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Classic Marshmallow Rice Krispies Squares

Elowen

Elowen

June 30, 2026

Classic Rice Krispies squares made with butter and mini marshmallows for a soft, gooey texture. The mixture takes only a few minutes to prepare, then needs time to set before slicing.

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Stack of golden rice krispies squares on a wood cutting board, one square cut open showing the marshmallow pull, melted butter sheen visible.

What Keeps These Squares Soft and Chewy

  • Melting the butter and marshmallows over low heat keeps the mixture smooth instead of cooking it until it becomes stiff or overly sticky.
  • The cereal is folded in only after the pan comes off the heat, so it becomes evenly coated without being crushed or softened unnecessarily.
  • Pressing the mixture into the tin gently rather than compacting it firmly helps the finished squares stay light and chewy instead of dense.
  • A small amount of vanilla and optional salt balance the sweetness without changing the familiar marshmallow-and-cereal flavour.

The Simple Base for Marshmallow Cereal Squares

These squares depend on just a few ingredients: butter for richness, marshmallows for the soft binding mixture, crisp rice cereal for texture, and a little vanilla and salt to balance the sweetness.

  • Unsalted butter (or ¼ cup / ½ stick) – Unsalted butter helps the marshmallows melt smoothly and adds a buttery flavour.

  • Mini marshmallows (or 10 oz / ~6 cups) – Mini marshmallows melt quickly and evenly. Reserve some to fold in at the end if you want softer marshmallow pockets through the squares.

  • Crisped rice cereal (or 6 cups) – Provides the crisp texture. Fold it in gently so the cereal is coated without being crushed.

  • Vanilla extract – Adds a subtle vanilla flavour to the marshmallow mixture.

  • Fine salt (optional) – An optional pinch helps balance the sweetness.

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How to Make Rice Krispies Squares

Step 1: Melt Butter & Marshmallows

Line a 23 × 33cm (9 × 13-inch) baking tin with baking parchment, leaving some overhang at the sides. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the mini marshmallows, reserving about 1 cup to fold in later. Stir constantly over low heat until the marshmallows are completely melted and smooth.

Step 2: Fold in Cereal & Reserved Marshmallows

Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and optional salt. Gently fold in the crispy rice cereal until evenly coated with the melted marshmallow. Fold in the reserved mini marshmallows until distributed.

Step 3: Press, Set & Slice

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking tin. Using a lightly greased spatula or a piece of baking parchment, pat the mixture down into an even layer, pressing only lightly to level the surface without packing it tightly. Allow to set at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Lift out using the baking parchment and cut into 16 squares.

Melt Gently and Press Lightly

Keep the heat low while the butter and marshmallows melt. High heat may make the mixture seem faster at first, but it can leave the finished squares firmer once they cool. Stir until the marshmallows are just smooth, then take the pan off the heat before folding in the cereal. Work efficiently while the mixture is still warm, and use a lightly greased spatula or a piece of baking parchment to spread it into the tin. Press only enough to level the surface; packing it down firmly can make the squares unnecessarily dense.

Storing the Squares

Store the squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, placing baking parchment between layers if necessary to stop them sticking together. Keep them away from excessive heat, which can soften the marshmallow mixture. For longer storage, wrap individual squares tightly and freeze for up to 6 weeks; thaw at room temperature before eating.

Flavour Variations & Substitutions

It's a classic recipe that is easy to customize. Drizzle cooled squares with melted milk, dark or white chocolate, or fold mini chocolate chips into the warm mixture. For celebrations, top with colourful sprinkles. Stir a tablespoon of creamy peanut butter into the melted marshmallows before adding the cereal, or sprinkle a little flaky sea salt over the top. Toasted peanuts, pecans or almonds can also be folded in for extra crunch.

Cut Them Once Fully Set

Let the slab set completely before lifting it from the tin and cutting it into squares. A sharp knife gives cleaner edges, and wiping the blade between cuts can help if the marshmallow mixture is sticky. Serve the squares at room temperature, where the cereal stays crisp and the marshmallow layer remains soft and chewy.

Classic Marshmallow Rice Krispies Squares

Classic Marshmallow Rice Krispies Squares

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By Elowen Vance•Easy

Classic Rice Krispies squares made with butter and mini marshmallows for a soft, gooey texture!

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
45 mins
Yield / Servings
16 Servings

Equipment Needed

  • 23 × 33cm (9 × 13-inch) baking tin
  • Large saucepan or pot
  • Baking parchment
  • Rubber spatula

Ingredients

Adjust yield quantities or check items off as you prep.

Scale:

Instructions

  1. Line a 23 × 33cm (9 × 13-inch) baking tin with baking parchment. Melt butter in a saucepan over low heat, add mini marshmallows (reserving 1 cup), and stir over low heat until smooth.
  2. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and optional salt. Gently fold in crispy rice cereal and reserved mini marshmallows until coated.
  3. Transfer to prepared tin and press lightly into an even layer without packing tightly. Allow to set for 30 minutes, then lift out and cut into 16 squares.

Nutrition Information

Per ServingServing: 1 square
Calories
140kcal
Total Fat
3g
Protein
1g
Carbohydrates
26g
Dietary Fiber0g
Total Sugars14g
Sodium105mg
Calcium0mg
Iron1mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

The marshmallows may have been heated too aggressively, or the mixture may have been packed too firmly into the tin. Use low heat and press the mixture only lightly.
Yes. Large marshmallows can be used, but measure them by the same total weight as the mini marshmallows in the recipe and cut them into smaller pieces so they melt more evenly.

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Classic Marshmallow Rice Krispies Squares