Cherry Rice Krispie Treats: The Ultimate Guide to Making Them

Cherry Rice Krispie Treats: Prepare to rediscover a childhood classic with a vibrant, fruity twist! Forget the same old squares; we’re elevating the beloved Rice Krispie Treat to a whole new level of deliciousness. Imagine biting into a chewy, marshmallowy square bursting with the sweet-tart flavor of cherries. It’s a nostalgic hug in every bite, guaranteed to bring a smile to your face.

While the original Rice Krispie Treat recipe was born in the Kellogg’s test kitchen in the 1930s as a clever way to promote their cereal, this cherry-infused version adds a modern and playful spin. The combination of crispy rice cereal, gooey marshmallows, and the bright pop of cherry flavor creates an irresistible treat that’s perfect for parties, potlucks, or simply a sweet afternoon snack.

People adore Rice Krispie Treats for their simplicity, ease of preparation, and satisfying texture. They’re quick to make, require minimal ingredients, and offer that perfect balance of crunchy and chewy. Adding cherries not only enhances the flavor profile but also introduces a delightful visual appeal. These Cherry Rice Krispie Treats are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering a delightful and unexpected take on a timeless favorite. Get ready to experience a burst of flavor and fun with every bite!

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
• 10 ounces marshmallows (about 40 large or 4 cups mini)
• 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
• 1/2 cup dried cherries, chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional, but highly recommended!)
• Pinch of salt
• Vegetable oil or cooking spray, for greasing the pan

Preparing the Cherry Rice Krispie Treat Mixture

1. Melt the Butter: In a large, non-stick saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Make sure the heat isn’t too high, as you don’t want the butter to brown or burn. Stir it occasionally to ensure it melts evenly. A heavy-bottomed saucepan is ideal for this to prevent scorching.
2. Add the Marshmallows: Once the butter is completely melted, add the marshmallows to the saucepan. Stir constantly with a spatula or wooden spoon until the marshmallows are completely melted and smooth. This step requires patience! Keep the heat low and stir continuously to prevent the marshmallows from sticking to the bottom of the pan and burning. If you’re using mini marshmallows, they’ll melt a bit faster than the larger ones.
3. Incorporate the Almond Extract and Salt: Once the marshmallows are fully melted and smooth, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the almond extract (if using) and the pinch of salt. The almond extract adds a lovely depth of flavor that complements the cherries beautifully. The salt helps to balance the sweetness of the marshmallows and cherries. Don’t skip the salt – it makes a big difference!
4. Gently Fold in the Rice Krispies Cereal: Now comes the fun part! Pour the Rice Krispies cereal into the marshmallow mixture. Gently fold the cereal into the melted marshmallows until it’s evenly coated. Be careful not to crush the cereal, as you want to maintain its crispy texture. Use a large spatula or wooden spoon to gently combine the ingredients. Work quickly, as the marshmallow mixture will start to cool and stiffen as it sits.
5. Add the Dried Cherries: Once the Rice Krispies are mostly coated, add the chopped dried cherries. Gently fold them into the mixture until they are evenly distributed throughout. Make sure the cherries are well incorporated, so every bite has a burst of cherry flavor. If you’re using larger dried cherries, be sure to chop them into smaller pieces so they’re easier to eat in the treats.

Pressing and Setting the Treats

1. Prepare the Pan: While you’re melting the butter and marshmallows, prepare your baking pan. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with vegetable oil or cooking spray. You can also line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides, for easy removal. This will prevent the Rice Krispie treats from sticking to the pan and make them much easier to cut and serve.
2. Transfer the Mixture to the Pan: Pour the Rice Krispie treat mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or your hands (lightly greased with butter or cooking spray) to gently press the mixture evenly into the pan. Be careful not to press too hard, as this can make the treats dense and hard. You want them to be firm but still slightly soft and chewy.
3. Even Out the Surface: Use the spatula or your greased hands to smooth the surface of the Rice Krispie treats. This will give them a more uniform appearance. You can also sprinkle a few extra chopped dried cherries on top for decoration, if desired.
4. Let the Treats Set: Allow the Rice Krispie treats to set at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, or preferably an hour, before cutting. This will allow the marshmallow mixture to cool and firm up, making the treats easier to cut and hold their shape. If you’re in a hurry, you can place the pan in the refrigerator for a shorter amount of time, but be careful not to let them get too cold, as they can become hard.

Cutting and Serving

1. Cut into Squares: Once the Rice Krispie treats have set, use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to cut them into squares. The size of the squares is up to you – you can make them small for bite-sized treats or larger for a more substantial snack. If you lined the pan with parchment paper, you can simply lift the treats out of the pan using the overhang and then cut them on a cutting board.
2. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Cherry Rice Krispie treats immediately, or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They are best enjoyed fresh, as they can become stale over time. These treats are perfect for parties, picnics, or just a fun and easy snack.

Tips and Variations

• Marshmallow Variations: You can use different flavors of marshmallows to add a unique twist to your Rice Krispie treats. Strawberry marshmallows would complement the cherries nicely, or you could use vanilla marshmallows for a more classic flavor.
• Cereal Variations: While Rice Krispies cereal is the traditional choice, you can experiment with other types of cereal. Crisped rice cereal works well, or you could try using a combination of different cereals for a more interesting texture and flavor.
• Nutty Additions: Add chopped nuts, such as almonds, pecans, or walnuts, to the Rice Krispie treat mixture for added crunch and flavor. Be sure to chop the nuts finely so they are evenly distributed throughout the treats.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the top of the Rice Krispie treats for an extra touch of indulgence. You can use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or white chocolate, depending on your preference.
• Extract Variations: Experiment with different extracts! Vanilla extract is a classic, but you could also try orange extract, lemon extract, or even a touch of rose water for a more sophisticated flavor.
• Fresh Cherries: While this recipe calls for dried cherries, you can use fresh cherries if you prefer. Pit and chop the fresh cherries before adding them to the mixture. Keep in mind that fresh cherries will add moisture to the treats, so they may not be as firm as those made with dried cherries. You might need to adjust the amount of cereal to compensate.
• Brown Butter: For a richer, nuttier flavor, brown the butter before adding the marshmallows. To do this, melt the butter in the saucepan over medium heat. Continue cooking, swirling the pan occasionally, until the butter turns a golden brown color and has a nutty aroma. Be careful not to burn the butter.
• Vegan Option: To make these treats vegan, use vegan marshmallows and vegan butter. There are many brands of vegan marshmallows available online and in some grocery stores.
• Gluten-Free Option: Ensure your Rice Krispies cereal is certified gluten-free. Some brands may contain trace amounts of gluten.
• Storage Tips: Store the Rice Krispie treats in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 2 days. Avoid storing them in the refrigerator, as they can become hard and dry.

Troubleshooting Tips

• Treats are too hard: You may have pressed the mixture too firmly into the pan. Be gentle when pressing the mixture into the pan. Also, avoid overcooking the marshmallow mixture.
• Treats are too sticky: You may have used too much butter or marshmallows. Follow the recipe carefully and measure the ingredients accurately.
• Treats are not holding their shape: You may not have allowed the treats to set long enough. Let them cool completely before cutting them.
• Marshmallows are burning: Keep the heat low and stir constantly while melting the marshmallows. A heavy-bottomed saucepan will also help prevent burning.

Enjoy your delicious Cherry Rice Krispie Treats!

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! These Cherry Rice Krispie Treats are more than just a simple dessert; they’re a vibrant burst of flavor and a nostalgic trip down memory lane, all rolled into one chewy, delicious square. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for a quick, easy, and utterly satisfying treat. The combination of the classic Rice Krispies crunch with the sweet-tartness of the cherries is simply irresistible. It’s the perfect balance of textures and tastes that will leave you wanting more.

But why is this recipe a must-try, you ask? Well, beyond the incredible flavor profile, it’s the sheer simplicity that makes it so appealing. You don’t need to be a seasoned baker to whip up a batch of these beauties. The ingredients are readily available, the instructions are straightforward, and the entire process takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish. That’s right, in under half an hour, you can have a tray of these delightful treats ready to enjoy! It’s the ideal recipe for busy weeknights, impromptu gatherings, or whenever you need a sweet pick-me-up.

Now, let’s talk about serving suggestions and variations. While these Cherry Rice Krispie Treats are fantastic on their own, there are plenty of ways to customize them to your liking. For a more decadent treat, try drizzling melted white chocolate or dark chocolate over the top. The chocolate adds an extra layer of richness that complements the cherry flavor beautifully. You could also sprinkle some chopped nuts, like almonds or pecans, for added crunch and a nutty flavor. Another fun variation is to use different types of cherries. Maraschino cherries are a classic choice, but you could also use dried cherries, fresh cherries (pitted and chopped, of course!), or even cherry preserves for a more intense cherry flavor.

For a festive touch, consider adding a few drops of red food coloring to the melted marshmallow mixture. This will enhance the vibrant red color of the cherries and make the treats even more visually appealing. You can also use cookie cutters to create fun shapes, perfect for holidays or special occasions. Imagine heart-shaped Cherry Rice Krispie Treats for Valentine’s Day or star-shaped treats for the Fourth of July! The possibilities are endless.

And don’t forget about serving! These treats are perfect for parties, potlucks, or simply enjoying at home with a glass of milk. They also make a wonderful homemade gift. Wrap them in cellophane bags and tie them with a ribbon for a thoughtful and delicious present. I’ve even been known to pack them in my kids’ lunchboxes for a special treat during the school day.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the joy of these Cherry Rice Krispie Treats for yourself. I truly believe you’ll love them as much as I do. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to create some delicious memories. And most importantly, don’t forget to have fun! Cooking should be an enjoyable experience, and this recipe is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face.

Once you’ve made your batch of these delightful treats, I’d love to hear about your experience! Did you try any of the variations I suggested? Did you add your own special twist? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. I can’t wait to see what you create! Happy baking, and enjoy every single bite of your homemade Cherry Rice Krispie Treats!

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July 6, 2025 by Melissa