The Best Ever Gooey Rice Crispy Treats Recipe

Introduction

Remember the classic treat from childhood? This rice crispy treats recipe gives that nostalgic favorite a delicious upgrade. We’re talking gourmet, extra chewy, and incredibly soft. This simple no-bake dessert comes together quickly, perfect for busy parents and beginners alike. Get ready for a flavorful, gooey experience that will become your new go-to sweet snack.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just any rice crispy treats recipe; it’s a “classic, but better” version you’ll adore.

• Improved Flavor: A touch of vanilla and quality butter makes all the difference.
• Soft & Chewy Texture: Our special method guarantees a perfectly gooey result, not hard.
• Quick & Easy Prep: This recipe requires minimal effort and time in the kitchen.
• No-Bake Convenience: You don’t need an oven, making it ideal for any season.
• Beginner-Friendly: Simple steps ensure success, even for new bakers.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients for the most amazing rice crispy treats recipe:

• 6 Tablespoons (85 g) salted butter, cut into 6 pieces (Sweet Emily strongly recommends European butter)
• 15 oz (425 g) miniature marshmallows (this is generally 1 ½ 10-oz bags, or 8 ½ cups)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 6 cups (175 g) Rice Krispies cereal
• 3 Tablespoons colored sprinkles (optional)

Notes & Substitutions

European butter offers a richer flavor and higher fat content, which leads to a superior texture in your rice crispy treats. As explained by Beurremont, European butter typically has a higher fat content (82-86%) compared to American butter, contributing to its richness. If you only have regular salted butter, that works too. If using unsalted butter, add a pinch of salt (about ¼ teaspoon) to balance the sweetness. Miniature marshmallows melt more evenly and quickly, ensuring a smoother mixture. While you can use larger marshmallows, they take longer to melt and might need extra stirring. Sprinkles add a fun visual touch, especially for birthdays or holidays; choose any colors you like!

Equipment

You only need a few basic kitchen items to make this easy rice crispy treats recipe:

• 13×9 inch baking pan
• Large saucepan
• Silicone spatula
• Parchment paper (optional, for lining)

Instructions

Follow these steps for a perfect batch of gooey rice crispy treats recipe:

1. Prepare your pan: Lightly grease a 13×9 inch pan with butter. Alternatively, line it with parchment paper for effortless removal. Set the prepared pan aside.
2. Melt the butter: Place the salted butter pieces in the bottom of a large saucepan. Turn the heat to medium-low. Stir occasionally until the butter is completely melted and fragrant.
3. Melt marshmallows: Add 10 ounces (about 5½ heaping cups) of the miniature marshmallows to the saucepan. Stir continuously until the marshmallows are just melted into a smooth, gooey mixture. Keep the heat below medium and stir frequently. Ensure the butter thoroughly combines with the marshmallow and doesn’t separate. High heat can cause the sugar to crystallize, resulting in hard rice crispy treats later. This step takes patience but is key.
4. Add vanilla and cereal: Stir in the pure vanilla extract until fully incorporated. Then, add the 6 cups of Rice Krispies cereal and the remaining 5 ounces (about 2½ heaping cups) of miniature marshmallows to the saucepan. Gently stir until all ingredients are combined and the additional marshmallows are just beginning to melt into the mixture.
5. Fold in sprinkles: If using, scatter the colored sprinkles over the mixture. Briefly stir to gently combine them. Do not overmix, as this can crush the cereal.
6. Transfer and press: Immediately transfer the warm mixture into your prepared 13×9 inch pan. Use a silicone spatula or your hands (lightly buttered if sticking) to gently pat the rice crispy treats down into an even layer. Do not press too hard or compact the mixture excessively, as this will also make them hard.
7. Cool and serve: Allow the rice crispy treats to cool completely at room temperature before cutting and serving. This usually takes about 30–60 minutes. Slice into squares and enjoy your homemade marshmallow treats!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Achieving perfect, soft, and chewy rice crispy treats is simple with a few key tricks. Always use low heat when melting the marshmallows to prevent them from becoming brittle or hard once cooled. Stir the butter and marshmallows until they are fully combined and smooth before adding the cereal. Lining your pan with parchment paper makes removing and cutting the bars incredibly easy. When pressing the mixture into the pan, be gentle; avoid compacting it tightly, which is a common reason for hard treats. Remember, do NOT refrigerate these treats; it can make them stiff and lose their gooey texture. Also, avoid browning the butter for this specific recipe, as it changes the flavor profile significantly.

Serving, Storage & Variations

Serve your homemade rice crispy treats after they cool completely to room temperature. This ensures they set up properly and have the best texture. Store any leftover treats in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and wonderfully chewy for up to 5 days. Never refrigerate or freeze these marshmallow treats, as the cold temperatures will dry them out and make them hard. For flavor variations, try stirring in a tablespoon of peanut butter with the vanilla extract, or drizzling melted chocolate over the cooled bars. A pinch of cinnamon can also add a warm, cozy twist to this classic rice crispy treats recipe. To ensure freshness and quality, remember that proper pantry food storage for cereals and marshmallows is key.

Nutrition

Here’s a brief look at the estimated nutrition for one serving of this delicious rice crispy treats recipe. Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific brands and exact measurements used.

FAQ

Why are my rice crispy treats hard?

The main reasons are typically melting the marshmallows over too-high heat, or pressing the mixture too firmly into the pan. Use low heat and a gentle touch!

Can I use large marshmallows?

Yes, you can. However, large marshmallows take longer to melt. Mini marshmallows are better for this rice crispy treats recipe because they melt more evenly.

What if I don’t have salted butter?

You can use unsalted butter and add about ¼ teaspoon of salt to the melting butter. This helps balance the sweetness and brings out the flavors.

Can I freeze or refrigerate these?

No, we do not recommend refrigerating or freezing these treats. Cold temperatures make them hard and lose their signature gooey texture.

How long do rice crispy treats last?

When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they stay soft and fresh for up to 5 days.

Conclusion

This enhanced rice crispy treats recipe truly delivers on its promise of an extra gooey, chewy, and flavorful experience. It takes that beloved childhood classic and makes it even better with just a few simple adjustments. So, gather your ingredients and prepare this quick, no-bake sweet treat. You’ll love sharing these soft marshmallow squares, a perfect dessert for any occasion, and a truly beginner-friendly recipe from Sweet Emily!

The Best Ever Gooey Rice Crispy Treats Recipe

A classic no-bake treat, these gooey rice crispy treats are made with butter, marshmallows, vanilla, and Rice Krispies cereal, finished with optional sprinkles.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Servings: 12 pieces

Calories: 230

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 6 Tablespoons salted butter 85 g, cut into 6 pieces (I strongly recommend European butter)
• 15 oz miniature marshmallows 425 g (generally 1 ½ 10-oz bags, or 8 ½ cups)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal 175 g
• 3 Tablespoons colored sprinkles optional

Equipment

• 13x9 pan
• large saucepan
• silicone spatula

Method

 

Instructions

1. Lightly grease a 13x9 inch pan with butter or line it with parchment paper.
2. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until completely melted.
3. Add 10 oz of marshmallows and stir frequently over low heat until just melted, ensuring it's well combined with the butter.
4. Stir in vanilla extract, then add Rice Krispies cereal and the remaining 5 oz of marshmallows, stirring until combined and the marshmallows begin to melt.
5. Scatter sprinkles over the mixture and briefly stir, then immediately transfer to the prepared pan and gently pat down evenly using a silicone spatula or your hands.
6. Allow the Rice Krispie Treats to cool completely at room temperature for 30-60 minutes before cutting and serving.

Notes

For best results, use European butter. Do not over-handle the mixture when patting it into the pan to ensure soft, not hard, treats. Allow sufficient cooling time before cutting.

Taya Bennett

Taya Bennett is the founder of YumEasyMeals, a platform dedicated to easy, delicious, and quick-to-prepare recipes for busy families. Passionate about everyday cooking, she simplifies meals with practical, accessible, and always delicious ideas.
Discover her creations at: yumeasymeals.com