August 24, 2026

I may earn money from products/companies mentioned in this post. This post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission, at no extra charge to you, when you shop through my links. You're support is greatly appreciated!

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

A freshly made batch of classic rice krispie treats is cooled and being cut into squares for serving. The rice krispie treats are in a clear glass baking dish right next to a wooded cutting board. The individual rice krispie treat squares are served on pieces of unbleaches parchment paper. A black and white tea towel rests on the cutting board with a red apple resting on top of the towel.

Some desserts require expensive fancy ingredients, complicated techniques, or even a degree in culinary science. And then there are old-fashioned Rice Krispie Treats. Three simple ingredients, one pot, about 15 minutes is all it takes to whip up a batch of crowd-pleasing dessert bars that are chewy, crispy and held together by soft, gooey marshamallowy goodness.

Why, it’s practically dessert magic! 💖

My favorite version of homemade Rice Krispie treats is made with the simple, classic ingredient combination of butter, marshmallows, and crispy rice cereal. Sometimes I’ll mix in a bit of vanilla extract with the melted marshmallows, but I must admit I don’t always do that.

3 freshly prepared classic crispy rice squares are stacked on a wooden cutting board with pieces of unbleached parchment paper between them.

This recipe also requires just three easy steps: melt the butter, melt the marshmallows, pour in the cereal, and then press it all into a greased baking dish! Believe me, the hardest part of this recipe is repeatedly answering the question everyone in your house will be asking, – “Are they ready yet?!”

I know this from personal experience, as these homemade marshmallowy treats are one of my top five childhood favorites that my mom would make us from time to time. Whenever she would make a batch of these, there were 5 us of asking her this very question and in a very tight rotation 😆

These easy-breezy, little treats are absolutely perfect for after-school snacks, school bake sales, brunch with friends and family, or an office pot luck too. Homemade Rice Krispie treats are also one of the most scrumptious no-bake desserts to make for those times when you’re craving something sweet but have no desire to turn on the oven (which would be the entire month of August, for me!).

A gooey rice krispie treat is served on a small white ceramic plate with small stack of fresh apple slices next to it for the ultimate after school snack. A clear glass mason jar is half filled with ice-cold milk to enjoy, right next to the plate.

I’ve most recently made two batches of this recipe… in one week! The first batch was for a special afternoon snack and lunchbox treat for my daughter, who started back to school last week. I think a sweet, gooey Rice Krispie treat square goes great with fresh apple slices or grapes and an ice-cold glass of milk for a little pop of protein. Now, that’s terrific afternoon snack!

Y’all, don’t forget that adults may need an afternoon pick-me-up too, and I highly encourage it! I’ll take my marshmallowy treat with half an apple and a fresh cup of joe, thank you very much.

The second batch I made was just because we wanted more of these sweet treats for the weekend.

This recipe for classic Rice Krispie Treats is extra easy, always delicious, and wonderfully nostalgic. This in one recipe that’s guaranteed to bring out the kid in everyone.

And if you happen to eat one or two little squares before these are set out on a platter, well that’s just quality control. Someone has to do it!

Happy snacking, y’all! xo – M

Save this recipe on Pinterest!

Check out one of my latest cooking videos and subscribe to my YouTube channel for more easy recipes and cooking live steams!

Enter your email address below to have all of my newest posts sent right into your inbox! It’s free service, so subscribe now and never miss a recipe or and update!

Homemade Rice Krispie Treats

Recipe by Marcelle at A Little Fish in the Kitchen

0.0 from 0 votes

Classic, homemade Rice Krispie Treats are made with 3 simple ingredients! These simple, no-bake treats are ready in just a few minutes and they’re always deliciously chewy, crispy and sweet. Perfect for snacks, lunchboxes, parties or whenever you need a little taste of home.

Course: Snacks, Brunch, DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Yield

bars

Prep time

minutes

Cool time

minutes

Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

6 cups crispy rice cereal (name brand or generic brand will work fine)
3 tablespoons salted butter
1 (10-ounce) bag large marshmallows
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
non-stick cooking spray

Directions

Special Equipment Needed
A silicon spatula, Dutch oven or large pot (preferably non-stick), 9 x 13 inch baking dish or cake pan
How to make Classic Rice Krispie Treats
Lightly grease a 13 x 9 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray and set it aside. Portion out 6 cups of cereal into a large mixing bowl and set it aside.
In a large (preferably non-stick) dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add all of the marshmallows, stirring immediately to coat them with the warm butter. Stir very often as the marshmallows begin to melt down, and continue stirring until the marshmallows are completely melted. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract, if you are using it. Lightly coat the sides of the pot with non-stick cooking spray.
Pour all of the previously portioned (6 cups) cereal into the hot marshmallow mixture and use a silicon spatula to briskly mix it all together until the cereal is well-coated. Carefully transfer the warm rice crispy treat mixture to the prepared baking dish, and use the silicone spatula to pat it down evenly into the dish.
Allow the crispy rice treats to cool completely before cutting into squares for serving (about 20 – 30 minutes). Cut out 12 – 15 squares depending on your size preference. Enjoy!