How to Make and Decorate Rice Krispy Treats

The following document is how to make Rice Krispy Treats and create an enjoyable activity for the whole family, for a birthday party or similar events. There will also be an optional portion for decorating the snacks afterwards. The Rice Krispy Treats can be decorated in many ways, some of which include using chocolate (you can have assorted colors of chocolate), using sprinkles, and using other candy (like gummy worms, M&M’s, chocolate chips). Traditionally Rice Krispy Treats are made in a large pan, but you can use different mold shapes, which can make it more fun to decorate for the kids. Another option for Rice Krispy Treats is to use various kinds of cereal like Cocoa Puffs. It is a fun way to bond with family or friends while also using some of the leftover marshmallows from any camping trips. This is an easy activity where the preparation does not take much time.

This recipe is great for adults who want to make a fun interactive treat for kids. One of the goals of these instructions is for the adults to pre-make the Rice Krispy Treats and then for the kids to decorate them however they like. This can be a fun activity where kids can eat the treats afterwards. It does not take very long to make and you do not need many materials. Some of the food materials can be exchanged for other materials based on preferences or accessibility. These treats do not require baking and people cannot get sick from raw ingredients like eggs (not required for this recipe). Rice Krispy Treats do not have seasonal ingredients, so it can be made year-round. They can be made seasonal by using decorations that reflect the season or holiday. Again, this activity is good for birthday parties or for family bonding time.

Note: It is recommended to read through all the instructions before starting this recipe to understand what is expected.

Estimated Cost: $7-15 (Prices vary on brands)

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Total Time to Complete: Approximately 30 minutes

Warnings / Safety Info: Use caution when using the stovetop burner, as the surface will be hot and you could get burned. Any items, like saucepans or bowls (that come out of the microwave) will be hot.

Allergy Information / Possible Concerns: Rice Krispies Cereal contains rice. Marshmallows are typically made with gelatin, so if you are vegan, look for vegan marshmallows. When buying ingredients, make sure to read the labels carefully if there are any other allergies that may be of concern.

Note: You can use generic brands like Kroger for Rice Krispy cereal or Marshmallows. For other ingredients you may use brands based on your preference. Remember that different brands have different prices.

Note: Make sure to have these items available before starting the recipe.

• 6 Cups Rice Krispy Cereal
• 5 ½ Cups JET-PUFFED Miniature Marshmallows or 10 oz of Regular sized Marshmallows
• 3 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter
• Non-Stick Canola Spray
• 13 x 9 x 2 inch glass pan
• 8 Quart Pot or Large microwave-safe Bowl to melt butter and marshmallows
• Large Silicone Spoon
• Silicone Spatula
• Stovetop or microwave
• Butter Knife (optional for decorating)
• Small metal spoon (optional for decorating)
• Microwave-safe big bowl (optional for melting chocolate)
• Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips Kirkland brand (optional)
• Candy of preference (optional)

Remember: It is okay to use other brands that may not have been listed in the supplies list.

Gather Rice Krispy Cereal, Marshmallows, Unsalted Butter, Non-Stick Spray (refer to Figure 1: Food materials. Original photo by author) and any type of decorative items.

Note: Decorative items include things like chocolate, sprinkles or candy (see Figure 2).

Gather large saucepan, 13 x 9 x 2 inch glass pan, a big silicone spoon and silicone spatula. Please refer to Figure 3

and Figure 4.

Spray 13 x 9 x 2 inch glass pan with non-stick canola spray for 1-3 seconds, which should lightly coat the whole pan, please refer to Figure 5: Sprayed Pan. Original photo by author.

OPTIONS:

1. Use Stovetop
2. Use Microwave

WARNING: This next part is handling HOT items

Option 1 - Stove Instructions:

NOTE: This process will take about 15 - 20 minutes.

            Stage 1: Melt butter in a large saucepan over low heat (Figure 6).

NOTE: Stir butter consistently, so you don't burn it.

Stage 2: Add a large handful of marshmallows (Figure 8), once the butter is melted (Figure 7).

       Stage 3: Turn up heat just below medium.

              CAUTION: You must be continuously stirring to not burn the ingredients.

Stage 4: Stir until marshmallows are mostly melted (Figure 9).

Stage 5: Add 1 cup of marshmallows (Figure 10).

              NOTE: Continue to stir and add marshmallows until there are none left.

Stage 6: Remove saucepan from heat once marshmallows are completely melted (Figure 11).

WARNING: Pot will be HOT, be careful when moving.

Option 2 - Microwave Instructions:

NOTE: This process takes 2-3 minutes.

Stage 1: Spray the bowl with the non-stick spray to ensure easy removal.

Stage 2: Take the microwave safe bowl and put a handful of marshmallows into it (Figure 12).

Stage 3: Put some butter on top of the marshmallows.

Stage 4: Place the bowl into the microwave and microwave the marshmallows for 2-3 minuets (Figure 13).

Stage 5: Remove the bowl from the microwave once the time is up.

NOTE: The bowl may be HOT, be careful when moving.

NOTE: The following steps apply to BOTH options.

Add 1 cup of Rice Krispies Cereal to the melted marshmallows and butter, see Figure 14.

Stir with a big silicone spoon until most of the cereal is coated with marshmallows.

NOTE: Repeat steps 4 and 5 until there is no more cereal to add and the cereal is completely coated (Figure 15).

Add mixture to the already sprayed 13 x 9 x 2 in glass pan (Figure 16) or put mixture into different mold shapes.

Use a silicone spatula to flatten mixture to fit the pan (Figure 17) or to fit the mold shapes.

Let it cool for 20 to 30 minutes before cutting into the Rice Krispies or taking them out of the mold shapes.

Final product pictured in Figure 18.

Optional: Decorating the Rice Krispy Treats

Use a big microwave-safe bowl (large enough to dip Rice Krispy Treats), butter knife and metal spoon (Figure 19).

Using a microwave, melt 4 tablespoons of chocolate in the big microwave-safe bowl.

NOTE: Add more chocolate if needed.

Decorate however you want!

                Note: Figure 19 includes various ways to decorate.

Various Ways to Decorate:

                Dip Rice Krispies in chocolate and add candy or sprinkles on top.

                Use a small metal spoon to glaze chocolate on the Rice Krispy Treat.

                Use a butter knife to frost chocolate on the Rice Krispy Treat.

Conclusion:

That concludes the steps to make these fun Rice Krispy treats at home. You can take these to your next get together or make them at home just for fun. This recipe can help with learning proportions and decorating skills. To avoid a tough clean-up, make sure to clean everything as soon as possible so the marshmallows don’t stick. You can also try using different decorations to make new combinations.

References

“The Original Rice Krispies Treats Recipe.” Rice Krispies, www.ricekrispies.com/en_US/recipes/the-original-treats-recipe.html. Accessed 12 June 2023.