Best Homemade Rice Krispie

These homemade Rice Krispie Treats come together quickly and deliver that perfect mix of crispy cereal and gooey melted marshmallows. They make a wonderful snack or dessert for any occasion, loved by both kids and adults alike. The browning of butter adds a rich, nutty depth that takes these treats beyond the usual.

I first made these treats when my kids wanted something sweet but quick to whip up. Now it’s become our go to comfort snack that everyone asks for on weekends.

Ingredients

• Butter: browning it adds a nutty flavor and enhances the richness, use unsalted for better control of saltiness
• Marshmallows: classic for that gooey, sticky texture, mini marshmallows hold the mix together perfectly
• Rice Krispie cereal: provides the essential crispiness, choose a fresh batch for the best crunch
• Salt: a tiny pinch balances the sweetness and brings out the butter’s flavor
• Vanilla extract: adds warmth and depth, opt for pure vanilla for the best taste

Instructions

Sauté the Butter:

Use a light colored pot to watch the butter carefully melt over medium heat. Stir constantly as it foams, then continue until it turns golden brown with toasted milk solids visible. This takes about 5 to 8 minutes and creates a rich, nutty aroma. Remove the pot from the heat right away to prevent burning.

Melt the Marshmallows:

Add the marshmallows to the browned butter and stir to coat them immediately. Return the pot to very low heat and keep stirring gently with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula until the marshmallows melt into a smooth, glossy mixture.

Combine and Season:

Sprinkle the mixture lightly with salt and add vanilla extract. Stir well to incorporate these flavor enhancers evenly throughout the marshmallow mixture.

Mix in the Cereal:

Quickly add the Rice Krispie cereal to the pot while stirring continuously to coat every bit of cereal before the mixture sets. This step moves fast, so be prepared and work swiftly.

Add Mini Marshmallows:

Before the mixture cools too much, fold in the reserved mini marshmallows. These melt just slightly for extra chewy bits in the finished treat.

Press Into Pan:

Line a pan with aluminum foil and butter the foil thoroughly. Use a buttered spatula or a butter wrapper to gently press the hot mixture into an even layer in the pan. Avoid pressing too hard to keep the treats light and airy.

Set and Cut:

Allow the treats to cool and set for about one hour. Then lift the foil to remove the entire block and cut into bars using a sharp knife, using a ruler if you want clean, uniform squares.

I remember making this once during a school break and watching my kids devour the whole pan in an afternoon. The mix of toasted butter and sweet vanilla always makes it feel a little extra special.

Storage Tips

Store your Rice Krispie Treats in an airtight container at room temperature and they’ll stay soft for several days. If you prefer a chewier texture, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to a week. To keep a stash longer, wrap bars individually to prevent freezer burn and place them in a freezer safe bag. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

Butter can be replaced with an equal amount of coconut oil for a dairy free version though the flavor will be slightly different. Marshmallows can be swapped with vegan marshmallows if you want a plant based version. Rice Krispie cereal can be replaced with another puffed rice cereal or even quinoa flakes to change the texture while keeping the spirit of the treat.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these treats with a glass of cold milk or hot chocolate for a cozy pairing. Add a drizzle of melted chocolate on top or sprinkle festive colored sprinkles for celebrations. Mix in peanut butter or chopped nuts to add extra texture and richness.

These Rice Krispie Treats are quick to make and endlessly customizable. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature for the best texture.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ How do I brown butter without burning it?

Use a light-colored pan over medium heat, stirring constantly. The butter foams, then turns golden with brown specks and a nutty aroma when ready.

→ What is the best way to mix marshmallows with rice cereal?

Remove butter from heat after browning, add marshmallows and stir until melted. Return to low heat and stir thoroughly before folding in rice cereal quickly to prevent setting.

→ How should I prepare the pan for setting the bars?

Line the pan with aluminum foil or parchment, lightly buttering it to prevent sticking and allow easy removal of the bars once set.

→ Can I add other ingredients to the mix?

Yes, try mixing in peanut butter, chocolate chips, or M&M’s for different flavor variations and textures.

→ How do I store these crispy marshmallow bars?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerated for up to one week. They can also be frozen wrapped individually.