Easy Cleanup: Rice Crispy Treats Without The Mess

Rice Krispie treats are a fun and easy dessert to make, but cleaning up can be a challenge. The sticky marshmallow mixture can harden on the pan, leaving a thick layer of residue that's difficult to scrub off. However, there are several simple and effective methods to clean a Rice Krispie treat pan, most of which use common household ingredients.

Use parchment paper to line the pan

Lining your pan with parchment paper is a great way to simplify the process of making rice crispy treats. Not only does it make cleaning up easier, but it also helps to ensure that your treats don't stick to the pan. Here's how to do it:

First, cut a piece of parchment paper to fit your pan. If you're using a rectangular baking pan, you can simply line it with parchment paper. If you're using a different shaped pan, you may need to cut the parchment paper to size. Once you have your parchment paper cut to size, lightly grease it with non-stick cooking spray. This will help to ensure that your treats don't stick to the paper.

Next, prepare your pan by placing the greased parchment paper inside. If you're using a rectangular baking pan, you can simply lift the treats out of the pan by pulling on the parchment paper.

After your treats have cooled and set, you can easily lift them out of the pan by grabbing the edges of the parchment paper. This makes it easy to cut your treats into squares or other desired shapes without making a mess.

Using parchment paper to line your pan is a simple way to make cleanup a breeze and ensure that your rice crispy treats turn out perfectly. It's a helpful trick to have up your sleeve, especially if you're short on time or want to avoid a sticky situation!

Melt butter first

If you've just made a batch of rice crispy treats and are now facing a pan full of congealed butter, marshmallow, and cereal, don't panic! Here's a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to clean your pan, focusing on the "melt butter first" approach:

Step 1: Melt Butter in the Pan

Start by melting a small amount of butter in the pan over low heat. You don't need to add a lot; just enough to coat the bottom of the pan. This will help to loosen any stuck-on rice crispy treat mixture and make it easier to remove.

Step 2: Scrape Out the Residue

Once the butter has melted, use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently scrape out as much of the residue as possible. Be careful not to scratch or damage the surface of the pan. This step will help remove the bulk of the stuck-on treats, making the rest of the cleaning process easier.

Step 3: Create a Cleaning Solution

In a small bowl, mix equal parts of hot water and vinegar. Vinegar is an acidic substance that can help break down the sticky residue left by the marshmallows and butter. You can also add a couple of tablespoons of baking soda to this mixture to boost its cleaning power.

Step 4: Boil the Solution in the Pan

Pour the cleaning solution into the pan and place it on the stove over medium heat. Bring the solution to a gentle boil and allow it to simmer for a few minutes. The heat and the acidic nature of the solution will help loosen and dissolve any remaining residue.

Step 5: Scrub the Pan

After boiling the cleaning solution, use a soft sponge or scouring pad to gently scrub the pan. Avoid using steel wool or abrasive scrubbers, as these can damage the pan's surface. With gentle scrubbing, you should be able to remove most, if not all, of the remaining residue.

Step 6: Wash and Dry the Pan

Once you've removed all the residue, wash the pan with warm water and mild dish soap. Make sure to dry it thoroughly after washing to prevent rusting. You can use a clean cloth or paper towel to absorb any remaining moisture.

Step 7: Oil the Pan (Optional)

If desired, you can finish by lightly coating the pan with a refined cooking oil, such as canola oil. This step will help protect the pan's surface and maintain its seasoning. Simply wipe away any excess oil with a clean cloth or paper towel.

By following these steps, you should be able to effectively clean your rice crispy treat pan, ensuring it's ready for your next batch of treats or any other culinary creation you wish to whip up!

Add marshmallows, then heat

Once you've melted the butter in your pot or pan, it's time to add the marshmallows. For a classic Rice Krispie treat recipe, you'll need two 10-ounce bags of mini marshmallows, which is about 11 heaping cups. If you're using large marshmallows, you'll need 16 ounces, or about 8 cups.

Add the marshmallows to the melted butter and stir the mixture. Keep stirring until the marshmallows are completely melted. This will take a few minutes, especially if you're using large marshmallows. You can also add a tiny splash of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt at this stage for extra flavour.

Once the marshmallows are almost melted, it's time to remove the pot from the heat. If you're using large marshmallows, you'll know they're ready when they're about 75% melted. If you're using mini marshmallows, you can take the pot off the heat when they're fully melted.

Use a spatula to spread the mixture

When making rice crispy treats, it's important to use a spatula to spread the mixture evenly and gently into your prepared pan. This step ensures your treats will have the right texture and hold together without becoming too hard or compacted.

First, make sure your spatula is greased lightly. This will help prevent the sticky mixture from adhering to the spatula as you spread and press it into the pan. You can use butter or a nonstick spray for this; simply grease the back of a flat spatula or use a silicone spatula, which tends to be naturally nonstick.

Next, gently spread the mixture to fit the pan. You want to softly spread and stretch the mixture without packing it down forcefully. Use slow, even pressure to ensure the mixture is distributed evenly across the pan. Take your time with this step to avoid any lumps or uneven thickness.

Finally, very gently press the mixture down into the pan. Again, avoid using force or packing it down too hard. You just want to lightly press it until it is secure and flat in the pan. This step helps the treats hold their shape without becoming too dense or hard.

Allowing the mixture to cool and set completely before cutting and serving is also crucial. This gives the treats time to firm up and ensures they will hold together when cut into squares. Depending on the recipe, this can take at least 30 minutes or up to an hour or more.

Allow to cool, then cut

Once you've mixed the ingredients, it's time to get them into the pan. Press the mixture into the pan using a buttered spatula or waxed paper. Make sure it's spread out evenly and firmly.

Now, the waiting game. You'll need to let the treats cool for at least 30 minutes before cutting them into squares. If you're making the extra gooey and buttery version, you'll need to let them set for at least an hour.

If you're making these treats in advance, you can leave them out for a few hours, but any longer than that and you'll need to cover them tightly. They can be stored at room temperature for up to three days, or frozen for up to two months.

Frequently asked questions