RP
RecipePoolDiscover your next favorite recipe
  • Recipes
  • Collections
  • Roundups
  • Meal Plans
  • Guides
  • About
Search
Browse
IngredientsCuisineDietMethodOccasion

Main Navigation

  • Recipes
  • Collections
  • Roundups
  • Meal Plans
  • Guides
  • About

Browse Faster

IngredientsCuisineDietMethodOccasion
Follow RecipePool on Pinterest
RecipePool

1,784+ tested recipes

Thoughtfully tested recipes, seasonal inspiration, and cooking guides to help you make something delicious every day.

Get weekly recipe inspiration

Explore

  • Recipes
  • Collections
  • Roundups
  • Seasonal
  • Products
  • Meal Plans
  • Guides
  • Ingredients

Browse By

  • Cuisine
  • Diet
  • Method
  • Occasion

Company

  • About
  • Contact
  • Editorial Policy
  • Recipe Testing
  • Privacy
  • Terms

© 2026 RecipePool. All rights reserved.

HomeSearchCollectionsSaved
  1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Classic Rice Crispy Treats
Rice Krispies cereal in a glass bowl

Gooey marshmallow cereal bars with extra butter

Classic Rice Crispy Treats

Classic Rice Crispy Treats

15 minEasy

Prep Time

10 min

Cook Time

5 min

Total Time

15 min

Servings

16

16 bars

Difficulty

Easy

Cost

Budget

$

Be the first to rate this recipe
Share

Classic Rice Crispy Treats

Gooey marshmallow cereal bars with extra butter

The iconic no-bake bar made with puffed rice cereal and melted marshmallows, upgraded with extra butter and a touch of vanilla for the gooiest, most flavorful version.

10m

Prep Time

5m

Cook Time

15m

Total Time

16

Servings

Easy

Difficulty

Budget $

Cost

DessertSnackVegetarianGluten-Free
Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen

June 24, 2024(Updated April 12, 2026)

Rice Crispy Treats have been an American classic since 1940. This version uses extra butter and marshmallows for bars that are gooier and more flavorful than the back-of-the-box recipe.

Why This Recipe Works

Extra butter and an entire bag of marshmallows (not the recipe-card amount) create bars that are gooey and rich rather than dry and crumbly. Don't press them too hard.

Ingredients

  • 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
  • 1 bag (10 oz) marshmallows plus 1 cup mini marshmallows
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • Cooking spray for the pan

Instructions

  1. 1

    Melt butter in a large pot over low heat. Add the 10 oz bag of marshmallows and stir until completely melted and smooth.

  2. 2

    Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and salt.

  3. 3

    Add Rice Krispies and extra mini marshmallows (for gooey pockets). Fold gently until cereal is coated.

  4. 4

    Pour into a buttered 9x13 pan. Press gently with a buttered spatula—don't compress.

  5. 5

    Let cool at room temperature for 30 minutes before cutting into bars.

Serving Suggestions

Ways to Serve This Dish

  • Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream

  • Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate sauce before serving

  • Arrange on a platter for easy sharing at your next gathering

  • Pair with your favorite dipping sauce for extra flavor

Substitutions

Rice KrispiesCocoa Krispies, Fruity Pebbles, or Cheerios

Any puffed cereal works for fun variations

MarshmallowsMarshmallow fluff (use 2 jars)

Melts faster and creates an extra-gooey treat

DepthPantry

Test Kitchen Pick

Vanilla Extract

Helpful Pantry Staple

Why the vanilla matters

For baking and desserts, vanilla is often carrying more aroma than people expect. A better bottle gives the whole recipe a cleaner finish.

This is a small pantry move that usually makes baked goods taste more complete.

  • Improves aroma in desserts and bakes
  • Useful across cakes, cookies, and breakfast bakes

Vanilla extract is one of the easiest pantry upgrades to keep using.

Shop vanilla extract for this recipe

Tips & Storage

Pro Tips

  • Don't press the mixture too firmly into the pan—a gentle hand keeps them gooey instead of dense.

  • Adding extra mini marshmallows to the cereal creates pockets of gooeyness throughout.

Storage

Cover tightly and store at room temperature up to 3 days. Do not refrigerate.

Reheating

Microwave for 10 seconds to restore gooeyness if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (10mg) · 16 servings

Calories120
LowModerateHigh

A light, low-calorie option · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet

Protein1g
Carbohydrates4g
Fat21g
Fiber100mg
Sugar0g
Sodium12g

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are mine hard and dry?
Too much heat melting the marshmallows, or pressing too firmly into the pan. Use low heat and a gentle touch.
Can I add mix-ins?
Yes—chocolate chips, sprinkles, M&Ms, or peanut butter are all popular additions.

Explore More

More DessertMore SnackVegetarian RecipesGluten-Free RecipesStovetop Recipes
Sarah Chen

About Sarah Chen

Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.

View all recipes →

Some product links on this page may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate RecipePool earns from qualifying purchases.

Related Recipes

Bowl of puppy chow snack mix coated in powdered sugar

Puppy Chow Snack Mix

15 min

Peach crumble with oat topping and a scoop of vanilla ice cream

Peach Cobbler with Oat Crumble

55 min

Jalapeño cheddar cornbread in a cast iron skillet with melted cheese

Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread

35 min

Squares of old-fashioned chocolate fudge with walnuts

Old-Fashioned Chocolate Fudge

30 min

New Orleans pecan pralines on parchment paper

New Orleans Pralines

30 min

Top view of almond and peanut brittle pieces on a white surface, emphasizing texture and sweetness.

Classic Peanut Brittle

25 min

You Might Also Like

Bowl of puppy chow snack mix coated in powdered sugar
Vegetarian
Easy

Puppy Chow Snack Mix

15 min12 servings
View Recipe

Puppy Chow Snack Mix

15 min•Easy
Peach crumble with oat topping and a scoop of vanilla ice cream
Vegetarian
Easy

Peach Cobbler with Oat Crumble

55 min8 servings
View Recipe

Peach Cobbler with Oat Crumble

55 min•Easy
Jalapeño cheddar cornbread in a cast iron skillet with melted cheese
Vegetarian
Easy

Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread

35 min8 servings
View Recipe

Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread

35 min•Easy
Squares of old-fashioned chocolate fudge with walnuts
VegetarianGluten-Free
Medium

Old-Fashioned Chocolate Fudge

30 min36 servings
View Recipe

Old-Fashioned Chocolate Fudge

30 min•Medium
New Orleans pecan pralines on parchment paper
VegetarianGluten-Free
Medium

New Orleans Pralines

30 min24 servings
View Recipe

New Orleans Pralines

30 min•Medium
Top view of almond and peanut brittle pieces on a white surface, emphasizing texture and sweetness.
VegetarianGluten-Free
Medium

Classic Peanut Brittle

25 min16 servings
View Recipe

Classic Peanut Brittle

25 min•Medium