There’s something nostalgic and satisfying about a simple Rice Krispie treat—but when you want to go beyond the basics, this version will absolutely hit the spot. We’re talking gooey, buttery, chewy bars with rich vanilla flavor and extra marshmallow pockets in every bite. No baking needed, just a few smart upgrades to a classic.
Why This Recipe Works
- Familiar but elevated: This still tastes like the treat you grew up with, just better in every way.
- Quick and simple: You only need a few ingredients and 15 minutes to pull it together.
- Foolproof texture: No rock-hard squares here—just soft, chewy bites with gooey marshmallow goodness.
What You’ll Need
Here’s a closer look at the simple ingredients that make this version stand out.
- Salted Butter: European-style butter like Kerrygold or Plugra works beautifully here because it has less water and more butterfat. But any good salted butter will still give you a rich, flavorful base. If you only have unsalted, just stir in a pinch of salt while melting.
- Mini Marshmallows: Go with mini instead of jumbo. They’re easier to melt evenly, and we’re saving some to stir in at the end for those signature gooey pockets.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of real vanilla makes all the difference. Store-bought is fine, but if you’ve got homemade, use it.
- Rice Krispies Cereal: No surprises here—just the classic puffed rice cereal.
- Optional Sprinkles: A fun way to add color for holidays or special occasions, but totally optional.
How to Make Rice Krispie Treats
Step 1: Melt Butter and Marshmallows
In a large pot, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, stir in 10 oz (about 5½ cups) of the marshmallows. Keep the heat low—too much heat can make the treats dry and stiff instead of chewy.
Gently stir until the marshmallows are mostly melted. It’s okay if there’s a little butter separation, but you don’t want a greasy puddle at the bottom of your pot. That can lead to soggy cereal.
Note: We’re not browning the butter here. Brown butter brings great flavor, but in this case, it can make the treats less gooey and a little greasy.
Step 2: Stir in Cereal, Vanilla, and More Marshmallows
Turn off the heat and stir in the cereal, vanilla, and the remaining marshmallows. Mix gently but thoroughly. The goal is to combine everything without completely melting those final marshmallows—we want them to stay soft and gooey.
If you’re using sprinkles, now’s the time to toss some in (and save a few for the top).
Step 3: Transfer to Pan and Shape
Quickly press the mixture into a parchment-lined or greased 9×13-inch pan. Use a silicone spatula to spread it out gently. Don’t pack it down firmly—compressed treats turn hard and dense. A light hand will keep the texture soft and tender.
If you want to skip shaping altogether, just drop mounds onto parchment and let them cool that way—my grandma used to do it like this, and they were always a hit.
Tips for Perfect Treats Every Time
- Low heat only: Never crank up the stove. Gentle heat keeps the marshmallows soft and chewy.
- Mix gently: Be kind to those marshmallows! Overmixing or smashing the cereal makes for tough bars.
- Use a parchment sling: This makes it easy to lift the treats out for slicing.
- Don’t refrigerate: They’ll dry out and lose that perfect chew. Store at room temperature in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
How to Serve
These bars are perfect at room temperature and don’t need anything fancy. Serve them at parties, pack them in lunchboxes, or just keep a tray on the counter to nibble on throughout the week.
Want to dress them up? Try drizzling with melted chocolate or adding a pinch of flaky sea salt on top.
Storing Leftovers
Keep Rice Krispie treats in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to four days, but let’s be honest—they probably won’t last that long.
Avoid the fridge. Cold air dries them out and ruins the soft, chewy texture we love.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use unsalted butter?
Yes. Just add a pinch (about ¼ teaspoon) of salt when melting the butter to balance the sweetness.
Can I use large marshmallows?
You can, but mini marshmallows melt faster and are easier to work with. Plus, they mix in better at the end.
What’s the best way to cut them cleanly?
Let them cool completely, then use a sharp knife or a bench scraper. Greasing your knife helps keep things neat.
Rice Krispie Treats
There’s something nostalgic and satisfying about a simple Rice Krispie treat—but when you want to go beyond the basics
Ingredients
- 15 oz (425 g) miniature marshmallows (about 1½ 10-oz bags or 8½ cups)
- 6 tablespoons (85 g) salted butter, cut into 6 pieces (European butter like Kerrygold or Plugra is highly recommended)
- 6 cups (175 g) Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons colored sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Lightly grease a 13×9-inch pan with butter or line it with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Place the butter in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally until fully melted.
- Add 10 oz of the marshmallows (about 5½ heaping cups) and stir until just melted. Keep the heat below medium and stir frequently to combine the butter and marshmallows well. This part takes a bit of time, but too much heat can make the treats come out hard.
- Stir in the vanilla extract, then add the Rice Krispies cereal and the remaining 5 oz of marshmallows (about 2½ heaping cups). Stir everything together until combined and the added marshmallows are just beginning to melt.
- Scatter the sprinkles over the mixture and give it a quick stir to mix them in. Immediately transfer the mixture into the prepared pan. Use a silicone spatula or your hands to gently press the treats down evenly in the pan. Avoid over-handling to prevent them from becoming too firm.
- Let the treats cool completely at room temperature before cutting and serving, about 30 to 60 minutes.
Notes
- You can use regular salted butter if needed, but the flavor of European butter really elevates this treat.
Nutrition Information
Yield
20Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 89Total Fat 5gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 2gCholesterol 9mgSodium 74mgCarbohydrates 12gFiber 1gSugar 4gProtein 1g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
