If you’re looking for a sweet, crunchy, and colorful treat to brighten up your holiday dessert table, this Easter Rice Krispie Treats Recipe will become your new go-to! These classic marshmallow and cereal bars get a festive twist with pastel M&Ms and sprinkles that bring a delightful pop of Easter cheer. Perfect for sharing at family gatherings, school parties, or just because you want a quick and easy springtime snack, these treats combine buttery, gooey goodness with fun textures and colors that make every bite a celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Easter Rice Krispie Treats Recipe relies on a handful of simple, classic ingredients that work beautifully together. Each one plays a key role: the Rice Krispie cereal for that iconic crispy crunch, the butter and marshmallows to bind everything into a soft, chewy base, and pastel candies to add a festive splash of color and a little extra sweetness.
- 6 cups Rice Krispie Cereal: The crispy foundation that gives these treats their signature light and crunchy texture.
- 4 Tbsp Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps melt the marshmallows smoothly for that perfect chewy consistency.
- 10 oz Mini Marshmallows: The glue that holds it all together with a soft, gooey sweetness every bite needs.
- 1 cup Pastel M&Ms (Easter M&Ms): Provides bursts of chocolate and lovely pastel colors to brighten up the entire dish.
- 1/2 cup Pastel Sprinkles: Gives a delicate, festive crunch and enhances the beautiful Easter theme.
How to Make Easter Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Step 1: Melt the Butter and Marshmallows
Start by melting the butter in a large saucepan over low heat until it’s completely melted and bubbling gently. Then, add the mini marshmallows and stir continuously until they’re fully melted and smooth. This step is crucial because a perfectly melted marshmallow mixture ensures your treats hold together without any clumps or dryness.
Step 2: Mix in the Rice Krispie Cereal
Remove the marshmallow mixture from heat and immediately add the Rice Krispie cereal. Gently fold the cereal in with a spatula, making sure every piece is coated but without crushing the cereal. This keeps the treats delightfully crisp while still sticky enough to hold together.
Step 3: Fold in Pastel M&Ms and Sprinkles
Once your cereal is well mixed, carefully fold in the pastel M&Ms and sprinkles. Save a small handful of sprinkles to sprinkle on top at the end for extra color and charm. This step is where the Easter magic really happens, adding texture, taste, and playful pastel colors that brighten the whole dessert.
Step 4: Press Mixture into Pan and Cool
Lightly grease a 9×13 inch pan or line it with parchment paper. Transfer the mixture into the pan and press it down evenly using a buttered spatula or wax paper to prevent sticking. Let it cool completely at room temperature before cutting to maintain shape and ensure clean slices.
How to Serve Easter Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a few extra pastel M&Ms or sprinkles on top right after pressing the mixture into your pan for an eye-catching finish. You can also drizzle melted white chocolate over the top for a luscious, elegant touch that complements the pastel colors beautifully.
Side Dishes
These Easter Rice Krispie Treats pair wonderfully with light, refreshing beverages like lemonade or iced tea. They also make a fun sidekick to fruit platters or simple yogurt parfaits for a balanced mix of flavors and textures at your dessert table.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your treats into bite-sized squares and arrange them on decorative Easter-themed platters or nestle them inside small paper cupcake liners for an adorable party presentation. You could also use cookie cutters to shape them like eggs or bunnies before serving for an even more festive touch!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any uneaten Easter Rice Krispie Treats Recipe bars in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and chewy for up to 3 days, making it easy to prepare ahead of time or save for later snacking.
Freezing
If you want to keep them longer, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to 6 weeks. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature for about an hour to bring back their perfect texture.
Reheating
While these treats are best enjoyed fresh or at room temperature, you can warm them briefly in the microwave for about 10 seconds if you want that soft, melty marshmallow feeling. Just be careful not to overheat and melt the candy decorations!
FAQs
Can I use regular-sized marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?
Absolutely! If you only have regular marshmallows, simply adjust the quantity by using slightly fewer pieces, as they’re larger, but the overall texture and taste will remain delicious.
What if I don’t have pastel M&Ms? Can I substitute them?
Of course! You can use any colorful candies, chocolate chips, or even chopped nuts depending on your preference. The pastel M&Ms just add a festive Easter color pop, but feel free to get creative.
How do I prevent the marshmallow mixture from sticking to my hands?
Dipping your hands in cold water or lightly greasing them with butter before handling the mixture will make it much easier to press and shape without sticking.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, but make sure to use a gluten-free crispy rice cereal variety. Many brands offer this option, allowing you to keep this treat safe for gluten-sensitive guests.
Is there a way to make these treats less sweet?
You can reduce the sweetness slightly by using fewer candies or sprinkling a touch of sea salt on top before the treats set, creating a nice balance of flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Easter Rice Krispie Treats Recipe is such a joyful, fuss-free way to add sweetness and color to your celebrations. Once you try these fun, chewy bars loaded with pastel candies and sprinkles, you’ll see why they’re beloved by kids and adults alike. So, gather your ingredients, get mixing, and bring some festive cheer to your holiday table—these treats are guaranteed to put smiles on everyone’s faces!
Print
Easter Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Easter Rice Krispie Treats are a festive and fun twist on the classic dessert, perfect for spring celebrations. Made with buttery marshmallow coating, crispy cereal, and colorful pastel M&Ms and sprinkles, they are easy to prepare and delightfully sweet with a crunchy texture.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 6 cups Rice Krispie Cereal
- 4 Tbsp Butter
- 10 oz Mini Marshmallows
Decorative Toppings
- 1 cup Pastel M&Ms (Easter M&Ms)
- 1/2 cup Pastel Sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Measure out all your ingredients and have them ready. Grease or line a 9×13 inch pan with parchment paper for easy removal later.
- Melt Butter and Marshmallows: In a large saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Add the mini marshmallows and stir continuously until completely melted and smooth, forming the sticky base mixture.
- Combine with Cereal: Remove the saucepan from heat and quickly add the Rice Krispie Cereal. Stir gently but thoroughly until the cereal is evenly coated with the marshmallow mixture.
- Add M&Ms and Sprinkles: Fold in the pastel M&Ms and sprinkles gently to distribute them throughout the mixture without crushing.
- Press Into Pan: Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan. Use a spatula or buttered hands to press it down firmly and evenly. Be careful not to press too hard to keep the treats light and crispy.
- Cool and Set: Allow the treats to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes to set completely.
- Cut and Serve: Once set, cut into 12 squares and serve. Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep fresh.
Notes
- To prevent M&Ms from melting or bleeding color, add them after removing the cereal mixture from heat.
- You can substitute pastel sprinkles with any colorful decorative sugar or omit them if preferred.
- Use a buttered spatula or hands to press the mixture to avoid sticking.
- For easier cutting, chill the treats in the refrigerator for 10 minutes before slicing.
