How to Make Rice Crispy Treats with Marshmallows Step by Step Full Guide
Rice crispy treats are one of those tasty classics that no one outgrows. Whether you’re a kid or an adult, it gives you the perfect combination of sweetness with crunch. All you need is a few ingredients: the obvious is the crisp rice cereal, marshmallows, and butter, but these treats can be made right in time for family gatherings, school lunches, or even just snack time.
In this article, we are going to walk you through how to make the best rice crispy treats with marshmallows and give you ideas on how to try different variations, as well as answers to common questions, so that your treats come out perfect every time.
Ingredients
Before we get started, here’s what you’ll need to make a basic batch of rice crispy treats:
- 6 cups rice crispy cereal (you may use Rice Krispies or a similar crispy rice cereal)
- 4 cups mini marshmallows OR 10 oz. of regular-sized marshmallows
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Optional 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for extra flavor
These are the amounts needed to make about 16 rice crispy squares, but don’t worry if you want to make a bigger or smaller batch. You can easily multiply or divide the recipe.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these simple steps in order to create the perfect batch of rice crispy treats with marshmallows.
1. Prepare Your Pan
Pre-grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, or line the baking dish with parchment paper in order to avoid sticking rice crispy treats. Otherwise, you can line it up with wax paper in order to easily remove them. Lastly, this dish shall also come in handy when you press the mixture into the pan using a greased spatula.
2. Melt the Butter
In a large non-stick saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. It is very important to stir this constantly so that the butter does not burn. If you would like an extra rich flavor, you can let the butter brown a little bit for that nutty, caramelized flavor to your marshmallow treats. Just don’t let it burn!
3. Add the Marshmallows
Once the butter has completely melted, add the marshmallows into the pan. Continuously stir as the marshmallows melt into the butter. Do not allow the heat to get too high because the marshmallows burn readily. You should allow 3-5 minutes for this step.
Note: If you want some of your treats just a little extra gooey, set aside about 1/2 cup of mini marshmallows and add them to the mix right before adding in the cereal.
4. Add Vanilla (Optional)
If you’re using vanilla extract for flavoring, now is the time to stir it in with your melted marshmallow mixture. The flavoring adds a scent that deepens the sweetness of the treats; therefore, the enhanced flavour when you’re done is mostly rounded, and this is optional.
5. Add Rice Crispy Cereal
Once melted to a complete, remove the pan from heat and gently fold in rice crispy cereal, by spatula or spoon. Fold gently for good coating on each piece.
Set any extra mini marshmallows aside for an added goo factor; fold them into the mixture so every bite will be loaded with that extra pop of soft, melty marshmallow goodness.
6. Pour into the Prepared Pan
Pour that sticky mixture into your prepared 9×13-inch baking pan. Use a spatula to gently press the mixture down onto an even layer. Be careful not to press too hard, though, as this can compress the cereal and make your treats too dense. You want them light and crispy.
Hack: Buttering the spatula or your hands lightly will make it much easier to press the mixture without sticking.
7. Allow the Treats to Set
Give the rice crispy treats half an hour or so to cool and solidify at room temperature. If you need them sooner place the pan in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to speed up the process. Once the treats have set cut into squares with a sharp knife.
Tips:
1. Use Fresh Marshmallows: Fresh marshmallows melt nice and smooth whereas older or drier ones create harder treats. Thus, ensure that your treats are soft and chewy rather than being tough.
2. Don’t Overheat: Keep the heat at a low level when melting butter and marshmallows. Higher heat causes the mixture to reach its hardening point, thus making these rice crispy treats as crunchy rather than chewy.
3. Grease Everything: Grease your spatula, mixing spoon, and even your hands with butter or non-stick spray lightly in order not to stick. This will enable you to work well with the sticky dough.
4. Add mix-ins: For extra flavor and texture boost, you can add some fun mix-ins like chocolate chips, sprinkles, peanut butter, or crushed candy.
5. Browned Butter Option: Toasting the butter beforehand gives a much deeper, nuttier flavor profile. Simply cook it for a bit longer so that it turns golden brown and then add your marshmallows.
Rice Crispy Treat Variations
The beauty of rice crispy treats is that they can be incredibly customized with different flavor profiles and mix-ins. Here are a few popular variations:
1. Chocolate Rice Crispy Treats
With chocolate rice crispy treats, you add chocolate chips into the mix when you add in your cereal. Alternatively, you could drizzle melted chocolate on top of the treats once they’re pressed into the pan for that indulgent touch.
2. Peanut Butter Rice Crispy Treats
To give it a nutty twist, you melt 1/2 cup of peanut butter with the marshmallows. The rich flavor of the peanut butter perfectly complements the sweetness of the marshmallows.
3. Rainbow Rice Crispy Treats
To give it a fun and colorful version, add some rainbow sprinkles at the last minutes, right before moving the mixture into a pan. These are always a hit with the kids at parties!
4. Salted Caramel Rice Crispy Treats
Add a pinch of sea salt on top of your rice crispy treats, and drizzle with caramel sauce for a fine, sweet-and-salty treat.
5. Holiday-Themed Rice Crispy Treats
Go seasonal: you can add food coloring to the marshmallow mixture or use Christmas, Thanksgiving, or Valentine’s cookie cutters to shape into hearts, pumpkins, or trees.
How to Store Rice Crispy Treats
It’s best to prepare and consume rice crispy treats the same day. Or else, they can be stored for another day. Here’s how to maintain their freshness
Room Temperature: Store them for up to three days at room temperature in an airtight container. Place parchment paper in between the layers so that they don’t stick to each other.
Refrigerate: Keep for up to a week in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Rice crispy treats will be quite firm when cold, so let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying.
Freezing: Good to freeze. Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag or container for up to 6 weeks. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Conclusion
Marshmallows inside rice crispy treats: these treats in general are a quick, easy, and endlessly customizable snack. All you need are a few basic ingredients, some know-how, and then you will be whipping up a batch of soft, chewy goodness. Follow the steps and tips below, and get creative with your own variations for perfect rice crispy treats every single time!