Rice Krispie cakes made with golden syrup

Tin - this handy square tin is non-stick - see more details here at Wilko.

Cake cups - We love these multi-coloured ones made from silicone. They are eco-friendly, reusable - see more details here at Amazon.

If using a tin (rather than muffin cases), press in very firmly to make a nice sturdy bar. Once it's cooled, you can cut into individual bars - perfect for lunhboxes, parties and bake sales!

How long do they take to set?

It depends how big they are. If you've made one big bar, it could take a couple of hours. Smaller, individual cakes will set more quickly, and could be ready in under an hour (though if you end up munching a few while they're still a little melty, we won't tell!)

Storage tips

Once the bars have cooled, keep them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place (but not the fridge, as this will make them go hard). They're best enjoyed on the same day, but will keep for up to three days. Unfortunately, they're not suitable for freezing, as that also makes them very hard. Oh what a shame, you'll just have to eat them all today…

Are Rice Krispie cakes healthy?

Rice Krispie cakes, darling as they are for little ones, are not exactly what one would term as "health food." These delicious morsels are typically high in sugar owing to the marshmallow and syrup content. Besides, they are not particularly high in essential nutrients such as protein, fibre, or vitamins. That said, this doesn't mean you can't make them a part of a balanced diet! Treat them as a special treat, rather than an everyday snack. Consider incorporating some healthier ingredients such as dried fruits and nuts for some added nutrients. And remember, as with all things, moderation is key!

What do Americans call Rice Krispie cakes?

Across the pond in America, our sweet, crunchy creation goes by a slightly different name -- Rice Krispie Treats. The treat is so entrenched in American culture; there's even an onofficial National Rice Krispie Treat Day celebrated every year on September 18. British Rice Krispie cakes and American Rice Krispie treats are essentially the same thing, delicious concoctions made of rice cereal and sticky sweetness, formed into handheld shapes.

Are Rice Krispies junk food?

Some might be tempted to label Rice Krispies as 'junk food' based on their high sugar content and lack of nutritional value. However, when eaten as part of a balanced diet and in moderation, there shouldn't be any harm in allowing your children to indulge in these delightful, crunchy cakes every now and then. Moreover, Rice Krispies themselves can be a good source of essential vitamins and minerals, as they are fortified with iron and B-Vitamins, so the treat is not entirely devoid of nutritional value.

What are Rice Krispies made of?

Rice Krispies, the primary ingredient of Rice Krispie Treats, is a popular breakfast cereal marketed by Kellogg's. It is made primarily from crisp rice - rice and sugar paste that is formed into rice shapes, cooked, dried and finally toasted in an oven to get that snap, crackle, and pop sound we all love. In addition to this, they may also have some added vitamins and minerals for fortification. The cakes themselves usually incorporate additional ingredients like marshmallows or syrup for the binding, and added toppings for flavour and fun.

Where did Rice Krispie cakes come from?

Rice Krispie cakes owe their origin to America. The Rice Krispie Treat was first introduced in 1939 by Mildred Day, a home economist working for Kellogg's. The recipe was initially developed as a fundraiser idea for Camp Fire Girls, a non-profit organisation dedicated to youth development. They eventually became so popular, they soon became a household dessert across the United States.

The lovely thing about Rice Krispie cakes, whether you're British, American or from anywhere else in the world, is that they remain a simple yet versatile treat that brings immense joy to children's faces. Whether you're making them for a children's party, a school event or just as a treat for a job well done, Rice Krispie cakes are a confounding mixture of both nostalgia and deliciousness that are hard to resist!

Adding 1 tsp cocoa powder to the syrup mixture for chocolatey cakes

Swap the syrup for runny honey if preferred

How about some posh Rice Krispie cakes?' Add in high-quality Belgian chocolate and a splash of pure vanilla extract for a gourmet twist on the classic recipe. To elevate the experience, sprinkle sea salt flakes and top these cakes with slivered almonds, offering a delightful contrast of sweet, salty and toasty flavors!

You can also try your hand at old school Rice Crispy cakes for a retro blast from the past. They're made with the traditional ingredients of marshmallows, butter, and our beloved Rice Krispies. But add in a little surprise nostalgic touch of rainbow sprinkles and mini chocolate eggs for a little reminiscing about your favourite childhood treats.

One of the great things about Rice Krispie treats is that you can really let your kids' imaginations run wild! They can add their favourite sweets, chopped-up chocolate bars, fruit, chopped nuts... whatever their hearts desire! We also have some really fun ideas for other Rice Krispie creations - why not try:

Chocolate Rice Krispie cakes Toffee & marshmallow crispies Beautiful butterfly treats Rice Krispies treats on a stick Rice Krispies high-flying kites