Simple No-Bake Rice Krispie Treats
Classic marshmallow and butter cereal bars that are light, chewy, and quick to make without any baking required. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 10 minutes layers unsalted butter, mini marshmallows, Rice Krispies cereal into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 150 calories and feeds 12, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cups mini marshmallows
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large saucepan, melt 3 tbsp unsalted butter over low heat, stirring frequently until melted and hot.
- Step 2: Add 4 cups mini marshmallows to the melted butter and stir continuously until the marshmallows are completely melted and smooth, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract.
- Step 3: Immediately add 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal to the marshmallow mixture and fold gently with a rubber spatula until the cereal is evenly coated.
- Step 4: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch pan and press down firmly with a buttered spatula or wax paper to create an even layer. Let cool at room temperature until set, about 30 minutes, then cut into squares.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Simple No-Bake Rice Krispie Treats take to make?
Total time is about 10 minutes (10 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Simple No-Bake Rice Krispie Treats?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Simple No-Bake Rice Krispie Treats?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Simple No-Bake Rice Krispie Treats for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Simple No-Bake Rice Krispie Treats?
American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
