If you thought Rice Krispie treats couldn’t get any more irresistible, you’re in for a delicious surprise! These Gooey Rice Krispie Treats are loaded with extra pockets of melted marshmallow, a hint of real vanilla, and just the right touch of salt for balance. Each bite is perfectly soft and chewy, making them a nostalgic favorite and a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Trust me, you’ll never look at the classic marshmallow bar the same way again after making this gooey, over-the-top version. Let’s dive into how to make your new favorite treat!

Gooey Rice Krispie Treats Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Gooey Rice Krispie Treats is how delightfully simple the ingredient list is—each item is a must for taste, texture, and max goo-factor. Here’s what you’ll want to have ready, along with why it’s essential in this recipe.

Rice Krispies cereal (6 cups): These give the treats their signature crispy snap and airy texture that holds everything together without getting soggy.
Unsalted butter (1/2 cup): Butter adds richness and depth; browning it turns up the flavor with nutty notes you’ll love.
Mini marshmallows (1 (10 oz) bag plus 2 extra cups): The secret to gooeyness! Melt most marshmallows for binding and fold in the rest for magical goo pockets.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just a pinch wakes up all the flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.
Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Real vanilla brings a bakery-style aroma and elevates every bite.
Nonstick cooking spray or butter (for the pan): A greased pan makes it a breeze to release those perfect, Instagram-worthy squares.

How to Make Gooey Rice Krispie Treats

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Start by lining a 9×13 inch pan with parchment paper, then lightly coat it with nonstick spray or butter. This little step is the key to lifting out your Gooey Rice Krispie Treats with no sticky fuss later on, and bonus: cleanup is a breeze!

Step 2: Melt Butter for Flavor

Set a large pot over medium heat and slowly melt the butter until it’s completely liquid. If you’re feeling adventurous, let the butter gently brown for a minute or two. Those toasty golden bits take the flavor from good to WOW without much effort.

Step 3: Dissolve the Marshmallows

Sprinkle in the salt, then add your 10-ounce bag of mini marshmallows to the pot. Stir, stir, stir—don’t walk away at this step! You want every marshmallow melted into a velvety, glossy pool. This is your gooey glue.

Step 4: Add Vanilla for Aroma

Once the marshmallow mixture is smooth, remove the pot from heat and immediately stir in the vanilla extract. This brings out all the sweet, inviting marshmallow aromas and really sets your treats apart.

Step 5: Combine with Cereal

Working quickly, pour in the Rice Krispies cereal and gently fold until each puff is coated in marshmallow. You want all the cereal to glisten but don’t mash it down—light folding keeps the mix airy and crisp.

Step 6: Fold in More Marshmallows for Extra Gooeyness

Now for the magic: add the remaining 2 cups of mini marshmallows and give everything one last gentle stir. These marshmallows won’t melt completely, creating those dreamy, stretchy bits that make Gooey Rice Krispie Treats pure heaven.

Step 7: Press Into Pan and Set

Transfer the mixture to your prepared pan. Use a buttered spatula or your hands (sprayed with nonstick spray!) to gently press it in. Don’t flatten it too much—you want them soft, not compacted. Let the treats rest at room temperature for about an hour to set, then lift from the pan and cut into generous squares.

How to Serve Gooey Rice Krispie Treats

Garnishes

Dress your Gooey Rice Krispie Treats up with a drizzle of melted chocolate, a handful of rainbow sprinkles, or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top. These easy extras add irresistible flair and make every square look bakery-worthy.

Side Dishes

Enjoy these treats with a tall glass of cold milk or a mug of hot cocoa if you want to relive childhood joy. For a party spread, pair them with fruit skewers or chocolate-dipped strawberries—it’s the mix of gooey, fresh, and fruity that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your Gooey Rice Krispie Treats into fun shapes with cookie cutters, serve them on popsicle sticks for a grab-and-go dessert, or package singly in cellophane bags for adorable lunchbox surprises. For holidays, add themed sprinkles or food coloring to match your celebration.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Gooey Rice Krispie Treats soft and fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you need to stack them, use parchment or wax paper between layers so they don’t stick together.

Freezing

These treats freeze surprisingly well! Simply wrap individual squares in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for about a month. Thaw at room temperature when you need a sweet snack in a pinch.

Reheating

If you like your treats extra gooey and warm, pop a square in the microwave for about 8-10 seconds. It’ll soften the marshmallow and make them taste like they’re fresh from the pot. Just be careful—not too long, or they’ll get too melty and lose their shape.

FAQs

Why are my Rice Krispie Treats hard instead of gooey?

This usually happens if you pack down the mixture too firmly in the pan or cook the marshmallows and butter over high heat for too long. For super gooey Rice Krispie Treats, press gently and melt everything slowly over medium heat.

Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini?

Absolutely! Just chop the large marshmallows into smaller pieces so they melt evenly. The mini size is just extra convenient and gives you perfect gooey pockets.

What’s the best way to cut Rice Krispie Treats without them sticking?

Let your Gooey Rice Krispie Treats cool completely, then use a large, sharp knife. Greasing your knife lightly with a bit of butter or nonstick spray keeps things neat and prevents sticking.

Are there fun flavor variations I can try?

Definitely! Swirl in peanut butter or Nutella, fold in chocolate chips, or add a sprinkle of cinnamon for a twist. You can even swap out some of the cereal for Cocoa Krispies, Fruity Pebbles, or your favorite puffed cereal for a different flavor profile.

Can I make these treats dairy-free or vegan?

Yes—you can substitute plant-based butter and use vegan marshmallows to make this recipe both dairy-free and vegan-friendly. Just make sure all your ingredients are labeled as suitable for your dietary needs.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about a pan of Gooey Rice Krispie Treats—simple ingredients come together for a dessert that’s sticky, chewy, and totally joyful. Give this recipe a try and watch these gooey squares become a new tradition in your kitchen. Your sweet tooth will thank you!

Gooey Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 12 squares 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate gooey Rice Krispie Treats that are loaded with marshmallows and butter for a chewy and sweet dessert delight.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 package (10 oz) mini marshmallows
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Nonstick cooking spray or butter for the pan

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Instructions

Prepare Pan: Line a 9×13 inch pan with parchment paper and lightly grease with nonstick spray or butter.
Melt Butter: In a large pot over medium heat, melt butter until fully melted, and slightly browned for extra flavor.
Add Marshmallows: Stir in the salt and the 10 oz bag of mini marshmallows. Stir constantly until completely melted and smooth.
Finish Mix: Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Quickly fold in Rice Krispies until evenly coated.
Final Touch: Add remaining 2 cups of mini marshmallows, gently stir to distribute for gooey pockets. Transfer mixture to pan, press gently, and let set for 1 hour before cutting into squares.