Irresistible Rice Crispy Treats: 5-Minute Recipe Bliss

There’s nothing quite like the crunch of a rice crispy treat, is there? Imagine biting into that gooey goodness, tasting the sweet marshmallows melting in your mouth while the crispy rice provides a satisfying crunch. It’s a nostalgic experience that transports you back to carefree childhood days filled with laughter and sticky fingers. Whether it’s an afternoon snack or a dessert for a school bake sale, these treats are sure to spark joy.

Speaking of joyous moments, I can’t help but recall the time I attempted to impress my friends with my culinary skills by making rice crispy treats. Picture this: marshmallows everywhere, including in my hair! But despite the chaos, those treats turned out to be a hit. Now, every time I make them, I’m reminded of that delightful disaster and how even a messy kitchen can lead to sweet rewards.

When I first made these treats, my kids devoured them in seconds, leaving only crumbs and smiles behind.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Rice Cereal: Choose your favorite brand; just ensure it’s crispy enough for that satisfying crunch.

• Marshmallows: Mini marshmallows melt more evenly; go for the classic or colorful varieties for fun.

• Butter: Real butter enhances flavor; use unsalted to control the saltiness.

• Vanilla Extract: A splash adds depth; opt for pure extract for the best flavor.

• Salt: Just a pinch balances sweetness and enhances all flavors beautifully.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prepping your workspace is key for this recipe; grab a large mixing bowl and a spatula before getting started.

Melt the Butter and Marshmallows: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter until bubbly. Add in 10 ounces of mini marshmallows and stir continuously until completely melted and smooth. The mixture should be glossy and ooze deliciousness.

Add Vanilla and Salt: Once melted, remove from heat and quickly stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract along with a pinch of salt. This step elevates the flavor profile dramatically; trust me on this one!

Incorporate Rice Cereal: Gently fold in 6 cups of rice cereal using your spatula. Make sure each piece is coated without crushing them too much; we want that crunch factor intact!

Transfer Mixture to Pan: Pour your sticky mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. With slightly wet hands (to avoid sticking), press it down evenly into the pan until firm.

Cool and Cut Treats: Allow your treats to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cutting them into squares or rectangles. Your patience will pay off when you see those perfectly cut edges!

Enjoying homemade rice crispy treats is like reliving childhood memories wrapped in every bite—perfectly crunchy, delightfully sweet, and oh-so-satisfying!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by melting butter and marshmallows over low heat while stirring continuously. Once melted, mix in the rice cereal quickly to ensure even coating.

Add Your Touch

Consider adding chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit for extra flavor and texture. You can also use flavored marshmallows for a fun twist.

Storing & Reheating

Store rice crispy treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Reheat in the microwave for about 10 seconds if they become too hard.

Sometimes I surprise my family with these delightful treats during movie nights, and their smiles are worth every sticky moment spent making them.

FAQ

Can I make rice crispy treats vegan?

Yes, simply substitute regular marshmallows with vegan options and use plant-based butter.

How do I prevent my rice crispy treats from being too hard?

Avoid overcooking the marshmallows; they should be melted but still gooey when mixed.

What should I do if my mixture is too sticky?

Wet your hands slightly before pressing the mixture into the pan to prevent excessive stickiness.

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Rice Crispy Treats

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• Author: Ethan Brooks
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: About 12 servings 1x

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Description

Rice crispy treats are a timeless favorite, combining gooey marshmallows and crunchy rice cereal for a delightful snack or dessert. This easy recipe requires just five ingredients and takes under 30 minutes to prepare. Perfect for any occasion, these treats can be customized with chocolate chips, sprinkles, or dried fruit for added fun. Enjoy the nostalgia of childhood memories with each sweet, crispy bite!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 6 cups rice cereal
• 10 oz mini marshmallows
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until bubbly. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted and smooth.
2. Remove from heat and mix in vanilla extract and salt.
3. Gently fold in rice cereal until evenly coated.
4. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, pressing down firmly with slightly wet hands.
5. Allow to cool for 30 minutes before cutting into squares.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 square (35g)
• Calories: 140
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: <1g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 10mg

Keywords: Customize your treats by adding chocolate chips, nuts, or flavored marshmallows. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Reheat in the microwave for about 10 seconds if needed.