No-Bake

Rice Krispy Treats

Name: Rice Krispy Treats
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups (40g) marshmallows; 2 cups (60g) Rice Krispies cereal; 1/4 cup (55g) unsalted butter; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon fine salt; 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar; 1/2 cup (60g) chopped nuts or sprinkles (optional); 1 tablespoon (15g) shortening (optional); 1/4 cup (30g) shredded coconut (optional); 1/4 cup (30g) candy pieces (optional)

By Wesley Ardenne · June 19, 2026 · No-Bake

Prep15 min

Cook0 min

Total45 min

Serves12

I still remember making my first batch of Rice Krispy treats as a child. The combination of gooey marshmallows, crunchy cereal, and a hint of sweetness was irresistible. Over the years, I've perfected my technique, and I'm excited to share it with you.

Rice Krispy treats are a classic dessert that's perfect for any occasion. They're easy to make, require minimal ingredients, and are always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you're a parent looking for a fun activity to do with your kids or a dessert enthusiast seeking a new challenge, this recipe is sure to satisfy.

The key to making great Rice Krispy treats is to use high-quality ingredients and to not overmix the marshmallow mixture. You want to create a smooth, creamy texture that's just firm enough to hold its shape. With a few simple tips and tricks, you'll be making professional-looking treats in no time.

In this recipe, we'll cover the basics of making Rice Krispy treats, including the importance of using the right type of marshmallows, how to achieve the perfect texture, and some fun variations to try. So, let's get started and make some delicious Rice Krispy treats!

One of the best things about Rice Krispy treats is their versatility. You can customize them with your favorite colors, flavors, and mix-ins, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you're making them for a birthday party, a holiday gathering, or just a fun snack, these treats are sure to be a hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

They're easy to make and require minimal ingredients
They're perfect for any occasion, from birthday parties to holiday gatherings
They're customizable with your favorite colors, flavors, and mix-ins
They're a fun activity to do with kids
They're a classic dessert that's sure to please
They're easy to store and transport
They're a great way to use up leftover cereal and marshmallows

Why This Recipe Works

The secret to making great Rice Krispy treats lies in the combination of marshmallows, cereal, and a touch of vanilla. The marshmallows provide a sweet, gooey texture, while the cereal adds a satisfying crunch. The vanilla, meanwhile, adds a subtle depth of flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.

Another important factor is the ratio of marshmallows to cereal. If you use too few marshmallows, the treats will be dry and crumbly. On the other hand, if you use too many, they'll be too sticky and difficult to work with. By finding the perfect balance, you'll create treats that are both delicious and easy to handle.

Finally, it's essential to not overmix the marshmallow mixture. This can cause the treats to become tough and dense, rather than light and airy. By mixing the ingredients just until they come together, you'll create a smooth, creamy texture that's perfect for Rice Krispy treats.

By following these simple tips and using high-quality ingredients, you'll be making delicious Rice Krispy treats in no time. So, let's get started and see how it's done!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make Rice Krispy treats, you'll need just a few simple ingredients. The most important thing is to use high-quality marshmallows and cereal, as these will provide the best flavor and texture. You'll also need a bit of butter or margarine to grease the pan, as well as some vanilla extract for added flavor.

When shopping for marshmallows, look for ones that are fresh and have a smooth, creamy texture. You can also use mini marshmallows or marshmallow fluff for a slightly different texture. For the cereal, choose a variety that's crunchy and has a mild flavor, such as Rice Krispies or a similar brand.

2 cups (40g) marshmallowsFresh marshmallows are essential for the best flavor and texture. Look for ones that are smooth and creamy, and avoid using stale or dried-out marshmallows.
2 cups (60g) Rice Krispies cerealChoose a crunchy cereal with a mild flavor, such as Rice Krispies or a similar brand. Avoid using cereals with strong flavors or textures, as these can overpower the other ingredients.
1/4 cup (55g) unsalted butterUse high-quality butter for the best flavor. You can also use margarine or a combination of the two if you prefer.
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extractVanilla extract adds a subtle depth of flavor to the treats. Use a high-quality extract for the best results.
1/4 teaspoon fine saltA pinch of salt helps balance the sweetness of the marshmallows and adds depth to the flavor.
1 cup (120g) powdered sugarPowdered sugar helps bind the ingredients together and adds a touch of sweetness. Use a high-quality sugar for the best results.
1/2 cup (60g) chopped nuts or sprinkles (optional)Add some extra flavor and texture to your treats with chopped nuts or sprinkles. Choose your favorite type and amount to customize the recipe.
1 tablespoon (15g) shortening (optional)Shortening helps prevent the treats from becoming too sticky. Use a high-quality shortening for the best results.
1/4 cup (30g) shredded coconut (optional)Shredded coconut adds a sweet, tropical flavor to the treats. Use a high-quality coconut for the best results.
1/4 cup (30g) candy pieces (optional)Add some extra flavor and fun to your treats with candy pieces. Choose your favorite type and amount to customize the recipe.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large pot or saucepanButter knife or spatula9x13 inch baking dishWax paper or parchment paperInstant-read thermometerMeasuring cups and spoons

How to Make Rice Krispy Treats

1
In a large pot or saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the marshmallows and stir until they're completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
2
Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt. Let the mixture cool for a few minutes until it's no longer hot to the touch.
3
Add the Rice Krispies cereal to the pot and stir until it's evenly coated with the marshmallow mixture. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the treats tough.
4
If using, add the chopped nuts, sprinkles, shortening, shredded coconut, or candy pieces to the pot and stir until they're evenly distributed.
5
Press the mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish lined with wax paper or parchment paper. Use a butter knife or spatula to evenly spread the mixture and press it into the corners of the dish.
6
Let the treats cool and set for at least 30 minutes. This will help them firm up and make them easier to cut.
7
Once the treats are set, use a sharp knife or cookie cutter to cut them into desired shapes. You can also cut them into bars or squares if you prefer.
8
If desired, dust the treats with powdered sugar before serving. This adds a sweet, decorative touch to the treats.
9
Serve the treats immediately, or store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months and thaw them at room temperature when you're ready to serve.
10
To make the treats more festive, you can add a few drops of food coloring to the marshmallow mixture before adding the cereal. This will give the treats a fun, colorful hue.
11
Experiment with different mix-ins, such as dried fruit or chocolate chips, to create unique and delicious flavor combinations.

Expert Tips

Use high-quality marshmallows and cereal for the best flavor and texture.
Don't overmix the marshmallow mixture, as this can make the treats tough.
Let the treats cool and set for at least 30 minutes before cutting them.
Use a sharp knife or cookie cutter to cut the treats into desired shapes.
Dust the treats with powdered sugar before serving for a sweet, decorative touch.
Experiment with different mix-ins to create unique and delicious flavor combinations.
Consider using a flavor extract, such as almond or mint, to add a unique twist to the treats.
If you find that your treats are too sticky, try adding a bit more powdered sugar or cereal to the mixture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using stale or dried-out marshmallows, which can make the treats tough and dry.
Overmixing the marshmallow mixture, which can make the treats dense and chewy.
Not letting the treats cool and set for long enough, which can make them difficult to cut and serve.
Using too much or too little cereal, which can affect the texture and flavor of the treats.
Not pressing the mixture into the baking dish evenly, which can make the treats uneven and difficult to cut.
Not storing the treats properly, which can cause them to become stale or develop off-flavors.

Variations and Substitutions

Add a few drops of food coloring to the marshmallow mixture to create colorful treats.
Use different types of cereal, such as Froot Loops or Cocoa Krispies, to create unique flavor combinations.
Add a handful of chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the mixture for added flavor and texture.
Use a flavor extract, such as almond or mint, to add a unique twist to the treats.
Create a layered effect by pressing different colors of the mixture into the baking dish in layers.
Make the treats more festive by shaping them into desired shapes, such as hearts or stars.
Experiment with different types of marshmallows, such as mini marshmallows or marshmallow fluff, to create unique textures and flavors.

What to Serve With Rice Krispy Treats

Rice Krispy treats are perfect for serving at parties, gatherings, or as a sweet snack. You can dust them with powdered sugar for a decorative touch, or serve them as is. Consider pairing them with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot coffee for a delicious treat.

Some other ideas for serving Rice Krispy treats include:

Pairing them with fresh fruit, such as strawberries or grapes, for a sweet and healthy snack.

Serving them as a dessert at a dinner party, paired with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.

Using them as a base for a dessert bar, where guests can customize their own treats with different toppings and mix-ins.

Serve with a glass of cold milkPair with fresh fruit, such as strawberries or grapesUse as a base for a dessert barServe as a dessert at a dinner party, paired with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

To store Rice Krispy treats, simply place them in an airtight container and keep them at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months and thaw them at room temperature when you're ready to serve.

To freeze the treats, simply place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container and store them in the freezer. When you're ready to serve, simply thaw them at room temperature or in the refrigerator.

It's also important to note that Rice Krispy treats are best served fresh, as they can become stale or develop off-flavors if they're stored for too long. However, if you do need to store them, be sure to follow the above guidelines to ensure they remain fresh and delicious.

In addition to storing the treats themselves, you can also store the marshmallow mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This can be a great option if you want to make the treats ahead of time, but don't have time to assemble them until later.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of marshmallows should I use?

You can use any type of marshmallow you like, but it's best to use fresh, high-quality marshmallows for the best flavor and texture. Mini marshmallows or marshmallow fluff can also be used for a slightly different texture.

Can I use different types of cereal?

Yes, you can use different types of cereal to create unique flavor combinations. Some options include Froot Loops, Cocoa Krispies, or even cereal with nuts or seeds.

How do I prevent the treats from becoming too sticky?

To prevent the treats from becoming too sticky, you can try adding a bit more powdered sugar or cereal to the mixture. You can also try using a higher ratio of cereal to marshmallows, or adding a bit of shortening to the mixture.

Can I make the treats ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the treats ahead of time, but it's best to assemble them just before serving. You can store the marshmallow mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, and then assemble the treats when you're ready to serve.

How do I store the treats?

To store the treats, simply place them in an airtight container and keep them at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months and thaw them at room temperature when you're ready to serve.

Can I customize the treats with different mix-ins?

Yes, you can customize the treats with different mix-ins, such as chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit. Simply add the mix-ins to the marshmallow mixture before pressing it into the baking dish.

How do I make the treats more festive?

You can make the treats more festive by shaping them into desired shapes, such as hearts or stars. You can also add a few drops of food coloring to the marshmallow mixture to create colorful treats.

Can I use a flavor extract to add a unique twist to the treats?

Yes, you can use a flavor extract, such as almond or mint, to add a unique twist to the treats. Simply add a few drops of the extract to the marshmallow mixture before pressing it into the baking dish.

The Full Recipe

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