Cherry Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

Cherry Rice Krispie Treats are the ultimate fusion of nostalgia and vibrant flavor, blending a childhood favorite with a pop of tart cherry goodness and a decadent layer of dark chocolate. With their cheerful color, irresistible gooey texture, and sweet-tart chocolate finish, these bars are a delightful treat for holidays, bake sales, or just a pick-me-up any time you need a little extra happiness in your day. Whether you’re whipping up a batch for a party or craving something special, these treats are as fun to make as they are to eat!

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of simple, superstars, you can create Cherry Rice Krispie Treats that burst with flavor and color in every bite. Each ingredient plays an essential role in flavor, texture, or eye-popping finish, so don’t be tempted to skip or swap!

• Rice Krispies cereal: The classic base, adding signature crunch and structure.
• Ghirardelli dark chocolate melting wafers: These rich wafers melt seamlessly, giving every square a glossy, luxurious topping.
• Unsalted butter: Adds silkiness and that subtle buttery flavor, helping the marshmallows melt beautifully.
• Mini marshmallows: The heart and soul of gooeyness, binding everything together and keeping the bars soft.
• Cherry gelatin powder (JELL-O, not sugar-free): Delivers the bold cherry taste and that irresistible blush-pink hue. Avoid sugar-free for best results.
• Sprinkles (optional): For an extra festive flourish, top with colorful sprinkles right after the chocolate goes on!

How to Make Cherry Rice Krispie Treats

Step 1: Melt the Butter and Marshmallows

Start by setting a large saucepan over low heat. Add the unsalted butter and allow it to melt gently—this keeps everything creamy and prevents browning. Add the mini marshmallows and stir constantly until they’re completely melted and silky smooth. The gentle heat is your friend here; it ensures a gooey texture that won’t get stiff or chewy.

Step 2: Add the Cherry Gelatin

Once your marshmallow mixture is velvety, sprinkle in the cherry gelatin powder. Stir until fully dissolved. Instantly, you’ll see—and smell!—that gorgeous transformation. The mixture should become a lively cherry pink and smell like a spring picnic. This step guarantees every bite of your Cherry Rice Krispie Treats has a lovely cherry zing.

Step 3: Fold in the Rice Krispies

Remove the pan from the heat and immediately add in all the Rice Krispies cereal. Gently fold everything together with a spatula, scraping the sides and bottom, and making sure the cherry marshmallow mixture fully coats the cereal. Work quickly while it’s warm for the easiest mixing and to keep maximum crunch.

Step 4: Press Into a Pan

Butter a 13×9 baking dish (for classic bars) or a 9-inch square pan (for thicker squares). Scoop in the mixture, then press it evenly into all corners using a greased piece of wax paper or a buttered spatula. Aim for a smooth, even surface without packing it down too hard—this helps your treats stay perfectly chewy.

Step 5: Add the Chocolate Topping

Melt the Ghirardelli dark chocolate wafers, either slowly in a microwave or over a double boiler, until glossy and smooth. Pour the chocolate over the Rice Krispie layer and spread it evenly with a spatula. This chocolate cap is what makes these Cherry Rice Krispie Treats extra decadent and gives them a gourmet look.

Step 6: Decorate and Set

While the chocolate is still soft, sprinkle generously with your favorite festive sprinkles (if using) for a playful touch. Let the whole pan sit for about an hour at room temperature to allow the treats and chocolate to firm up—no refrigeration needed.

Step 7: Cut and Enjoy

Once the chocolate is set, use a sharp knife to cut your Cherry Rice Krispie Treats into squares. Clean the knife between cuts for the neatest edges. Share them right away, or stack them in a container to save for later—if you can resist!

How to Serve Cherry Rice Krispie Treats

Garnishes

Add a pop of color and fun by showering your Cherry Rice Krispie Treats with extra sprinkles just after spreading on the chocolate. If you want to lean into the cherry theme, try tiny dried cherry pieces, edible glitter, or even mini chocolate chips for more texture and personality.

Side Dishes

These treats are delightfully sweet, so serve with a tall glass of cold milk, a cup of coffee, or even tart cherry lemonade for a playful pairing. On a dessert table, they snuggle up nicely with fresh fruit—like strawberries or black cherries—to play up the fruity note.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, stack Cherry Rice Krispie Treats on tiered platters or wrap each square in wax paper for a charming, portable snack. For gifts, tie up a few bars in cellophane with a red ribbon—or cut the treats with heart-shaped cookie cutters for a Valentine’s or birthday treat that truly makes a statement!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep Cherry Rice Krispie Treats tasting fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. Stack with parchment or wax paper between layers so the chocolate stays picture-perfect and doesn’t stick. They’ll keep for about 3–4 days—though they rarely last that long!

Freezing

If you’d like to make treats in advance, you can freeze them with excellent results. Once fully set and cut, wrap individual squares in wax paper and place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to a month. Thaw at room temperature for about an hour before serving to ensure the perfect texture.

Reheating

If you prefer your Cherry Rice Krispie Treats with that “just made” gooeyness, pop a single bar in the microwave for 5–8 seconds—just enough to soften the marshmallow layer and slightly melt the chocolate. Don’t overheat, or they can become too soft and sticky.

FAQs

Can I use a different flavor of gelatin instead of cherry?

Absolutely! While cherry creates the signature flavor and color, you can experiment with strawberry, raspberry, or even orange gelatin for a twist. Just be sure to use a sugared (not sugar-free) variety for the best result.

Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini?

You sure can—just measure out the same 16 ounces and cut the large marshmallows into smaller pieces for quicker, even melting. Mini marshmallows just melt a little faster and more uniformly.

Do I have to use dark chocolate on top?

Nope! You can swap in milk or white chocolate if those are your favorites. The Ghirardelli wafers melt and set beautifully, but chocolate chips or a homemade ganache also work in a pinch.

Why do my Rice Krispie treats sometimes turn out hard?

Usually, using too high a heat to melt the marshmallows or overpacking the mixture in the pan can make the treats tough. Keep your burner low and gently press the mixture into the pan for the best soft-and-chewy results.

Can I make Cherry Rice Krispie Treats gluten free?

Yes! Just be sure to use gluten-free crisp rice cereal and check that the other ingredients (especially chocolate and marshmallows) are certified gluten free. The rest of the recipe stays exactly the same.

Final Thoughts

I can’t encourage you enough to give these Cherry Rice Krispie Treats a try—they’re that perfect blend of playful, delicious, and effortlessly impressive. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just a midday treat, these bars will bring a smile to every face around your table. Trust me, once you taste that cherry-chocolate-marshmallow magic, you’ll be making them again and again!

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