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Rice Krispie Treats

You’ve probably seen me use rice krispie treats on sculpted cakes like my elephant cake or my Patrick Star cake. This summer I’ve decided to make rice krispie treats the star of the show!

I wanted this rice krispie treat recipe to be nostalgic with a slightly elevated flavor.

image of a gooey classic rice krispie treat being pulled apart

The end result? A marshmallow-packed rice krispie treat that’s heavy on the vanilla with a generous sprinkle of flakey sea salt.

Both the sea salt and vanilla help balance the sweetness, creating the ultimate rice krispie treat.

How to Make These Rice Krispie Treats

Making rice krispie treats is just as simple as you remember.

Before you get started, prepare your pan! Things get sticky fast so doing this first is important.

image of ingredients laid out to make rice krispie treats

I used a square 8×8-in cake pan which will yield 16 treats. However, you can use any square pan you have on hand.

In a large pot melt 1/2 cup of butter. Use a larger pot than you might think you’d need because you’ll be mixing all the cereal into this pot.

image of butter that's been melted in a dutch oven

Once the butter is melted, turn the heat to low and mix in 10 oz. of marshmallows.

Stir with a rubber spatula stir until they’re completely smooth. Then add in the vanilla extract and salt.

image of marshmallows and butter that have been melted down

Remove the pot from the stove and get your arms ready to stir!

Add in half the cereal and fold it into the melted marshmallows with a spatula. Once combined, fold in the rest of the cereal.

image puffed rice cereal being poured into a pot of melted marshmallows and butter

The cereal should be fully coasted with the marshmallow mixture.

Once the cereal is mixed in, I like to stir in a cup of mini marshmallows.

image of rice krispie treats being made in a dutch oven

This is optional but I feel it gives these rice krispies an added bit of texture and looks great when you serve them!

Quickly scoop the mixture into the prepared pan. Use a rubber spatula to gently press the mixture into an even layer.

image of rice krispie treats being pressed into a square pan to cool off

Garnish the krispies with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a little extra pizazz!

Let the rice krispies cool for about 15 minutes, then cut them into squares and enjoy.

image of a batch of rice krispie treats that have been cut into squares

What Type of Cereal Should I Use?

Any type of puffed rice cereal will work in this recipe!

I usually use classic rice krispies, but sometimes I use cocoa krispies or other flavors of cereal to mix things up.

image of a classic rice krispie treat that's been bitten into

What Type of Marshmallows Should I Use?

I usually use large marshmallows to make these rice krispie treats because they’re the easiest to find.

But mini marshmallows would work too, and actually melt down more easily!

Sometimes I also like to mix in some mini marshmallows for added texture!

Tips for Making the Best Rice Krispie Treats

  • Prepare your pan before you melt the butter! Things will get sticky quickly.
  • Mini marshmallows melt down quicker! I recommend using them if you can find them.
  • Add the rice krispies in two additions. This will make it easier to mix together.
  • Let your treats cool for at least 15 minutes before cutting and serving.
image of classic rice krispie treats that have been stacked on a plate

Making These Rice Krispie Treats in Advance

You can make these treats in advance! These rice krispie treats can be stored at room temperature for up to 5 days in an airtight container.

You can also freeze them in an airtight container for up to six weeks.

image of a classic rice krispie treat that's been bitten into

Let Me Know What You Think!

If you try this recipe for rice krispie treats, I’d love to hear what you think of it! Let me know your thoughts by sharing a comment and rating below.

Don’t forget to tag me @chelsweets and use #chelsweets so that I can see your delicious creations on social media!

image of a gooey rice krispie treat being pulled apart to show it's soft, marshmallow texture

Other Recipes You Might Like:

Yield: 16

Rice Krispie Treats

image of a gooey classic rice krispie treat being pulled apart

This classic rice krispie treats will being you right back to your childhood! With gooey marshmallows, airy cereal, and a splash of vanilla, this recipe is a total crowd pleaser!

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Additional Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

Rice Krispie Treats

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (113g)
  • 1 10oz bag regular or mini marshmallows (285g)
  • 1 Tbsp vanilla extract (12g)
  • 1/4 tsp fine salt (1g)
  • 6 cups puffed rice cereal (160g)
  • 1 cup mini marshmallows, optional
  • Non-stick cooking spray, as needed
  • Flakey sea salt, garnish

Instructions

    1. Grease and line a square, 8-inch pan with parchment paper.
    2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt 1/2 cup of butter over medium heat.
    3. Reduce the heat to low and stir in 10 oz. of marshmallows with a rubber spatula. Once the marshmallows have melted and are smooth, turn the heat off. Mix in 1 Tbsp vanilla and 1/4 tsp salt.
    4. Remove the pot from the stove and stir in 6 cups of puffed rice cereal in two additions. Stir until the cereal is fully coated.
    5. If desired, mix in 1 cup of mini marshmallows at this stage. This will give these rice krispies an added bit of texture and a fun look when you cut in.
    6. Quickly scoop the mixture into the prepared pan. Use a rubber spatula to gently press the mixture into an even layer.
    7. Garnish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a little extra pizazz.
    8. Let the rice krispies cool for 15 minutes, then cut into squares and enjoy.

Notes

Making Thinner Rice Krispie Treats

If you want to make thinner treats, use a rectangular 13x9" cake pan. This will make 32 1x2" treats.

Tips for Making the Best Rice Krispie Treats

  • Prepare your pan before you melt the butter! Things will get sticky quickly.
  • Mini marshmallows melt down quicker! I recommend using them if you can find them.
  • Add in the rice krispies in two additions to make it easier to mix together.
  • Let your treats cool for at least 15 minutes before cutting and serving.

Rice Krispie Variations

There are so many ways to make these rice krispie treats your own! Here are a few ideas:

  • Add food coloring for different holidays! I recommend adding this to your melted marshmallow mixture before you add in the cereal.
  • Mix in different candies or cookie crumbs.
  • Brown your butter to add nutty-caramel notes to the treats.
  • Add extracts for extra flavoring- almond, lemon, peppermint, get crazy with it!

Making These Rice Krispie Treats in Advance & Storage Tips

You can make these treats in advance! Rice Krispie treats can sit at room temperature for up to 5 days if stored in an airtight container. You can also freeze them in an airtight container for up to six weeks.

Nutrition Information

Yield

16

Serving Size

1

Amount Per Serving Calories 147Total Fat 6gSaturated Fat 4gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 2gCholesterol 15mgSodium 99mgCarbohydrates 23gFiber 0gSugar 12gProtein 1g

Kristen Cerio

Sunday 14th of May 2023

I like the taste of this recipe for the most part. The only issue is 1/2 cup of butter is way too much and it makes them way more buttery than marshmallowy. This makes them fall apart way too easily too. Next time I will use 1/2 stick of butter and see if that yields better results.

Chelsweets

Sunday 14th of May 2023

Hi Kristen,

I'm a big fan of butter, but you can reduce the amount of butter in these to suit your palette. Hope that helps, happy baking!

Rachel Pogue

Friday 17th of March 2023

I used this recipe today with green food coloring for St. Patrick's Day! The children had so much fun using cookie cutters to shape these treats! I appreciated buying only one box of cereal and one package of marshmallows for this easy and tasty recipe. Thank you!

Chelsweets

Tuesday 21st of March 2023

Aw I'm so happy to hear that Rachel!! Thank you for sharing :)

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