No-Bake Desserts
Rice Krispie Treats
The best homemade rice krispie treats — thick, gooey, perfectly chewy, and a million times better than anything from a wrapper. Just 5 ingredients and 10 minutes.
Homemade Rice Krispie Treats That Actually Stay Gooey
Homemade rice krispie treats and the ones from a wrapper are not the same food. These are soft, stretchy, and impossibly chewy — held together by real marshmallow and browned butter with a hint of vanilla and salt. Five ingredients, one pot, no oven, and ten minutes is all it takes.
Baker’s Tips
- Only melt the marshmallows to about 75% smooth — those unmelted pockets create gooey surprises throughout the finished treats.
- Brown the butter for about a minute after melting to add a nutty, toasty depth that people taste but can never identify.
- Press the mixture into the pan as gently as possible — the more you press, the more air you lose, and dense treats are hard treats.
- Store with a slice of white bread in the airtight container to keep the marshmallow soft longer.
Variations
- Chocolate Drizzle: Let the treats set, drizzle melted chocolate over the top, and chill 10 minutes for a semi-fancy upgrade.
- Birthday Cake: Fold in 1/3 cup rainbow sprinkles with the cereal and add an extra 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla.
- Peanut Butter: Stir 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter into the marshmallow mixture before adding the cereal.
For more easy no-bake snacks, try my energy balls or my endlessly customizable chocolate bark.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Prepare the pan
Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a few inches of overhang on the long sides for easy removal. Lightly grease the parchment with butter or cooking spray.
- 2
Melt the butter
In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-low heat, melt the butter, swirling the pot occasionally. Let it cook for about 1 minute after melting until it starts to smell nutty and turn light golden — this quick browning adds a beautiful toasty depth to the finished treats.
- 3
Melt the marshmallows
Reduce heat to low and add the marshmallows. Stir continuously with a silicone spatula or wooden spoon until the marshmallows are about 75% melted — you should still see some small lumps and pieces. Those unmelted marshmallow pockets will create extra-gooey spots throughout the treats. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
- 4
Add the cereal
Remove the pot from heat completely. Add the rice cereal all at once and fold gently with the spatula until every piece is coated with the marshmallow mixture. Use large, sweeping motions and avoid pressing or compacting — the goal is to coat the cereal while keeping as much air as possible.
- 5
Press into the pan
Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Using a lightly greased spatula or your buttered fingers, gently press the mixture into an even layer. The key word here is gently — pressing too firmly will crush the cereal and give you dense, hard treats instead of light, chewy ones. Leave the surface slightly rough and uneven rather than perfectly smooth.
- 6
Cool and cut
Let the treats cool at room temperature for at least 20 minutes until set. Using the parchment overhang, lift the entire slab out of the pan onto a cutting board. Cut into 16 squares with a sharp knife lightly greased with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Nutrition Information
Per serving (serves 16). Values are approximate.
| Calories | 150 calories |
| Total Fat | 4g |
| Saturated Fat | 2.5g |
| Carbohydrates | 28g |
| Sugar | 14g |
| Protein | 1g |
| Sodium | 95mg |
| Fiber | 0g |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my rice krispie treats so hard?
Hard treats are almost always caused by pressing them too firmly into the pan, using too much heat when melting the marshmallows (which causes them to become stiff when cooled), or using stale cereal. Use low heat, melt only until 75% smooth, and press very gently.
How do I store rice krispie treats?
Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. They start to dry out and harden after that. For longer storage, wrap individual treats tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 6 weeks — they thaw in about 15 minutes.
Can I add mix-ins?
Absolutely! Fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips, sprinkles, M&Ms, crushed Oreos, or mini peanut butter cups after adding the cereal. For a drizzle, let the treats set first, then drizzle melted chocolate over the top.
Reader Reviews
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