Looking back at my past days of baking with children, I’ve discovered that Rice Krispie Treats made with Marshmallow Fluff instead of regular marshmallows creates the most ooey gooey texture that kids absolutely love.
This simple twist on the classic recipe transforms your kitchen into an engaging workspace where little hands can help with stirring the mixture in a bowl without the challenge of melting individual marshmallows. The Marshmallow Fluff spreads more evenly throughout the Rice Krispie cereal, making it less sticky and easier for children to handle during preparation.
With the new normal of kids home from school, finding the right balance between educational activities, play time, and necessary house work has become quite the project. Among my suggestions for productive cooking experiences, these treats stand out because they require minimal hard work yet deliver maximum satisfaction when eating.
The process becomes an interactive activity where children learn measuring skills while creating something delicious, much like making Chocolate Dipped Fruit Popsicles but with even less complexity. You can easily adjust the sweetness level and add creative touches, making this recipe a go-to solution for busy parents seeking meaningful kitchen time with their children.
What’s a Rice Krispie Treat?
If you’re new to Rice Krispie Treats, they’re a popular American dessert made by combining crispy rice cereal with melted marshmallows or marshmallow fluff. The result is a sweet, sticky bar or square that’s easy to make in one pan and quick to enjoy. Originally, these treats were made using marshmallows, but marshmallow fluff offers a smoother, fluffier texture with the same delicious taste. Perfect for snacks, parties, or anytime you want a nostalgic treat!
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A Twist on Traditional
Traditionally, Rice Krispie Treats call for melting whole marshmallows with butter, but our recipe uses marshmallow fluff instead. This simple swap makes the process easier and creates a perfectly smooth, sticky mixture that coats the cereal evenly. Plus, marshmallow fluff saves time no need to wait for marshmallows to melt down slowly. You can also substitute with mini marshmallows if fluff isn’t available, using about 8 cups for the perfect balance.
How to Make Rice Krispie Treats
Start by prepping your 9×13 inch pan with baking spray or grease to prevent sticking. In a large pot, melt 4 tablespoons (about 56 grams) of butter over low heat. Next, add 15 ounces of marshmallow fluff, stirring continuously with two spoons until it becomes runny and smooth, about 3-4 minutes.
Once melted, pour in 8 cups of Rice Krispies cereal and gently fold the mixture, ensuring every bit of cereal is coated in the marshmallow fluff. Quickly transfer the sticky mixture into your greased pan. Spray your hands with baking spray and press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan. Let the treats set for 30 minutes before slicing into squares.
How to Store Rice Krispie Treats
To keep your Rice Krispie Treats fresh and chewy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They are best enjoyed within 2-3 days before they start to get stale. Avoid refrigerating, as this can make the treats hard. If you want to keep them longer, wrapping individual squares in plastic wrap before placing them in a container helps maintain freshness.
Equipment Needed
Making these treats requires minimal equipment. You’ll need a 9×13 inch baking pan (a regular tray pan or enameled cast iron works great), a large pot for melting butter and marshmallow fluff, a mixing bowl to measure your cereal, a rubber spatula or two spoons for stirring, measuring cups for precise ingredient portions, and baking spray for greasing your pan and hands.
How Kids Can Help Make Them
This recipe is perfect for involving kids in the kitchen! They can measure out the 8 cups of Rice Krispies cereal, count and practice measuring skills, and even help stir the marshmallow fluff and butter mixture with supervision. Kids will love pressing down the sticky mixture into the pan, spraying their hands with baking spray makes it less messy and, of course, licking the spatula is always a favorite part of baking fun.
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Rice Krispie Treats with Marshmallow Fluff
With just a few simple ingredients, these Rice Krispie Treats with marshmallow fluff come together quickly and taste amazing. The creamy fluff adds a perfect sweetness and chewiness that complements the crunchy cereal, making this recipe a timeless favorite for dessert or snack time. Plus, it’s easy to double or halve the recipe for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp Butter (56 grams)
- 15 oz Marshmallow fluff
- 8 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
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Instructions
- Spray or grease an 11×13-inch baking pan and set aside.
- In a large pot, melt butter over low heat.
- Add marshmallow fluff and stir with two spoons until melted and smooth (about 3-4 minutes).
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- Remove from heat and quickly fold in Rice Krispies cereal until fully coated.
- Transfer mixture to prepared pan.
- Spray your hands with baking spray and press mixture evenly into the pan.
- Let set at room temperature for 30 minutes before cutting into squares.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does marshmallow fluff work for Rice Krispie treats?
Yes, marshmallow fluff can work for Rice Krispie treats. It acts like melted marshmallows and helps bind the cereal together. Using fluff might give a slightly different texture, often softer and creamier but it still works well.
Is marshmallow fluff the same as marshmallow?
No, they are not exactly the same. Marshmallow fluff (or marshmallow creme) is a spreadable, whipped version of marshmallows made with similar ingredients but is softer and ready to use without melting. Traditional marshmallows are solid, pillow-shaped candies that you melt to use in recipes.
What is the secret to chewy Rice Krispie treats?
The secret is to use the right amount of melted marshmallows mixed well with butter and to avoid overbaking or overcooling. Also, adding a little extra butter or corn syrup can help keep them soft and chewy.
What can I use instead of marshmallows in Rice Krispie treats?
You can use marshmallow fluff, honey, corn syrup, or even peanut butter mixed with some sweetener as alternatives, but marshmallows or fluff give the best classic texture.
Can I melt marshmallows to make fluff?
Not exactly. Melting marshmallows gives a sticky liquid, but marshmallow fluff is whipped and stabilized, so you can’t get the same texture just by melting marshmallows. Fluff is usually made with corn syrup and egg whites whipped for a creamy consistency.
What is the point of marshmallow fluff?
Marshmallow fluff is used as a ready-to-use, spreadable sweet ingredient. It’s great for making treats without the need to melt marshmallows, and it adds sweetness, creaminess, and helps bind ingredients in recipes like Rice Krispie treats, frostings, and sandwiches.
Conclusion
Rice Krispie Treats made with marshmallow fluff offer a delightful twist on the classic recipe that’s perfect for families. The fluff creates a smoother, creamier texture while making the cooking process easier and more enjoyable for kids to help with. This simple swap eliminates the hassle of melting individual marshmallows and results in treats that are consistently gooey and delicious.
Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, party treat, or fun kitchen activity with children, this recipe delivers every time. With minimal ingredients and equipment needed, these treats prove that sometimes the best desserts are the simplest ones that bring families together in the kitchen.
I’m Michael Alexander. A content writer and SEO Expert with 2 years of Experience. I have already worked with the BBC News Website.
