Crispy Rice Marshmallow Treats
In short: Soft, chewy marshmallow bars made with melted butter, marshmallows and puffed rice cereal. No oven, ready in 15 minutes plus setting time. It takes about 20 min in total and makes 16 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 5 min
- Resting
- 30 min
- Total
- 20 min
- Servings
- 16
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 125 kcal
Crispy rice treats are bars of melted marshmallow and puffed rice cereal, pressed into a pan and cut once they set. They need no oven, take about 15 minutes, and are one of the first recipes many children learn. The texture depends on how gently you press the mixture: pack it hard and the bars turn dense and tough, press lightly and they stay soft and chewy. Fresh marshmallows matter, because stale ones do not melt smoothly.
Instructions
- Line a 23 cm (9 in) square pan with parchment paper and butter the paper lightly.
- Melt the butter in a large pot over low heat. Add three-quarters of the marshmallows and stir constantly for about 4 minutes, until completely melted and smooth.
- Take the pot off the heat. Stir in the vanilla and salt, then add the cereal and stir until every piece is coated.
- Fold in the remaining marshmallows so they stay in soft pockets.
- Scrape the mixture into the pan. With buttered hands or a buttered spatula, press it gently into an even layer. Do not pack it down hard.
- Let the bars set at room temperature for 30 minutes, then lift out and cut into 16 squares.
Tips
- For a nutty, toffee-like flavor, brown the butter first: cook it until golden and fragrant, about 5 minutes, then add the marshmallows.
- Most marshmallows contain gelatin, so look for vegetarian marshmallows if you need them. Check that the cereal is gluten-free too if that matters to you.
Questions and answers
Why are my crispy rice treats hard?
The marshmallows were overheated, or the mixture was pressed too firmly into the pan. Melt them over low heat and press only lightly.
How long do crispy rice treats stay soft?
They are best the day they are made, and stay soft for 2 days in an airtight container at room temperature. Do not refrigerate them, because they turn hard.
Can I use large marshmallows?
Yes. Use about 40 large marshmallows, or 300 g (10 oz). They melt a little more slowly, so keep stirring over low heat.
How long does it take to make Crispy Rice Marshmallow Treats?
About 20 min in total: 15 min of preparation and 5 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Crispy Rice Marshmallow Treats?
About 125 kcal per serving, with 1 g of protein, 24 g of carbohydrates and 3 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 125 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 1 g |
| Carbohydrates | 24 g |
| Fat | 3 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 12 g |
| Sodium | 100 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
