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.
This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.
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.
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.
- 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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
- Date Snickers (tastes like Snickers bars!)
- Banana Pudding
- Fudgy Brownies
- Toffee Recipe
- No Bake Cheesecake
- Apple Crisp
- Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Ingredients
- 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
*For gluten free rice krispies treats, make sure the marshmallows and cereal you use are marked gluten-free.
Nutrition Per Serving
Filed Under
Sorry if I missed this info, but if I use salted butter, should I still add any amount of sea salt or would you skip it? These look great, looking forward to making them for a bake sale.
Hi Kristen, I prefer to use unsalted butter in most recipes, so the end result doesn’t turn out too salty and I can control the saly. If you plan to use salted butter, you will likely need to tweak the salt in the recipe. I hope that helps.
If I double this recipe (looks great)! Can I put these in a 9×13 inch pan? Love ALL your recipes-use them all the time! Do you have a cookbook yet?
Hi Shannel! That should be fine, they’ll just be thinner. My first cookbook released this month. You can find details for the Cookbook here.
Hi Natasha,
Wow these are phenomenal! Can I freeze my leftover ones, and is so how long would you recommend for?
Thank you!Yes you can freeze leftovers. You make check the “Make-Ahead” part in the recipe.
Hi Natasha,
Ever since I saw this video for Rice Krispie Treats, my whole family has fallen in love with them:) I make these all the time now!!!! Can never have too many marshmallows!!!! Thanks So Much for the Recipe & the Video:)
You’re The Best!!!!
Hi Melinda! You’re very welcome. They are quite the perfect treat! So glad your family is enjoying them.
It looks like Sharky had to take a bite of your sons rice krispie treat, everyone loves this Awesome Treat:) Even Sharky!!!
Yes that’s right lol!
Yummy. The extra marshmallows stirred in at the end are a lovely touch. I made a double recipe and my great grandsons polished off most of them.
Hi Kathryn! These are such a treat. I’m glad you and your great grandchildren feel the same!
This is the best Rice Krispie recipe. I always get compliments about how delicious these are when I make them. The 2 extra cups of marshmallows added at the end are the perfect touch!
That’s just awesome! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review, Jenny!
So looking forward to making these! Although is there a typo in the “pro tip” section? Confused how 7 oz = 7 cups when there are 8 oz in 1 cup??
Hi Kristen! It’s based on weight, 7 cups of Rice Krispie Cereal weigh about 7 ounces. When you purchase it at the store, the weight will be displayed on the front of the box. It just helps give you a guideline of how large (or small) of a box to purchase.
Ah, that makes sense! I was overthinking it! Or maybe underthinking it! 😀
Just finished making these and they are excellent! Love the salty/sweet combo!
So glad you loved them! 🙂
This recipe really is the best! We made a double batch to take to an Easter celebration and they were a huge hit!
These are the perfect Easter treat! I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Joey!
Do you suggest doubling the recipe for a 9×13 pan? I want to make a larger batch for a work party!
Hi Sam! That should work fine. I have made this recipe in a 9×13 pan before and they weren’t as thick, but because of doubling the recipe, it won’t be an issue.
I found that 1 1/2x recipe makes nice thick crispy treats in a 9×12 pan
Thank you so much for sharing that with us!
My granddaughter requested Rice Krispie treats for Easter and I plan on making your recipe instead of the recipe on the box. Your kiddos are adorable and I spotted sharkie twice, first when your daughter had it on her hand and was pressing down the Rice Krispie treats and again when you had it on your hand and grabbed part of your sons Rice Krispie treat. I enjoy all your recipes and know I everyone will love them on Sunday.
Thank you for your kind words. I hope your granddaughter will love this!
My search for the best Rice Krispies treat is over. This is it! So so good. I’ve made them at least four or five times since finding the recipe three weeks ago. Yum!
Aaaw, thank you! I’m happy that you loved this recipe a lot.
I Know i know your on America and you use America measurement but it would be so much easier in grams lol
Can you add that option where it calculates ? Besides that recipes always good 👍
Hi Gerald, If you scroll down to our printable recipe card, most of our recipes have a metric conversion option on the printable recipe card. We are currently working on adding metric measurements to all of our recipes, but it is taking some time to add them one at a time. Thank you so much for being patient! In the meantime, check out our post on measuring which should help.
I know for most people Rice Krispie treats are pretty simple…but these are the BEST ones I’ve ever made and ate. These are my go to for evermore. Thanks for the recipe and video…your children are adorable ☺️
Hi Michelle! That’s great to hear. Thank you. 🙂
The best rice Krispie treats! So easy to make and my kids loved them.
They really are! So glad your kids love the recipe. 🙂
Forever and always a classic treat!
Here’s a tip if you are making Fruity Pebbles treats; Try substituting lemon extract in-place of the vanilla. The citric flavor from the lemon enhances the Pebbles’ taste.
Thank you so much for sharing that with me, Kailyn!
I’ve made Rice Krispy bars many times over the years, different versions, but this one is the absolute best! Used pink, white and red sprinkles for Valentine’s Day. Going to make another batch and cut them into hearts. Thank you for your awesome take on a traditional treat!
You’re so welcome! I’m so happy that you love our version, thank you for sharing that with us.
I will never make rice krispie squares any other way again! These are amazing, so amazing I kept sneaking into the kitchen for just 1 more! Thanks!
That’s wonderful to hear! Thank you.
Hi Natasha
Fantastic recipe. The best I have ever made. Thank you!
Hi Nicki! Great to know that. Thanks so much for the feedback. 🙂
This is the absolute best Rice Krispy Treats recipe I’ve ever tasted. It will be my go-to recipe from now on!
Hi Joy! I’m so glad you loved them. They are so simple and delicious! 🙂
I just made these tonight and they are AMAZING! The touch of vanilla, salt (I used kosher because that’s what I had) and the added unmelted marshmallows make these so much better than regular rice crispy treats! I also made these gluten free by making sure I found rice crispies without malt flavoring. Thank you so much for yet another wonderful recipe!
You’re so very welcome, Rachel! Thank you for the wonderful review. I’m glad you loved them.