Crispy Rice Krispies with Marshmallow Fluff

Here’s my go-to rice krispies treats recipe, made with gooey marshmallow fluff instead of regular marshmallows, giving these classic treats an extra smooth and creamy texture that everyone loves.

These treats have become my kids’ favorite after-school snack, and I always make a double batch because they disappear so quickly. Plus, they’re perfect for those last-minute bake sales or classroom parties when you need something quick and reliable, right?

What Kind of Marshmallow Cream Should I Use?

You’ll find marshmallow cream (also called marshmallow fluff) in most grocery stores, typically sold in jars near the peanut butter or ice cream toppings. The two most common brands are Marshmallow Fluff and Kraft Jet-Puffed Marshmallow Creme, and either one works great in this recipe. While you might be tempted to substitute regular marshmallows, stick with the cream version – it melts more smoothly and gives you that perfect gooey texture without any unmelted bits. If you’re having trouble finding marshmallow cream at your local store, you can usually spot it in the baking aisle or ask a store employee to point you in the right direction.

Options for Substitutions

Looking to make these treats but missing something? Here are some helpful swaps you can try:

• Marshmallow cream: If you can’t find marshmallow cream, you can use 10 ounces of regular marshmallows instead. Just melt them slowly with the butter until smooth. Mini marshmallows work particularly well as they melt faster.
• Butter: While butter gives the best flavor, you can use margarine or coconut oil as alternatives. For dairy-free treats, coconut oil works great, just note that the flavor will be slightly different.
• Crispy rice cereal: Any brand of crispy rice cereal works here – it doesn’t have to be Rice Krispies. You could even try other crispy cereals like Cheerios or Corn Flakes, though the texture will be different.
• Vanilla essence: You can skip the vanilla if you don’t have it, or try almond extract for a different flavor (use only ¼ teaspoon as it’s stronger). Vanilla bean paste works too – same amount as vanilla extract.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making

The biggest challenge when making Rice Krispies treats is ending up with rock-hard squares instead of soft, chewy ones – this usually happens when you heat the marshmallow mixture too long or press the cereal mixture too firmly into the pan.

Getting the mixture out of the bowl can be a sticky nightmare, but you can prevent this by coating your spatula with a thin layer of butter or cooking spray before mixing, and using parchment paper to press the treats into the pan.

Keep a close eye on the butter-marshmallow mixture as it melts – overheating will make your treats tough, so remove from heat as soon as everything is smoothly combined and still glossy.

For the perfect texture, use gentle pressure when spreading the mixture in the pan – pressing too hard will compress the cereal and result in dense, hard treats instead of light and crispy ones.

What to Serve With Rice Krispies Treats?

These sweet and chewy treats are perfect on their own, but they’re even better when paired with a cold glass of milk! If you’re serving these at a party or get-together, try setting up a hot chocolate station with whipped cream and sprinkles – the warm drink goes perfectly with the gooey marshmallow texture. For a fun dessert spread, I like to serve these alongside other no-bake treats like chocolate-dipped pretzels or cookie balls. You can also wrap individual squares in wax paper and pack them in lunch boxes with fresh fruit for a sweet afternoon pick-me-up.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: These rice krispie treats stay nice and chewy when kept in an airtight container at room temperature. Layer them between pieces of wax paper or parchment paper to prevent sticking. They’ll be good for about 3-4 days, though they’re usually gone way before that in my house!

Pack: Want to pack these for lunch boxes or picnics? Wrap individual squares in wax paper or plastic wrap. This keeps them from sticking together and makes them easy to grab and go. Plus, they won’t get squished in lunch boxes this way.

Freeze: Yes, you can freeze these treats! Place them in a freezer-safe container with wax paper between layers and they’ll keep for up to 6 weeks. Just remember that the texture might be a bit different after freezing – they tend to get a bit harder but will soften up as they come to room temperature.

Preparation Time	10-15 minutes
Cooking Time	10-15 minutes
Total Time	20-30 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 2100-2300
• Protein: 20-30 g
• Fat: 80-90 g
• Carbohydrates: 350-400 g

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons butter (56 grams)
• 15 ounces marshmallow cream
• 8 cups crispy rice cereal
• 1 teaspoon vanilla essence

Step 1: Prepare Baking Equipment

Start by spraying or greasing a 11×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.

Additionally, spray or grease a large pot and set it aside.

This will help ensure that the rice krispie treats won’t adhere to the sides of the pot during preparation.

Step 2: Measure the Cereal

In a large bowl, measure out 8 cups of rice krispies cereal.

Having the cereal ready will allow for a quick and smooth process once the marshmallow mixture is prepared.

Step 3: Melt Butter and Marshmallow Fluff

Place the greased pot on a burner set to low heat and add butter, allowing it to melt completely.

Once the butter is melted, add the marshmallow fluff.

Use two spoons to help transfer the fluff into the pot without sticking.

Stir and melt the marshmallow fluff until it becomes runny and fully melted, which should take about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Combine and Coat Cereal

Once the marshmallow mixture is smooth, add a splash of vanilla and mix well.

Then, gradually add the rice krispies cereal to the pot, stirring continuously to ensure that all the cereal is evenly coated with the marshmallow fluff.

Step 5: Transfer and Set

Quickly scoop the cereal mixture into your pre-greased baking pan.

With a gentle hand, pat the mixture down evenly across the pan, pressing gently to level it without compacting too hard.

Allow it to set at room temperature for about 30 minutes, giving the treats time to solidify before serving.