Hey there, dessert lover! Ever find yourself craving something that’s nostalgic, easy to whip up, and totally delicious? Well, have I got a treat for you! These Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats are a total game changer. Trust me, you’re going to love this playful twist on a classic favorite! It’s where the comforting, familiar flavors of Rice Krispies Treats meet the delightful tang of cherries and the richness of chocolate. Ready to make some magic?
Why You’ll Love Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family treat, surprising friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
- Versatile: Perfect for a quick dessert, a party snack, or even a homemade gift.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
- Quick and Easy: No baking required! Ready in under an hour.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable with different types of chocolate, nuts, or dried fruits.
- Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Here’s the magic of this recipe it’s made with simple ingredients, but the result is so much more than the sum of its parts. Let’s break it down:
- Rice Krispies Cereal: The base of our treat, providing that signature crispy texture. You can even use a gluten-free brand if needed.
- Marshmallows: The sweet, soft, and gooey glue that holds everything together. Mini marshmallows melt more evenly.
- Butter: Adds a rich, melt-in-your-mouth flavor and helps soften the marshmallows.
- Cherries: They offer a burst of fruity flavor that complements the sweetness of the marshmallows and chocolate.
- Chocolate Chips: Adds a layer of decadence that takes these treats to the next level.
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
- Prepare Your Pan: Line your baking dish with foil or parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal. Grease the foil with cooking spray to prevent sticking[1][2][4].
- Melt the Butter: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat[1][4]. This gentle melting ensures the butter doesn’t burn and keeps the treats soft.
- Add Marshmallows and Flavorings: Add the marshmallows and stir constantly until completely melted and smooth[3][4]. Stir in any extracts or flavorings at this stage to infuse the melted marshmallow mixture[1].
- Combine Ingredients: Remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately pour in the Rice Krispies cereal and cherries[1][4]. Gently fold everything together until the cereal is evenly coated with the marshmallow mixture.
- Assemble the Dish: Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and gently press it down with a greased spatula or your fingers[1][4][5]. Avoid packing too tightly to keep the treats soft.
- Add Chocolate: Melt chocolate chips in the microwave on low at 30 second intervals until smooth. Use a fork to drizzle chocolate over bars[1]. Top with extra cherries.
- Cool to Perfection: Let the treats cool completely in the pan for at least 30 minutes to an hour[1][4]. This allows them to set properly and makes them easier to cut.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once cooled, lift the treats out of the pan using the foil overhang and cut them into squares[1][4]. Serve warm and enjoy! Whether it’s served as a sweet snack, a party treat, or a homemade gift, this recipe is sure to impress.
Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 16
Calories per serving: 144
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
How to Serve Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
- As a Sweet Snack: Perfect for satisfying those afternoon cravings or as a simple dessert after dinner[1].
- At Parties: Cut into smaller squares or fun shapes for a festive and crowd-pleasing treat[1].
- In Lunchboxes: A delightful surprise for kids (and adults!) to brighten up their day[1].
- With a Hot Drink: Pair with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for a cozy treat on a chilly day[1].
- As a Homemade Gift: Wrap individual treats in cellophane bags and tie with a ribbon for a thoughtful and delicious present[1].
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- Use Fresh Marshmallows: Fresh marshmallows melt more smoothly and result in a better texture[6]. If your marshmallows are a bit stale, try adding a tablespoon of butter or water to the saucepan while melting.
- Don’t Overcook the Marshmallows: Overcooked marshmallows can become hard and brittle, resulting in tough treats[4]. Melt them over low heat and stir constantly until just melted.
- Grease Everything: Grease your spatula, hands, and the pan to prevent the marshmallow mixture from sticking[1][4][5].
- Add a Pinch of Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the sweetness of the treats and balances the flavors[1][4].
- Customize Your Chocolate: Experiment with different types of chocolate, such as dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even flavored chocolate chips[1][4].
- Get Creative with Toppings: Add sprinkles, chopped nuts, or a drizzle of melted peanut butter for extra flair[1].
- Store Properly: Store the treats in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh and chewy for up to three days[3].
- Make Them Ahead: These treats can be made a day or two in advance, making them perfect for parties and gatherings[3].
- Use a Variety of Cherries: You can substitute dried cranberries or even blueberries if you can’t find dried cherries[1].
FAQ’s
- Can I use different types of cereal? Yes, you can experiment with other crispy rice cereals or even cornflakes for a slightly different texture and flavor[6].
- Can I make these treats vegan? Yes, use vegan marshmallows and butter substitutes to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
- How do I prevent the treats from being too hard? Melt the marshmallows over low heat and avoid overcooking them. Also, don’t pack the mixture too tightly into the pan[4].
- Can I add nuts to the recipe? Absolutely! Chopped nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pecans add a nice crunch and nutty flavor[1].
- What’s the best way to melt chocolate for drizzling? Melt the chocolate in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, to prevent burning[1]. You can also add a teaspoon of coconut oil or shortening to make it smoother[5].
- Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried cherries? Fresh cherries contain too much moisture and will make the treats soggy. Stick with dried or maraschino cherries for the best results[1][8].
- How do I store the leftover treats? Store the treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days[3].
- Can I freeze these treats? Yes, you can freeze them for up to two months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Can I add extracts to the recipe? You can add a dash of vanilla extract, almond extract, or cherry extract to enhance the flavour[1].
- Can I make these without butter? Yes, you can use coconut oil or vegan butter substitutes, but butter adds to the rich flavour of the recipe.
Conclusion
So there you have it a simple, delightful recipe for Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats that’s sure to bring a smile to your face. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen newbie, this recipe is foolproof and fun to make. Go ahead, give it a try and treat yourself (and your loved ones) to a little bit of crispy, chewy, chocolatey bliss!
Print
Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 treats 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats are a delicious twist on the classic treat, combining the crunch of Rice Krispies with the sweet, fruity flavor of maraschino cherries and a rich chocolate coating. Perfect for holidays, parties, or a quick dessert.
Ingredients
- 4 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 10 oz marshmallows
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, chopped and drained
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet or dark chocolate, melted
- 1 tbsp coconut oil (optional, for smoother chocolate)
Instructions
- Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until fully melted and smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and chopped cherries.
- Gently fold in the Rice Krispies cereal until fully coated.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan, pressing down evenly. Let it set for about 30 minutes.
- Once firm, cut into squares.
- Melt chocolate and coconut oil (if using) in a microwave or double boiler.
- Dip each Rice Krispies square into the melted chocolate or drizzle over the top.
- Let the chocolate set before serving.
Notes
- Drain and pat dry the cherries before adding them to prevent excess moisture.
- Use white or milk chocolate for a sweeter variation.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer shelf life.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg