These rice crispy treats take the classic recipe up a notch with extra gooeyness and a boost of flavor. Quick, easy, and irresistibly delicious, they’re sure to become your new favorite!
Who doesn’t love a good rice crispy treat? This timeless favorite has been a go-to snack for generations, and it’s easy to see why. With their perfect balance of crunch and gooey sweetness, they’re hard to resist. But what if you could take this classic treat and make it even better? With a few simple tweaks, you can create the ultimate rice crispy treats that are extra gooey, full of flavor, and just as easy to make as the original.
Why You’ll Love This Rice Crispy Treats Recipe
- Extra gooey and chewy. These rice crispy treats are perfectly gooey and chewy, thanks to a few simple tweaks.
- Enhanced flavor. A touch of vanilla and a pinch of salt elevate the classic taste to a new level.
- Nostalgic and better. If you love the original, you’ll adore this upgraded version that brings a familiar comfort with a little something extra.
- Perfect for sharing. Whether for a party, a snack, or just because, these treats are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.
What You’ll Need
See the recipe card below for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
- Unsalted butter
- Mini marshmallows – The small size means that they’ll melt more quickly and easily. You’ll need two bags of marshmallows. Some will get melted and the rest will be stirred into the finished mixture.
- Vanilla extract
- Salt – Just a pinch to counter the sweetness.
- Crisp rice cereal – Rice Krispies are a common brand.
- Sprinkles – These are optional but add a fun pop of color.
How to Make Rice Crispy Treats
- Make the marshmallow mixture. Melt the butter over low heat to medium-low heat and then add part of the marshmallows, stirring until smooth. Stir in the vanilla and a pinch of salt.
- Add the cereal. Work quickly to stir the cereal into the marshmallow mixture. Then stir in the remaining marshmallows.
- Spread in the pan. Use a spatula to spread the mixture in a lightly greased pan. Top with sprinkles if you like. Cool to room temperature before cutting into bars.
Tips for Success
- Use fresh marshmallows. Stale marshmallows will make your rice crispy treats dry and hard.
- Be patient. Melting the marshmallows slowly results in a smoother, more pliable mixture.
- Work quickly. Have all the ingredients measured and your pan and tools ready when you start. You’ll want to finish mixing and get the mixture spread in the pan without any delays.
- Don’t over-mix. Gently fold the cereal into the marshmallow mixture just until everything is combined to keep the treats light instead of dense and compact.
- Minimize stickiness. Lightly grease a spatula with butter or cooking spray to help press the mixture into the pan. This prevents sticking and allows you to evenly spread the mixture without too much pressure, keeping the treats light and airy.
- Don’t pack too tightly. Use a light touch when spreading the mixture into the pan to keep them soft and chewy.
Variations
- Tweak the cereal. Replace 1 cup of the rice crispy cereal with a different cereal like Cocoa Krispies or Fruity Pebbles. This adds a subtle flavor variation while keeping the classic texture.
- Sweet and salty. Sprinkle a bit of flaky sea salt over the top of the treats to add a salty bite.
- Chocolate drizzle. Top your rice crispy treats with a drizzle of melted chocolate. Try semisweet or white chocolate.
How to Store
Place your cooled rice crispy treats in an airtight container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap. If you need to stack them, place parchment paper or waxed paper between layers to prevent sticking. Store at room temperature up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can store them in the refrigerator up to a week, but make extra sure the container is well-sealed so they don’t become soggy.
Can Rice Crispy Treats Be Frozen?
Yes, you can freeze these rice crispy treats, although the will likely be firmer after thawing. Wrap the treats individually and place in an airtight, freezer-safe container or resealable bag. Properly stored, they should keep in the freezer up to 6 weeks. Thaw at room temperature.
More Rice Crispy Treats Recipes
Rice Crispy Treats
Get ready for the best rice crispy treats you'll ever make! They're extra gooey and extra delicious, while still being quick and easy.
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons cup (85g) unsalted butter
- 2 (10-ounce/283g) bags mini marshmallows, divided
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
- 6 cups (168g) rice crispy cereal
- sprinkles
Instructions
- Lightly grease a 9" x 13" x 2" pan.
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium-low heat.
- Add one bag plus 1 cup (about 7 cups total) of mini marshmallows to the melted butter. Stir until completely melted and smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
- Remove the pot from heat and quickly stir in the rice crispy cereal until evenly coated. Gently fold in the remaining mini marshmallows.
- Press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Avoid compacting it too much to keep the treats light and airy. If desired, top with sprinkles.
- Allow the treats to cool completely before cutting into squares and serving.
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