Rice Krispies Archives - The Slow Roasted Italian

Easter Rice Krispie Treats with Marshmallow Peeps

Donna Elick — Sun, 23 Feb 2025 22:00:00 +0000

Easter Rice Krispie Treats are a delicious combination of the classic treat and delicious dirt cake! Make cute Easter rice krispie treats with Peeps today. These festive treats are one of my favorite Easter desserts! Find out how to make this easy Easter treat!

You can make this easy no bake dessert with the kids and serve them at your Easter party or dinner!

If you would like to try a few more Rice Krispie Treats recipes, two of my favorites are Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats and Hot Cocoa Krispies Treats.

Don’t forget to have the kids help to make these colorful Easter rice krispie treats!

It’s one of these easy Easter dessert recipes that gets everyone excited for the Easter bunny to come.

The bunny peeps are fun and festive happy colors, and they’re such a great idea to add as toppers to these festive Easter treats.

Easter Rice Krispie Treats

The original rice krispies treat recipe is a wonderful starting point for lots of different desserts.

You can easily change up the appearance and the taste based on what types of things you add to them!

We’re making Easter rice krispie treats with Peeps, cocoa pebbles, crushed Oreos, and colorful sprinkles for a fun springtime theme that’s similar to Dirt Cake.

I have so many easy no bake desserts to make that you’ll never run out of new ideas to try. Have you tried these no bake avalanche cookies yet?

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Cereal – I chose a chocolate cereal to look like dirt, but you can use regular crispy rice cereal or even Fruity Pebbles for a more colorful option!

All options are a go for these easy Easter rice krispie treats!
Oreos – Stick with the classic version, as Double Stuf will have too much filling. If you opt for a different cereal, try using Golden Oreos instead.
Butter – Either salted or unsalted sticks will work with this Easter rice krispie treats recipe.
Marshmallows – Use mini sized marshmallows since they melt faster and more evenly.
Sprinkles – You can find the grass sprinkle blend I used at most craft stores and grocery stores during Easter time, or you can get them right here on Amazon.

The fun part about making this is that you can make it into something that the whole family will love.

Change the color of the sprinkles of this colorful sweet treat to be able to make this any time of year.

There’s a good chance that once you make this no bake dessert recipe for Easter, everyone is going to want this fun dessert again and won’t want to wait a whole year to make it!

Use red and green sprinkles and some Christmas peeps to make this into a holiday treat easily – you get the idea!

Tips for Making Rice Crispy Treats with Peeps

Stir constantly. Keep things moving when making the butter and marshmallow mixture so it doesn’t burn. Once it starts melting, it’s ready to use in a flash!
Press into pan. Spray a rubber spatula (or clean hands!) with non stick spray, then press the cereal mixture into the pan.

It should be enough to spread the mixture out evenly, but not so hard that you compact them. Too much, and they’ll be hard to chew.
Easy slicing: Use both nonstick spray and parchment paper in your pan. That way, you can lift the treats right out once they have cooled.

Nothing will get out of shape or squished, and it makes slicing so much easier!
Use toothpicks. These will hold the Peeps upright on each of your rice krispie Easter treats!

Storing Rice Krispie Easter Treats

You can store rice crispy treats with Peeps for up to two days at room temperature in an airtight container.

Don’t store them longer than that, or the treats will become very hard.

It’s best to enjoy your Easter rice krispie treats within 2 days of making them. They don’t store well for long-term storage, and they are not suitable for freezing.

Easter Rice Krispie Treats Recipe FAQ

These sweet treats seem very messy. Is there anything I can do to reduce the mess when eating?

You can skip the Oreos — then the sprinkles will stick to the marshmallows and reduce the mess. I include that Oreo layer because it’s traditional with a classic dirt cake.

If you would like to keep that Oreo flavor but lose some of the mess, you can reduce Cocoa Pebbles to 5 ½ cups and stir in ½ cup of crushed Oreos when you add in the cereal.

How do you cut Easter rice krispie treats?

Spray your knife with nonstick pan spray before slicing, and make sure they are fully set! This will prevent the rice krispie Easter treats from sticking to your knife. You don’t even need a sharp knife, just one that is sprayed with nonstick spray.

Also, be sure to top the rice crispy treats with Peeps after they have been sliced so each one is centered.

Once that is done, you can set the Rice Krispie squares on the dessert table for all to enjoy.

What type of Marshmallow Peeps should I use?

The color and type of Peeps that you use are entirely up to you. You can use any color at all. And, you can choose Easter Chicks or Bunnies depending on your mood and the theme you want to create.

You could also make this for a different holiday and use another color and theme marshmallow Peep. This could be a festive dessert for many occasions.

Can I add other Easter candies to this rice Krispie treat mixture?

Festive sprinkles are always a perfect way to create more fun colors and Easter fun. You can have the kids make little nests as well with a few drops of food coloring mixed with shredded coconut. Then, add some Cadbury mini eggs or jelly beans in the middle of the nests for another cute addition to this perfect treat.

Any candies that are a pretty spring color would be fine to put on the Rice Krispies squares, but just be careful not to overcrowd these Easter Rice Krispies treats so that there aren’t too many varying flavors.

Enjoy!

With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.

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Other Cute Easter Treats

Cadbury Egg Inspired Easter Trifle

Easter Peeps Marshmallow Fudge

Bunny Bait Funfetti Popcorn

Easter Crockpot Candy

Easter Rice Krispie Treats with Marshmallow Peeps

Easter Rice Krispie Treats are a delicious combination of the classic treat and dirt cake! Make cute Easter rice krispie treats today.

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Method No Bake

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 5

Leave at room temperature 1

Total Time 1 10

Servings

Calories 282cal

Author Donna Elick

Ingredients

4 tablespoons butter
6 cups mini marshmallows
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
6 cups cocoa pebbles cereal
15 Oreos cookies crushed
5 ounces grass shaped sprinkle blend
8 Peeps
1/2 cup mini-Cadbury eggs

Instructions

Spray a 9×13 inch pan with a nonstick spray. You can place a sheet of parchment paper inside the pan to help you remove the finished treats from the pan.
In a large pot, melt your butter and marshmallows over medium heat, making sure you are stirring to prevent the marshmallows from burning.
Stir in the vanilla extract, then the cereal until well combined. Place the mixture into the 9×13 pan. Using a greased rubber spatula, press the mixture into an even layer in the pan.
Top the cereal with the crushed Oreos making sure to press them into the cereal.
Scatter the sprinkles over the top of the Oreos and gently press them down.
Place a toothpick into the bottoms of the peeps and stick them into the cereal. Sprinkle the eggs over the top.
Allow to sit at room temperature for 1 hour before serving.
Cut the bars into 12 pieces and enjoy!

Nutrition

Originally published March 2021, updated and republished February 2025

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The post Easter Rice Krispie Treats with Marshmallow Peeps appeared first on The Slow Roasted Italian.

Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats

Donna Elick — Tue, 18 Feb 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats are a buttery sweet and salty version of the classic crispy treat. It doesn’t take any longer to make rice krispie treats with caramel, but the difference in flavor is astounding. You’ll love this no bake dessert recipe!

Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats

There’s something extra special and irresistible about soft, chewy marshmallow treats.

When you make a batch for a party or potluck, don’t expect to have anything but an empty pan to take home!

I decided to put a twist to the classic dessert by adding caramel bits to the mix. Who knew one extra ingredient could make such a big difference??

Extra gooey, extra chewy, and the perfect balance of salty and sweet — kids and adults of all ages love them.

This salted caramel rice krispie treat recipe moves quickly, so be sure to have all of your tools and ingredients ready to go.

You won’t have time to stop and measure once the marshmallows and butter are melted.

And if you’re a fan of caramel desserts, be sure to also make our recipe for no-fail caramel sauce.

It’s the perfect topping on a slice of ice cream bread or to drizzle over brownies and blondies.

Or pair it with pecans in our Caramel Pecan Buttermilk Pie for the buttery & crunchy combo dessert!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Unsalted Butter – If all you have on hand is salted butter, go ahead and use it but reduce the amount of additional salt by at least ¼ teaspoon.
Mini Marshmallows – These melt faster, easier, and more evenly than standard-size marshmallows.

If you use the larger ones, it’s best to cut them in half or in quarters before melting.

Need a gelatin-free marshmallow substitute? Dandies is a brand of vegan marshmallows that not only tastes like real marshmallows but melts perfectly too!
Caramel Bits – Find these in the baking aisle near the chocolate chips. They’re little rounds of caramel that melt perfectly into these salted caramel rice krispie bars.
Rice Crispy Cereal – Use the name-brand cereal or your favorite version. There are even gluten-free rice cereals available that work perfectly in this recipe.

Whichever you choose, be sure to use a fresh package. Stale rice cereal will make your treats hard to chew.
Kosher Salt – This puts the “salted” in our salted rice crispy treats! Sea salt is the next best substitute, but do not use table salt or they’ll taste way too salty.

Tips and Tricks to Make Perfect Rice Krispie Treats with Caramel

Use low heat to melt the marshmallows.

When the temperature of the burner is too high, the marshmallows will melt but then seize up and become rock-hard.

It’s okay, though — there is a solution! Just turn down the heat to low, and after a minute or two, the marshmallows will begin to soften and melt again.

Keep your hands clean.

Melted marshmallows are very sticky, so I like to spray a silicone spatula with non-stick cooking spray and use that to gently press the cereal mixture into an even layer.

But if you prefer to use your hands, spray those instead or rub them with a little butter.

Just be careful not to press down too hard or your salted caramel rice crispy treats will be tough.

Make slicing super easy.

Line your pan with foil before greasing it. Once your treats are set, you can lift them straight out of the pan!

Peel the foil away from the edges, then press a large, sharp knife straight down through the salted caramel rice krispie treats for clean, straight cuts.

You may need to wipe the blade every few cuts since it can get gunked up with the marshmallows and caramel.

Prep Ahead

Grease baking dish
Measure out all the ingredients

Kitchen Tools You Will Need

9×13 Baking Dish – This set is one of my favorites! It comes with a lid for easy storage and is great for casseroles too.
8 Quart Stock Pot – Or any large pot you have on hand!
A sturdy Silicone Spatula can be used for scraping, stirring, and smoothing your salted caramel rice krispie treats and is easy to clean too!

Storing Salted Caramel Rice Crispy Treats

Keep these at room temperature so they stay soft. We always finish them all way before they go bad, but it’s best to eat them within a week.

Rice krispie treats with caramel will harden in the refrigerator, so it’s best not to store them there.

However, you can speed up the setting process by refrigerating the pan of salted caramel rice krispie bars for about an hour. Then, store them on the counter after slicing.

Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Bars FAQ

Can I make a smaller batch?

Absolutely. Simply divide this salted caramel rice krispie treat recipe in half, then use an 8×8 or 9×9-inch pan.

Or, keep everything the same and use a smaller pan for extra thick bars! Note that it will take a bit longer for them to set if they are thicker.

Why are my rice krispie treats hard?

The more you press the cereal mixture into the pan, the harder and denser your treats will be.

Salted caramel rice crispy treats, in particular, are meant to be soft and airy. Spread the mixture evenly into the pan, then gently press it into an even layer without pushing down too much.

Why are my krispie treats falling apart?

Too much butter is almost always the culprit — the ratio between butter and marshmallows needs to be just right.

Slice the stick of butter into smaller chunks to help it melt faster and more evenly, and be sure it’s completely melted before adding the marshmallows and caramel bits.

If you followed the recipe exactly and your salted caramel rice krispie treats are still too loose, you may not have pressed them enough into the pan.

Enjoy!

With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.

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Other Easy Dessert Recipes

Rich Chocolate and Caramel Turtle Cupcakes

Simple Peanut Butter Fudge Chocolate Brownies

Oreo Dessert (Slutty Brownies)

The Best Ever Vanilla Ice Cream

Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats

Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats are a buttery sweet and salty version of the classic crispy treat. You’ll love this no bake dessert recipe!

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Method Stovetop

Prep Time 20

Total Time 20

Servings

Calories 194cal

Author Donna Elick

Ingredients

8 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 stick
20 ounces mini marshmallows about 11 cups, divided
11 ounce bag caramel bits
8 cups Rice Krispies cereal
2 teaspoons kosher salt

Instructions

Spray a 9″x13″ baking dish with non-stick spray.
Melt butter in a large ( 8 quart) pot over medium-low heat. Once butter is completely melted, add 7 cups of marshmallows and the caramel bits. Stir to combine. Stir occasionally until the marshmallows, and caramels melt completely.
Once the mixture is smooth and combined, add the cereal and salt. Stir to combine. Add the remaining 4 cups marshmallows. Stir until combined.
Scoop into your prepared baking dish. Gently press into your baking pan. The more you press them down, the denser they become. I love light and airy, ooey-gooey treats. So, press gently.
Cut treats and serve. Enjoy!

Notes

To make an 8″x8″ or 9″x9″ pan, simply divide the recipe in half.
I spray a silicone spatula with non-stick spray to gently press treats into an even layer, and it keeps the treats in the pan and not sticking to my spoon.

Nutrition

Originally Published January 2021, updated and republished February 2025

The post Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats appeared first on The Slow Roasted Italian.

Hot Cocoa Rice Krispies Treats (20-Minute Recipe)

Donna Elick — Thu, 28 Nov 2024 22:05:00 +0000

Cocoa Krispies combined with marshmallows and melted chocolate on top make for an extra decadent dessert. You get all the delicious flavor of a warm mug, but in a crunchy handheld treat. Make hot cocoa rice krispie treats in just 20 minutes!

Chocolate lovers will love these no bake treats! Making the chocolate version of this easy treat is such a fun spin on classic Rice Krispie treat bars.

I used to make these cereal treats all the time as a simple dessert or fun after-school snack!

The flavor of these chocolate krispie treats proves that these crispy treats can be enjoyed in so many unique ways! If you’re a chocolate lover, you are not going to want to miss out on all this chocolate flavor!

It’s time to take your dessert table to the next level by making these chocolate Rice Krispies treats. It’s a fun spin on the original recipe! Be sure to follow the simple steps on the recipe card below to make these Rice Krispy treats!

Cocoa Krispies

All you need are chocolate chips and a few packets of your favorite drink mix for a fun twist on the classic rice krispies treats recipe.

Or try these rice krispies treats made with Nutella.

For more warm cocoa flavor, try my Hot Chocolate Cupcakes, with melted marshmallows in the center and fluffy marshmallow buttercream on top!

Hot Cocoa Fudge makes a cozy treat that tastes like hot cocoa with marshmallows!

Mexican Hot Chocolate Brownies are rich and fudgy, with a little extra kick from cinnamon and cayenne powder. Plus, the browned butter frosting puts them right over the top.

If it’s too warm for a cozy warm drink, try Frozen Hot Chocolate instead! You can still use your favorite cocoa mix, and it’s richer than a regular milkshake.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Salted Butter – Not only does it balance the sweetness of the dessert, but it enhances the flavors as well.

That doesn’t mean you can just sprinkle in some salt with unsalted butter! If you do, that’s all you will taste when you take a bite.
Hot Cocoa Mix – Each packet of cocoa contains about 2 1/2 tablespoons of powdered mix.

If you prefer to use a canister, you’ll need 7 1/2 tablespoons of mix.
Toasted Rice Cereal – It doesn’t have to be name-brand for this recipe to work! You can even swap in a gluten-free version if needed.
Melting Wafers – You’ll need both chocolate and white chocolate wafers to make hot cocoa rice krispies.

If needed, you can also use semi-sweet and white chocolate chips.

How to Make Cocoa Rice Krispie Treats

The process is very similar to a regular rice krispies treat recipe but with a few extra steps.

Melt together the butter and marshmallows on the stove, then mix in the packets of cocoa until well combined.

Stir in the rice cereal, press firmly into a greased baking dish, and sprinkle more marshmallows over the top.

Finally, melt the chocolate in the microwave or with a double boiler and drizzle all over the cocoa krispie treats.

You can also add sprinkles and sanding sugar to make your cocoa krispies look extra sparkly and festive.

Tips for Making Hot Cocoa Krispies

Avoid rock-hard treats.

The key to successful cocoa krispies treats is not to overcook the marshmallows!

Switch off the stove just before they are fully melted, then continue to stir while the residual heat smooths out the last of the clumps.

Chill to set.

If you’re short on time, pop the pan into the refrigerator to cool the cocoa krispie treats quickly before slicing.

Need a larger batch?

You can easily double the recipe and divide it between two pans, as long as your pot is large enough to hold everything.

Or, reduce the recipe for a small pan of cocoa krispies all to yourself!

Tip for drizzling chocolate

Use a bowl with a spout to melt the chocolate so you can just pour from that. Or, transfer to a thick ziploc bag and snip off the corner.

You may want to double bag the chocolate since it will be hot to the touch.

Kitchen Tools You Will Need

Large Saucepan – Choose a heavy-bottomed one so the heat is distributed more evenly.
9×13 Baking Dish – This set is one of my favorites! It comes with a lid for easy storage and is great for casseroles too.
Microwave-safe Bowl with a handle – I use my 8-cup Pyrex measuring cup for tasks like this. And it’s the best bowl for making and pouring pancakes too.
Silicone Spatula – Withstands heat well and won’t stick to the cocoa rice krispie treats.

Storing and Freezing Cocoa Krispie Treats

These will be fine at room temperature for 3-5 days. Keep them in a sealed, airtight container so they stay soft and chewy.

Or, freeze individual slices between layers of wax paper in a storage bag or freezer-safe container. Thaw cocoa rice krispies on the counter until softened before serving.

Cocoa Rice Krispies FAQ

Can I adjust the amount of marshmallows?

You’ll need to keep the amount in the marshmallow mixture the same to hold everything together.

As far as the topping goes, that’s where you can play around! You can even leave them off the top and just stick with the drizzle if you’d like.

You can use mini marshmallows or large marshmallows for this recipe as long as you’re measuring it correctly to add to the chocolate cereal.

Where can I find chocolate melting wafers?

If you don’t see them with the regular baking supplies, try checking the cake decorating aisle. They typically come in plastic bags and look like round discs about the size of a quarter.

Or, replace the melting chocolate with white chocolate and semi-sweet chocolate chips instead. Almond bark would also make a great substitute for the white chocolate wafers.

Can I eat cocoa krispies warm or cold?

We love these treats at room temperature since they’re a little hard straight out of the refrigerator.

However, don’t try to cut into them while they are still warm or you’ll have a melted marshmallow mess!

Chill before slicing, then let cocoa krispies treats sit out on the counter for a few minutes before taking a bite.

Enjoy!

With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.

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Other Easy Treat Recipes

Salted Caramel Rice Krispies Treats

Crockpot Turtle Candy

Scotcheroos

No Bake Avalanche Cookies

Hot Cocoa Rice Krispies Treats (20-Minute Recipe)

Hot Cocoa Krispies with marshmallows and melted chocolate is a fun twist on the classic bar dessert. Make a batch in just 20 minutes!

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Method Stovetop

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Servings

Calories 361cal

Author Donna Elick

Ingredients

3 tablespoons salted butter
5 cups mini marshmallows
4.14 ounces hot cocoa 3 1.38-ounce packets
6 cups Rice Krispies or other toasted rice cereal
1 cup chocolate melting wafers or chocolate chips
1 cup white chocolate melting wafers or white chocolate chips
2 tablespoons chocolate sprinkles optional
1 tablespoon glitter sugar optional

Instructions

In a large pot or saucepan, melt the butter
Once the butter has melted, add the mini marshmallows, saving 1 cup to use as toppings
Stir continuously until the marshmallows have melted
Add the hot chocolate and stir to combine
Turn off the heat and add the Rice Krispies, stirring quickly to fully coat the Rice Krispies in the hot cocoa marshmallows
Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 baking pan
Using a spatula, or spoon, also greased, press the Rice Krispies treats down into the pan
Top with remaining mini marshmallows
In a microwave safe bowl, melt the chocolate wafers at 10-15 second intervals, stopping to stir in between until they are completely melted
Drizzle over the marshmallows and the Rice Krispies treats
Follow the same steps for melting and drizzling the white chocolate wafers
If desired, add chocolate sprinkles and glitter sugar for a fun wintery touch
Place in the fridge for an hour to cool and set
Using a sharp knife, slice the Rice Krispies treats into squares or bars
Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition

Originally published December 2020, updated and republished November 2024

The post Hot Cocoa Rice Krispies Treats (20-Minute Recipe) appeared first on The Slow Roasted Italian.