Looking for a show-stopping, delightfully nostalgic dessert that screams summer? Red, White and Blue Rice Krispies Treats are just what you need! These cheerful bars combine the classic chewy-crisp goodness you remember with bold, patriotic colors, making them perfect for Memorial Day, Fourth of July, or any occasion where fun (and a little flair) is on the menu. They’re such a breeze to whip up and loved by kids and grown-ups alike—you’ll want to make them again and again, whether for backyard BBQs or simply to brighten an ordinary day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for Red, White and Blue Rice Krispies Treats is refreshingly simple, and each part brings its own magic. From the cereal’s crunch to the marshmallow’s gooeyness and the vibrant food coloring, every element has a starring role in this colorful celebration.
- Rice Krispies cereal: The crisped rice provides that iconic texture and the perfect blank canvas for all the festive colors.
- Mini marshmallows: These melt quickly, ensuring every bite is soft, sweet, and irresistibly chewy.
- Unsalted butter: For that rich, buttery flavor that elevates these treats from basic to heavenly—don’t skip it!
- Red and blue gel food coloring: Gel colorings offer the brightest hues without watering down your mixture, so those patriotic layers really pop.
- Vanilla extract (optional): A splash of vanilla adds a subtle depth and enhances the classic flavor we all crave.
- Cooking spray or extra butter (for greasing): This ensures you’ll actually get the bars out of your pan in one glorious piece.
- Festive sprinkles (optional): For a little extra sparkle and crunch on top—go wild, it’s a party!
How to Make Red, White and Blue Rice Krispies Treats
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Before you even melt a marshmallow, line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil, then coat it lightly with cooking spray or butter. This little step saves you so much hassle later, making it effortless to lift and slice your Red, White and Blue Rice Krispies Treats.
Step 2: Make the Red Layer
Melt one-third of your butter in a large pot over medium heat, then stir in one-third of your marshmallows until completely smooth. Off the heat, add enough red gel food coloring to achieve a vibrant hue, then quickly fold in one-third of your Rice Krispies cereal. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of your pan with greased fingertips or a spatula.
Step 3: Create the White Layer
Repeat the process with the second third of the butter and marshmallows, skipping the food coloring this time for a classic, creamy look. Once your cereal is coated, layer it gently over the red, pressing it flat but not too hard so your treats stay fluffy and light.
Step 4: Layer on the Blue
For the final festive layer, melt the rest of the butter and marshmallows, tint with blue gel coloring, stir in the remaining cereal, and carefully layer on top. Give it a gentle press to even it out—admire those mesmerizing stripes!
Step 5: Add a Festive Finish
If you’re using sprinkles, now’s the time to scatter them over the top while things are still sticky. Let the bars cool at room temperature for at least 45 minutes before lifting out and cutting into squares. Try to resist eating the edges as you go—though no judgment if you can’t!
How to Serve Red, White and Blue Rice Krispies Treats
Garnishes
A simple dusting of star-shaped sprinkles or edible glitter turns these already stunning bars into a true centerpiece. You can also drizzle with white chocolate for extra flair or use piped frosting stars for an extra pop of flavor and texture.
Side Dishes
Pair your Red, White and Blue Rice Krispies Treats with cool, fresh fruit—think bowls of juicy strawberries and blueberries—or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate summer dessert platter. They also go perfectly alongside lemonade, iced tea, or festive mocktails at any party.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the treats into fun shapes using star or heart-shaped cookie cutters, or skewer them on sticks for a playful handheld option. Stack them high on a platter, or wrap individual squares in clear cellophane tied with a ribbon for a grab-and-go party favor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Red, White and Blue Rice Krispies Treats tasting fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft for up to three days, though they rarely last that long before disappearing!
Freezing
If you somehow have extras, wrap squares individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a zip-top freezer bag. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature for about an hour when you’re ready for a quick, colorful treat fix.
Reheating
Rice Krispies Treats are best enjoyed at room temperature, but if they’ve gone a little too firm, zap individual pieces in the microwave for 5–10 seconds—just enough to revive their gooey goodness without melting the whole bar.
FAQs
Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini?
Absolutely! Large marshmallows work just as well—just chop them into smaller pieces so they’ll melt more quickly and evenly with the butter.
Which food coloring works best for vibrant colors?
Gel food coloring is your best bet for bold, vivid red and blue without thinning out your melted marshmallow mixture. Liquid coloring can work in a pinch, but it’s harder to achieve those deep, dramatic hues that make Red, White and Blue Rice Krispies Treats truly stand out.
Can I make these treats dairy-free?
Yes! Swap in a plant-based butter and double check your marshmallows and cereal for hidden dairy. The results are just as festive and delicious for everyone to enjoy.
How can I prevent the layers from mixing together?
The trick is to let each layer cool and set for a few minutes before adding the next. Working quickly but gently helps keep those beautiful stripes distinct and picture-perfect.
Are there any gluten-free alternatives?
Rice Krispies cereal contains malt flavoring, which comes from barley. Look for certified gluten-free crispy rice cereal (there are several great options) to make gluten-free Red, White and Blue Rice Krispies Treats everyone can enjoy!
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re inspired to whip up a batch of Red, White and Blue Rice Krispies Treats, whether you’re planning a festive bash or just want to bring a little excitement to your week. There’s something magical about sharing a pan of these with family and friends—so grab your apron and celebrate with every colorful, chewy bite!
Print
Red, White and Blue Rice Krispies Treats Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Chewy, colorful red, white & blue Rice Krispies Treats—perfect for festive summer celebrations!
Ingredients
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 4 cups mini marshmallows, divided into three 1⅓-cup portions
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, divided into three 2-tbsp portions
- Red gel food coloring
- Blue gel food coloring
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- Cooking spray or extra butter (for greasing 9×13-inch pan)
- 1–2 tbsp festive sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment or foil and lightly grease with cooking spray or butter.
- Red layer: Melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add 1⅓ cups marshmallows and stir until smooth. Remove from heat, tint with red food coloring, and mix in 2 cups Rice Krispies. Press evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- White layer: Melt 2 tbsp butter, stir in 1⅓ cups marshmallows until smooth. Add vanilla extract (optional), then stir in 2 cups Rice Krispies. Layer over red and press gently.
- Blue layer: Melt final 2 tbsp butter, add remaining 1⅓ cups marshmallows and stir until smooth. Tint with blue food coloring, mix in 2 cups Rice Krispies, and layer over the white.
- While the top is still sticky, sprinkle with festive sprinkles if using.
- Let cool at room temperature for at least 45 minutes before lifting out and cutting into squares.
Notes
- Use gel food coloring for vibrant colors without watering down the mixture.
- Let each layer cool for a few minutes before adding the next to maintain clear stripes.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- To freeze, wrap individual squares and place in a zip-top bag. Freeze up to 2 months.
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