Small Batch Rice Krispie Treats

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Are you looking for a smaller batch recipe for rice krispie treats? Making just one pan of them is much more practical than making a double batch and having them go stale. This small batch rice krispie treats recipe also makes the perfect dessert for meal prep or a weeknight dessert because it can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container until you are ready to eat.

Close-up of two small batch rice krispie treats stacked on a white plate with a glass of milk and a blue cloth in the background.

Why Small Batch Rice Krispie Treats?

If you’re used to making a larger quantity of rice krispie treats, you may be surprised at how few ingredients this one requires. But those few ingredients make all the difference. You’ll want to add everything on the ingredient’s list below; trust us on this. The result is slightly salty-and-sweet marshmallow squares that are completely irresistible. They’re also super easy to make, as long as you follow our instructions for this classic dessert.

Five small batch rice krispie treats arranged on a white surface with a glass of milk and a blue napkin in the background.

Ingredient Notes

To make a small batch of rice krispie treats, you need just a few of the classic ingredients:

Ingredients you’ll need for this recipe

  • Butter: Butter is needed for melding together the marshmallows and cereal. It helps smooth out the marshmallow mixture and adds a subtle, creamy taste that balances the sweetness.
  • Salt: Just a pinch! It sharpens the flavors, making sure your treats are never too sweet.
  • Vanilla Extract: This ingredient brings a rich, comforting flavor that deepens the overall flavor of your treats. Trust us! Don’t skip it.
  • Mini Marshmallows: Marshmallows are the glue that holds the treats together. Using mini marshmallows ensures they melt quickly and evenly, creating a smooth, mixture that’s easy to mix with the cereal.
  • Rice Krispies Cereal or Crispy Rice Cereal: The crunch factor! These puffed rice pieces are essential for that satisfying snap in every bite.
Top view of various baking ingredients on a marble surface, including bowls of marshmallows, rice cereal, butter, and vanilla extract for making small batch rice krispie treats.

Equipment needed

To make small batch of rice krispie treats, you’ll need just a few tools:

  • A large Sauce Pan or Large Pot
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula
  • 9×5 Loaf Pan
  • Parchment Paper
  • Glass Container or Plastic Container (for storage)

Tools You’ll Need

USA Pan 1145LF Bakeware Aluminized Steel 1.25 Lb Loaf Pan, Medium, Silver

Ballarini Parma Plus by HENCKELS 2.9-qt Aluminum Nonstick Saucepan with Lid, Made in Italy
OXO Good Grips 8-Piece Baking Essentials POP Container Set, White
Rubbermaid Brilliance Glass Storage 3.2-Cup Food Containers with Lids, BPA Free and Leak Proof, Medium, Clear, Pack of 4

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How to make Small Batch Rice Krispie Treats

Let’s walk through the process visually to create your Small Batch Rice Krispie Treats.

Step 1: Prep your loaf pan

Line a 9×5 loaf pan with parchment paper and set aside.

A small batch rice krispie treats in an empty rectangular metal tray on a marble surface.

Step 2: Melt your butter

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. 

Top view of three cubes of butter melting in a small saucepan on a marble surface for a small batch of rice krispie treats.

Step 3: Add in salt and marshmallows

Once melted, add in the salt and stir. Then divide the marshmallows by separating 1 cup and setting it aside for a later step. 

A pot filled with mini marshmallows, set on a white marble surface, for making a small batch of rice krispie treats.

Step 4: Add in the rest of the marshmallows

Pour the rest of the melted marshmallows into the pot and continue to stir until melted.

Top view of a stainless steel pot filled with melted mini marshmellows set against a marble background with small batch rice krispie treats.

Step 5: Add in vanilla extra, rice krispies, and remaining marshmallows

Once melted, remove the pot from the heat and then add in the vanilla extract. Give it a quick stir before adding in the Rice Krispies cereal and the 1 cup of marshmallows we set aside earlier. Fold gently until combined.

Top view of a pot on a marble surface, filled with dry cereal and marshmallows for preparing a small batch of rice krispie treats.

Step 6: Pour into your prepared loaf pan

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly, without pressing in too hard. Use the back of a wet fork or spoon to lightly press it down and into the corners of the pan. Do not overpack it otherwise it will become hard once set.

A rectangular metal container filled with small-batch rice krispie treats, placed on a white marble surface.

Step 7: Let the rice krispies rest

Leave it on the counter to set for at least 1 hour. Do not refrigerate or it will harden and be difficult to eat. Once set, slice into 4 bars or 8 squares. And Enjoy!

A small batch rectangular rice crispy treat on a white background.

Find the measurements and full recipe below in the recipe card!

The best way to store your Small Batch Rice Krispie Treats

The best way to store your small batch rice krispie treats is in an airtight container. You can keep them at room temperature for up to a week, or you can freeze them for up to three months.

If you freeze these recipe krispie treats, be sure to let them come to room temperature before eating them to allow the texture to soften. Freezing them will change the texture so it is not recommended since there are just a few in this recipe.

These are best stored in an airtight container on the counter at room temperature. Refrigerating will harden them. It is best eaten fresh and consumed within 1-2 days.

Four small batch rice krispie treats on a white napkin with a metal knife to the right on a marble surface.

Storing Leftover Ingredients

You shouldn’t have many left over ingredients from this recipe but there will be a few you’ll want to store and use in another recipe later.

Rice Krispie Cereal: Depending on the size of box you purchase you will have left over cereal. The smallest box of rice krispie cereal is typically a 12 oz box.

You can store this cereal dry in an air tight container like an OXO and it will stay fresh for 6-12 months. You can either use this cereal to make these treats again at a later date or just eat the rice krispie treat cereal for a fast breakfast.

Mini Marshmallows: Miniature marshmallows can be stored in your pantry or refrigerator for 2-6 months in an airtight container so that you can make another batch of these treats at a later date. Be sure to bring them to room temperature if you are storing in the refrigerator. 

Butter: According to the US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service, butter may be safely kept in the refrigerator for up to three months or in the freezer for up to nine months, for later use.

Two Hands holding a half batch homemade Rice Krispie treat with visible stretchy marshmallow strands.


Frequently Asked Questions

There could be several reasons why your rice crispy squares are turning out to be hard. Let’s explore some of the most common reasons and see if we can help you fix the problem.

1. Overcooking the marshmallow mixture: The main ingredient that holds the rice crispy squares together is the marshmallow mixture. If you overcook the marshmallow mixture, it can become hard and difficult to work with. To prevent this, make sure you remove the mixture from the heat as soon as the marshmallows have melted completely.

2. Using stale marshmallows: Marshmallows can go stale if they are not stored properly. If you use stale marshmallows in your rice crispy squares, they can turn out to be hard and chewy. Make sure you check the expiration date on the package before using them.

3. Using too much cereal: If you add too much cereal to your rice crispy squares, they can become hard and difficult to chew. Follow the recipe instructions carefully and measure out the cereal accurately.

4. Not using enough marshmallow mixture: If you don’t use enough marshmallow mixture, your rice crispy squares may not hold together properly and end up being hard. Make sure you use enough marshmallow mixture to evenly coat all of the cereal.

5. Allowing the mixture to cool for too long: Once you’ve mixed the cereal and marshmallow mixture, you need to work quickly to press it into a pan before it cools down too much. If you let it cool for too long, it can become hard and difficult to cut into squares.

6. Not greasing the pan: If you don’t grease the pan before adding the rice crispy mixture, it can stick to the pan and become difficult to remove. This can cause the squares to become hard and break apart.

Absolutely! In fact, making them in advance can be a great time-saver if you’re hosting a party or event or want them as a fun dessert.

To make Rice Krispie Squares in advance, simply follow the recipe as usual, but allow the squares to cool completely before storing them. Once they’re completely cool, you can cover them with plastic wrap or foil and store them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days. 

If you want to freeze your Rice Krispie Squares, that’s also an option. Simply wrap each square individually in plastic wrap or foil, and then place them in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to two months. When you’re ready to eat them, simply thaw them at room temperature for a few hours before serving. 

One thing to keep in mind is that Rice Krispie Squares can become stale if they’re not stored properly. Be sure to use an airtight container and store them in a cool, dry place. If they do become stale, you can always revive them by placing them in the microwave for a few seconds to soften them up. Just be sure to store them properly to keep them fresh and delicious!

If you’re looking for an alternative to marshmallows in your rice krispie treats, there are actually a few options that you can try. Whether you’re looking for a vegan or allergy-friendly option, or just want to mix things up, here are some ideas:

1. Marshmallow Fluff – If you still want that marshmallow flavor and texture, you can use marshmallow fluff instead. It’s essentially whipped marshmallows in a jar, and it melts down just like regular marshmallows. Plus, it’s gluten-free and dairy-free.

2. Honey – If you’re looking for a natural sweetener, honey can work well as a binder for your rice krispie treats. Just mix it with some melted butter or oil, and then add your cereal. Keep in mind that this will give your treats a distinct honey flavor.

3. Peanut Butter – For a nutty twist on the classic recipe, try using peanut butter as your binder instead of marshmallows. It’ll add a rich flavor and some extra protein to your snacks.

4. Agave Nectar – Another natural sweetener that works well in rice krispie treats is agave nectar. It’s vegan, gluten-free, and has a milder taste than honey. Just mix it with some melted coconut oil or vegan butter, and then add your cereal.

5. Chocolate Chips – If you want to make your treats extra decadent, try melting down some chocolate chips and using them as your binder instead of marshmallows. You can use any type of chocolate you like – milk, dark, or white – and even add some nuts or dried fruit for extra texture.

These are just a few ideas for alternatives to marshmallows in rice krispie treats. Get creative and experiment with different flavors and ingredients to find the perfect combination for your taste buds!

One issue that can arise from adding too much butter is that the treats can become greasy or oily. This is because there is an excess of fat in the mixture, which can make it difficult for the marshmallows and Rice Krispies to bind together properly. As a result, your treats may end up falling apart or having a strange texture.

Finally, adding too much butter can also affect the shelf life of your Rice Krispie Treats. Because butter can go rancid over time, treats that contain too much of it may spoil faster than those made with the correct amount. This means that your treats may not last as long as you’d like them to.

Let’s make some Rice Krispie treats!

There are plenty of reasons to make mini rice krispie treats. They’re very quick and easy to make, meaning you can whip up a batch whenever you want a sweet snack or dessert. This small batch rice krispie treat recipe allows you to store or freeze this dessert for later, so you always have something on hand when you crave something sweet. They’re grain-free and gluten-free, so almost anyone can enjoy them at anytime of day. You’ll be glad you did.

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Rice krispy treats with a glass of milk.

Small Batch Rice Krispie Treats

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 2 reviews
  • Author: The Solo Spoon
  • Prep Time: 7 minutes
  • Setting Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 37 minutes
  • Yield: 4
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Stove
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Description

Do you want to make a smaller batch of rice krispie treats? It is more practical to make just one pan of them rather than a double batch, which would go stale. This small batch rice krispie treats recipe is also an excellent meal prep or weekday dessert because it can be prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container until you are ready to eat.

Ingredients

Units
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1 pinch of salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2.5 cups mini marshmallows, divided
  • 3 cups Rice Krispies cereal

Instructions

  1. Line a 9×5 loaf pan with parchment paper and set aside.
  2. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
  3. Once melted, add in the salt and stir. Then divide the marshmallows by separating 1 cup and setting it aside for a later step. Pour the rest of the marshmallows into the pot and continue to stir until melted.
  4. Once melted, remove the pot from the heat and then add in the vanilla extract. Give it a quick stir before adding in the Rice Krispies cereal and the 1 cup of marshmallows we set aside earlier. Fold gently until combined.
  5. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly, without pressing in too hard. Use the back of a wet fork or spoon to lightly press it down and into the corners of the pan. Do not overpack it otherwise it will become hard once set.
  6. Leave it on the counter to set for at least 1 hour. Do not refrigerate or it will harden and be difficult to eat.
  7. Once set, slice into 4 bars or 8 squares and enjoy!

Notes

  • These are best stored in an airtight container on the counter at room temperature. Refrigerating will harden it.
  • It is best eaten fresh and consumed within 1-2 days.

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3 Comments

  3. 5 stars
    I’ve made this multiple times with multiple cereals in the last few weeks and they’re awesome, thank you so much!



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