Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats: A Deliciously Fun Twist on a Classic Dessert
Looking for a fun and indulgent treat that combines the nostalgia of Rice Krispies treats with the rich flavor of chocolate and cherry? Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats are the perfect dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth. These no-bake, easy-to-make bars combine gooey marshmallows, crunchy Rice Krispies cereal, and a decadent chocolate topping, creating a mouthwatering treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Covered Rice Krispies Treats
- Perfect Balance of Flavors: The sweet cherry flavor and rich chocolate topping perfectly complement the chewy, crispy Rice Krispies base.
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can have these treats ready in less than 45 minutes.
- Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s for a holiday, party, or just a sweet snack, these treats are sure to impress and delight everyone.
- No-Bake Convenience: Skip the oven and enjoy a simple no-bake recipe that’s perfect for any season, especially during hot summer months!
Ready to make these chocolate-covered cherry Rice Krispies treats? Keep reading for the full recipe and helpful tips!
Ingredients for Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter – Provides a rich, creamy base for the marshmallow mixture.
- 1 (10 oz) bag mini marshmallows – Essential for the sticky, gooey base of your treats.
- 1 teaspoon cherry extract – Adds that irresistible cherry flavor that makes this recipe stand out.
- 4-5 drops red or pink food coloring (optional) – For a fun, colorful twist to your treats (use maraschino cherry juice for natural coloring).
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal – The classic base for Rice Krispies treats that offers a crispy crunch.
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips – The main component for the chocolate topping.
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or butter – Adds smoothness to the melted chocolate for easy spreading.
How to Make Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats:
1. Prepare the Pan (Time: 2 minutes)
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
2. Melt the Marshmallow Mixture (Time: 5 minutes)
In a large pot over low heat, melt the butter. Add the mini marshmallows and stir until completely melted and smooth. This forms the chewy base of your treats.
3. Flavor & Color (Time: 2 minutes)
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the cherry extract and food coloring (if using). For a natural alternative, maraschino cherry juice can be used to both color and flavor the treats.
4. Mix the Cereal (Time: 2 minutes)
Add the Rice Krispies cereal to the melted marshmallow mixture. Stir until everything is well coated and mixed evenly.
5. Press into Pan (Time: 2 minutes)
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and gently press it down with a spatula or your hands to create an even layer. Allow it to cool and set for 15-20 minutes.
6. Melt the Chocolate (Time: 5 minutes)
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil (or butter). Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and fully melted.
7. Spread the Chocolate (Time: 2 minutes)
Pour the melted chocolate over the cooled Rice Krispies mixture and spread it evenly with a spatula to cover the entire surface.
8. Set & Slice (Time: 15-30 minutes)
Allow the chocolate to set completely—about 30 minutes at room temperature or 15 minutes in the fridge. Once set, slice into squares and serve!
Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats: Additional Info:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooling Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Kcal: 210 kcal per square
- Servings: 16 squares
Pro Tips for the Perfect Chocolate Covered Rice Krispies Treats:
- Natural Coloring & Flavor: Skip artificial food coloring by using maraschino cherry juice, which gives a natural pink color and adds extra cherry flavor.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. These treats also freeze well for up to 1 month—just wrap them tightly before freezing.
- Extra Toppings: Add some sprinkles, crushed nuts, or even drizzle white chocolate over the top for a decorative touch.
FAQ About Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats:
Q: Can I use different chocolate?
A: Yes! Milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate would work perfectly in this recipe.
Q: Can I make these treats ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! These treats can be made the day before and stored at room temperature or in the fridge until ready to serve.
Q: Can I use different cereal?
A: Feel free to swap out the Rice Krispies for another crispy cereal, like Cornflakes, for a different texture.
Why You’ll Love These Cherry Chocolate Rice Krispies Bars:
These chocolate-covered cherry Rice Krispies treats offer the perfect balance of chewy, crispy, fruity, and chocolatey all in one bite. They’re quick to make and perfect for sharing with family and friends. With a rich cherry flavor and a decadent chocolate topping, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any event.