Cherry Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

So you’re craving something tasty but too lazy to spend forever in the kitchen, huh? Same.

These cherry Rice Krispie treats take literally 10 minutes, taste like childhood got a glow-up, and will make everyone think you’re a baking genius. Spoiler: you’re not. We’re just really good at cheating deliciously.

Why This Recipe is Awesome

Look, regular Rice Krispie treats are great—nobody’s arguing that. But add cherry and suddenly you’re living your best pink fantasy life. These bars are gooey, chewy, stupidly pretty, and have that tart-sweet punch that makes you go “mmm” out loud like a weirdo. Plus, zero baking. It’s basically dessert for people who hate effort. Even I didn’t screw it up, and I once set water on fire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather this ridiculously short list and pretend you’re on a cooking show:

• 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal (or the off-brand, we don’t judge)
• 1 bag (10 oz) mini marshmallows – the fresher, the gooier
• 4 tablespoons salted butter (unsalted works, but why make life bland?)
• 1 cup dried cherries, chopped (or just tear them with your hands like a savage)
• ½ teaspoon almond extract (this is the secret “ooh” flavor—trust me)
• Pink food coloring (optional but come on, live a little)
• Extra dried cherries or sprinkles for the top if you’re extra like that

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready? Let’s make magic in 5 minutes flat.

1. Prep your pan – Grease a 9×13 pan with butter or cooking spray. Or line with parchment if you hate doing dishes as much as I do.
2. Melt the butter over low heat in a giant pot. Don’t walk away—burnt butter is a vibe killer.
3. Add marshmallows and stir like your life depends on it until they’re completely melted and smooth. Add the almond extract and a few drops of pink food coloring now if you’re going full Barbie mode.
4. Remove from heat and immediately dump in the Rice Krispies + chopped dried cherries. Stir fast—things get sticky quick.
5. Press into the pan using a buttered spatula or your hands (butter them too or suffer). Don’t smash too hard or you’ll get bricks instead of dreamy bars.
6. Top with extra cherries or sprinkles while it’s still warm. Press lightly so they stick.
7. Let cool for like… 20 minutes if you have self-control. Cut into squares and watch people lose their minds.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using stale marshmallows. That’s how you get sad, tough treats. Check the date, cheapskate.
• Overcooking the marshmallow mixture. Brown = bitter = trash can.
• Skipping the almond extract. It’s only ½ teaspoon but it’s doing 80% of the heavy lifting flavor-wise.
• Cutting them too soon. Patience, grasshopper. Warm treats fall apart and you’ll cry.
• Thinking you need to measure perfectly. Eyeball it. This isn’t the SATs.

Alternatives & Substitutions

• No dried cherries? Use maraschino cherries (blot them dry first or you’ll get soggy bars—gross).
• Want it more tart? Toss in a handful of freeze-dried cherries. Crunch city.
• Gluten-free? Just use gluten-free crisp rice cereal. Boom, everyone’s happy.
• Vegan? Swap butter for vegan butter and use Dandies marshmallows. Still slaps.
• Hate almond extract? Use vanilla, you basic angel. Still good, just less “wow.”

FAQs

Can I double the recipe?

Duh. Use a bigger pan or two pans. I believe in your greed.

How long do these stay good?

Like 3–4 days in an airtight container… if they survive the first hour. (They won’t.)

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Technically yes, but why would you punish yourself like that? Butter = love.

Are these too sweet?

They’re dessert, Karen. If you want health food, eat a carrot.

Help! My mixture is too dry and won’t stick together!

You either used too much cereal or old marshmallows. Add a handful of fresh mini marshmallows and nuke it for 10 seconds. Saves the day every time.

Can I add white chocolate?

Stop. Yes. Drizzle it. You absolute legend.

My kid wants to help—safe?

100%. This is the ultimate “let the tiny humans cook” recipe. Just don’t let them near the hot pot.

Final Thoughts

There you go—your new party trick that takes less time than scrolling TikTok. These cherry Rice Krispie treats are ridiculously easy, dangerously addictive, and guaranteed to make people ask “Wait, you MADE these?!”