Classic Rice Krispie Treats
When it comes to nostalgic treats, nothing beats a perfectly gooey classic rice krispie treats. This recipe takes the classic to the next level with just the right ratio of marshmallow to crunch. Whether you’re whipping up a quick dessert or reliving childhood favorites, this is the best rice krispie treat recipe to satisfy every sweet tooth.
Alright, dudes and dudettes—if you’re looking for a snack that’s totally clutch, these classic rice krispie treats are the real deal. We’re talking golden, gooey perfection that sticks together better than The Goonies on a treasure hunt. These bars don’t just snap, crackle, and pop—they rock!
So what makes these the BEST rice krispie treats? It’s all about the ratios, baby! These stellar squares are jam packed with marshmallows and have chunks of marshmallows throughout to make them extra ooey and gooey. They are so fluffy and marshmallow-packed, they’d make the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man proud—just without the whole city-stomping thing. So crank the jams, grab a bowl, and let’s make the easiest (and most delicious) nostalgic treat!
If you love sweet nostalgic treats, check out my cosmic brownies, oatmeal cream pies, and funfetti cupcakes.
Ingredients for Rice Krispie Treats
- Unsalted butter
- Mini marshmallows
- Vanilla extract
- Salt
- Rice Krispies cereal
How to Make Rice Krispie Treats
- Prep: Prepare a 9×13 baking pan with nonstick cooking spray and parchment paper.
- Melt: Melt the butter and stir in the mini marshmallows until melted and smooth.
- Add: Add in the vanilla and salt. Stir in the crispy rice cereal and additional marshmallows.
- Spread: Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and gently press into an even layer.
- Set: Allow the rice krispie treats to set up for 1 hour and then cut into squares.
Courtney’s Expert Baking Tips
- Line the baking pan with parchment paper extending up the sides of the pan for easy removal.
- Gently press the rice krispie treat mixture into the pan. Do not press down too firmly or the rice krispie treats will have a hard texture.
- The easiest way to spread the rice krispie treat mixture is to use your hands. Wet your hands with a little bit of water to prevent the mixture from sticking.
- Use a serrated knife and a sawing motion to cut the treats into perfect squares.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! When you add the cereal and additional marshmallows, you can mix in a handful (or two) of chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, rainbow sprinkles, or your favorite candies! Just note, if you are adding chocolate, it will melt slightly as the mixture is warm.
Yes! Use Fruity Pebbles, Cocoa Pebbles, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, or Golden Grahams cereal for a fun twist on this classic recipe.
The easiest way to prevent the rice krispie treat mixture from sticking to your hands is to moisten your hands with water before pressing the mixture into the pan.
If you try out these rice krispie treats, please take a moment to leave a comment with a star rating below to let me know how you enjoyed this recipe!
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Classic Rice Krispie Treats
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ cup (114 g) unsalted butter
- 20 oz (567 g) mini marshmallows 2 – 10 oz bags
- 2 tsp (2 tsp) vanilla extract
- ½ tsp (0.5 tsp) salt
- 7 cups (196 g) Rice Krispies cereal
- 2 cups (100 g) mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Prepare a 9×13 baking pan with nonstick cooking spray and parchment paper. Extend the parchment paper up the sides of the pan to easily remove the rice krispie treats from the pan.
- In a large saucepan on the stovetop over medium-low heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add in 20 ounces of mini marshmallows and stir until the marshmallow mixture is melted and smooth. Remove the saucepan from the heat.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and salt. Then, fold in the Rice Krispies cereal and additional 2 cups of mini marshmallows until the cereal is well coated in the melted marshmallow mixture.
- Pour the rice krispie treat mixture into the prepared baking pan. Moisten your hands with water, and gently press the mixture into the pan creating an even layer.
- Allow the rice krispie treats to set up in the pan for 1 hour before removing and cutting into squares.
Notes
- Room temperature: Store the rice krispie treats in an airtight container or resealable storage bag at room temperature for 2 to 3 days.
- Refrigerator/Freezer: I do not recommend storing rice krispie treats in the refrigerator or freezer as it can impact the texture.
Nutrition
Made This Recipe?
Please leave a comment with a star rating to let me know how you enjoyed the recipe!
About Courtney
Baker | 80s Lover | Cookbook Author
Courtney is a self-taught home baker and cookbook author of “Girls Just Wanna Bake Cupcakes”. She loves to create new and unique recipes while simultaneously listening to 80s music.
Do you have any tips to stop the mixture from sticking to the saucepan?
Hi there! Unfortunately, I have not found any special tips or tricks to prevent the mixture from sticking to the saucepan. I have tried using nonstick spray to see if that helps, but it just combines with the Rice Krispie treat mixture and still sticks. I just do my best to scrape as much as possible out with a rubber spatula.