The Rice Krispies Treats Recipe I Wish I Knew About Years Ago

With just three simple ingredients — cereal, marshmallows, and butter — Rice Krispies treats are a seemingly straightforward dessert. But when you consider the small details, like unsalted versus salted butter, European versus American butter, the cereal brand, and of course, the amount of each ingredient, there are suddenly a lot of variables that can alter the outcome.

Enter: the blog How To Make Cereal Treats. Yes, just as it sounds, it’s a site devoted to sharing tips and recipes for making perfect cereal treats every time. In their quest to develop the absolute best Rice Krispies treat, they covered all the bases by conducting a blind taste test of over 20 versions, ultimately coming up with the only recipe you need. It’s without a doubt the most-tested Rice Krispies treat recipe out there, so I had to try it myself. Here’s how it went.

Start by greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or baking spray. If using the microwave to melt the butter and marshmallows, place them in a large microwave-safe bowl, heat for 1 minute, and stir until melted. Heat for an additional 15 seconds if needed, then stir again. Add the cereal to the bowl and stir to combine. Gently press the mixture into the prepared pan.

If using the stovetop, grease a large mixing bowl with butter or baking spray, then add the cereal. Melt the butter in a medium-large saucepan over low heat. Stir in the marshmallows and keep over low heat until about 75 percent of the marshmallows have melted. Remove from the heat and stir vigorously until the marshmallows are completely melted. Pour over the cereal and stir to coat. Gently press the mixture into the prepared pan. Cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing.

My first thought when biting into this treat was that it was exactly what I expected from a homemade Rice Krispies treat, only better. It was the best version of a classic Rice Krispies treat I’ve ever tasted. Considering I’ve been making Rice Krispies treats for years, I only wish I knew about it sooner!

The ratio of ingredients makes for incredibly well-balanced treats that are perfect in taste and texture. They have a nice marshmallow flavor, just enough sweetness without being overwhelming, and they’re not too buttery. Plus, the hint of salt from the butter adds a nice balance. As for the texture, the treats are sturdy yet soft, with a wonderful crispy bite. I also like that the recipe offers the option for making these treats using the microwave or stovetop.

If you’re after a classic Rice Krispies treat, there is none better than this recipe.

Have you made The How to Make Cereal Treats Rice Krispie Treats? Tell us what you thought!