Marshmallow Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

Marshmallow Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Rice Krispies Treats

Ingredients:

  • cup butter
  • 4 cups miniature marshmallows
  • 5 cups crispy rice cereal

Directions:

  1. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
  2. Add the marshmallows to the saucepan and stir constantly until melted and smooth, about 2 minutes. Continue stirring to ensure everything is fully combined.
  3. Remove the saucepan from the heat.
  4. Stir in the crispy rice cereal, ensuring that it is evenly coated with the marshmallow mixture.
  5. Transfer the mixture into a buttered 9x13-inch baking pan. Use a buttered spatula or a piece of waxed paper to press the mixture evenly and firmly into the pan.
  6. Allow the mixture to cool completely. Once cooled, cut it into 2-inch squares.

Recipe Tip: Store the treats in an airtight at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

  • Calories: 65
  • Total Fat: 2g (3% DV)
  • Saturated Fat: 1g (6% DV)
  • Cholesterol: 5mg (2% DV)
  • Sodium: 65mg (3% DV)
  • Total Carbohydrates: 12g (4% DV)
  • Total Sugars: 5g
  • Protein: 1g (1% DV)
  • Vitamin C: 4mg (4% DV)
  • Calcium: 1mg (0% DV)
  • Iron: 2mg (11% DV)
  • Potassium: 7mg (0% DV)

Marshmallow Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

Marshmallow Rice Krispie Treats

Marshmallow Rice Krispie Treats are a simple, yet irresistibly delicious dessert that has been a favorite of kids and adults alike for decades. These gooey, crunchy squares combine the light crispiness of Rice Krispies cereal with the sweetness of melted marshmallows and butter. With just three ingredients, they are quick to prepare and offer a satisfying treat that requires no baking. This timeless recipe is often enjoyed as an after-school snack, party treat, or a simple dessert.

History and Origins

Marshmallow Rice Krispie Treats were first introduced in 1939 by the Kellogg Company. Originally, they were created as a way to advertise Rice Krispies cereal and make use of the product's versatility in baking. The original recipe was published in the Kelloggs Cook Book for Boys and Girls and quickly became popular due to its ease of preparation and appealing taste. The combination of Rice Krispies, marshmallows, and butter has stood the test of time, evolving into a beloved dessert in American homes and beyond.

Regional Variations and Adaptations

Though the classic Marshmallow Rice Krispie Treat recipe is largely uniform, regional variations have emerged over the years. For example, some regions in the United States may add peanut butter to the mixture, enhancing the flavor with a rich, nutty twist. In other areas, people might use chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate over the treats for an extra layer of decadence. These variations showcase the versatility of the treat, making it adaptable to various tastes and preferences.

Differences from Similar Desserts

While Marshmallow Rice Krispie Treats share some similarities with other no-bake treats, such as chocolate or oat-based bars, they stand out for their airy texture and light crunch. Unlike traditional baked cookies or brownies, Rice Krispie Treats offer a crisp and chewy consistency that is entirely different. The unique combination of marshmallow and butter creates a soft, gooey center that contrasts beautifully with the crunch of the cereal, making them a distinct dessert in their own right.

Where They're Typically Served

These treats are incredibly popular at a variety of events, from birthday parties to school functions and casual family gatherings. They are a hit at picnics and potlucks, where their simple yet delicious flavor can be enjoyed by both children and adults. Thanks to their portability and ease of preparation, Marshmallow Rice Krispie Treats are often seen as the perfect snack for outdoor events, school bake sales, and holiday celebrations like Halloween and Christmas.

Fun Facts About Rice Krispie Treats

  • Despite their simplicity, these treats are often customized with different mix-ins like sprinkles, chocolate chips, or candies.
  • In 1990, Rice Krispie Treats became the star of a special cereal-themed float in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, showcasing their status as a beloved American treat.
  • Some people like to microwave the marshmallows and butter together to speed up the preparation, making it a fast, no-bake snack.
  • The treat is also used as a base for more intricate desserts, like Rice Krispie Treat cakes or layered bars with frosting.

Conclusion

Whether you're preparing them for a party, packing them in a lunchbox, or simply craving something sweet, Marshmallow Rice Krispie Treats offer a delightful and nostalgic bite that continues to be cherished by people of all ages. Their timeless appeal, ease of preparation, and deliciously gooey texture make them a snack that will never go out of style.

FAQ about Marshmallow Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

Store Marshmallow Rice Krispie Treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you'd like to extend their freshness, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Yes, you can freeze these treats! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container before freezing. When you're ready to enjoy them, allow them to thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

Yes, you can use other cereals such as cornflakes, Cheerios, or any puffed rice cereal. Some people even enjoy using gluten-free cereals or Chex to make the treats suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

To make your Rice Krispie Treats more gooey, you can add extra butter or marshmallows. A splash of milk or vanilla extract can also help enhance the texture and flavor.

Absolutely! You can add ingredients like chocolate chips, peanut butter, or M&Ms to personalize your treats. Just make sure to mix them in after melting the marshmallows to avoid any burning.

For the traditional recipe, a 9x13-inch pan works perfectly. If you want thicker treats, you can use a smaller pan like an 8x8-inch or 9x9-inch pan. Just remember that a smaller pan will result in thicker treats, while a larger pan will spread the mixture thinner.

Allow the treats to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes to 1 hour before cutting them into squares. If you're in a hurry, you can speed up the cooling process by placing the pan in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes.

Yes, you can use regular marshmallows instead of mini ones. However, you may need to chop them into smaller pieces to ensure they melt evenly and quickly.

To avoid the mixture sticking to your hands, try spraying your hands with cooking spray or using wax paper to press the treats down into the pan.

If your treats are too hard, they may have been pressed too firmly into the pan. If they're too soft, try adding a little more rice cereal or marshmallows next time to adjust the texture.

Comments

Barbara King

06/07/2024 04:23:20 PM

Fantastic Recipe! I added my own twist to it, of course ;) I followed the measurements for butter, marshmallows, and rice cereal but included a dash of milk, a splash of vanilla, a generous scoop of peanut butter, and topped it all off with some peanut butter M&M's - absolutely spectacular! Using the microwave method was a game changer. I recommend using a smaller pan or doubling the batch like other reviewers suggested. Enjoy getting creative with this timeless recipe!

Joshua Carter

08/27/2023 06:19:13 AM

Who can resist these treats? Even popular coffee chains feature them in their bakeries, although they tend to overprice them. I adjust the ingredients slightly (1/4 cup of butter, 50 regular marshmallows or 5 cups of miniature marshmallows, 6 cups of Rice Krispies), but the outcome remains consistently delicious - chewy and gooey! I prefer a thicker version, so I prepare them in a buttered 9x9" pan. To take it up a notch, I often melt an 11 oz. bag of milk chocolate chips and layer it on top. Absolutely divine!

Steven Miller

03/21/2025 05:21:29 PM

These bars are fantastic!! I got a bit carried away with mixing in ingredients, haha. I tossed in some leftover chocolate chips from another recipe, a couple of broken Hershey bars, and a generous spoonful of peanut butter. Delish! I skipped buttering the pan and instead used cooking spray. A handy trick is to spray your hands with cooking spray to press the mixture into the pan without it sticking to you!

Angela Young

12/02/2023 01:59:28 PM

I slowly melted 1/4 cup of butter and then added a 10.5 oz. bag of mini marshmallows. Once melted, I poured in a splash of milk and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. I mixed in 6 cups of Rice Krispies as 5 cups seemed too gooey. I pressed the mixture into a buttered 9x9 pan using a buttered ziplock bag. The end result was thick and delicious treats!

James Edwards

04/04/2024 11:05:40 AM

As someone with celiac disease, I couldn't enjoy the usual cereal, but I was thrilled to discover that I could use rice Chex cereal instead. I simply crushed the squares slightly with a rolling pin in a zip lock bag, followed the recipe, and added a couple of tablespoons of peanut butter. The result was a big hit! Everyone in the family loved them, bringing joy and satisfaction all around.

Matthew Perez

05/28/2024 06:07:10 AM

Amazing recipe! Quick, simple, and absolutely tasty. We decided to jazz it up for a fun 4th of July twist by adding food coloring to the rice cereal. It was a huge hit with both the kids and adults at our party! If you don't have miniature marshmallows on hand, you can easily substitute with large marshmallows. I used a mix of both sizes from leftover bags and it worked wonderfully. Pro tip: cut the larger marshmallows into smaller chunks to help them melt faster and more evenly.

Edward Gomez

06/04/2023 07:20:33 PM

Followed all the basic instructions and, at the end of melting the marshmallows, I decided to incorporate the 1 cup of creamy peanut butter as recommended by another reviewer. I mixed it in as I added just 5 cups of Rice Krispies, along with a cup of miniature M&Ms. I pressed the mixture into a 9x13 pan that I had treated with cooking spray, and the thickness turned out perfect. As a finishing touch, I sprinkled more M&Ms on top before pressing, but I regretted this as the candies ended up falling off. Despite that, the treats were gooey enough, delicious, and a hit with the crowd. The peanut butter added a nice background flavor without being overwhelming.

Sarah Lewis

02/02/2023 03:54:55 PM

I have become a pro at making marshmallow treats, and even my kids agree that they taste just like the ones at Noodles and Company! To elevate the flavor, I like to add a splash of milk to the melted marshmallows before mixing in the cereal. Additionally, I melt an extra cup of marshmallows after spreading the mixture in the pan, then pour it over the treats for an extra gooey finish. Thanks for the inspiration to take my marshmallow treats to the next level!

Eric Robinson

07/26/2024 10:13:32 PM

As a kid, I loved making these treats with my grandmother. Her special touch was adding a hint of vanilla and a spoonful of sweetened condensed milk to the mix of marshmallows and butter while cooking. Pure perfection! 😊👌🏼🍫🥄

Carol Williams

02/27/2024 11:40:28 AM

This recipe was incredibly easy to prepare! We gently heated it on low for approximately 15 minutes, then sprinkled toppings on it after mixing and removing it from the stove. We used a parchment paper-lined 9x9 pan to create thicker pieces, which we later sliced into 12 chunky portions. It was a breeze to remove the pieces without any mess thanks to the parchment paper. The end result was absolutely delicious!

Kimberly Scott

05/18/2023 01:03:43 PM

I absolutely loved this recipe! I opted for regular rice crispies instead of the colored ones and added red food coloring to the melting marshmallows. I spread the mixture a bit thinner on the pan than recommended and once it was dry, I cut them into heart shapes. Then, I sandwiched two hearts together with peanut butter in the middle to create a cute "marshmallow sandwich". They turned out adorable and delicious, perfect for Valentine's Day with their pink color!

Patrick Green

01/13/2025 11:27:32 PM

I enjoyed it but it would be even better with more marshmallow.

Kenneth Carter

10/08/2022 08:42:15 PM

No changes this time, but I have created marshmallow squares with butter on top of various cereals like corn flakes, fruit loops, vector, lucky charms, and more. Kids enjoy all of them.

John Wright

01/24/2024 09:27:50 AM

It's a breeze to speed up the cooling process by popping it in the freezer for 2-3 minutes. If you're using a smaller pan, opt for a thicker cake pan for even spreading.

Paul Smith

01/04/2025 01:55:51 PM

I checked out other recipes and they seemed a bit complicated, but I appreciate how your recipe is simple, easy, fun, and effective. Thank you!

Helen Wilson

04/21/2025 12:32:08 AM

Brief and to the point

Jack Campbell

11/12/2024 09:10:38 AM

Absolutely adore this recipe! It's incredibly easy to put together and the flavor is outstanding. I highly suggest throwing in some extra butter and marshmallows for an even gooier and tastier result - but even if you skip the extras, it still comes out fantastic. Without a doubt, this has become a top favorite for me!

Victoria Nguyen

08/12/2022 07:37:49 AM

I really enjoyed them.

Patrick Carter

09/08/2022 11:38:36 AM

Absolutely delicious! I didn't have mini marshmallows on hand, so I substituted with jumbo ones and it turned out great. I opted for unsweetened all-natural puffed rice, which was ideal for my taste as I prefer less sweetness. The result was a delightful combination of sweet, crunchy, and savory flavors. I give it a perfect score of 10 out of 10!

Christine Carter

04/09/2024 11:15:39 PM

My family absolutely adores this recipe. It's so simple to prepare, and I'm certain there are easy variations you can incorporate to make it uniquely yours. Personally, I enjoy it just the way it is.