How Are Rice Krispies Even Made? We Bet You Have No Idea!

Rice Krispies Treats are more than just a nostalgic snack; they’re a cultural icon. Invented in 1939 by Kellogg’s employees Mildred Day and Malitta Jensen, these sticky-sweet squares quickly became a favorite in American households. Unlike most global snack sensations, which guard their recipes like a family heirloom, the recipe for Rice Krispies Treats has been openly shared by Kellogg’s for decades. But despite its simplicity, these treats continue to spark curiosity. How exactly are they made, and what makes them so irresistibly good?

How Are Rice Krispies Treats Made?

Here’s the big reveal: Rice Krispies Treats are neither fried nor baked, which is part of their magic. They’re made by melting butter and marshmallows together into a gooey, sugary syrup and folding in crisped rice cereal to bind everything together. The mixture is then pressed into a pan to cool, firm up, and become the chewy-yet-crunchy bars we know and love. The process is straightforward, but the alchemy of warm, melted marshmallows and light, airy cereal makes them feel like a culinary miracle every time.

So It's Not Just Puffed Rice, Right?

The foundation of Rice Krispies Treats is Kellogg’s Rice Krispies cereal, which isn’t just puffed rice—it’s puffed and toasted. The process involves rice and sugar paste that’s cooked, puffed, and lightly toasted to achieve that signature crispy crunch. While some recipes use similar puffed rice cereals as substitutes, the unique texture of Rice Krispies is hard to replicate. The lightness and crispness of each grain are crucial to creating that satisfying bite.

Can You Make Them at Home?

Yes, and it’s almost embarrassingly easy. With just three main ingredients—Rice Krispies cereal, butter, and marshmallows—you can whip up a batch in less than 20 minutes. Homemade versions allow for endless creativity, from adding chocolate chips or peanut butter to sprinkling in colorful candies for a festive twist. While you can experiment with other cereals, the classic combo of Rice Krispies and marshmallows remains unmatched in its simplicity and nostalgic charm.