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Rice Crispy Treats

May 25, 2023

The most classic, feel-good treat on the planet. We’re here with a recipe for everyone’s favorite–rice crispy treats.

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4 homemade rice crispy treats stacked on top of each other made with butter, marshmallows, vanilla and rice krispie cereal
Photography by Gayle McLeod

Have Fifteen Minutes To Spare? Make These Easy Rice Crispy Treats

From start to finish, you’re in for a treat in about fifteen minutes and there’s nothing like biting into slightly warm, fresh homemade rice crispy treats. It is, to our minds, one of life’s best simple pleasures. We have so many good memories of learning how to make rice crispy treats as children, and now it’s something we love doing with our kids too. So treat yourself, and your loved ones, to this classic sweet treat!

butter, vanilla, marshmallow and rice krispie cereal in prep bowls to make rice crispy treats
mini marshmallows being cooked in melted butter in a large pot

Rice Crispy Treats And Food Allergies

We’re always on the lookout for gluten free recipes, and in case you’re wondering, are rice crispy treats gluten free? After a little research we discovered that rice crispy treats are not suitable for people with celiac or gluten-sensitivities, because many brands of rice crispy cereal add malt syrup which contains gluten. Otherwise, rice crispy treats are fairly food allergy friendly, and if you’re making sweets for a crowd, this can be a great recipe. What are rice crispy treats made of? You’ll just need butter and marshmallows, rice krispies® cereal, and we like to add a touch of vanilla extract for a little depth of flavor to this classic treat.

vanilla being stirred into a pot of melted butter and melted marshmallows
rice krispie cereal being poured into a large pot with melted butter, melted marshmallow and vanilla
homemade rice crispy treats being stirred in a large pot with a wooden spoon
homemade rice crispy treats being spread into a greased 9x13 baking sheet with a spatula

How To Make Rice Crispy Treats

  • Prepare a 9x13 inch pan with cooking spray. If you don’t have one, rice crispy treats can be made into almost any shape on earth.

  • In a large pot, melt butter over low heat. Add the mini marshmallows and stir until you have gooey marshmallows. Remove from heat.

  • Stir in the vanilla. Add the rice krispies cereal. Stir until completely combined.

  • Using a buttered spatula or plastic baggie, evenly press the mixture into the prepared pan.

  • Once they are cool to room temperature, cut into 2-inch marshmallow squares, or bite-sized–another reason we love rice crispy treats, because they can be any size you want!

homemade rice crispy treats in a 9x13 baking pan being sliced with a knife
sliced homemade rice crispy treats on the counter made with butter, marshmallows, vanilla and rice krispie cereal

Other Notes For Making The Best Rice Crispy Treats

Not that we often have the problem, but it should be kept in mind that rice crispy treats are best if served the same day. For storage, these can be kept in an airtight container, but don’t wait too long to eat them! We think that these are the perfect afternoon snacks, along with a mug of Homemade Hot Chocolate or if you’re a grown-up, perhaps some ​​Irish Cream Liqueur on the side of your rice crispy treats would be the perfect dessert.

sliced homemade rice crispy treats on the counter made with butter, marshmallows, vanilla and rice krispie cereal

Tools You’ll Need

More Treats For Your Sweet Tooth

We’ve gathered some of our favorite bake and slice desserts for you to make the next time you’re craving a sweet treat:

Slice Up Some Squares And Show Us Your Pics

We hope you share your rice crispy treats and maybe even snap a photo of the beautiful people you feed them to. Tag us on Instagram using @themodernproper and #themodernproper. Happy eating!

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Rice Crispy Treats

  • Serves:  12
  • Prep Time:  5 min
  • Cook Time:  10 min
  • Calories:  135

Ingredients

  • Cooking spray
  • 6 tablespoons salted butter, plus more for pressing
  • 15 ounces miniature marshmallows
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 7 cups Rice Krispies® cereal

Method

  1. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

  2. Melt the butter in a large saucepan over low heat. Add the marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove the saucepan from heat.

  3. Add in the vanilla and Rice Krispies. Stir until completely combined.

  4. Using a greased spatula or plastic bag, evenly press the mixture into the prepared dish. Let cool completely.

  5. Cut into 2-inch squares to serve.

Nutrition Info

  • Per Serving
  • Amount
  • Calories 135
  • Protein 1 g
  • Carbohydrates 19 g
  • Total Fat 6 g
  • Dietary Fiber 0 g
  • Cholesterol 15 mg
  • sodium 140 mg
  • Total Sugars 6 g

Rice Crispy Treats

Questions & Reviews

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  • Jenny

    What is the best way to store rice crispy treats and how far can you make ahead?

    Store them in an airtight container for 2 days. If you are stacking them on top of each other put wax paper between the layers so they don't stick together. Hope you enjoy!

  • Jenn

    Superb, my family devoured these in a single day!

    YAY! That's how it goes in our houses too. Glad you enjoyed them!