What makes these Rice Krispie Treats so special? It’s all about the gooey texture that comes from melting marshmallows and butter together before mixing in the crispy cereal. There is a secret that I learned years ago. The result is a treat that is soft, chewy, and downright addictive. Best of all, they are ready in 5 minutes.
No Hard and Crunchy Treats Here
Looking for a quick and easy dessert recipe that will satisfy your sweet tooth? Look no further than these delicious homemade rice krispie treats. They really are simple. Just butter, fresh marshmallows, and cereal. Oh, and some cooking spray oil to keep the gooey goodness from sticking to everything!
With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can whip up a batch of these tasty treats that are perfect for any occasion.
It’s a no-bake treats recipe. Once you try this recipe, you are sure to be hooked.
They are a Potluck Staple
If you need a quick and easy bake sale item, potluck dish to pass, or just want a scrumptious and addicting snack that everyone is happy to eat, this recipe is for you.
Serve these on a dessert charcuterie board. They are even perfect for Holiday parties, birthday party, or other special occasions. You don’t have to be a kid to get excited when you see these. So many people love snacking on these and for so many, being able to make them delicious and gooey is impossible.
It takes just 5 minutes total.
What are Rice Crispy Treats Made Of?
This recipe uses the basic ingredients that are on the box of cereal.
Salted Butter. Some people like to add salt to their recipe, by using salted butter, I feel this takes care of that ingredient.
Marshmallows. I like to use mini marshmallows the best as they melt faster. Additionally, if you like little pieces of melty marshmallows in your snack, these are great for that. Just throw a handful in at the end after the marshmallows are melted and the crispy cereal is getting stirred in.
Crispy Rice Cereal. You can use the brand name Rice Krispies Cereal, or any generic version. They all work.
Secret to Gooey Rice Krispie Treats
While this recipe uses the same ingredients on the original recipe on the box; however, the gooeyness is all about the proportions. The other secret is how you make them.
While this can still be made the old-fashioned way in a kettle on the stove, I ditched the baking pan and Dutch oven. I find that the microwave method is so quick and fool proof too.
You see, for years, I made crispy treats that would be barely soft when first made. Then let them sit on the counter covered for a day and you end up with something so hard you could shingle a roof with them. Or break a tooth for sure.
Finally, I tried making this in the microwave and I kept adjusting the quantities of the ingredients until I found just the right combination.
Pro Tips for making these snacks perfect
Just melt the marshmallows. If you are melting yours on the stove in a kettle, remove them from the heat as soon as they are just melted. The marshmallows are like candy and the longer they are cooked, the harder the sugars will become.
Hence, overcooked marshmallows equal hard Crispy Rice Treats.
Use a Microwave to melt your marshmallows. That way, you can set the time and there is no worry of them scorching on the bottom of a pan.
Use Mini Marshmallows. They melt the fasted and if you like, you can toss in a handful when mixing in the cereal for mini chunks in each square.
Large Marshmallows work too, just make sure to add the correct amount.
Stir until just combined. Pro Tip. Spray a large sturdy spoon with non-stick cooking spray to keep the melted marshmallows from sticking.
As soon as the treats are mixed, pour into a 9 x 13 prepared baking pan. Sprayed with a cooking oil or greased with butter. The crispy treats tend to set up quickly and it is easier to get into the pan and gently press in place while they are still warm. another option is to line the pan with parchment paper and spray the paper. This method allows you to remove the whole pan of delicious treats at once and cut them into individual servings.
Gently press into the pan. Don’t press them into the pan too tightly as this can cause them to get a bit tough too. Use a light touch when pressing into the pan as you want some tiny air pockets yet.
Wait until cool to cut into squares. It is best to let the pan sit for 30 minutes to an hour before cutting into serving size pieces. While they are cooling, be sure to cover the pan tightly with a led or plastic wrap. This will keep them fresh and assure the most gooey texture possible.
Line the casserole dish. For easier cutting, you can line the pan with heavy duty aluminum foil. When you are ready to cut into squares, just lift out the foil and make your squares.
Crispy Cereal Treats Recipe Variations
You can get creative with your tasty snack. Add another flavor or color depending on the Holiday season or party theme.
Here are a few variations for you to make throughout the year.
Change the color. Add a cup of colored marshmallows. Cut them up small and just stir into the mixture as you are stirring in the crispy cereal.
Flavor with Candy Pieces. Small pieces of candy such as malted milk balls, chocolate candy bars, caramel and chocolate candy bars, chocolate chips, or tiny pieces of English Toffee candy. Add a cup that is cut up into small pieces.
Swap out the Rice Krispies. This recipe works will with chocolate puff cereal or fruit flavored cereal too; Fruit Loops, Fruity Pebbles, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Cocoa Krispies. I have made this using each one. They are all just as scrumptious. Just add the same amount of the different flavored cereal as you would the crispy cereal and proceed with the rest of the recipe.
How Do You Keep Crispy Treats Fresh?
Homemade treats are at their best gooeyness the day they’re made. However, these can be enjoyed for up to 4 to 5 days if stored properly.
To keep them their freshest. The best way is to store at room temperature, in an airtight container or plastic bag that seals airtight.
These store best at room temperature, not in the refrigerator. When refrigerated, the marshmallows will become stiff and hard. The crispy treat will become rather dry. While you can let the snack sit out and come back to room temperature as it will help bring back some of the gooeyness, it is best not to refrigerate.
Can I Freeze These Snacks?
While you can freeze these crispy treats, it is not recommended. They will become a bit tough and chewy from freezing.
However, you can store them in a heavy duty plastic wrap, or other airtight container and freeze for up to 4 months. If you want to enjoy just a few at a time, wrap individual squares in plastic wrap before placing them in the other containers.
When you are ready to enjoy, just let sit out at room temperature until thawed.
Whether you’re looking for a fun dessert to make with your kids or just want to indulge in a sweet treat, this Rice Krispie Treats recipe is sure to be a hit.
Easy Gooey Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
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Kitchen Essentials
Ingredients
- 3 Tablespoons Butter
- 18 Ounces Rice Krispies Cereal 1 box of cereal
- 36 Ounces Marshmallows mini marshmallows are preferred
- cooking oil spray
Instructions
- Prepare a 9 x 13 pan bottom and sides with spray oil or coat with butter before starting to make the recipe. You can also line with prepared heavy duty aluminum foil for easy cutting later.cooking oil spray
- Use a microwave safe extra-large plastic bowl. Melt the butter 40 seconds.3 Tablespoons Butter
- Add the mini marshmallows and stir to coat with the melted butter. Microwave and heat on high for 3 minutes.36 Ounces Marshmallows
- Add the crispy rice cereal and stir with a large sturdy spoon that has been sprayed with oil to help prevent the melted marshmallows from sticking to it.18 Ounces Rice Krispies Cereal
- Add the cereal and marshmallow mixture to the prepared pan.
- Press down with a spoon sprayed with cooking oil to prevent sticking or a piece of wax paper.
- Let cool 30-60 minutes to room temperature. Cut into squares or other shapes.
- The pan will quite full. This makes quite a large batch.
Your Own Private Notes
Notes
Crispy Cereal Treats Recipe Variations
You can get creative with your tasty snack. Add another flavor or color depending on the Holiday season or party theme. Here are a few variations for you to make throughout the year. Change the color. Add a cup of colored marshmallows. Cut them up small and just stir into the mixture as you are stirring in the crispy cereal. Flavor with Candy Pieces. Small pieces of candy such as malted milk balls, chocolate candy bars, caramel and chocolate candy bars, or tiny pieces of English Toffee candy. Add a cup that is cut up into small pieces. Swap out the Rice Krispies. This recipe works will with chocolate puff cereal or fruit flavored cereal too; Fruit Loops, Fruity Pebbles, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Cocoa Krispies. I have made this using each one. They are all just as scrumptious. Just add the same amount of the different flavored cereal as you would the crispy cereal and proceed with the rest of the recipe.How Do You Keep Crispy Treats Fresh?
Homemade treats are at their best gooeyness the day they’re made. However, these can be enjoyed for up to 4 to 5 days if stored properly. To keep them their freshest. Rice Krispie treats can be stored at room temperature, in an airtight container or plastic bag that seals airtight. These store best at room temperature, not in the refrigerator. When refrigerated, the marshmallows will become stiff and hard. The crispy treat will become rather dry. While you can let the snack sit out and come back to room temperature as it will help bring back some of the gooeyness, it is best not to refrigerate.Nutrition
We hope you enjoyed these gooey marshmallows and rice krispies cereal treats. There are a few more delicious recipes for you to try.
