Easy Strawberry Rice Krispie Treat Hearts Recipe
Introduction
These Easy Strawberry Rice Krispie Treat Hearts are a delightful twist on the classic treat, infused with real strawberry flavor and shaped into fun hearts. They are perfect for parties, gifts, or just a sweet snack that brings a bit of cheer to your day.
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 8 cups mini marshmallows, divided (save 1 cup for the end)
- 1 oz freeze-dried strawberries, pulsed to a fine powder
- 6 cups rice krispie cereal
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare a large cookie sheet by wiping it with shortening to prevent sticking, then set it aside.
- Step 2: In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter completely.
- Step 3: Add 7 cups of the mini marshmallows to the melted butter and stir with a rubber spatula until fully melted, about 1 minute.
- Step 4: Stir in the freeze-dried strawberry powder until evenly combined.
- Step 5: Turn off the heat and add the rice krispie cereal. Stir until all the cereal is coated with the strawberry-marshmallow mixture.
- Step 6: Toss in the reserved 1 cup of mini marshmallows and gently fold them in. These will remain partly intact, creating little pockets of soft marshmallow.
- Step 7: Immediately spread the mixture evenly onto the prepared cookie sheet. Use clean hands lightly greased with shortening to press the treats flat.
- Step 8: Let the treats cool for 10 to 15 minutes until slightly firm.
- Step 9: Flip the treats onto a sheet of parchment paper.
- Step 10: Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut as many hearts as possible, spacing them close together.
- Step 11: Enjoy right away or store as directed below.
Tips & Variations
- Use a little shortening on your hands when pressing the mixture down to prevent sticking.
- For a more intense strawberry flavor, add a teaspoon of strawberry extract along with the freeze-dried powder.
- Try other shapes if you don’t have a heart cookie cutter; stars or circles work great too.
- For a festive touch, sprinkle mini white or pink chocolate chips on top just after spreading out the mixture.
Storage
Store the strawberry rice krispie treat hearts in an airtight container or a gallon-size zip-top bag at room temperature. They will stay fresh and soft for up to 3 days. If they become a bit firm, allow them to come to room temperature before serving or warm briefly in the microwave for a few seconds.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?
Yes, you can use regular marshmallows, but the melting time may be slightly longer. Simply chop them into smaller pieces for easier melting and even coating.
How do I make the freeze-dried strawberry powder?
Place freeze-dried strawberries in a food processor or blender and pulse until they form a fine powder. This powder adds natural strawberry flavor without adding moisture.
PrintEasy Strawberry Rice Krispie Treat Hearts Recipe
Delight in these Easy Strawberry Rice Krispie Treat Hearts, a fun and festive twist on the classic marshmallow and cereal treat. Infused with freeze-dried strawberry powder, these soft, fruity treats are perfect for any occasion, especially Valentine’s Day or a sweet snack anytime. Made with simple ingredients and no baking required, they’re easy to prepare and fun to shape into adorable hearts.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20-25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 heart-shaped treats (using a 3-inch heart cookie cutter) 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- 8 cups mini marshmallows, divided (save 1 cup for later)
- 1 oz bag freeze-dried strawberries, pulsed to a fine powder
- 6 cups Rice Krispie cereal
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Lightly grease a large cookie sheet with shortening to prevent sticking, then set it aside for later use.
- Melt Butter: In a large pot over medium heat, melt the 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter until fully liquefied.
- Add Marshmallows and Melt: Add 7 cups of mini marshmallows (reserve 1 cup for later) to the melted butter, stirring continuously with a spatula until the marshmallows are completely melted and smooth, about 1 minute.
- Add Strawberry Powder: Stir in the freeze-dried strawberry powder thoroughly to evenly distribute the strawberry flavor and pink hue throughout the marshmallow mixture.
- Combine with Cereal: Turn off the heat. Add 6 cups of Rice Krispie cereal to the pot, stirring gently but thoroughly to coat the cereal evenly with the strawberry-marshmallow mixture.
- Fold in Reserved Marshmallows: Toss in the reserved 1 cup of mini marshmallows and gently stir them in. These marshmallows will not melt completely and will create delightful little pockets of white marshmallow in the treats.
- Press the Mixture: Immediately transfer the mixture to the prepared cookie sheet. Using hands lightly greased with shortening, press the mixture down firmly and evenly to create a flat layer. Let it cool and set for 10-15 minutes to slightly firm up.
- Cut into Hearts: Once firm, carefully flip the sheet of rice krispie treats onto a piece of parchment paper. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out hearts as close to each other as possible to minimize waste.
- Store and Enjoy: Enjoy immediately or store the heart-shaped treats in a large gallon Ziploc bag to keep them fresh and soft for several days.
Notes
- Using freeze-dried strawberries gives an intense strawberry flavor without adding extra moisture.
- Coating your hands with shortening makes pressing the mixture easier and prevents sticking.
- The reserved marshmallows add delightful texture by creating pockets of softness.
- Store treats in an airtight container or plastic bag to maintain freshness.
- Adjust the size of the heart cookie cutter to control the yield and size of each treat.
Keywords: Strawberry Rice Krispie Treats, heart-shaped treats, marshmallow treats, easy snack, no bake dessert, Valentine’s Day treats, kids snacks
