With the perfect balance of chewy and soft, this Rice Krispie Treat recipe is next-level good. A dash of vanilla extract and salt bring out the best in these guys – and you won’t regret it!
Save the Recipe!
Whip these up in 15 minutes and let them cool for 30, and you’ll be sinking your teeth into the absolute best Rice Krispie Treats you’ve ever had.
I have to admit, I learned something new about my husband. He’s obsessed with Rice Krispie Treats! When I told him I was making them from scratch, he basically freaked out and his “sample” turned into eating almost the whole pan in one sitting…
So if you’re questioning whether this is actually the best recipe around, just turn to my hubby’s crumb-filled, sticky beard for context – or make your own and see for yourself. Wink.
I think the only other no-bake dessert recipe the husband eats more of are my Peanut Butter Bars, because who wouldn’t like a giant, homemade peanut butter cup?
I have an idea for you…make them both!
What Are the Ingredients for Rice Krispie Treats?
Sometimes I wish this Rice Krispie Treat recipe was harder to make, because I almost always have these 5 simple ingredients on-hand, which means we almost always have these in the house!
- Mini marshmallows – mini marshmallows melt much more quickly than the large ones, so stick with the minis!
- Rice Krispies – the tried and true…a regular box of Rice Krispie cereal is what you need. While you can use other brands of crispy rice cereal, the treats usually don’t taste as good as the original.
- Unsalted butter – butter is a key ingredient in Rice Krispie Treats, helping to bind the ingredients together and adding that signature gooey texture and rich flavor.
- Vanilla extract – I always say vanilla extract makes all sweet treats better, and this recipe is no exception.
- Salt – salt enhance flavor!
How to Make Rice Krispie Treats
This recipe is SO easy. Here’s an outline of the steps with photos. Check out the recipe card for full details!
Measure all ingredients. Grease a 9×9” baking dish, as well as a spatula, and set aside.
In a medium pot, add the butter, vanilla, and salt. Let the butter melt over medium-low heat.
Add the marshmallows. On medium-low heat, let marshmallows melt, stirring often.
Once just melted, remove from heat and immediately add the Rice Krispies. Fold until incorporated.
Scoop the Rice Krispie mixture into the greased pan.
Use the greased spatula to gently spread the mixture out evenly in the pan, trying not to press down the treats too firmly.
Let set for 30-40 minutes at room temperature. Enjoy!
My Pro Tip
Expert Tips & Tricks
You can use a different brand of crispy rice cereal, but traditional Rice Krispies taste the best!
Resist the urge to crank up the heat when melting the marshmallows. Slowly heating the marshmallow will create perfectly soft, chewy, gooey Rice Krispie Treats!
Don’t pack down your Rice Krispie Treats, causing them to be tough and dense.
Variations: top them with a drizzle of melted chocolate, Nutella, or Homemade Peanut Butter, or garnish with Oreos, sprinkles, or your favorite candy. You can also brown the butter to add a nutty, extra rich flavor – and sprinkle with sea salt!
Storage
Store Rice Krispie Treats at room temperature for up to 5 days in an airtight container once cooled completely.
Freeze them by wrapping individually in plastic wrap or parchment, then popping them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months! To thaw, let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before enjoying.
More No-Bake Treats You’ll Love!
If you’ve tried this Rice Krispie Treat Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please let me know in the comments below. I love hearing from you. Please consider leaving a 🌟 star rating while you are here!
Best Rice Krispie Treat Recipe (Easy!)
Equipment
- 9×9" baking dish
Ingredients
- 10 ounces mini marshmallows
- 5 cups Rice Krispies
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Measure all ingredients ahead of time. Grease a 9×9” baking dish, as well as a spatula, and set them aside.
- In a medium pot, add the butter, vanilla, and salt. Let the butter melt over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.
- Add the marshmallows. On medium-low heat (do not increase heat), let marshmallows melt, stirring often.
- Once just melted and smooth, remove from heat and immediately add the Rice Krispies. Gently fold until incorporated.
- Right away, scoop the Rice Krispie mixture into the greased baking dish.
- Use the greased spatula to gently spread the mixture out evenly in the pan, trying not to press down the treats too firmly. Pressing the mixture down will create very dense and tough Rice Krispie Treats!
- Let set for 30-40 minutes at room temperature before slicing and enjoying or storing in an airtight container.
Video
Notes
- You can use an 8×8” pan for thicker treats or a 9×13” pan for thinner treats.
- You can use a different brand of crispy rice cereal, but the flavor will be different than traditional Rice Krispie Treats!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Grace. .I’m new to ur site. I just wanted to say the rice krispie treats were just that. A real treat…easy to make, and gone the same day. Thank u…i hadn’t made them in years, but i have reintroduced them back into my busy schedule as a quick dessert.
– thanks!
-Brad
Hi Brad,
I can totally related to the “same day” thing!! I’m glad you loved them. Let me know if you try any other recipes!
Grace
This recipe is the definitive kid treat that adults will sneak when the kiddos are in bed!
I completely agree HA! 😀
Grace
These are so good, and they bring back happy memories of my childhood! Thank you!
A childhood favorite for sure!!
Grace
My husband won’t stop eating these too! LOL!
HA! They’re the best!
Grace