Strawberry Crunch Rice Krispie Treats

{'@type': 'HowToStep', 'name': 'Prepare Strawberry Crunch Topping', 'text': 'Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and dry strawberry gelatin mix. Pour in melted butter (and optional ½ tsp vanilla); mix until a crumbly mixture forms. Spread evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until lightly golden and dry to the touch. Let cool completely on the baking sheet, then break into smaller pieces. Set aside.'}

{'@type': 'HowToStep', 'name': 'Prepare Rice Krispie Treat Base', 'text': 'Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with greased parchment paper. In a large non-stick pot, melt ½ cup unsalted butter over low to medium-low heat. Add miniature marshmallows; stir constantly until almost entirely melted and smooth. Remove from heat immediately. Stir in 1 tsp pure vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.'}

{'@type': 'HowToStep', 'name': 'Combine Base Ingredients', 'text': 'Add 12 cups crispy rice cereal to the marshmallow mixture. Gently fold and mix with a buttered spatula or wooden spoon until the cereal is completely coated. Immediately transfer the mixture into the prepared 9x13-inch pan. Lightly butter your hands or a spatula and press the mixture gently and evenly into the pan. Let cool and set completely at room temperature for 1-2 hours, or refrigerate for 30 minutes.'}

{'@type': 'HowToStep', 'name': 'Prepare Creamy White Chocolate Drizzle (Optional)', 'text': 'In a microwave-safe bowl, combine white chocolate chips (or chopped white chocolate) with 1 tablespoon of heavy cream or milk. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each, until smooth and glossy. Stir in ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract. Add the second tablespoon of cream if a thinner consistency is desired.'}

{'@type': 'HowToStep', 'name': 'Assemble Treats', 'text': 'Once the Rice Krispie treat base is set, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the slab onto a cutting board. If using, generously drizzle the melted white chocolate over the top. Immediately sprinkle the prepared strawberry crunch topping all over the surface, pressing gently so it adheres to the white chocolate and treats. Return to the baking pan or a large tray and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes, or until the white chocolate is firm.'}

{'@type': 'HowToStep', 'name': 'Cut and Serve', 'text': 'Lift the treats out of the pan. Using a large, sharp knife (lightly buttered for cleaner cuts), cut into squares or rectangles. Arrange on a platter and serve. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days.'}