Best Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

Rice Krispie Treats is a puffed rice cereal made famous by Kellogg’s. It’s light, crunchy, and perfect for binding together with melted marshmallows to make these gooey, chewy dessert bars.

These treats are perfect for bake sales, birthday parties, or an easy weeknight sweet fix. They’re also endlessly customizable—keep them classic, add peanut butter for a nutty twist, or drizzle chocolate on top to make them extra special.

The balance of crispy cereal with melty marshmallow is what makes every bite so satisfying. No matter how many new dessert recipes I try, I always circle back to Rice Krispie Treats because they never go out of style.

How To Make Rice Krispie Treats?

Recipe Overview

Soft, chewy, and full of marshmallow flavor, these Rice Krispie Treats are the ultimate no-bake dessert. Made with simple pantry staples, they come together in less than 30 minutes.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Cool Time : 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Cuisine: American
• Course: Dessert / Snack
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Yield: 24 squares (depending on cut size)
• Calories per Serving: ~180

Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula
• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Parchment paper (or non-stick cooking spray)
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

• 12 cups crispy rice cereal (1200g)
• 20 oz mini marshmallows (570g) or about 12 cups
• 1 ½ sticks salted butter (170g), or 12 tablespoons
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5 mL)
• Pinch of salt

Ingredient Notes

1. Marshmallows – Fresh marshmallows melt more smoothly. Stale ones can make your treats dry and lumpy.

2. Butter – I like salted butter for balance, but unsalted works too—just add an extra pinch of salt.

3. Cereal – Any crispy rice cereal works. Name-brand or store-brand both taste great.

4. Vanilla Extract – Gives a warm, sweet flavor that really makes these treats pop.

Instructions

1. Prepare your pan

 Line a 9×13 inch pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray. This step makes it easier to lift and cut the squares later.

2. Melt the butter

In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter completely. Stir it gently so it doesn’t brown unless you want that nutty flavor (which is delicious, by the way).

3. Add marshmallows

 Pour in the mini marshmallows and stir continuously until they melt into a smooth, creamy mixture.

4. Add flavor

 Stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. This simple step makes a huge difference in taste.

5. Mix in cereal

 Remove the pot from heat and gently fold in the crispy rice cereal. Stir until every piece is coated with the marshmallow mixture.

6. Press into pan

 Transfer the mixture to your prepared pan. Use a buttered spatula or lightly greased hands to press it evenly into the pan. Don’t press too hard or the treats will turn dense.

7. Cool and cut

 Let the treats cool for about 30 minutes before slicing into squares.

Nutrition

• Calories: 180
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Sodium: 110mg
• Sugar: 18g
• Fiber: 0g

Pro Tips

1. Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats – Stir ½ cup creamy peanut butter into the melted marshmallows before adding cereal.

2. Chocolate Drizzle – Melt chocolate chips and drizzle over the top before slicing.

3. Fun Mix-ins – Add sprinkles, crushed cookies, or candy for parties.

4. Thicker Treats – Use a smaller 9×9 inch pan for extra-thick squares.

5. Make Ahead & Storage – Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap individually and freeze for up to 6 weeks.

Expert Tips

1. If your treats turn out too hard, it’s usually because the marshmallows cooked too long. Melt them on low heat for best results.

2. If your treats feel too sticky, try reducing the marshmallows slightly or let them set longer before cutting.

3. Always grease your spatula or hands before pressing the mixture into the pan—it makes the process mess-free.

Recipe Notes

1. This recipe can be doubled easily. Just use a larger sheet pan.

2. Avoid refrigerating Rice Krispie Treats—they tend to dry out and lose that soft, chewy texture.

FAQ

Conclusion

These Rice Krispie Treats are proof that simple ingredients can create something truly delicious. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and see just how easy and fun they are to make. If you do, share your creations with me in the comments—I’d love to hear how you made them your own!