Best Pan Size For Rice Krispie Treats

Rice Krispie treats are a universal favourite, but not all Rice Krispie treats are created equal. The size of the pan you use will depend on how many treats you want to make and how thick you want them to be. A 9x13-inch pan is standard for a batch of treats, but if you want to make a larger batch, you can use a half sheet pan (12x18 inches) or even a full cookie sheet.

The best pan size for Rice Krispie treats

Rice Krispie treats are a delicious snack or dessert, and they're even better when you make a large batch to share with friends and family. The size of the pan you use will depend on how many treats you want to make and how thick you want them to be. Here are some tips to help you choose the right pan size for your needs.

For a small batch of traditional Rice Krispie treats, you can use a 9x13-inch pan. This size is perfect if you're making enough for a family or a small gathering. The treats will be about an inch thick, which is the standard thickness for these treats.

If you want thicker treats, an 8x8-inch pan is a good option. This will give you treats that are about two inches thick. This is a great choice if you want a more indulgent treat or if you're using the treats as a base for other ingredients like chocolate or sprinkles.

When making a large batch of Rice Krispie treats, a half sheet pan (about 12x18 inches) is a good option. This size pan will give you enough treats to feed a crowd at a party, potluck, or bake sale. You can also use this size pan if you want to cut the treats into fun shapes with cookie cutters.

Another option for a large batch is to use a baking tray or cookie sheet. This will give you a large number of treats, and you can easily cut them into squares or rectangles.

Regardless of the pan size you choose, it's important to line your pan with parchment paper or foil and grease it with butter or non-stick spray. This will make it easier to remove the treats from the pan and prevent them from sticking.

Now that you know the best pan size for Rice Krispie treats, it's time to start making some delicious treats! Remember to adjust the recipe accordingly to the size of your pan and the number of treats you want to make. Happy baking!

How to make Rice Krispie treats in the oven

Ingredients:

• Butter (salted or unsalted)
• Marshmallows (mini or regular)
• Vanilla extract
• Salt
• Rice Krispies cereal

Optional Ingredients:

• Rainbow sprinkles
• Flaky salt
• Peanut butter
• Chocolate chips
• Cocoa Krispies
• Walnuts

Utensils:

• 9x13-inch baking pan
• Large pot (such as a Dutch oven)
• Rubber spatula
• Flat spatula

Method:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease a 9x13-inch pan with cooking spray or line it with greased parchment paper.
• Cut 6 half-tablespoon squares from a stick of cold butter and place them on the bottom of the pan.
• Arrange 24 jumbo-sized marshmallows or two 10-ounce bags of mini marshmallows in an even layer over the butter.
• Pour 6 cups of Rice Krispies cereal on top of the marshmallows, allowing some to spill into the spaces between the marshmallows.
• Bake for 20 minutes until the marshmallows have puffed up.
• Gently stir the marshmallows and Rice Krispies together until smooth.
• If the mixture looks too marshmallowy, stir in another 2-3 cups of cereal.
• Feel free to add mix-ins such as candies, sprinkles, chocolate chips, or peanut butter.
• Lightly press the cereal into the pan to even out the bars. Using damp hands or parchment paper will prevent sticking.
• Allow the treats to set in the fridge for about 30 minutes, then cut into squares and enjoy!

Tips:

• For extra gooey and buttery treats, add a little extra butter and marshmallow, along with a splash of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
• To prevent sticking, line your baking pan with greased parchment paper.
• Do not pack the Rice Krispie treats down into the baking pan. Use greased fingers or a spatula to gently spread and stretch the mixture.
• The treats will keep for up to 5 days in an airtight container at room temperature.

How to make a large batch of Rice Krispie treats

Rice Krispie treats are a delicious dessert that can be made and enjoyed by anyone. They are perfect for bake sales, fundraisers, parties, and potlucks. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to make a large batch of Rice Krispie treats.

Ingredients:

• Butter: Use either salted or unsalted butter, according to your preference. For a large batch, you will need 12 tablespoons (1.5 sticks) of butter.
• Marshmallows: You can use mini marshmallows or large marshmallows. For a large batch, you will need 16 cups of mini marshmallows or about 40 large marshmallows.
• Rice Krispie Cereal: You will need 12 cups of Rice Krispie cereal for a large batch.
• Salt: A pinch of salt will enhance the flavour of your treats.
• Parchment Paper or Foil: This will be used to line your baking pan.
• Non-stick Spray: To prevent your treats from sticking, lightly spray your parchment paper or foil.

Optional Ingredients:

• Vanilla Extract: Adding a small amount of vanilla extract (about 1/2 teaspoon) can enhance the flavour of your treats.
• Mix-ins: You can add mix-ins such as peanut butter, chocolate chips, or sprinkles to make your treats even more delicious.

Equipment:

• Large Mixing Bowl: You will need a very large mixing bowl to combine the cereal and marshmallow mixture.
• Stock Pot or Dutch Oven: Use a large pot to melt the butter and marshmallows on the stovetop.
• 12x18" Rimmed Baking Sheet: This is the ideal size for a large batch of Rice Krispie treats. If you don't have one, you can use a 9x13" baking pan, but your treats may be thicker.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

• Line your 12x18" rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Spray it lightly with non-stick spray and set it aside.
• In a large mixing bowl, add the Rice Krispie cereal and 4 cups of mini marshmallows (or about 10 large marshmallows). Set this aside.
• In a stock pot or Dutch oven on the stovetop, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the remaining 16 cups of mini marshmallows (or about 30 large marshmallows). Stir the mixture until the marshmallows are completely melted.
• Remove the pot from the heat and quickly pour the melted marshmallow mixture over the cereal and marshmallow mixture in the large bowl. Stir well until all the cereal is coated.
• Transfer the mixture to your prepared pan. Spray your hands or a spatula with non-stick spray to prevent sticking, and gently press the mixture into the pan. Do not pack it down too tightly.
• Allow the treats to set until they are firm. Then, lift the parchment paper or foil out of the pan and place it on a cutting board.
• Cut the treats into your desired sizes. You can make 12 jumbo treats or up to 48 regular-sized treats.
• Enjoy your delicious, large batch of Rice Krispie treats!

Tips:

• If you don't have a very large mixing bowl, you can use a large roasting pan instead.
• For extra soft and fluffy treats, add some whole marshmallows to the cereal mixture.
• Be sure to melt the marshmallows and butter completely and stir in the salt before removing from the heat.
• Don't pack the mixture down too tightly in the pan. This will affect the texture of your treats.
• Well-wrapped Rice Krispie treats can stay fresh for several days.

Why you shouldn't refrigerate Rice Krispie treats

Rice Krispie treats are a delicious snack, but there are a few reasons why you shouldn't refrigerate them. Here are some reasons why:

Hardening:

Refrigeration can cause Rice Krispie treats to harden and become difficult to chew. They turn into brick-like blocks, and you might even fear chipping a tooth! While you can try to warm them up before serving, it's tricky to get them back to the perfect texture.

Texture:

Rice Krispie treats are known for their soft, gooey consistency. However, refrigeration can alter their texture, making them dry and hard. The treats are best enjoyed fresh, as they tend to lose their ideal texture over time.

Storage Options:

There are better ways to store Rice Krispie treats that don't involve refrigeration. You can keep them at room temperature for up to 3 days. Storing them in an airtight container or using foil and plastic wrap can help maintain freshness. Additionally, freezing is an option if you want to extend their shelf life. Frozen treats can last up to 6 weeks and can be thawed at room temperature before serving.

Food Safety:

The high sugar content in Rice Krispie treats, due to the marshmallows, acts as a preservative. This means they are generally safe to store at room temperature without refrigeration. Commercially packaged Rice Krispie treats also do not advise refrigeration.

Personal Preference:

Ultimately, some people may prefer their Rice Krispie treats chilled. However, for optimal flavour and texture, room temperature storage is recommended. Chilling them can affect their signature soft and crispy qualities.

How to prevent Rice Krispie treats from becoming hard

Rice Krispie treats are a quick and easy dessert to make for any occasion. However, they can sometimes turn out hard and stale. Here are some tips to prevent that from happening:

Use Fresh Marshmallows

Old marshmallows tend to dry out and have a firm exterior, making them unsuitable for Rice Krispie treats as they don't melt as well. Always use fresh marshmallows to ensure your treats stay soft and gooey.

Don't Skimp on the Marshmallows

The more marshmallows, the better! A good rule of thumb is to use a minimum of 1 1/2 cups of marshmallows, which is slightly more than a standard-size bag of large marshmallows. For extra marshmallowy treats, use a 1:1 ratio of marshmallows to cereal.

Melt Marshmallows on Low Heat

Melting marshmallows over high heat will result in rock-hard Rice Krispie treats. Be patient and melt the marshmallows over low heat to achieve soft and chewy treats.

Don't Pack the Treats Down

When spreading the Rice Krispie mixture into your pan, avoid packing it down too firmly. This will help prevent your treats from becoming hard and dense. Instead, gently spread and stretch the mixture, then lightly press it down with greased fingers or a spatula.

Use the Right Pan Size

Using the correct pan size is crucial for ensuring your treats turn out well. For a small batch of Rice Krispie treats, use an 8-inch or 9-inch square baking pan. For a large batch, a 9 x 13-inch baking pan is ideal.

Add a Little Salt

Adding a pinch of salt to your Rice Krispie treats can enhance the flavour and balance out the sweetness of the marshmallows.

Store Properly

Rice Krispie treats are best enjoyed fresh, but they can last for a few days if stored properly. Keep them in an airtight container or large zip-top bag at room temperature. If you need to store them for a more extended period, consider freezing them.

Frequently asked questions