Our family’s favorite Rice Krispie Treats for thick, gooey dessert bars filled with sweet and buttery marshmallows and crispy cereal crunch. A “secret” add-in makes these the best Rice Krispie treats ever.

Three Rice Krispie treats stacked on top of one another.

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If you love easy party-favorite desserts like Lemon Bars, Pecan Pie Bars or Strawberry Pretzel Salad, these homemade Krispie Treats are a must-try. Watch the easy video below, and you’ll be known for these treats!

Rice Krispie Treats Video

Helpful Reader Review

“I made these for Super Bowl and they were gone fast. I have made Rice Krispy treats for 40 years for my four daughters and this recipe was by far the best. The extra marshmallows were great.” – Cheryl ★★★★★

Best Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

If you love big and gooey Rice Krispie treats, you will love this recipe! Who doesn’t have at least one fond memory of these classic rice treats growing up? Our Rice Krispie squares have the perfect texture – soft, and chewy, with a satisfying crunch. This is our family’s go-to recipe, and it’s a keeper. Easy and done in minutes!

In addition to adding vanilla and salt to balance the sweetness, adding whole marshmallows at the end is the “secret sauce” that makes these the most irresistible. These no-bake crispy rice treats are perfect for a bake sale, potluck, or birthday party – always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients for Marshmallow Rice Krispie Treasts

  • Butter – I prefer to use unsalted butter so I can control the salt but if you use salted butter, just omit the salt in the recipe. You’ll need additional butter for greasing the pan, too.
  • Marshmallows – Miniature marshmallows are my favorite to use when making Rice Krispie treats. Be sure to reserve 2 cups for adding in at the end – it’s a game changer! If you only have large-sized marshmallows, chop them into smaller pieces so they are easier to melt.
  • Vanilla and salt – vanilla extract for flavor and salt to balance the sweetness.
  • Crispy Rice Cereal – I prefer the original Rice Krispies cereal but a generic version will work.
Ingredients for the best Rice Krispie treats.

Pro Tip:

A 16 oz bag of mini marshmallows equals about 8 cups. You can also use 1½ 10 oz bags. Also, 7 cups of crispy rice cereal equals roughly 7 oz. Feel free to scale the recipe up or down as needed.

How to Make Rice Krispie Treats 

  • Prep – Begin by greasing a 9×9 baking dish and lining it with parchment paper. You can also make this recipe in a 9×13 pan, though your Rice Krispie treats will be on the thinner side. These bars come together in just a few quick steps:
  • Melt Butter & Marshmallows – In a large pot over medium-low heat, melt the butter then and 6 cups of mini marshmallows. Gently stir until the marshmallows are melted. Be careful not to overcook the marshmallows, as the sugar will harden.
  • Combine – Take the pot off the heat, then stir in vanilla and a pinch of salt. Fold in the crispy rice cereal, then fold in an additional 2 cups of mini marshmallows. You’ll need to work quickly here, stirring until the added marshmallows are just beginning to melt.
Photo collage showing how to make Rice Krispie treats.
  • Press into the Pan – Finally, scoop and spread the mixture into your prepared baking dish with a spatula, or lay a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap over the top while you press the marshmallow mixture into an even layer (see photo below).
  • Set – Allow the Krispie treats to cool to room temperature before you cut them into squares.
A hand pressing Rice Krispie treats mixture into a parchment-lined baking pan.

Can I use a different cereal?

They may not technically be Rice Krispie treats, but you can make this recipe with any cereal you’d like. Fruity Pebbles, Corn Pops (see our Caramel Corn Pops), Cocoa Puffs, Froot Loops, you name it.

Are Rice Krispies Treats gluten-free?

You can make gluten-free Rice Krispie treats, just be sure that the marshmallows and brand of crispy rice cereal you’re using are labeled gluten-free.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, and it’s easy to do. You can even freeze batches of Krispie treats for later. See below for make-ahead details.

Can I use a different-sized pan?

Absolutely! Instead of a 9×9, you can also use a 10×10 or even a 13×9 pan for Rice Krispie Treats. Keep in mind they won’t be quite as thick and tall in the larger-sized pans unless you scale up the recipe proportionally.

Overhead view of Rice Krispie treats cut into squares.

Flavor Variations

When it comes to customizing your crispy rice treats, there are so many ways you can change up this recipe. Here are some ideas:

  • Cocoa Krispies – Trade out regular Rice Krispie cereal for chocolate Rice Krispies.
  • Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats – Melt creamy peanut butter into the marshmallows for an easy peanut butter-flavored version.
  • Chocolate – Drizzle the squares with melted milk chocolate or white chocolate or top them with chocolate chips.
  • Holidays – Adding colored sprinkles is an easy way to make Krispie treats more festive. Add red and green for Christmas, red and pink for Valentine’s Day, rainbow sprinkles for a Birthday theme, or make ​​Harvest treats with black and orange sprinkles.
Three Rice Krispie treats decorated with different colored sprinkles next to scattered mini marshmallows.

To Store Rice Krispie Treats

It’s hard to beat a fresh batch of Rice Krispies treats; however, they do keep well and stay gooey for several days. Whether you’re making them ahead for a special occasion or simply saving leftovers, Rice Krispie squares are easy to store:

  • At Room Temperature: Keep the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. I don’t recommend refrigerating Rice Krispie treats as they tend to harden.
  • Freezing: For longer storage, transfer your krispy rice treats in a freezer-safe bag or container, remove extra air, and freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw the bars at room temperature before serving.
A hand holding a thick homemade Rice Krispie treat.

Rice Krispie Treats are a classic dessert that everyone loves. We can’t wait for you to try this recipe packed with extra gooey marshmallows.

More Easy Dessert Recipes

Check out these other easy desserts that are perfect for parties and potlucks:

Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

4.93 from 152 votes
Two Rice Krispie treats stacked on top of one another.
Thick and gooey Rice Krispie Treats are a classic no-bake dessert filled with sweet buttery marshmallows and crispy rice cereal crunch. A family-favorite recipe!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients 

Servings: 16 treats
  • 8 Tbsp unsalted butter, plus more to grease pan
  • 16 oz mini marshmallows, divided into 6 cups and 2 cups*
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
  • 7 cups crispy rice cereal, *

Instructions

  • Butter and line a 9×9 baking dish with parchment paper (you can use a 9×13 but the squares won’t be as thick).
  • In a large pot or dutch oven, melt butter over medium/low heat. Add 6 cups marshmallows and stir just until completely melted (don’t overcook or the mixture will harden).
  • Remove the pan from the heat and immediately stir in vanilla and salt. Working quickly stir in the cereal then fold in the remaining 2 cups marshmallows until well coated and the added marshmallows just start to melt but are still chunky.
  • Immediately transfer the mixture to the prepared pan, place a piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper over the top to prevent sticking and lightly pressing it evenly into the pan.
  • Set aside to cool completely to room temperature (about 1 hour), then slice into squares and enjoy.

Notes

Cover and store at room temperature for up to 3 days. (Refrigeration is not recommended as the treats harden too much.)
*For gluten free rice krispies treats, make sure the marshmallows and cereal you use are marked gluten-free. 

Nutrition Per Serving

172kcal Calories30g Carbs1g Protein6g Fat4g Saturated Fat0.3g Polyunsaturated Fat2g Monounsaturated Fat0.2g Trans Fat15mg Cholesterol97mg Sodium13mg Potassium0.1g Fiber16g Sugar175IU Vitamin A3mg Calcium0.3mg Iron
Nutrition Facts
Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Amount per Serving
Calories
172
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
6
g
9
%
Saturated Fat
 
4
g
25
%
Trans Fat
 
0.2
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
0.3
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
2
g
Cholesterol
 
15
mg
5
%
Sodium
 
97
mg
4
%
Potassium
 
13
mg
0
%
Carbohydrates
 
30
g
10
%
Fiber
 
0.1
g
0
%
Sugar
 
16
g
18
%
Protein
 
1
g
2
%
Vitamin A
 
175
IU
4
%
Calcium
 
3
mg
0
%
Iron
 
0.3
mg
2
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: rice crispy treats recipe, rice krispie treats, the best rice krispie treats
Skill Level: Easy
Cost to Make: $
Calories: 172
Natasha's Kitchen Cookbook
4.93 from 152 votes (94 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




Comments

  • Holly Ann
    April 26, 2025

    Wow! These are incredible. They’re a perfect balance between salty, sweet, and chewy but not soggy. Instead of using parchment paper or cling wrap to pat down the top, I used a rubber spatula to do so (the same one I used to mix the mixture of cereal and marshmallows) made for one less step and easier clean up. Thank you for an irresistible recipe!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      April 26, 2025

      You are so welcome, Holly Ann! So glad you loved the recipe.

      Reply

  • Sarah
    April 17, 2025

    A bit too salty for our taste, had to throw out the batch. Will try less salt next time.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      April 17, 2025

      Hi Sarah! This only uses 1/2 tsp of salt, which is a small amount for the recipe as a whole. Did you use salted butter? I recommended using unsalted butter.

      Reply

  • Desiree
    March 30, 2025

    At what point would you recommend to add food coloring?

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      March 31, 2025

      Hi there! I think the best time is after the marshmallows have melted but before you mix in the Rice Krispies cereal. Hope it becomes a huge success!

      Reply

  • Grace
    March 16, 2025

    Just made these and absolutely love them! The addition of the salt really makes these stand out. They are perfect!

    Reply

  • Guadalupe Weixelman
    March 1, 2025

    Delicious and so easy to make. Thank you.

    Reply

  • A.L.
    February 23, 2025

    This is my go-to recipe. I really appreciate the exact measurements of the marshmallows. This recipe can easily be cut in half or quarter for a small batch. My only issue is mine are always very sticky. Are they supposed to be sticky or am I doing something wrong? Thank you.❤️

    Reply

  • Tara
    February 22, 2025

    Best rice krispie treats recipe I’ve ever made. Received rave reviews from everyone at the party! Thank you!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      February 22, 2025

      You’re very welcome, Tara!

      Reply

  • Kelly
    February 16, 2025

    These turned out perfectly! In fact, this is the best recipe for rice crispy treats and I’ve made a lot of different recipes. I love the addition of the salt and extra marshmallows! My 11 year old son requested rice crispy treats and he made sure I saved this recipe. So good! Thank you for sharing!

    Reply

  • Macey Sanchez
    February 13, 2025

    Very quick and easy I recommend putting in more marshmallows and if you don’t have parchment paper to shape your rice crispies to simply wet your hands, and it won’t stick

    Reply

  • Amanda L
    February 12, 2025

    These are amazing. I think I’ve used this recipe before but don’t remember adding salt. My daughter and I made them tonight for valentine treats …. I don’t know if it’s the love or the salt but these are the best I’ve ever made and my husband and nephew said the best they have ever had.

    Reply

  • Lee
    January 30, 2025

    This is the best Rice Krispie treat recipe!!

    Reply

  • Denise
    January 27, 2025

    Oh my goodness Natasha!! I am 53 years old and have really only had these treats homemade a few times. I know… awful. I watched your video with your kids I received in messenger and since I have been making treats to send to my grandbabies, I thought this would be a great addition. These are the absolute best simple krispie treat have ever sank my teeth into! The added chunky marshmallows put this over the top! I KNOW I will be making these more often with your recipe! Thank you!!

    Reply

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