Rice Krispie Treats are a classic snack that have been loved by kids and adults for generations. The combination of crispy rice cereal, marshmallows, and butter is hard to resist! But homemade Rice Krispie Treats don’t contain any preservatives, so they don’t stay fresh as long as store-bought versions. If you’ve made a batch of these tasty treats, you may be wondering just how long they’ll last and how to store them properly.
How Long Do Homemade Rice Krispie Treats Last at Room Temperature?
If left out at room temperature, homemade Rice Krispie Treats will start to dry out within a couple of days. The marshmallows will become hard and the treats will lose their chewy-crisp texture. After 2-3 days at room temperature, they won’t taste as fresh or appealing.
For best quality and texture, homemade Rice Krispie treats should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This helps them retain moisture and prevents them from drying out too quickly.
How to Store Homemade Rice Krispie Treats
To extend the shelf life of homemade Rice Krispie treats, proper storage is key. Here are some tips for storing them to keep them fresh for as long as possible:
- Let the treats cool and set completely before storing. This allows them to firm up properly.
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil. This prevents exposure to air, which can cause staleness.
- Place in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. An airtight container is best for preventing moisture loss.
- Store in the refrigerator. The cold environment keeps treats fresh for longer. Treats will last longer in the fridge than at room temp.
How Long Do Rice Krispie Treats Last in the Fridge?
When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, homemade Rice Krispie treats will stay fresh for 5-7 days. The cool temperature helps slow down starch retrogradation, which is the process that causes treats to dry out and become stale. Just be sure to bring treats to room temperature before eating for best texture.
Can You Freeze Homemade Rice Krispie Treats?
Freezing is a great way to extend the shelf life of homemade Rice Krispie treats even longer. Simply allow treats to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place in freezer bags. Remove as much air from bags as possible before sealing.
When frozen properly, Rice Krispie treats can last 2-3 months in the freezer. Allow frozen treats to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving for best quality and texture.
How to Thaw Frozen Rice Krispie Treats
To thaw frozen Rice Krispie treats properly:
- Remove treats from freezer and unwrap.
- Place treats on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Allow to thaw overnight in the refrigerator. This prevents condensation from forming.
- Enjoy thawed treats within 2-3 days for best freshness.
- Do not thaw treats at room temperature or in the microwave, as this causes texture issues.
How to Revive Stale Rice Krispie Treats
If your Rice Krispie treats have dried out, don’t toss them out! You can revive stale treats and restore their texture with these easy methods:
- Microwave: Wrap treats in a paper towel and microwave 10-15 seconds to soften. Be careful not to overheat.
- Oven: Wrap in foil and bake at 300°F for 2-3 minutes to soften and moisten.
- Air tight container: Place treats in a container with a slice of bread or apple. The moisture will soften treats overnight.
- Milk: Dip treats in milk for 10-15 seconds to rehydrate. Remove and allow excess to drip off.
How to Tell if Rice Krispie Treats Have Gone Bad
Rice Krispie treats that have been stored improperly can grow mold before their best by date. Here are signs your treats may have gone bad:
- Mold growth – discard treats at first sign of fuzzy mold.
- Off odors – smelly or unpleasant odors indicate spoilage.
- Crunchy or hard texture – very dry and hard treats are past freshness.
- Weeping liquid – moisture accumulation signals spoilage.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to discard the treats rather than risk eating spoiled food. When in doubt, remember the saying “when in doubt, throw it out!”
Tips for Making Rice Krispie Treats Last Longer
You can help your homemade Rice Krispie treats stay fresher longer by following these tips:
- Use fresh ingredients – old cereal or marshmallows lead to faster staling.
- Undercook slightly – treats that are slightly underdone stay moister.
- Cool completely before storing.
- Use an airtight container – prevent moisture loss.
- Refrigerate or freeze treats – cold temps slow staling.
- Avoid humidity – moisture causes sogginess.
- Don’t cut until ready to serve – keeps texture intact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you eat expired Rice Krispie treats?
It’s not recommended to eat homemade Rice Krispie treats after their expiration or best by date. Even if they look okay, they can harbor harmful bacteria after expiring. Stick to the 5-7 day fridge shelf life for safety.
How long can Rice Krispie treats sit out?
You should avoid leaving homemade Rice Krispie treats out at room temperature as much as possible. They’ll start to dry out after a couple of days. For best quality, store them in an airtight container in the fridge.
Do Rice Krispie treats need to be refrigerated?
Refrigeration extends the shelf life of homemade Rice Krispie treats significantly. Fridge temperatures between 35°F and 40°F will keep treats fresh for 5-7 days when stored in an airtight container.
Can you freeze homemade Rice Krispie treats?
Yes, homemade Rice Krispie treats freeze very well. Simply wrap cooled treats tightly in plastic wrap or foil and freeze in airtight bags. Frozen treats stay fresh for 2-3 months when frozen at 0°F.
Should you wrap Rice Krispie treats?
Wrapping Rice Krispie treats is important to prevent drying out. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, foil or an airtight container. This protects treats from air exposure which causes staleness and loss of texture.
Conclusion
With proper refrigerated storage, homemade Rice Krispie treats can stay fresh and tasty for 5-7 days. For maximum shelf life, freezing is best and allows treats to last 2-3 months. Wrap treats tightly, store in an airtight container, and refrigerate or freeze as soon as they have cooled completely after making. Follow these tips for enjoying Rice Krispie treats at their best!
