Rice Krispie Treats

American · Dessert · Easy

Rice Krispie Treats

Total
1 hr 15 min
Prep
1 hr 10 min
Serves
12
Calories
190
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Marshmallows and butter bind crisp rice cereal into chewy squares, with vanilla and a pinch of salt balancing their sweetness.

Low heat keeps Rice Krispie Treats soft enough to bite without losing the cereal's crunch. Melt the marshmallows gently, fold quickly and press the mixture only lightly into the pan.

Use fresh marshmallows and measure the cereal before heating anything. Old marshmallows melt unevenly, and hard packing squeezes the airy mixture into dense, difficult-to-cut bars.

Method

  1. Line a 9-by-13-inch pan with parchment. Measure crisp rice cereal into a large bowl.

  2. Melt butter and marshmallows in a large saucepan over low heat for , stirring until smooth. Remove from the heat and add vanilla extract and salt.

  3. Fold in the cereal until evenly coated. Transfer to the prepared pan and press gently with another piece of parchment.

  4. Cool at room temperature for until set, then lift out and cut into twelve squares.

Forkue tips

  • Do not keep cooking once the marshmallows melt; prolonged heat makes the finished bars firmer.

Storing and reheating

Store airtight at room temperature for 3 days, with parchment between layers. Refrigeration makes the marshmallow binder hard.

Kitchen gear

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Nutrition per serving, estimated

190Calories
2gProtein
34gCarbs
4gFat

Photo: Famartin, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (cropped and enhanced)

Rice Krispie Treats: FAQ

Are these vegetarian?

Standard marshmallows usually contain gelatin. Choose marshmallows made without animal gelatin if you need a vegetarian version.

Why are the squares hard?

High heat, stale marshmallows or heavy pressing can make them dense. Melt gently and spread the mixture without compressing it firmly.

How do I store and reheat Rice Krispie Treats?

Store airtight at room temperature for 3 days, with parchment between layers. Refrigeration makes the marshmallow binder hard.

How long does Rice Krispie Treats take?

About 1 hr 15 min in total: 1 hr 10 min prep and 5 min cooking.

What do I need to make Rice Krispie Treats?

The key ingredients are crisp rice cereal, marshmallows, butter and vanilla extract, plus pantry basics.

Any tips for Rice Krispie Treats?

Do not keep cooking once the marshmallows melt; prolonged heat makes the finished bars firmer.