Marshmallow Rice Krispie Treats

Marshmallow Rice Krispie Treats are a timeless snack loved by kids and adults alike. Made with gooey marshmallows, crisp rice cereal, and a hint of buttery goodness, they’re the perfect balance of chewy and crunchy. Whether you’re looking for a quick after-school treat or a simple dessert to wow at a party, these treats have got you covered. With just a few ingredients and no oven required, they’re literally one of the easiest desserts to whip up. Trust us; this is the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep handy for those ‘I need something sweet ASAP’ moments!

Table of content

• About The Recipe
• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Key Ingredients and Substitutions
• How to Make the Recipe(Step-by-Step)
• Expert Tips for Success
• Variations and Customizations
• Nutritional Information
• Storage and Reheating Instructions
• Recipe Card
  • Recipe Preparation
  • Ingredients List
  • Step-by-Step Instructions
  • Cooking notes
  • Nutritional Information
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• Comments & Reviews
• Social Sharing Options

About The Marshmallow Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

When you think of treats that make you nostalgic, Marshmallow Rice Krispie Treats probably come to mind, right? These iconic bars have been a staple for decades, showing up everywhere from lunchboxes to holiday dessert tables. They were originally created back in the 1930s as a fun project for cereal promotions but took off like wildfire and became a beloved tradition. What makes this recipe so special is its simplicity; you don’t need a ton of ingredients or fancy equipment. In fact, if you’ve got butter, marshmallows, and rice cereal in your pantry, congratulations—you’re about to make magic. Plus, there are so many ways to tweak them to fit your mood. Add sprinkles for a colorful twist, drizzle chocolate on top, or even mix in some peanut butter! Whether you’re a seasoned baker or someone who rarely steps into the kitchen, this recipe proves that sometimes the best things in life are the simplest.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in just 10-15 minutes!
• Perfect for beginner or expert bakers.
• No oven needed—just a stovetop or microwave.
• Kid-friendly and great for family bonding in the kitchen.
• Easily customizable with add-ins like chocolate chips or sprinkles.
• Uses only 3 main ingredients!
• Great for parties, holidays, or everyday snacking.
• Store well for days (if they even last that long!).

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

• Rice Krispies: Classic puffed rice cereal makes this recipe. You can also use gluten-free puffed rice cereal if needed.
• Marshmallows: Regular-sized or mini marshmallows both work well. Vegan marshmallows can be substituted for a plant-based option.
• Butter: Salted or unsalted butter works, depending on your taste preference. Dairy-free butter or coconut oil can also substitute for vegan-friendly treats.

How to Make the Recipe (Step-by-Step)

• Step 1: Begin by melting butter in a large saucepan on low heat. You want it melted but not browned.
• Step 2: Add marshmallows to the pan and stir until they’re fully melted and smooth. This may feel a bit sticky—it’s part of the fun!
• Step 3: Remove the saucepan from heat and quickly fold in the Rice Krispies until every piece is coated in the marshmallow mixture.
• Step 4: Transfer the mixture to a greased or parchment-lined 9×13-inch pan.
• Step 5: Use a greased spatula (or your hands, lightly coated with oil) to press down and even out the mixture.
• Step 6: Let the treats cool at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes, then cut them into squares or desired shapes. Enjoy!

Expert Tips for Success

Use fresh marshmallows for the best gooey texture; stale ones don’t melt as smoothly.
When pressing the mixture into the pan, avoid packing them too tightly—they’ll stay softer and chewier this way.
Work quickly once the marshmallows are melted! You don’t want them to cool too much before mixing with the cereal.
Keep the heat on low to prevent burning or overcooking the marshmallow mixture.
If you’re using add-ins like sprinkles or chocolate chips, mix them in just before transferring to the pan.

Variations and Customizations

Get creative with your Marshmallow Rice Krispie Treats! Add colorful sprinkles for a fun party vibe, or drizzle melted chocolate on top for an extra layer of decadence. Looking to mix in some healthy options? Toss in cranberries or nuts for a crunchy twist. Peanut butter lovers can melt a few tablespoons of peanut butter into the marshmallow mix for a delicious nutty flavor. You could also sprinkle flaky sea salt on top for a fancy sweet-and-salty combo. Finally, use cookie cutters to shape them into seasonal designs for holidays!

Nutritional Information

Each serving of Marshmallow Rice Krispie Treats (about one square) is roughly 150 calories. It’s a sweet treat, so don’t expect it to be a health food, but that’s part of the fun! These squares are low in fat, with about 3g of total fat, and primarily made up of carbohydrates, offering about 28g per serving. They’re perfect for a quick burst of energy. If you’re watching your sugar intake, try cutting your squares into smaller portions or using alternatives like reduced-sugar marshmallows.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover treats in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you want to prepare them ahead for an event, you can even freeze them! Just wrap each square in plastic wrap, then place them all in a freezer-safe bag. To enjoy later, simply let them thaw at room temperature—no reheating required since these are best enjoyed at room temp. Pro tip: Don’t refrigerate them; they’ll turn hard and lose that chewy texture.

All Your Questions About This Recipe