Easter Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Alright friend, let me share with you my absolutely favorite Easter Rice Krispie Treats Recipe that’s perfect for spring celebrations, family gatherings, or just a sweet snack craving. These treats are super fun to make together and trust me—they’re ridiculously good with a gooey marshmallow base, a crunchy mix of cereals, and those colorful Easter M&Ms that make your eyes sparkle before you even take a bite. Stick with me because I’ve packed this post with every tip you’ll need to nail it flawlessly!
Why This Recipe Works
- Perfect Balance of Crunch and Chew: The classic Rice Krispies combined with Chex and Frosted Cheerios create a wonderful texture that keeps every bite interesting.
- Melty Marshmallow Goodness: Melting most marshmallows into the butter creates that gooey binding that holds everything together like a dream.
- Festive Easter Flair: Adding M&Ms and sprinkles right at the end keeps their colors intact and adds just that burst of fun and sweetness you want for the holiday.
- Simple, No-Fuss Preparation: You can whip these up in under an hour, and the step-by-step method makes it super kid-friendly and stress-free.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This Easter Rice Krispie Treats Recipe is all about familiar, easy-to-find ingredients that come together to create magic. You’ll want to pay extra attention to the quality of your marshmallows and cereals for the best mix of flavors and textures.
- Salted butter: The salt balances the sweetness perfectly—don’t skip it! Unsalted works but you’ll need to add some salt.
- Mini marshmallows: Use fresh ones for a smooth melt, and remember to reserve a few for stirring in later to add those extra gooey pockets.
- Vanilla extract: This little splash deepens the flavor and keeps things from tasting one-dimensional.
- Rice Krispies: Classic for a reason — they bring that iconic snap and familiar flavor.
- Rice Chex: Adds a slightly different crunch and subtle rice flavor, rounding out the texture.
- Frosted Cheerios: Their sweetness and fun shape add a nostalgic twist that everyone loves.
- Easter M&Ms: These colorful candies are essential for that holiday vibe but add them at the end to avoid color bleeding.
- Easter sprinkles: They brighten everything up with a festive pop and extra crunch.
Make It Your Way
I love mixing things up with this Easter Rice Krispie Treats Recipe — it’s such a forgiving, customizable base. You can swap cereals, toss in different candies or sprinkles, and even try adding nuts or coconut flakes if you like. Make it your own every time you make it, and I promise no one will complain.
- Gluten-Free Variation: Using Rice Chex instead of Wheat Chex and sticking to gluten-free cereals keeps it safe for gluten sensitivities without sacrificing taste or texture.
- Extra Gooey: I sometimes add an extra handful of mini marshmallows on top and lightly press them in for that oozy bite that disappears so fast.
- Chocolate Lovers: Drizzle melted chocolate over the top or gently fold in mini chocolate chips for an indulgent twist.
- Seasonal Swaps: In other seasons, I swap out the Easter-themed candy for Halloween or Christmas colors and sprinkles—same treat, just the vibe changes!
Step-by-Step: How I Make Easter Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Step 1: Prep and gather your ingredients
Before you start melting anything, get all your ingredients measured and ready to go. Line your 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper and spray it with a little non-stick spray so the treats come out cleanly later. Trust me, this prep step makes cleanup and serving a breeze!
Step 2: Melt butter and marshmallows
In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, melt ½ cup salted butter slowly. When it’s bubbly and melted, add 8 cups of mini marshmallows and stir gently but constantly until completely melted and smooth. Watch the heat—too high and marshmallows burn or get grainy, so patience here is your best friend.
Step 3: Add vanilla and remaining marshmallows
Take the pan off the heat. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for that extra flavor boost. Then quickly fold in the remaining 2 cups of marshmallows — this little trick leaves some marshmallow chunks in the mix for pockets of gooey goodness.
Step 4: Mix in cereals and candy
Now gently fold in the 5 cups Rice Krispies, 2 cups Rice Chex, and 2 cups Frosted Cheerios until the mixture is evenly coated. Be careful not to over-stir—fold gently so the mixture stays fluffy. To keep all those gorgeous Easter M&M colors vibrant, fold in the 1 cup of Easter M&Ms and 2 teaspoons of sprinkles last and quickly.
Step 5: Press into pan and let set
Transfer everything into your prepared pan. You can sprinkle a few more M&Ms and sprinkles on top to make it extra festive. Use parchment paper or lightly greased hands to gently press the mixture, but don’t press too hard — you want them to stay soft and chewy, not rock hard. Allow your treats to set for about 30 minutes at room temperature before slicing.
Tips from My Kitchen
- Quick Melting: Melt your butter over medium-low heat and add marshmallows gradually to avoid clumps or burning.
- Candy Timing: Don’t stir M&Ms into hot marshmallow mix too early—colors bleed and make your treats look messy.
- Gentle Pressing: Use well-greased hands or parchment paper to press mixture gently to avoid tough treats.
- Cutting Tip: Let treats cool completely and use a sharp knife dipped in warm water for clean edges.
How to Serve Easter Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Garnishes
I like to top these treats with extra Easter sprinkles and a few M&Ms to keep the bright colors popping on the plate. Sometimes, I’ll add pastel-colored mini marshmallows on top for even more texture and a playful look that kids adore.
Side Dishes
These treats are fantastic on their own, but if you want to turn it into a full Easter dessert spread, I recommend fresh fruit salad or a simple yogurt parfait alongside to balance the sweetness. Plus, a cup of mint tea or fresh lemonade pairs perfectly too!
Creative Ways to Present
For our Easter brunches, I like to cut these into smaller bite-sized squares and arrange them cleverly in a nest of pastel shredded paper or edible Easter grass. You can also wrap individual treats in cellophane tied with ribbon for cute party favors. Trust me, these little touches make your table unforgettable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I always store leftover treats in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and chewy for up to 2 weeks—perfect if you want to prep a batch early for a party or snack stash. Keeping them out of sunlight helps keep those colors bright too!
Freezing
If you want to freeze them, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a sealed container or freezer bag. They freeze well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, a quick thaw at room temperature brings back that soft texture nicely.
Reheating
I like to pop frozen treats in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, just until they’re soft but not melted. This refreshes their chewy charm without squishing the M&Ms—ideal for a quick Easter treat rescue!
FAQs
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Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter in this Easter Rice Krispie Treats Recipe?
Absolutely! Just add about ½ teaspoon of salt to compensate. Salted butter provides a nice balance to the sweetness, but unsalted works just fine when adjusted properly.
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Why do you add some marshmallows after removing from heat?
Adding the last 2 cups of marshmallows off heat keeps them partially whole, creating gooey pockets throughout the treats which make each bite delightfully chewy and soft.
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Can I substitute the cereals in this Easter Rice Krispie Treats Recipe?
Yes! You can switch Rice Chex for Corn Chex or use different Cheerios varieties. Just avoid wheat-based cereals if you want to keep them extra light and crunchy.
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How can I prevent the Easter M&M colors from bleeding?
Add the M&Ms and sprinkles right at the end, stirring gently and quickly. Avoid stirring them into the hot marshmallow mixture while it’s still very hot, and that keeps the colors bright and intact.
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What’s the best way to cut these treats cleanly?
Use a sharp knife dipped in warm water and wiped dry between cuts. Wait until the treats are fully set but still fresh for neat, pretty squares.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Easter Rice Krispie Treats Recipe holds a special place in my heart ever since I first made it for a spring family party and everyone devoured the whole pan in minutes. It’s simple, nostalgic, and festive — the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep in your rotation for every Easter and beyond. I hope you enjoy making (and eating!) it as much as I do. Grab your apron, get those marshmallows melting, and let’s make some magic happen!
Print
Easter Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These festive Easter Rice Krispie Treats combine classic marshmallow cereal squares with colorful cereals and fun Easter-themed candies for a delightful, crunchy, and sweet holiday snack perfect for celebrations or parties.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- ½ cup salted butter
- 10 cups mini marshmallows, divided
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cereal Mix
- 5 cups Rice Krispies
- 2 cups Rice Chex
- 2 cups Frosted Cheerios
Toppings
- 1 cup Easter M&Ms
- 2 teaspoons Easter sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan. Premeasure all ingredients before you begin cooking. Line a 9×13-inch baking sheet with parchment paper and coat it with non-stick spray; set aside.
- Melt Butter and Marshmallows. In a large saucepan, melt the butter and 8 cups of the mini marshmallows together over medium-low heat until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Add Vanilla and Remaining Marshmallows. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Then add the remaining 2 cups of marshmallows and stir until melted and smooth.
- Combine Cereals. Add the Rice Krispies, Rice Chex, and Frosted Cheerios to the marshmallow mixture. Stir quickly and thoroughly until all the cereals are fully coated.
- Incorporate M&Ms and Sprinkles. Gently and quickly fold in the Easter M&Ms and Easter sprinkles so the colors do not bleed.
- Transfer to Pan and Shape. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top with extra M&Ms and sprinkles if desired. Using parchment paper or lightly greased hands, gently press the mixture into an even layer in the pan, taking care not to press too hard to avoid tough treats.
- Set and Cut. Allow the treats to set at room temperature for 30 minutes. Once set, remove from the pan and cut into 20 squares.
Notes
- Unsalted butter can be used but add ½ teaspoon salt to maintain flavor.
- Corn Chex can be substituted for Rice Chex, but avoid wheat varieties.
- Other Cheerios varieties can be used to adjust sweetness or flavor.
- Add M&Ms at the end to prevent color bleeding.
- Do not press the mixture too hard in the pan to keep treats soft and chewy.
- Store treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 170 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 100 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
