This is the best Rice Krispie Treats recipe for a reason — they’re ooey-gooey, buttery, and loaded with marshmallowy goodness. You can whip them up in under 20 minutes, then let them set for at least one hour before slicing and serving.
I know everyone claims their Rice Krispie treats are the best, but these really stand out. Family, friends, coworkers, and neighbors consistently agree — they’re reliably delicious and have the perfect balance of butter and marshmallows.
Table of Contents
- Ingredients
- Recommended Tools
- Helpful Tips
- Alternative Holiday Version
- More Easy Dessert Recipes to Enjoy!
- Perfect Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Ingredients
Below are the ingredients for these easy Rice Krispie treats. Notes highlight important details to ensure success.
- Unsalted Butter — Preferred. If you only have salted butter, omit added salt in the recipe.
- Vanilla Extract — Pure vanilla or vanilla paste both work. You can optionally add 1/4 teaspoon almond extract for a subtle twist.
- Mini Marshmallows — Use fresh mini marshmallows; stale ones won’t melt properly. Minis are ideal because they melt evenly and create the classic texture.
- Rice Krispies Cereal — Brand or generic is fine; use whatever you prefer or find on sale.
Recommended Tools
Tools that make the process easier and produce consistent results.
- 9″ x 13″ Baking Pan — A rectangular pan is ideal for these bars. Lining it makes removal simple.
- Aluminum Foil, Parchment, or Wax Paper — Line the pan so you can lift the finished bars out cleanly for easier slicing.
- Large Pot or Saucepan — Big enough to melt butter and marshmallows and fold in the cereal.
- Wooden Spoon — Helpful for stirring, but any sturdy spoon will work.
- Spatula — Use to press the mixture into the pan and smooth the surface. See tips below to prevent sticking.
Helpful Tips
Simple tips to ensure the best texture and easy cleanup.
- Line the pan with foil, parchment, or wax paper and lightly spray it so the lining lifts away easily after the treats set.
- Spray the bottom of the spatula with a flour-based baking spray or rub a little butter on it before pressing the mixture. This prevents the sticky mixture from clinging to your spatula.
- Let the bars set at room temperature for a minimum of one hour before removing and cutting.
- Store finished bars in an airtight container at room temperature for several days. Avoid refrigeration or freezing, which can make them hard.
Alternative Holiday Version
Swap standard Rice Krispies with a holiday-themed version (for example, patriotic red, white, and blue cereal) and add a few extra mini marshmallows for a festive treat.
More Easy Dessert Recipes to Enjoy!
Easy Blender Chocolate Mousse
Individual No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecakes
Easy Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge
Lemon Meringue Ice Cream Pie
If you try this Rice Krispie Treats Recipe or any other recipe here, please leave a star rating and share your thoughts in the comments. Thanks for visiting!
Perfect Rice Krispie Treats
Ingredients
- 8 tbsp Unsalted Butter, melted
- 2 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1/8 tsp Salt
- 21 oz Mini Marshmallows (2, 10.5 oz bags), divided (1 1/2 bags for the initial mixture, remaining 1/2 bag stirred in at the end)
- 9 cups Rice Krispies Cereal
Instructions
- Line a 9″ x 13″ baking pan with aluminum foil, parchment, or wax paper. Butter or lightly spray the lining; set aside.
- In a large pot, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt (1/8 tsp = a pinch).
- Reduce the heat and add 1 1/2 bags (about 15.75 oz) of mini marshmallows. Stir until completely melted and smooth.
- Remove the pot from heat and add the Rice Krispies cereal. Stir until the cereal is fully combined with the marshmallow mixture.
- Add the remaining 1/2 bag of mini marshmallows and fold them in gently—do not stir until fully melted. You want bits of mini marshmallow visible in the final bars.
- Scoop the mixture into the prepared pan. Use a spatula (lightly greased if needed) to press and level the mixture, making sure the corners are filled.
- Allow the bars to set at room temperature for a minimum of one hour before lifting from the pan and cutting into squares.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for several days. Individually wrapping bars is a good option for gifting.
Video
Notes
- For a richer, butterier flavor, reduce the cereal to 7 1/2–8 cups.
- Lightly spraying the lined pan helps release the treats cleanly once set; non-stick foil also works well.
- Spraying or rubbing butter on the bottom of your spatula prevents the mixture from sticking while you press it into the pan.
- Let the treats set at room temperature for at least one hour before cutting for the cleanest slices.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Avoid refrigerating or freezing, which can harden the treats.
Nutrition
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Carbohydrates: 29g
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Protein: 1g
Nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients used. Nutritional information is provided for guidance only.