Growing up, one of my favorite treats was Rice Krispie squares. The gooey, marshmallow goodness mixed with crispy, puffed rice was pure heaven. I remember my mom making them from scratch, carefully melting the marshmallows on the stovetop and stirring in the cereal. It was a labor of love, but the end result was always worth it. However, as an adult with a busy schedule, I don’t always have the time or energy to go through the whole process. That’s when I discovered the magic of microwaving Rice Krispie squares. With just a few simple steps, I can have a batch of delicious treats ready in minutes.
The Magic of Microwaving
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Making Rice Krispie squares in the microwave is incredibly easy, but you’ll still need a few key ingredients:
– 3 tablespoons of butter or margarine
– 4 cups of mini marshmallows
– 6 cups of Rice Krispies cereal
Step 2: Melt the Butter
Start by placing the butter or margarine in a microwave-safe bowl. Pop it in the microwave and heat it for about 30 seconds, or until it’s completely melted.
Step 3: Add the Marshmallows
Once the butter is melted, add the mini marshmallows to the bowl. Stir them together to coat the marshmallows evenly. It’s important to make sure all the marshmallows are coated, as this will help prevent them from sticking to the sides of the bowl and causing a mess.
Step 4: Microwave in Intervals
Next, place the bowl back in the microwave and heat it for 1 minute. After the minute is up, carefully remove the bowl (it will be hot!) and give the mixture a good stir. You want to make sure the marshmallows are fully melted and combined with the butter.
Step 5: Add the Rice Krispies
Now it’s time to add the secret ingredient – Rice Krispies cereal! Measure out 6 cups of the cereal and pour it into the bowl with the melted marshmallow mixture. Stir everything together until the cereal is evenly coated and distributed throughout the mixture.
Step 6: Press into a Pan
Once everything is mixed together, grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and lightly coat it with cooking spray or butter to prevent the squares from sticking. Pour the Rice Krispie mixture into the pan and use a spatula or your hands (if they’re clean, of course) to press it down firmly. You want to make sure the mixture is packed tightly into the pan to ensure the squares hold their shape.
Step 7: Let Them Set
Now comes the hard part – waiting for the Rice Krispie squares to set. Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the mixture to cool and firm up. If you’re really in a hurry, you can pop them in the freezer for about 15 minutes. The squares should be firm and hold their shape when you cut them.
Step 8: Cut and Enjoy!
Once the squares are set, remove them from the refrigerator and cut them into your desired size and shape. I like to go for classic squares, but you can also get creative and use cookie cutters to make fun shapes. And that’s it – you’re ready to enjoy your homemade Rice Krispie squares!
Conclusion
Microwaving Rice Krispie squares is a game-changer for anyone with a busy schedule or limited cooking skills. It’s a quick and easy way to satisfy your sweet tooth and indulge in a childhood favorite. So next time you’re craving a delicious treat, give this microwave method a try. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!