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Stack of gooey homemade Rice Krispie Treats squares on a plate ready to serve

Perfect No Bake Rice Krispie Treats

This recipe transforms humble ingredients into a dessert masterpiece by balancing crunch and chew with a specific alchemy of butter and marshmallows. Enhanced with a splash of high-quality vanilla and a pinch of sea salt, these treats offer a sophisticated twist on the classic childhood favorite.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 16
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 140
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 6 cups Crisp Rice Cereal
  • 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon Sea Salt
  • Non-stick cooking spray or extra butter for greasing pan and hands

Equipment

  • 9x9 inch square baking pan
  • Parchment paper or aluminum foil
  • Large pot
  • Rubber spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Stove

Method
 

  1. Line a 9x9 inch square pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving a little overhang on the sides to act as handles later. Grease the lining generously with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. Place a large pot over low heat. Add the salted butter and let it melt slowly and gently. (Optional: For a nuttier flavor, let the butter bubble until golden brown).
  3. Add the mini marshmallows to the pot, reserving about one cup for later to create whole marshmallow pockets. Stir constantly with a rubber spatula.
  4. Continue stirring until the marshmallows are completely melted and smooth. Stir in the pure vanilla extract and sea salt.
  5. Remove the pot from the heat immediately. Pour in the crisp rice cereal and the reserved one cup of mini marshmallows.
  6. Fold the mixture gently but efficiently with the rubber spatula until every piece of cereal is coated in the gooey marshmallow mixture.
  7. Pour the sticky mixture into the prepared pan. Grease your hands or a spatula with a little butter.
  8. Gently press the mixture into the corners and level the top using your greased hands. Do not pack it down hard; use a light touch to keep them airy.
  9. Allow the treats to cool and set at room temperature before slicing into squares.

Notes

Key Tip: Keep the heat low to prevent the sugar from crystallizing and turning the treats hard. Always use fresh marshmallows for the best texture. Store in an airtight container at room temperature; do not refrigerate as it will dry out the cereal.