For the Best Rice Krispies Treats of Your Life, Swap Half the Cereal With This

Of all the homemade desserts, Rice Krispies treats might be the simplest to make with the biggest payoff. Aside from boxed mixes like brownies and cakes, Rice Krispies treats are my favorite recipe for when I have just 10 minutes to pull something quick together that will satisfy everyone. But sometimes, even the classics need an upgrade.

I’ve been having so much fun experimenting in the kitchen recently that I’ve been seeking out creative substitutions for recipes that seem too tried-and-true to ever improve upon. Which is how I found this recipe for Ruffles Rice Krispies treats and spent time perfecting it with a couple of key tweaks. The result? That classic crispy square gets a total upgrade and becomes way more versatile with a salty twist. It’s even inspired me to try it with other salty combinations, as I have a spare bag of chips after the Super Bowl. It’s a win-win!

Why Adding Ruffles Makes Rice Krispies Treats So Much Better

The sweetness of the marshmallows in a Rice Krispies treat can at times be overwhelming. But once Ruffles are added into the mix, the saltiness balances out this sweet treat to give it a more savory depth and makes it even tastier. For added complexity, you can drizzle melted chocolate or peanut butter over the top.

How to Add Ruffles to a Classic Rice Krispies Treat Recipe

1. Melt butter on the stove. Melt 3 tablespoons butter in a saucepan over medium heat.

2. Add mini marshmallows. Stir in 4 1/2 cups of mini marshmallows to create the “glue” of the Rice Krispies treats. Wait until the marshmallows melt completely before removing from the heat.

3. Crush the Ruffles. Roll out the Ruffles while still in the bag using a rolling pin or hand-crushing to get the most even texture and size. The pieces should be pretty small, so as not to scrape your mouth when eating.

4. Mix Ruffles and Rice Krispies. Combine 3 cups of crushed Ruffles and 3 cups of Rice Krispies in a bowl.

5. Add in the vanilla and chip mixture. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla to the marshmallow fluff, followed by the Ruffle-Rice Krispies mixture.

6. Shape and chill. Spread the Ruffle Rice Krispies into a 9×9-inch pan, pressing to flatten into one solid shape.

7. Add a drizzle. For the full effect when entertaining, you can drizzle melted chocolate, melted peanut butter, or both(!) over the top of the bars.

This article originally published on The Kitchn. See it there: For the Best Rice Krispies Treats of Your Life, Swap Half the Cereal With This

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