Best Rice Krispies Treats Recipe

Introduction

Classic Rice Krispies Treats are a beloved no-bake dessert loved by all ages for their sweet, chewy texture and nostalgic flavor. This easy recipe uses fresh marshmallows for the softest, most delicious bars you can make in just minutes.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup salted butter (1 stick)
• 16 ounces fresh marshmallows (8 cups mini)
• 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. Step 1: Prepare a 9×13 inch pan by spraying with nonstick spray or lining with parchment paper. Using parchment makes it easier to lift out and cut the bars.
2. Step 2: Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Spread it around the sides of the pot with a spatula to coat evenly.
3. Step 3: Add the marshmallows to the melted butter and stir with a nonstick spray-coated rubber spatula over medium heat until completely melted and smooth, with no lumps.
4. Step 4: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the kosher salt, vanilla, almond extract, and coconut extract until combined.
5. Step 5: Add the Rice Krispies cereal and quickly stir with a nonstick sprayed spatula until all the cereal is evenly coated with the marshmallow mixture.
6. Step 6: Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Wet your hands or spray them with nonstick spray and gently press the mixture into an even layer without pressing too hard to keep the treats soft.
7. Step 7: Let the treats cool at room temperature for about an hour, or less if you prefer gooier bars.
8. Step 8: Lift the bars out using the parchment paper and cut into squares. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh marshmallows rather than old or stale ones for the softest texture.
• Add mix-ins like chocolate chips, sprinkles, or peanut butter for extra flavor.
• Try swapping half the Rice Krispies for a similar puffed cereal for a fun twist.
• Gently pressing the mixture without compacting keeps the bars light and chewy.

Storage

Store leftover Rice Krispies Treats in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 to 5 days. They do not require refrigeration. Avoid freezing as moisture may make the cereal soggy upon thawing.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular-sized marshmallows instead of mini?

Yes, you can use large marshmallows; just measure 16 ounces total. They will melt similarly and yield the same soft texture.

How do I keep my Rice Krispies Treats soft and chewy?

Use fresh marshmallows and avoid pressing the mixture too hard into the pan. Also, store them in an airtight container and enjoy within a few days.

Best Rice Krispies Treats Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 120 reviews

Classic and irresistibly chewy Rice Krispies Treats made with fresh marshmallows and melted butter, flavored with vanilla and optional almond and coconut extracts. Perfect for an easy no-bake dessert or snack, these treats come together quickly and deliver a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

• Author: lina
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base Ingredients

• 1/2 cup salted butter (1 stick)
• 16 ounces fresh marshmallows (8 cups mini marshmallows)
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Flavorings

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon coconut extract (optional)

Cereal

• 7 cups Rice Krispies cereal (7 ounces)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pan: Spray a 9×13 inch pan with nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper. Using parchment allows easy lifting of the bars for slicing.
2. Melt the Butter: In a large pot over medium heat, melt the 1/2 cup salted butter completely. Use a spatula to spread the butter up the sides of the pot slightly.
3. Add Marshmallows: Add 16 ounces of fresh marshmallows to the melted butter. Fresh marshmallows ensure the softest treats. They can be mini or large marshmallows; 8 cups of mini equals 16 ounces.
4. Stir to Melt: Stir the marshmallows continuously over medium heat with a nonstick spray-coated rubber spatula until fully melted and smooth, with no lumps.
5. Remove from Heat & Add Flavorings: Take the pot off the heat and stir in the kosher salt, vanilla extract, almond extract, and coconut extract until well combined.
6. Add Cereal: Pour in 7 cups of Rice Krispies cereal (7 ounces). Stir quickly and thoroughly with the spatula coated in nonstick spray to evenly distribute the cereal in the melted marshmallow mixture before it cools and hardens.
7. Press Into Pan: Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan. Wet your hands (or spray with nonstick spray) then gently press the mixture into an even layer. Avoid pressing too hard to keep the treats soft and chewy.
8. Cool: Let the treats cool at room temperature for about an hour or until set. For gooier bars, a shorter cooling time is fine.
9. Slice and Serve: Lift the bars out using the parchment paper, slice into squares with a knife, and serve.
10. Store: Keep any leftovers sealed tightly at room temperature for up to 3-5 days. Do not refrigerate or freeze to avoid sogginess.

Notes

• Use fresh marshmallows for the best texture; old marshmallows can lead to harder treats.
• Press the mixture gently into the pan to keep the bars soft and easy to bite.
• Optional extracts (almond and coconut) add a subtle, unique flavor but can be omitted if unavailable.
• Do not refrigerate or freeze Rice Krispies Treats to maintain their texture and crispness.
• Nonstick spray on your spatula and hands prevents sticking during mixing and pressing.

Keywords: Rice Krispies Treats, easy dessert, marshmallow treat, no bake dessert, classic snack