Best Rice Crispy Treat Recipe
Introduction
Rice crispy treats are a nostalgic, no-bake dessert perfect for any occasion. This recipe yields soft, chewy bars made with gooey marshmallows and crispy rice cereal, delivering the ultimate sweet crunch. They’re quick to make and beloved by both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
- 10 oz mini marshmallows (about 6 cups)
- ¼ cup salted butter
- 5½ cups crispy rice cereal
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: Grease an 8×8” or 9×9” square pan and set it aside.
- Step 2: Melt the butter in a large, deep saucepan over low heat.
- Step 3: Once the butter is mostly melted, add the mini marshmallows. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth, about 3 to 6 minutes.
- Step 4: Remove the pan from heat, then stir in the vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Step 5: Add the crispy rice cereal and sea salt to the marshmallow mixture. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated. Optionally, fold in mix-ins like sprinkles or M&Ms now.
- Step 6: Quickly pour the mixture into the prepared pan.
- Step 7: Use a greased spatula or lightly buttered hands to press the mixture evenly into the pan until level on top.
- Step 8: If desired, sprinkle additional toppings such as chocolate chips or sprinkles over the surface and gently press them in.
- Step 9: Let the treats cool at room temperature for about 1 hour until firm.
- Step 10: Cut into 9 or 16 squares and serve.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or a handful of chopped nuts to the cereal mixture.
- Substitute vegan marshmallows and dairy-free butter to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
- To make cutting easier, lightly butter your knife or warm it under hot water before slicing.
- Mix in colorful sprinkles for a festive look, perfect for parties and holidays.
Storage
Store rice crispy treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 6 weeks. To serve after freezing, thaw at room temperature for about an hour. Avoid refrigeration, as it can make the treats hard and stale.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?
Yes, you can use regular marshmallows. Just chop them into smaller pieces to help them melt evenly and quickly.
How do I keep rice crispy treats from becoming too sticky?
Make sure to use just the right amount of melted butter and marshmallows without overheating. Pressing the mixture firmly into the pan helps create a firmer texture as well.
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Best Rice Crispy Treat Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 9 to 16 servings 1x
Description
This Best Rice Crispy Treat Recipe delivers a classic, chewy, and sweet treat made by combining melted marshmallows with crispy rice cereal. Enhanced with vanilla and a touch of sea salt, this easy no-bake dessert is perfect for any occasion and can be customized with fun mix-ins or toppings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 10 oz mini marshmallows (6 cups)
- ¼ cup salted butter
- 5½ cups Crispy Rice Cereal
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Grease an 8×8” or 9×9” square pan and set it aside for later use.
- Melt Butter: In a large, deep 5-quart saucepan, melt the salted butter over low heat, taking care to avoid burning it.
- Add Marshmallows: Once the butter is mostly melted, add the mini marshmallows and stir continuously for about 3-6 minutes until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add Vanilla: Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the pure vanilla extract thoroughly for added flavor.
- Combine with Cereal: Add the crispy rice cereal and sea salt to the marshmallow mixture in the pot, gently folding together until everything is evenly coated. At this stage, you can add optional mix-ins like sprinkles or mini M&Ms if desired.
- Transfer to Pan: Quickly pour the combined mixture into the prepared pan to prevent it from hardening.
- Press Mixture Evenly: Using a greased spatula or greased hands, press the mixture down gently and evenly until the surface is level.
- Add Toppings (Optional): If you want, sprinkle chocolate chips or more sprinkles on top and gently press them onto the surface.
- Cool: Allow the rice crispy treats to cool at room temperature for about 1 hour, so they set properly.
- Cut and Serve: Once cooled and set, cut the treats into 9 or 16 squares and enjoy!
Notes
- Use a large deep pot to prevent marshmallows from sticking or burning while melting.
- Greasing your spatula or hands is essential to press the mixture easily and prevent sticking.
- For softer treats, use 9×9” pan; for thicker treats, use 8×8” pan.
- Add your favorite mix-ins like mini chocolate chips, sprinkles, or candies to customize the treats.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: rice crispy treats, marshmallow treats, crispy rice cereal dessert, easy no-bake dessert, classic snack recipe
