The ratio of cereal to marshmallow is crucial when making rice krispie treats. To achieve a more buttery and gooey texture, follow this recipe which adds a little extra butter and marshmallow, along with a splash of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt for enhanced flavor.
Rice Krispie treats hold a special place in many hearts, offering a nostalgic taste of childhood and a delightful crunch in every bite. While there are countless variations out there, this recipe stands out for its simplicity and foolproof technique. By paying attention to the ratio of marshmallow to cereal and adding a touch of vanilla and salt, we elevate these classic treats to new heights of flavor and texture. Whether you're making them for a cookout, a school event, or just a sweet treat at home, these Rice Krispie treats are sure to bring smiles to everyone's faces!
I wasn’t sure if I should share this recipe because there are already so many variations of rice krispie treats out there. From cake batter to pumpkin pie to s’mores, the internet is flooded with these classic marshmallow-cereal squares. However, I thought you might be interested in knowing how I make them. I’ve been using this recipe for years and I hope you like it too.
I have a foolproof method for making the best rice krispie treats that are extra marshmallow, gooey, buttery, flavorful, and absolutely amazing. They are perfect for a quick and easy crowd-pleaser and are great to include in our list of back-to-school recipes. I recently served a double batch at a cookout and they were a hit! Not a single square was left.
Crispy rice treats are a classic dessert, and with one bite, it’s clear why they’re so beloved!
5 Ingredients in These Rice Krispie Treats
These no-bake squares require only five simple ingredients.
- Butter: For great rice krispie treats, start with 3/4 cup (170g or 12 tbsp) of butter.
- Marshmallows: For this recipe, you will need two 10-ounce bags (about 11 heaping cups) of mini marshmallows to make extra marshmallow Krispie treats that won’t fall apart.
- Vanilla Extract: This is an easy addition that can make a good rice krispie treat even better. All you need is 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, preferably homemade.
- Salt: Add salt to your rice krispie treats to enhance their flavor. Just like vanilla extract, salt is a convenient ingredient that you only need a small amount of. Even a pinch can add a depth of flavor that is otherwise absent.
- Rice Krispies Cereal: What’s a crispy treat without Rice Krispies cereal? It’s incomplete and not as good as it can be. Rice Krispies cereal is the best ingredient to make crispy treats.
Melt the butter and marshmallows in a large pot on the stove. Once melted, remove from heat and gently stir in the remaining ingredients. A 5.5-quart Dutch oven works great!
Best Ratio of Marshmallow to Cereal
When making rice krispie treats, it’s important to get the ratio of marshmallow to cereal right. If you use too much cereal, the squares will be dry and tasteless, whereas if you use too much marshmallow, the squares will be too sticky and fall apart easily. For a 9×13 inch baking pan, the ideal ratio is to use two 10-ounce bags of mini marshmallows (which is about 11 cups) and 9 cups of cereal, which will weigh around 270g.
To prevent sticking, place greased parchment paper in the baking pan and lightly spray it with non-stick spray.
The 1 Trick for Rice Krispie Treats
Would you like to have an extra buttery, melt-in-your-mouth marshmallow square? Of course, you do! To achieve this, it’s important not to pack the rice krispie treats down into the baking pan. Instead, you should use greased fingers or a greased spatula to softly spread and stretch the mixture into the pan, then use a flat spatula to very gently press the mixture down. Do not compact it with force, otherwise, your treats will become thin and hard. Instead, just lightly press the treats down into the pan. To prevent sticking, you can butter the back of a flat spatula or spray it with a little nonstick spray. By following these steps, your treats will be soft yet crisp and not overly crunchy. I hope you enjoy making your treats!
I recommend trying this recipe with my Scotcheroos and White Chocolate Lucky Charms treats as well!
That’s basically it! I don’t need to convince you that rice krispie treats are delicious. However, I recommend trying these little extras – vanilla, salt, and the ratio of marshmallow to cereal – the next time you need a recipe for these marshmallow squares.
Notes
- Freezing Instructions: Rice Krispie treats may not be the best dessert to freeze because their texture can change after thawing. However, you can still freeze them. To do so, layer the treats between sheets of parchment or wax paper in a freezer-friendly container and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to serve, thaw them at room temperature before eating.
- Special Tools (affiliate links): For baking, you need a 13-inch pan and parchment paper. For cooking, you need a large pot like a Dutch oven. Use a rubber spatula for stirring and a flat spatula for smoothing.
- If you are following a gluten-free diet, it is important to carefully read the labels of all products to ensure that they are certified as gluten-free.
- Whenever I need to add a pinch of salt, I make sure to add a little less than 1/8 teaspoon.
1 Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it with nonstick spray.
2 Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once melted, add the marshmallows and stir until completely melted.
3 After removing from heat, add vanilla extract and salt, followed by folding in the cereal. Ensure each piece is coated with marshmallow mixture.
4 After preparing the pan, transfer the mixture to it. To spread the mixture evenly, use a rubber spatula that has been lightly greased. Next, lightly grease the back of a flat spatula and gently press the mixture down into the pan. Avoid packing it down with too much force, just press down lightly until it is secure in the pan.
5 Allow the treats to set at room temperature for at least an hour or up to a day. If left out for more than a few hours, cover them tightly.
6 Lift the Rice Krispie treats out of the pan using the edges of the parchment paper and cut them into squares.
7 Cover and store leftover desserts at room temperature for up to three days. To store, place in an airtight container with sheets of parchment or wax paper between layers.
Calories: 65
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.
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Achieving the perfect texture for Rice Krispie treats requires a delicate touch. When pressing the mixture into the baking pan, remember not to pack it down too firmly. Instead, gently spread and lightly press the mixture to maintain a soft yet crisp texture. This ensures that your treats are tender and chewy, rather than overly dense or crunchy. Additionally, greasing your hands or spatula with a bit of butter or nonstick spray can help prevent sticking and make the process smoother. With these tips, you'll be well on your way to creating irresistible Rice Krispie treats that everyone will love!
