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Best Rice Krispies Treats Recipe

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3.9 from 8 reviews

These Best Rice Krispies Treats are a classic, no-bake dessert made with melted butter, fresh marshmallows, and crispy rice cereal. Perfectly chewy, sweet, and easy to make, they are a nostalgic favorite ideal for parties, snacks, or anytime you crave a simple, delightful treat.

  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. Cool: Allow the treats to cool at room temperature for about one hour, or less if you prefer gooier bars.
  10. Slice and Serve: Lift the treats from the pan using parchment paper if used, then cut into squares with a knife.
  11. 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.
  • Author: Daisy
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American