Buzz
My memories of making Rice Krispies Treats used to involve a large pot, a stovetop, and a lot of butter stirring for ten minutes. It was tasty but required so much effort—and cleaning that sticky, marshmallow-covered pot was no fun. That was my routine... until I watched my boyfriend’s mom make a batch in the microwave.
As quick as the microwave’s beep, these nostalgic treats have made a rapid comeback in my life. I love this microwave hack because it only takes about five minutes, from pouring the cereal to pressing it into the pan. (And that’s even if you take your sweet time snapping photos like I did.)
How to Make Rice Krispies Treats in the Microwave
1. Melt the Butter in the Microwave
Place a tablespoon of butter in a microwave-safe bowl (break it in half to help it melt faster). Heat it in the microwave for about 30 to 45 seconds. While it’s melting, butter a 6-cup cupcake pan. You can use a loaf pan or any other shape you like, but I prefer a cupcake pan—its indentations create perfectly sized portions, and the separated mixture cools and sets faster.
2. Melt the Marshmallows in the Microwave
Once the butter is fully melted and bubbling, take it out of the microwave and stir in two cups of mini marshmallows. If you only have large marshmallows, you can use those, but I opted for the minis because they melt faster and more evenly. Stir the marshmallows in the butter until they’re well-coated, then return the bowl to the microwave for another 30 seconds. The marshmallows should start puffing up—this is a good sign. Take the bowl out and stir with a rubber spatula until the marshmallow mixture is smooth and uniform.
3. Mix in the Cereal and Form the Treats
Add one and a half cups of snap-crackle cereal to the melted marshmallow mixture and stir with the spatula until it's completely coated. Quickly spoon the mixture into the cupcake molds, pressing it down with the spatula to shape it. (Alternatively, you can press it with your fingers, but butter them first to prevent sticking.)
4. Chill in the refrigerator
To get your Rice Krispies Treats to firm up into a chewy, marshmallow-y texture, refrigerate them for about 5-10 minutes. I, on the other hand, have no problem enjoying them warm, and with the cupcake pan, you can grab one right away while the rest cool down.
Simple Rice Krispies Treats, Microwave Method
Ingredients List:
1 tablespoon of butter
2 cups of mini marshmallows
1 ½ cups of Rice Krispies cereal
1. Grease a 6-cup muffin tin with butter.
2. Place the butter in a microwave-safe dish and melt for about 30 to 45 seconds.
3. Add the marshmallows to the melted butter. Heat the mixture in the microwave for an additional 30 seconds, or until the marshmallows swell. Stir well until smooth and combined.
4. Fold in the cereal until well-coated. Spoon the mixture into the cupcake liners and gently press down. Allow the treats to set for a few minutes, then either chill them in the refrigerator or enjoy them right away.
