies, I just couldn’t keep my hands off them. Literally. I was sneaking bites when these were still warm and extra gooey. Yep, these are just that good.
How to make Rice Krispie Treats:
This is one of the easiest dessert recipes that I’ve shared lately, and for good reason! Just four ingredients is all it takes to whip up this addictingly delicious dessert.
- To start, line a 9×13 inch baking pan or dish with parchment paper and set aside. It’s important to use parchment or wax paper, otherwise the mixture will stick (and create a mess) to a greased dish.
- Melt some unsalted butter in a large saucepan over medium heat until completely melted.
- Add all but 1.5 cups of marshmallows to the butter mixture, turn heat to low and stir completely until melted.
- Remove mixture from heat and stir in vanilla, cereal and remaining marshmallows until they’re just beginning to melt.
- Transfer mixture to prepared pan and lightly press down with a spatula or wet hands. Be sure not to press too hard, as the firmer the treats are, the harder they will get.
- Let rice krispie treats cool to room temperature for about an hour before cutting into squares.
Why are my Rice Krispie Treats hard?
High heat when melting the marshmallow mixture may cause your treats to become hard. Be sure to melt the marshmallows over low heat and stir frequently. It may take a bit more time, but trust me, it’s worth it.
Packing the rice krispie treats into the pan may also be the culprit. The harder you press the treats into the pan, the firmer they will become once cooled. Remember, we’re looking for soft, gooey and thick treats, so press them very lightly.
How do you keep Rice Krispie Treats fresh?
Simply store your sliced rice krispie treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. When placing into your container, line the bottom and layers with parchment paper so that the squares remain intact and don’t become a sticky mess.
How do you soften hard Rice Krispie Treats?
I’ve used this tip before with hard cookies and it works with these treats, too! Place a slice of bread into the airtight container of treats (place the bread right on top of the treats) and then cover and let sit overnight. The moisture from the bread will help make the treats soft again.
Do you put Rice Krispie Treats in the fridge?
I do not recommend refrigerating the treats. This will make then hard and dry, so it’s best to store these at room temperature in an airtight container.
How far ahead can you make Rice Krispie Treats?
These are best eaten the same day. However, you could make them up to one day beforehand and then cut and place in an airtight container at room temperature.
Rice Krispie Treats Variations:
There are so many options to choose from! Instead of using Rice Krispies cereal, you could other cereals, such as Fruity Pebbles, Cocoa Pebbles, Cheerios, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Froot Loops, or Trix, just to name a few!
Add some sprinkles, white or chocolate chips, or even peanut butter chips into the treats when mixing.
Top with a layer of melted peanut butter, chocolate ganache, or white chocolate drizzle for added sweetness.
So, the perfect rice krispie treats recipe is here, friends! I promise you’ll love these just as much as I do!
Looking for more easy desserts? I’ve got you covered!
- Chocolate Lava Mug Cake
- White Chocolate Blondies
- Easy Blueberry Dump Cake
- Strawberry Poke Cake
- Apple Pie Pop Tarts
Rice Krispie Treats
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 bag (16 ounce) miniature marshmallows, divided
- 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste, or vanilla extract
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
Equipment
Instructions
- Line a 9x13-inch baking pan or dish with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Once completely melted, add all but 1 1/2 cups of mini marshmallows. Turn heat to low and stir frequently to melt marshmallows. Be sure to melt marshmallows over low heat, as this will help them remain soft and gooey once cooled. Melting at too high of heat will result in a firm and drier texture.
- Once marshmallows are melted, remove pan from heat and stir in vanilla bean paste/extract, cereal, and remaining marshmallows. Stir until the everything is combined and the marshmallows are just beginning to melt. You don't want to overstir, as then you won't have those pockets of marshmallows.
- Transfer mixture to prepared pan and very lightly press down with a spatula or wet hands. Do not press firmly, as that will result in packed, hard and dry rice krispie treats. I just gently press ever so lightly, as we're looking for that chewy, soft texture.
- Let treats cool to room temperature for about 45-60 minutes, and then cut into squares.
Notes
- Store cut treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. Line the bottom of container and layers with parchment paper so that treats to not stick together and retain shape when removed.
- See my tips and tricks for making these rice krispie treats above recipe box.
