3-Ingredient Rice Krispie Treats
You only need three things for these treats: cereal, marshmallows, and butter. That’s it.
No corn syrup, no vanilla extract, no fancy additions. Just the basics that work perfectly together.
Marshmallow Quality Makes Everything
Fresh marshmallows melt smoothly and create that perfect chewy texture. Stale ones turn grainy and won’t bind properly. Check the bag date and give them a squeeze – they should feel soft and springy, not hard or dried out.
Must-Have Items
Low Heat Prevents Disaster
Melt everything over low heat only. High heat turns marshmallows into cement-hard candy that won’t mix with the cereal. You want them just melted, not bubbling or browning. Stir constantly and remove from heat the moment they’re smooth.
Press Gently Into Pan
Don’t pack these down hard or you’ll get dense, tough squares. Use buttered hands or wax paper to press just enough so they hold together. The lighter your touch, the more tender your final treats will be.
Avoiding the Sticky Mess
- Butter your hands before pressing the mixture into the pan to prevent everything from sticking to your fingers.
- Cut with a sharp knife dipped in warm water between cuts for clean edges that don’t tear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will regular marshmallows work instead of mini ones?
Yes, but cut them into smaller pieces first. Large marshmallows take longer to melt evenly and can create hot spots.
How long do these stay fresh?
Store covered at room temperature for up to one week. They’ll get slightly firmer after day three but still taste great.
Should I refrigerate them to set faster?
Skip the fridge – it makes them too hard. Room temperature setting gives you the perfect chewy texture you want.
Highly Recommended
3-Ingredient Rice Krispie Treats
Ingredients
Equipment Needed
- Large heavy-bottomed saucepan
- 8×8 inch baking pan
- Large mixing spoon
Instructions
- Prepare pan and cereal: Butter the 8×8 inch baking pan thoroughly. Set aside. Measure out the Rice Krispies into a large bowl.
- Melt marshmallow mixture: Place butter and marshmallows in the heavy-bottomed saucepan. Heat over low heat, stirring constantly, until marshmallows are completely melted and mixture is smooth, about 3-4 minutes.
- Combine ingredients: Remove from heat immediately. Pour the melted marshmallow mixture over the Rice Krispies. Stir quickly but gently until all cereal is evenly coated.
- Press into pan: Transfer mixture to the prepared pan. Using buttered hands or wax paper, press gently and evenly into pan. Don’t pack down hard.
- Cool and cut: Let cool at room temperature for 30 minutes until set. Cut into 16 squares and serve.
Nutrition Facts
Per Serving (1 square)
