Festive Red White & Blue Rice Krispie Treats Easy Patriotic Dessert Recipe
A quick and easy twist on classic Rice Krispie treats featuring vibrant red, white, and blue layers perfect for patriotic celebrations like the 4th of July.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal (about 150 grams)
- 10 oz marshmallows (280 grams), regular or mini
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (57 grams), softened
- Red gel food coloring (a few drops)
- Blue gel food coloring (a few drops)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Cooking spray or butter (for greasing the pan)
Instructions
- Lightly grease a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking pan with butter or cooking spray and set aside.
- In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine 4 tablespoons unsalted butter and 10 oz marshmallows. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until fully melted and smooth (about 1.5 to 2 minutes). Alternatively, melt over low heat in a saucepan, stirring constantly.
- Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, if using.
- Quickly divide the melted marshmallow mixture into three separate bowls before it starts to set.
- Add a few drops of red gel food coloring to one bowl and blue gel food coloring to another. Leave the third bowl uncolored for the white portion. Stir each until color is evenly distributed.
- Gently fold 2 cups (about 50 grams) of Rice Krispies cereal into each colored marshmallow mixture using a spatula.
- Layer the mixtures in the prepared pan: pour the red mixture first and press down evenly, then add the white (uncolored) layer, and finally the blue layer on top. Press each layer gently but firmly to stick them together without crushing the crispiness.
- Let the layered treats sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to firm up. Optionally, refrigerate for 15 minutes to speed up setting.
- Cut into squares or rectangles using a sharp knife or bench scraper. Clean the knife with a warm damp cloth between cuts for neat edges.
Notes
Use gel food coloring for vibrant colors without thinning the marshmallow mixture. Work quickly when dividing and coloring the marshmallow mixture to avoid clumps. Press layers gently to maintain crisp texture. Butter your spatula or hands to prevent sticking. A sharp knife dipped in hot water helps cut cleanly. For gluten-free, use gluten-free crispy rice cereal. For dairy-free/vegan, substitute butter with coconut oil and use vegan marshmallows.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: One square treat
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 18
- Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Protein: 1
Keywords: Rice Krispie treats, patriotic dessert, 4th of July dessert, easy dessert, red white and blue treats, kid-friendly dessert, quick dessert