My wife and MIL have been preparing to host my SIL’s baby shower, including recipe testing Rice Krispie treats. Since they are so easy to make with few ingredients required, I usually opt to make more complicated recipes. Although these particular treats were not formally entered into the recipe testing, the act of recipe testing encouraged my curiosity to try a recipe claiming to be the “perfect” Rice Krispie treat from a blogger claiming them to be her favorite dessert (always a key indicator for “best”, “ultimate”, “perfect”, or other like recipes).

These Rice Krispie treats do not disappoint. The most important part of the directions is to very carefully and gently press the prepared mixture into the baking dish. This step ensures the Rice Krispies are not packed tightly, and the resulting treats do not become dense, difficult-to-chew bricks. These Rice Krispie treats are soft, billowy and chewy.

I took the leftover treats to the gym so that I wouldn’t be tempted to consume them all. One friend of mine exclaimed that they tasted better than any Rice Krispie treat she’d ever had, even figuring that they must have been more difficult to prepare. They’re not any more difficult and contain the same ingredients (in slightly different ratios) as the recipe provided on the cereal box, but it is the technique that matters.

RICE KRISPIE TREATS
Based on this recipe.

INGREDIENTS

6 tbsp. unsalted butter
16 oz. miniature marshmallows, divided
1 tsp. vanilla extract
6 cups (159 g) Rice Krispies cereal
1/2 tsp. salt

DIRECTIONS

1. Line a 9″ square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter.
3. Reduce heat to low, then add all but one cup of the marshmallows, stirring until marshmallows are completely melted.
4. Remove saucepan from heat. Stir in the vanilla and salt.
5. Add the cereal and remaining marshmallows, then gently mix.
6. Pour mixture into the baking dish and carefully press down with a rubber spatula. The harder the mixture is packed, the more dense the rice krispie treats will be.
7. Allow rice krispie treats to set for 1 hour, then cut with a sharp knife.