If you have a craving for a sweet and salty snack that brings a delightful crunch and gooey softness all at once, the Ritz Krispie Treats Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Combining buttery melted marshmallows with crisp, flaky Ritz crackers, this treat strikes the perfect balance of flavors and textures. It’s a playful twist on the classic crispy treat, but with a savory edge that makes it utterly addictive. Whether you’re making a quick batch for an afternoon pick-me-up or prepping a crowd-pleaser for a gathering, this recipe shines with simplicity and scrumptiousness in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple but essential ingredients is the first step toward creating your irresistible batch of Ritz Krispie Treats. Each component plays a special role: butter for richness, marshmallows for that sticky-sweet binding, and those iconic Ritz crackers for crunch and flavor. Let’s make sure you’re all set!
- 6 tablespoons salted butter: Adds a creamy richness that helps the marshmallows melt smoothly and enhances the salty-sweet profile.
- 16 oz. mini marshmallows: The gooey glue that binds everything together and adds the perfect chewy sweetness.
- 96 Ritz crackers (about 3 sleeves): The star crunch that brings an addictive buttery, savory note to contrast the marshmallows.
How to Make Ritz Krispie Treats Recipe
Step 1: Melt the Butter
Start by melting the salted butter in a large pot over medium-low heat. This gentle warming ensures the butter doesn’t burn and creates the base for melting the marshmallows evenly. The smell alone will get you excited about what’s to come!
Step 2: Add and Melt the Mini Marshmallows
Once your butter is melted, toss in the mini marshmallows. Stir continuously to help them melt smoothly into a sticky, sweet mixture. This step is crucial because those melted marshmallows give the treat its signature chewy texture and glossy finish.
Step 3: Mix in the Ritz Crackers
Turn off the heat and add the Ritz crackers to the melted marshmallow mixture. You can lightly crush the crackers before adding or add them whole – either way works because they’ll break apart as you mix. This mix is what creates that unexpected crunchy surprise with each bite!
Step 4: Transfer to a Pan
Next, pour the mixture into an 8×8 or 9×9 square pan that you have already greased or lined with parchment paper. This makes sure your treats don’t stick and will come out easily when you’re ready to cut them.
Step 5: Press the Treats into an Even Layer
Use a spatula or your hands (lightly greased for less stickiness) to press the mixture evenly across the pan. For a pretty finishing touch, sprinkle a few larger Ritz cracker pieces on top and press gently. It looks fabulous and gives a sneak peek of the crunch inside.
Step 6: Let Cool and Cut
Allow your Ritz Krispie Treats to cool completely at room temperature. This solidifies the structure so when you cut into them, they hold their shape beautifully. Then, slice into squares and get ready to indulge in a perfect sweet and salty snack!
How to Serve Ritz Krispie Treats Recipe
Garnishes
To dress up your treats, consider sprinkling a light dusting of powdered sugar or even a drizzle of melted chocolate over the top. These garnishes add an extra layer of visual appeal and flavor, making the treats feel a little more special – perfect for sharing with friends or gifting.
Side Dishes
Pair your Ritz Krispie Treats with a nice cup of hot tea or coffee to balance the sweetness with something warm and comforting. For parties, they also work beautifully alongside salty nuts or a fresh fruit platter, offering a delightful contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Think outside the box by serving these treats in mason jars layered with whipped cream, or cut them into bite-sized squares and stack them on a colorful platter with toothpicks for easy snacking. They also make adorable sandwich cookie centers when paired with chocolate or peanut butter spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled and cut, store your Ritz Krispie Treats in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps them fresh and chewy for up to 3 days—perfect if you need to make them in advance but want to enjoy that fresh-baked taste.
Freezing
If you want to keep these treats for longer, wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag. They freeze wonderfully for up to a month, and thaw quickly when you’re ready for a nostalgic treat.
Reheating
While these treats are best enjoyed at room temperature, if you fancy them warm, pop a square into the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This softens the marshmallow, reigniting that gooey magic just like fresh out of the pot.
FAQs
Can I use regular-sized marshmallows instead of mini ones?
You absolutely can! Just chop the regular marshmallows into smaller pieces for even melting, or keep the heat low and stir a bit longer to ensure an even, gooey mixture.
Is it okay to use unsalted butter?
Yes, unsalted butter works fine, but you might want to add a light pinch of salt to keep the signature salty-sweet balance that the salted butter gives this recipe.
Can I substitute another type of cracker for Ritz?
Ritz crackers are ideal because of their buttery flavor and texture, but you could try similar buttery or lightly salted crackers. Just keep in mind the flavor profile will change slightly.
How do I prevent the treats from sticking to the pan?
Greasing your pan liberally or lining it with parchment paper is key. Both methods ensure easy removal and cleaner edges when cutting your Ritz Krispie Treats.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
Definitely! Adding chocolate chips, nuts, or even dried fruit can elevate this treat into something uniquely yours. Just fold them in with the crackers before pressing the mixture into the pan.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ve enjoyed this cozy dive into the Ritz Krispie Treats Recipe. It’s simple, fun, and just downright addictive once you try it. Whether for a quick snack or a fun celebration, these treats bring a smile every time. So grab those crackers and marshmallows, get melting, and treat yourself to a sweet and salty delight you’ll want to make over and over again!
