The ratio of cereal to marshmallow makes or breaks a rice krispie treat… literally! For extra gooey and buttery rice krispie treats, use this recipe. The addition of a little extra butter and marshmallow, plus a splash of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, makes all the difference.
I originally published this recipe in 2019 and have since added new photos, a video tutorial, and helpful success tips.
One reader, Diane, commented: “The recipe has wonderful flavor. The ton of marshmallows and my homemade vanilla extract (thank you, Sally) did the trick. Gooey, tasty, and if you need a sweet fix, this is the one. ★★★★★“
Another reader, Tracy, commented: “I made these yesterday, and my husband declared them the best Rice Krispie treats ever, and I agree. This will be my go-to recipe from now on. ★★★★★“
I wasn’t going to publish this recipe because, really, how many ways can one make a rice krispie treat? (Hello, cake batter rice krispie treats, pumpkin pie rice krispie treats, and s’mores rice krispie treats from forever ago!) The internet is flooded with these classic marshmallow-cereal squares, but I figured you might like to know how I’ve been making them over the years…? Maybe? Hopefully?
This is, without question, the best way to make rice krispie treats and I have a few tricks up my sleeve to guarantee that the treats are extra marshmallow-y, extra gooey, extra buttery, extra flavorful, and extra AWESOME. I make these whenever I need a quick and guaranteed crowd-friendly dessert. In fact, I just served a double batch at a big cookout over the weekend. Not a single square left. They are also the perfect treat to include in our list of back to school recipes.
Crispy rice treats are a totally retro dessert (just like a nostalgic chocolate cake roll!) and once you take that first bite, you’re instantly reminded why they’re a staple. So good!!
Video Tutorial: How to Make Rice Krispie Treats
5 Ingredients in These Rice Krispie Treats
You only need 5 simple ingredients for these no-bake squares.
- Butter: Like all good desserts, the base of great rice krispie treats is butter! You need 3/4 cup, which is 170g, or 12 Tablespoons.
- Marshmallows: These krispie treats are extra marshmallow-y without falling apart. You need two 10-ounce bags (about 11 heaping cups) of mini marshmallows.
- Vanilla Extract: This is an easy addition that turns a good rice krispie treat into a great rice krispie treat. You only need 1/2 teaspoon, but what a difference it makes! Homemade vanilla extract is excellent here.
- Salt: Salt is another little flavor enhancer I add to my rice krispie treats. Like vanilla extract, salt is a super convenient ingredient you already have in your kitchen, and you don’t need much of it. Just a pinch adds a depth of flavor otherwise absent from crispy rice treats.
- Rice Krispies Cereal: What’s a crispy treat without rice krispies cereal? The best!
Melt the butter and marshmallows in a big pot on the stove, then remove from heat and gently stir in the remaining ingredients. I just use my handy 5.5-quart Dutch oven. Any similar size works great!
Best Ratio of Marshmallow to Cereal
An important factor in a rice krispie treat recipe is the ratio of marshmallow to cereal. Too much cereal and the squares will taste dry, crunchy, and bland. Too much marshmallow and the squares will be too sticky and fall apart. The best ratio for a 9×13-inch baking pan is two 10-ounce bags of mini marshmallows (566g, or about 11 heaping cups) and 9 cups of cereal (270g).
To prevent any kind of sticking, line your baking pan with greased parchment paper. I just lightly spray the parchment paper with a little nonstick spray.
The #1 Trick for Rice Krispie Treats
Do you want an extra buttery melt-in-your-mouth marshmallow square? Of course you do. In order to achieve this, do NOT pack the rice krispie treats down into the baking pan. Use greased fingers or a greased spatula to softly spread and stretch the mixture into the pan, then use a flat spatula to very gently press the mixture down. Do not compact it with force, otherwise your treats will be thin and hard. Instead, just lightly press the treats down into the pan. Butter the back of a flat spatula or spray with a little nonstick spray to prevent sticking. Your treats will be soft yet crisp and not overly crunchy. 🙂
I recommend doing this with my scotcheroos and white chocolate Lucky Charms treats, too!
That’s basically it! I don’t need to convince you that rice krispie treats are delicious, but I hope you try these little extras (the vanilla, salt, ratio of marshmallow to cereal) the next time you need a recipe for these marshmallow squares.
More No-Bake Desserts
- No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars
- Peanut Butter Fudge
- Scotcheroos
- Ice Cream Cake
- No-Bake Cookies
- No-Bake Cheesecake Jars
- Caramel Dipped Pretzels
Favorite Rice Krispie Treats
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour, 15 minutes
- Yield: 20 treats
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This is our favorite recipe for classic rice krispie treats. Adding a little extra butter and marshmallow, plus a splash of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt makes all the difference! Let them set for at least 1 hour before cutting into squares.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup (170g; 12 Tbsp) unsalted butter
- two 10-ounce bags (566g; 11 heaping cups) mini marshmallows
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- pinch salt
- 9 cups (270g) crispy rice cereal
Instructions
- Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Lightly grease the parchment. I always use a very light mist of nonstick spray. Set aside.
- Melt the butter over medium heat in a very large pot. Once melted, add the marshmallows. Stir the mixture until the marshmallows are completely melted.
- Remove from heat, then immediately stir in the vanilla extract and salt. Finally, fold in the cereal. Make sure each piece of cereal is coated with the marshmallow mixture.
- Transfer mixture to prepared pan. Using a silicone spatula (greasing it lightly helps), gently spread mixture to fit the pan. Lightly grease the back of a flat spatula and very gently press the mixture down into the pan. Do not pack it down with force, just lightly press down until it is secure in the pan.
- Allow treats to set for at least 1 hour at room temperature, and up to 1 day. Cover tightly if leaving out for more than a few hours.
- Lift the rice krispie treats as a whole out of the pan using the edges of the parchment paper. Cut into squares.
- Cover and store leftover treats at room temperature for up to 3 days. To store, place in an airtight container, with sheets of parchment or wax paper between layers.
Notes
- Freezing Instructions: Rice krispie treats aren’t the best dessert to freeze because the texture isn’t always completely the same after thawing. That being said, you can still freeze these squares. Freeze in layers between sheets of parchment or wax paper in a freezer-friendly container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Special Tools (affiliate links): 9×13-inch Baking Pan | Parchment Paper | Large Pot (such as a Dutch Oven) | Silicone Spatula | Flat Spatula
- If gluten free, check labels to ensure all products are certified gluten free.
- For the pinch of salt, I always add a little less than 1/8 teaspoon.
Adapted from Kellogg’s
Your recipes are always perfect. Thank you.
I didn’t love these the first time I made them, as they were too buttery tasting for me. However, my husband loved them. The second time I made them, I cut the butter down to 1 stick and liked them much better. I love how quick and simple these are to make!
I had less marshmallows so i adjusted the recipe to the amount of marshamallows i had at hand. It turned out soooo good!! I drizzled with some melted chocolate to add some pizzazz as im adding them to my husbands Valentines Basket 🙂
This is my go-to recipe for Rice Krispy Treats! You are sooo right about not packing them down too hard. I like mine extra fluffy, so I just pile them in and lightly shape them. Sooo good, and light years away from any packaged ones you can buy. All of your recipes are fantastic!
A box of Rice Krispies is 255g. A little short. Do I need to reduce the butter/marshmallows?
Hi Jenifer! That will be fine without any changes. Extra gooey!
Hi! This looks great! Can I freeze them a week in advance or it won’t taste fresh?
Hi Leah, see the recipe notes for freezing instructions. Enjoy!
if i wanted to add peanut butter what changes to butter
Hi Jen, We recommend adding 2/3 cup creamy peanut butter and reducing the butter to 1/2 cup (1 stick). Let us know if you try them!
Thanks for this recipe! I used it as the starting point to develop my own for browned butter Cinnamon Toast Crunch treats. I increased the amounts to 2 cups butter, 2 tsp vanilla, 25 oz. marshmallows, and a 12 oz box of cereal, then browned the butter before adding the other ingredients (I add my vanilla prior to the marshmallow as it cooks it a bit and makes it very fragrant). It’s outrageously delicious and I suspect I would have had to experiment a lot more if I’d used other recipes as a starting point.
Great recipe! I browned the butter first for a little extra flavor. This was fantastic. I used the Dandie’s corn-free marshmallows and Whole Foods gluten free rice crisp cereal. Thank you for the recipe
This turned out so good! Great flavor and ooey gooey!
Can I use marshmallow fluff? Would that be measured differently? Thank you!
Hi Shahid, marshmallow fluff/creme stays in its “liquid”/thin consistency, whereas marshmallows will help solidify the treats. We don’t recommend substituting fluff here.
yes you could substitute marshmallow fluff
Have you tried using the fluff with Sally’s particular recipe. She warns against using it in hers. Fluff may can be used in other recipes but we should not go against op’s advice since they know what works in their recipe and why something doesn’t
Very nice! I used cinnamon Rice Krispies this Christmas for the kiddos and it turned out to be so festive!
They’re soooo chewy. And delicious.
Everyone LOVED these!
I plan on making these today! Do you use salted or unsalted butter?
Hi Molly, we prefer using unsalted butter.
My go to recipe. I’ve made this recipe a few times and follow it closely. Sometimes I brown the butter a tiny bit, but even skipping that step, they are fabulous every time!
Thank you! I’ve used this recipe alot for my family and they always love it!
Halved the recipe and my 11×7 pan was just the right size. Added 1/8 tsp peppermint extract with the vanilla. Then once it was spread into the pan, I drizzled melted chocolate over the tops and crushed candy cane pieces (from 5-6 mini candy canes) for some Christmas flare.
That’s a really clever Christmas twist. How was it?
I have some large marshmallows that i would like to use but not sure how many
Hi Patty, you’ll need 20-ounces total marshmallows. Large marshmallows can be a bit difficult to melt down, though, so we do recommend using mini marshmallows if possible.
I love the added vanilla and pinch of salt. For great flavor butter is a must. Don’t press down to heavy on the mixture when leveling in the dish or they will be dense and hard. This is my go to recipe!
I have never enjoyed a Rice Krispie treat until making this recipe. So good.
I am going to make these for Thanksgiving. Would it work to add orange and brown thanksgiving colored M&Ms into the mix?
Hi Carole, absolutely! You could also just press them into the top of the bars after the mixture has been added to the pan.
Sort of followed the recipe. The bags of marshmallows were 225grams… Shrinkflation strikes again… Used 8 cups of Xmas colored rice krispies, one cup of toasted coconut, capful of vanilla, eyed the “butter”, and pinch of salt. Looks festive and tastes great!
Truly the best rice krispie squares I’ve ever had and they’re one of my favourite foods so I’ve had a lot! Added a tiny bit more vanilla than the recipe called for and they’re so delicious!
Since you mentioned your s’more’s krispies recipe, after asking the kids what they wanted, they said the S’mores krispies, but I liked the idea of more marshmallowy goodness, so I used this recipe, but only 7 cups of cereal and a scant 2 cups of graham cracker pieces added with the krispies. Then after it was all mixed together, I added 1 cup of chocolate pieces, mostly because I wanted both regular size and mini chocolate chips and I was too lazy to math 1/2 of 3/4 cup and so just did half a cup of each. My daughter decided that in honor of Halloween they would be called Swamp bars. We had them with monster hair (green beans), monster toes (smokie hot dogs with ketchup toenails), and monster guts ( pasta and cheese sauce). We don’t let any part of the monster go to waste . I gently pressed them into a buttered 9×13 pan and dumped them out after only about 15-20 min to cut them because I was worried they might stick to the pan otherwise. The kids heartily approved! Thanks for such a good recipe and the one before it that made it more easily modified!
BEST EVER!!
I’m sorry…..my finished product was drowned in butter. The bottom of the crispy treats were simply a layer of oil. By my calculations, in your recipe the butter was 150% of the box recipe. In your video, assuming you were using this exact recipe, the butter didn’t look like 1 1/2 sticks of butter. help.
Sorry for the trouble with this recipe; let me look into that video, it should be 3/4 cup. If you’d like to try the recipe again, you can certainly reduce the butter down to 8 Tbsp or 10 Tbsp.
Oh, thank you for including the weight of the marshmallows — that way, I can easily substitute my homemade marshmallows for store-bought. Yummo!
Hi! Can you share your marshmallow recipe?
Yes please, do you mind sharing?
Do these stay soft? And for how long? Every time I make rice crispy squares, they are hard as a rock by the next day, and I hate that! I end up throwing them out
Hi Ann! These extra gooey treats stay pretty soft for up to 3 days.
These look amazing! Can I add some extra marshmallows at the end for a whole marshmallow addition (like you get at a bakery?) prior to pressing in the pan? Is that how that is done?
Hi Shannel, we imagine that should just fine! Let us know how it goes for you.