Popular with adults as well as children, these American-inspired treats are perfect for every day of the year. Preparing them is not complicated and does not create too much chaos in the kitchen, moreover, as you are the cook, you will have the opportunity to lick your fingers!
This guide shows different preparations and recipes to prepare the much loved Rice Krispies starting from the most original up to the most delicious and extravagant. Also remember that you can substitute rice with any other puffed cereal. Experiment and experiment with imagination.
Rice Crispies
Index
Ingrediants
Original version
- 3 tablespoons of butter or margarine (using margarine will result in a softer result)
- about 40 marshmallows or 4 cups of mini marshmallows (alternatively 1 jar of marshmallow cream)
- 6 cups of puffed rice
Microwave version
See the previous list
Alternative version
- 1/4 cup of butter
- 5 cups of marshmallows
- 5 1/2 cups puffed cereal (any kind, experiment with chocolate, fruit or cheerios cereal)
- Butter or margarine at room temperature
Chocolate version
- 1/4 cup of butter
- 40 large marshmallows
- 1/2 cup of chocolate syrup
- 6 cups of puffed rice
Gluten-free version
- 2-3 cups of butter
- 4 cups of marshmallows
- 6 cups of gluten-free puffed rice
Steps
Step 1. Before heating the marshmallows, prepare all the necessary ingredients
Otherwise you could risk burning them while doing something else. Get the ingredients and also read the "Things You Will Need" section to get everything you need.
Be patient. These delights must be cooked on a low flame so as not to risk burning them or obtaining a mediocre result. A little patience and not excessive heat are the two secret ingredients
Method 1 of 7: Original version
Step 1. Prepare the pan
Cover it with parchment paper or grease it with a dressing.
Step 2. Using parchment paper it will be much easier to remove the Rice Krispies from the pan after cooking; once extracted, just cut them with a pizza wheel
Step 3. Take a saucepan and melt the butter, or margarine, over a low heat
Step 4. When the butter is melted add the marshmallows
Stir until the marshmallows are completely melted as well.
Step 5. Remove the pot from the heat
Step 6. Pour the puffed rice
Turn gently to evenly incorporate the rice into the liquid mixture.
Step 7. Pour everything into the pan
Step 8. Create an even layer
Press the mixture with your hands, with a greased spatula or with parchment paper and distribute it evenly throughout the pan.
Step 9. Let cool
Once cold, cut it into squares of about 5 cm per side.
Step 10. Serve
Rice Krispies are unbeatable when eaten on the day they are prepared so gather all your family and friends!
Method 2 of 7: Microwave version
Step 1. Use the same ingredients as the previous (original) version
Take a microwave-safe bowl and pour the butter and marshmallows into it
Step 2. Put it in the microwave
Turn on the oven at maximum power for 3 minutes. After 2 minutes of cooking, stop and mix.
Step 3. The time required may vary depending on the power of your microwave
Step 4. Remove from the oven
Stir to obtain a smooth and homogeneous mixture.
Step 5. Follow the steps of the previous version starting from step 3
Method 3 of 7: Alternate version
Step 1. Grease a large baking sheet, or tray, with butter, oil, or margarine
Alternatively, cover them with parchment paper.
Step 2. Pour the butter into a saucepan
Put it to heat on a low flame.
Step 3. Slowly add the mini marshmallows as the butter melts
Mix and blend the two ingredients. You will need to get a white, thick and fluid cream.
Step 4. Pour the cereal into a bowl and then stir in the hot mixture
Step 5. Cover all the grains while stirring to create a homogeneous mixture
Step 6. Pour the mixture into the pan and spread it evenly with a kitchen spatula
You may need to grease the spatula several times to prevent the mixture from sticking to it. Alternatively, compact it using parchment paper and your hands.
Let it cool at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes
Step 7. Cut it to form 12-24 portions, depending on the size you want to get
Serve it as soon as it has cooled down.
Step 8. For an even tastier version, sprinkle a few drops of melted chocolate, or marshmallow cream, on each serving
Method 4 of 7: Chocolate version
Step 1. Prepare the pan or tray
Grease them or cover them with parchment paper.
Step 2. Pour the butter into the pot
Put the pot on a low heat.
Step 3. Add the marshmallows
Stir slowly to incorporate them into the melted butter.
Step 4. When the marshmallows are completely melted, remove the pot from the heat
Step 5. Pour the chocolate syrup into the marshmallow and butter mixture
Mix it carefully.
Step 6. Gradually incorporate the puffed rice
Turn patiently to even out the mixture and cover all the rice.
Step 7. Pour the mixture into the pan
Distribute it evenly and flatten it using a well-greased spatula or parchment paper and your hands.
Step 8. Let it cool for about 15-20 minutes
Once cold, cut it to create individual square or rectangular portions. Serve immediately.
Method 5 of 7: Gluten-free version
Step 1. Put the pot on medium heat
Step 2. Pour the butter into the pot and let it melt
Step 3. Add the marshmallows
Step 4. Stir with a spatula until the marshmallows have also taken on a creamy consistency
Step 5. Incorporate the gluten-free puffed rice
Step 6. Stir carefully to create a homogeneous mixture
Step 7. Pour the mixture into the pan, or tray, using a spatula
Method 6 of 7: Alternative flavors
Step 1. If you're feeling particularly creative or want to add your favorite flavor to these authentic treats why not try incorporating some additional ingredients?
Here are some great ideas to start from.
Step 2. Add an extract to slightly change the flavor of your treats
Try half a teaspoon of your favorite essence, like vanilla.
Step 3. After melting the butter and marshmallows add a packet of pudding mix and mix thoroughly
Choose your favorite pudding flavor.
Step 4. Try incorporating some dehydrated fruit (raisins or blueberries) or chocolate chips
Do this after you have created the butter and marshmallow mixture.
Step 5. Add 1/2 cup or more of peanut butter
You will have an excellent result! Experiment with other nuts as well, try almonds or cashews.
Step 6. Use chocolate puffed rice and vary the aroma of the syrup
Try strawberry, raspberry, maple syrup or your favorite.
Step 7. Add some caramel
You'll get an even stickier treat and you can't help but lick your fingers!
Method 7 of 7: Storing Rice Krispies
Step 1. Eat them as soon as possible
These treats are great when eaten on prep day. On the contrary, they could harden and become difficult to bite.
Step 2. If you have leftover portions, store them in an airtight container at room temperature
Do not wait more than 2 days before eating them. After this time, throw them away.
If you want to keep them longer, freeze them. Place them in a suitable container and separate them with parchment paper. You will be able to eat them within the next 6 weeks
Step 3. To defrost them, remove them from the freezer and let them rest at room temperature for 15 minutes then remove them from the paper and serve
Advice
- Decide whether to cut them into square or bar-shaped portions.
- If you are feeling particularly ambitious you can make your own marshmallows from scratch too!
- After removing the marshmallows from the pot, immerse it in the water immediately, otherwise, once it is cold, it will be difficult to clean.
- If you wish, you can add food coloring to give a touch of color to your preparation. For example, you could add orange for Halloween and red, or green, for Christmas, etc.
- If you want to reduce the amount of puffed rice, you will get a more 'sticky' result. Alternatively, increase the doses of marshmallows, you will delight more people.
Warnings
- Watch out for your teeth when eating these treats!
- Children love these treats and may want to make them themselves. Never lose sight of them and teach them to use pots and stoves with caution.
- Avoid using diet margarine for this recipe, you won't get the desired result.