Rice Krispie Treats
These thick Rice Krispie Treats are extra gooey with sea salt. An easy no-bake recipe that’s always a crowd pleaser. Get the perfect bar every time!
Worth adding to the list: Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats or Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats.
Why These Are the Best Rice Krispie Treats You’ll Try
I’ve made plenty of Rice Krispie Treats over the years, but this version is my absolute favorite. My husband Josh is picky about these, and he declared this recipe perfect. The secret is extra marshmallows stirred in after melting, so you get gooey pockets throughout. A pinch of sea salt balances the sweetness, and using an 8×8 pan gives you thick, satisfying bars. No wimpy squares here!
Why You’ll Love These Thick Rice Krispie Treats
- Extra marshmallows make them extra gooey, you get melty pockets in every bite.
- Sea salt adds a subtle savory contrast that makes the sweetness pop.
- Super thick bars mean a satisfying chew, not a thin, crunchy square.
Key Ingredients for the Best Rice Krispie Treats
- Mini marshmallows: They melt faster than large ones. You need a 16 oz bag plus 2 extra cups for that gooey texture.
- Unsalted butter: Using unsalted lets you control the salt level. The sea salt on top adds just the right finishing touch.
- Sea salt: Not just for garnish, it cuts the sweetness and enhances the buttery flavor. Flaky sea salt works best.
Kitchen Tools for Thick Rice Krispie Treats
- 8×8-inch baking pan: For thick bars. Use a 9×13 for thinner, more traditional treats.
- Large pot: Big enough to stir all the cereal and marshmallows without spilling.
- Spatula: A silicone spatula works best for stirring. Grease it with nonstick spray for pressing the mixture into the pan.
- Nonstick cooking spray: For greasing the pan and your hands or spatula to prevent sticking.
Tips for Perfect Gooey Rice Krispie Treats
Don’t overcook the marshmallows! Once they’re fully melted, pull the pot off the heat right away. Overcooking makes them hard and brittle. For the thickest bars, use an 8×8-inch pan, the mixture will fill it to the top, and that’s what you want. When pressing the mixture into the pan, don’t smash it down too hard. A gentle press keeps the treats light and chewy instead of dense and tough.
Fun Variations for Homemade Rice Krispie Treats
If you want to mix things up, try swapping half the crispy rice cereal with Fruity Pebbles for a fruity twist. Craving chocolate? Use Cocoa Crispies cereal instead. Brown the butter for a nutty flavor, or stir in colorful sprinkles for extra fun. For a cookies-and-cream version, crush up some Oreos and add them to the mix, then drizzle the treats with white chocolate.
How to Serve Your Rice Krispie Treats
These treats are perfect for parties, potlucks, or a simple snack. Cut them into squares and serve with a cold glass of milk for dunking. For a dessert board, cut them into small bite-sized pieces and arrange alongside cookies, brownies, and fruit. They also travel well, so they’re great for lunchboxes or road trips.
How to Store Leftover Rice Krispie Treats
Keep the treats in an airtight container or cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap. Store at room temperature for up to 3 days. Do not refrigerate, the cold will dry them out and make them hard and brittle.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rice Krispie Treats
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but then skip the added sea salt or reduce it to a pinch to avoid oversalting. Unsalted butter gives you more control over the final flavor.
Can I use generic crispy rice cereal?
Absolutely. Any brand of puffed rice cereal works. The texture and flavor are nearly identical to name-brand Rice Krispies.
Why did my Rice Krispie Treats turn out hard?
Two common reasons: overcooking the marshmallows (they should just melt, not simmer) or pressing the mixture too firmly into the pan. Gentle handling keeps them soft and chewy.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, but use a larger pot and spread the mixture into a 9×13-inch pan for regular thickness, or use two 8×8 pans for thick bars.
Recipe
Rice Krispie Treats
Extra marshmallows, sea salt, and a super-thick bar make for the BEST Rice Krispie Treats. You will love these easy, no-bake treats, they are always a crowd pleaser!
Ingredients
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 16 oz mini marshmallows
- 2 cup mini marshmallows, divided
- 0.5 tsp vanilla extract, optional
- 0.5 tsp sea salt, plus more for sprinkling
- 8 cup crispy rice cereal
Instructions
- 1
For super thick Rice Krispie Treats, our favorite, grease an 8x8-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. For regular Rice Krispie Treats, grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Set pan aside.
- 2
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the 16 oz bag of marshmallows and stir until the marshmallows are completely melted. Don't over cook or the marshmallows will get hard.
- 3
Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla (if using) and the sea salt. Add the cereal and gently stir until the cereal is well coated with the marshmallows. Stir in the remaining 2 cups of mini marshmallows.
- 4
Transfer mixture to the prepared pan. Lightly press the mixture into the pan, using a greased spatula. You can also lightly grease your hands and press the mixture into the pan. If you are using an 8x8-inch pan the mixture will completely fill the pan and that is ok.
- 5
Let the Rice Krispie Treats cool before cutting, about 1 hour. Cut into squares and serve.
- 6
Cover pan with plastic wrap or put the treats in an airtight container and store on the counter for up to 3 days.
Nutrition (per serving)
Calorie breakdown
How this was calculated — 6 of 6 ingredients matched
Nutrition information is automatically calculated from USDA FoodData Central, so should only be used as an approximation. Actual values may vary depending on the ingredients, brands, and preparation methods used.
Open in analyzerKeyword: dessert, kid-friendly, no-bake, No-Cook
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NutriforksNutriForks is a home-cooking site built around two simple ideas: recipes should actually work, and you should know what’s in them. Every recipe pairs clear, tested instructions with a full nutrition breakdown, so healthy, everyday cooking is genuinely easy.