Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare Your Pan: Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking pan with butter or nonstick cooking spray. This will prevent the treats from sticking and make them much easier to remove later. You can also line the pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides to act as handles for easy lifting.
- Melt the Butter: In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt the butter over low heat. It’s crucial to keep the heat low to prevent the butter from browning too quickly, which would change the flavor.
- Melt the Marshmallows Slowly: Once the butter is melted, add the marshmallows. Continue to stir gently and constantly over low heat. Rushing this by turning up the heat will result in crystallized sugar and hard treats. Be patient. As you stir, you'll see them slowly transform into a smooth, creamy, and gloriously sticky liquid.
- Add Flavor: Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and the pinch of salt. The vanilla adds a wonderful depth of flavor that complements the sweetness of the marshmallows, and the salt balances everything out.
- Combine with Cereal: Add the crisp rice cereal to the pot. Using a greased spatula, gently fold the cereal into the melted marshmallow mixture until it’s just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can crush the cereal and make the treats too dense.
- Press Gently into the Pan: Transfer the mixture to your prepared pan. Here’s the next critical secret: do not press down firmly. Use a greased spatula or your fingertips (rubbed with a little butter) to gently guide and spread the mixture evenly into the pan. Compacting it is what leads to dense, hard squares. A light touch is all you need.
- Let Them Set: Allow the treats to cool at room temperature for at least one hour before cutting. This gives them time to firm up just enough to hold their shape while staying soft and chewy.
- Cut and Serve: Once cooled, use a sharp knife to cut them into squares. Now they are ready to be served and enjoyed by everyone!
Nutrition
Calories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 2gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 50mgPotassium: 50mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15gCalcium: 20mgIron: 0.3mg
Notes
For a gluten free version, ensure you are using certified gluten free crisp rice cereal. You can also experiment with other cereals like cocoa puffs or Chex for a different flavor and texture.
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