Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1/2 cup salted butter (1 stick)
- 16 ounces fresh marshmallows (8 cups mini marshmallows)
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon coconut extract (optional)
- 7 cups Rice Krispies cereal
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Prepare a 9×13 inch pan by spraying with nonstick spray or lining it with parchment paper. Using parchment paper is preferred to easily lift the treats for slicing.
- Melt Butter: In a large pot, melt 1/2 cup (1 stick) salted butter over medium heat. Use a spatula to spread the melted butter along the sides of the pot to prevent sticking.
- Add Marshmallows: Add 16 ounces of fresh marshmallows to the melted butter. Fresh marshmallows help make the treats softer, and you can use either large or mini marshmallows, ensuring you have 8 cups of mini if chosen.
- Stir to Melt: Stir the marshmallows continuously over medium heat using a rubber spatula sprayed with nonstick spray, until completely melted and smooth without lumps.
- Remove from Heat & Flavor: Once marshmallows are fully melted, remove the pot from heat. Stir in 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and optionally 1/4 teaspoon almond and 1/4 teaspoon coconut extracts for flavor complexity.
- Add Cereal: Pour in 7 cups of Rice Krispies cereal (1 cup equals 1 ounce, so 7 ounces total). Stir promptly but gently to evenly coat the cereal with the marshmallow mixture.
- Mix Thoroughly: Use the spatula to mix well, spraying the spatula with nonstick spray as needed to keep from sticking. Work quickly before the mixture cools and becomes harder to stir.
- Transfer and Press: Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Wet your hands and gently press the mixture evenly into the pan without compressing too hard—this keeps the treats light and chewy.
- Cool: Allow the treats to cool at room temperature for about one hour, or less if you prefer gooier bars.
- Slice and Serve: Lift the treats from the pan using parchment paper if used, then cut into squares with a knife.
- Store: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-5 days. Avoid refrigeration or freezing to maintain texture.
Notes
- Use fresh marshmallows for the softest, chewiest treats.
- Do not press the mixture down too hard in the pan to keep bars tender and easy to bite.
- Optional almond and coconut extracts add unique flavor but can be omitted if desired.
- Do not refrigerate or freeze Rice Krispies Treats as it will cause sogginess.
- Use parchment paper for easy removal and cleaner slicing.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American