Why You’ll Love This Butterscotch Rice Krispie Treats
Butterscotch Rice Krispie Treats are simple, sweet, and ready fast. They mix the crisp chew of Rice Krispies with warm butterscotch flavor and gooey marshmallows. Kids and adults both enjoy them. You do not need special skills. You make them in one pan and cut them into squares. They are great for parties, school snacks, or a quick sweet bite after dinner.
introduction
This recipe uses just a few ingredients and gives you a classic treat with a butterscotch twist. The steps are easy and short, so you can make these in about 15 minutes plus cooling time. If you like soft, chewy bars with a rich flavor, you will like these. For other simple butterscotch ideas, see this helpful butterscotch pie recipe that shares similar flavors. The recipe below will walk you through what you need and how to make it in clear, easy steps.
Why Make This Recipe
Make this recipe when you want a quick dessert that tastes rich but is easy to make. It uses pantry items most people already have or can buy at any grocery store. You do not need an oven, and cleanup is quick. These treats are also great to take to a potluck or to give as a small homemade gift. The mix of butter, butterscotch chips, and marshmallows makes the bars buttery and sweet without being hard or too dense.
What You Need for Butterscotch Rice Krispie Treats
You need a large pot, a spatula, and a greased 9×13 inch pan. Use a low heat to melt the butter and chips without burning them. A silicone spatula or a wooden spoon works best for stirring. You will also want a measuring cup and measuring spoons.
How to Make Butterscotch Rice Krispie Treats
Follow these steps and work quickly once the marshmallows melt. Press the mixture into the pan while warm so the bars hold together. Do not press too hard or you will make the treats too dense. Let them cool fully before cutting for the cleanest squares.
Ingredients:
3 tablespoons butter, 1 package (10 oz) butterscotch chips, 1 package (10 oz) mini marshmallows, 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
Directions:
- In a large pot, melt the butter over low heat.
- Add the butterscotch chips and marshmallows; stir until completely melted and smooth.
- Remove from heat and quickly add the Rice Krispies cereal, stirring until well coated.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch pan.
- Press the mixture down firmly with a spatula.
- Allow to cool, cut into squares, and enjoy!
Best Ways to Serve Butterscotch Rice Krispie Treats
Serve these treats plain for a classic snack. You can also:
- Add a light dusting of powdered sugar for a soft look.
- Top each square with a small dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of extra butterscotch sauce for a fancier plate.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an easy dessert.
- Pack them in a lunchbox for a sweet school treat or wrap them in wax paper to take to a picnic.
They pair well with coffee, milk, or a simple cold drink. If you cut them into small squares, they make a good party finger food.
How to Store Butterscotch Rice Krispie Treats
Store the treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Place parchment paper between layers to keep them from sticking. If you need to keep them longer, wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature before serving. Avoid the fridge; it can dry them out and make them firmer and less chewy.
Easy Tips to Make Butterscotch Rice Krispie Treats
- Use low heat when melting butter and chips so nothing burns. Stir often.
- Remove the pot from heat as soon as the mixture is smooth to avoid overcooking.
- Work quickly when adding the cereal — the marshmallow mixture sets fast.
- Grease your pan well or line it with parchment paper to make removing the bars easy.
- For neat squares, let the pan cool completely, then run a knife under hot water, dry it, and slice. The warm knife cuts cleaner.
- If you want lighter bars, gently fold the cereal in instead of stirring hard to keep more air.
For more ideas on lighter sweet snacks, you can read about some healthy options at this useful healthy treat ideas page.
Try These Variations of Butterscotch Rice Krispie Treats
- Chocolate mix: Stir in 1/2 cup chocolate chips after you mix the cereal for a butterscotch-chocolate combo.
- Nut crunch: Add 1/2 cup chopped nuts (like pecans or almonds) with the cereal for crunch.
- Sea salt: Sprinkle a little sea salt on top right after pressing to balance the sweetness.
- Peanut butter: Melt 1/2 cup peanut butter with the butter for a nutty flavor.
- Fruity twist: Fold in 1/2 cup dried fruit like cranberries or raisins for chew and color.
Each variation keeps the same simple steps but adds a new taste or texture.
Common Questions About Butterscotch Rice Krispie Treats
Q: Can I use a different cereal?
A: Yes. You can use any puffed rice cereal, but the texture will change. Puffed rice gives the classic light, crisp chew.
Q: Can I halve the recipe?
A: Yes. Reduce all ingredients by half and use a smaller pan. Watch the cooking time closely since the mix sets fast.
Q: How do I keep the bars soft?
A: Do not overcook the marshmallow mixture and press the cereal gently. Store in an airtight container and do not refrigerate.
Q: Can I make these ahead?
A: Yes. Make them and store at room temp for up to three days or freeze for up to two months.
Q: Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini?
A: Yes. Use the same weight in regular marshmallows and chop larger ones if needed so they melt evenly.
Final Thoughts
This butterscotch version of Rice Krispie treats offers a quick, satisfying sweet with familiar texture and new flavor. The recipe stays simple and flexible, so you can tweak it to match what you like or what you have on hand. It is a great go-to when you want a quick dessert without a long bake time.
Ready to Give It a Try?
Gather your butter, chips, marshmallows, and cereal, and make these in under 20 minutes. They are easy to share and simple to change up with mix-ins. Enjoy the warm, sweet taste and the fun of making a classic treat with a butterscotch twist.
Conclusion
If you want another butterscotch take or a different way to enjoy this flavor, check this Mel’s Kitchen Cafe version of butterscotch Rice Krispie Treats for more ideas and notes.
Print
Butterscotch Rice Krispie Treats
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Quick and easy butterscotch-flavored Rice Krispie treats that are perfect for parties or a sweet snack.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 package (10 oz) butterscotch chips
- 1 package (10 oz) mini marshmallows
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
Instructions
- In a large pot, melt the butter over low heat.
- Add the butterscotch chips and marshmallows; stir until completely melted and smooth.
- Remove from heat and quickly add the Rice Krispies cereal, stirring until well coated.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch pan.
- Press the mixture down firmly with a spatula.
- Allow to cool, cut into squares, and enjoy!
Notes
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap each square in plastic wrap and freeze for up to two months. Avoid refrigerating as it can dry out the treats.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg