Cherry Rice Krispie Treats are a delightful twist on the classic dessert that many of us grew up loving. These vibrant, chewy treats not only bring a pop of color to your dessert table but also infuse a sweet cherry flavor that elevates the traditional Rice Krispie treat experience. Originating in the United States during the 1930s, Rice Krispie treats have become a beloved staple in many households, often made for special occasions or simply as a fun snack.
What I adore about Cherry Rice Krispie Treats is their perfect balance of taste and texture. The crispy rice cereal combined with gooey marshmallows creates a satisfying crunch, while the addition of cherry flavor adds a fruity twist that makes them irresistible. Whether you’re preparing them for a birthday party, a picnic, or just a cozy night in, these treats are not only easy to make but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Join me as we dive into this simple yet delicious recipe that will surely become a favorite in your home!
Ingredients:
- 4 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup unsweetened dried cherries, chopped
- 1/4 cup butter (1/2 stick)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional, for drizzling)
Preparing the Mixture
- Start by gathering all your ingredients. It’s always easier to have everything in one place before you begin cooking. This way, you won’t have to scramble around looking for something halfway through the process.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t brown. You want it just melted and bubbly.
- Once the butter is melted, add the mini marshmallows to the saucepan. Stir continuously until the marshmallows are completely melted and smooth. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. If you want to add a little extra flavor, now is the time to mix in the vanilla and almond extracts.
- After the marshmallows are melted, remove the saucepan from the heat. Be careful, as the mixture will be very hot!
- Next, add the chopped dried cherries and salt to the melted marshmallow mixture. Stir well to combine. The cherries will add a lovely tartness that balances the sweetness of the marshmallows.
- Now, it’s time to add the Rice Krispies cereal. Gradually fold in the cereal, making sure to coat each piece evenly with the marshmallow mixture. This step is crucial for ensuring that every bite is deliciously sticky and sweet.
Shaping the Treats
- Once the Rice Krispies are fully incorporated, it’s time to transfer the mixture to a prepared baking dish. I like to use a 9×13 inch dish for this recipe. Line the dish with parchment paper for easy removal later, or simply grease it with a little butter or cooking spray.
- Using a spatula or your hands (dampened with a little water to prevent sticking), press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the dish. Make sure it’s evenly spread out and compacted. This will help the treats hold their shape once they cool.
- Let the mixture cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, you can pop it in the fridge for about 15 minutes to speed up the cooling process.
Cutting and Decorating
- Once the mixture is set and cool, it’s time to cut it into squares. I usually cut them into 2-inch squares, but you can make them as big or small as you like. Use a sharp knife for clean edges.
- If you want to add a little extra flair, melt the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat them in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the cut squares for a beautiful finish.
- Allow the chocolate to set for a few minutes before serving. If you’re in a hurry, you can place the treats in the fridge to speed up the setting process.
Storing the Treats
- Store any leftover Cherry Rice Krispie Treats in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for about 3-5 days, but I doubt they’ll last that long because they’re so delicious!
- If you want to keep them for a longer period, you can freeze them. Just wrap each square in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply let them thaw at room temperature.
Tips and Variations
- If you’re not a fan of cherries, feel free to substitute them with other dried fruits like cranberries, apricots, or even raisins. Each will give a different flavor profile to your treats.
Conclusion:
In summary, these Cherry Rice Krispie Treats are an absolute must-try for anyone looking to add a delightful twist to a classic favorite. The combination of sweet, chewy cherries with the crispy texture of Rice Krispies creates a treat that is not only visually appealing but also bursting with flavor. Whether you’re making them for a party, a picnic, or just a cozy night in, these treats are sure to impress both kids and adults alike.
For serving suggestions, consider pairing these Cherry Rice Krispie Treats with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra indulgent dessert. You can also experiment with variations by adding nuts, coconut flakes, or even a splash of almond extract to enhance the flavor profile. The possibilities are endless!
I encourage you to give this recipe a try and share your experience with friends and family. I would love to hear how your Cherry Rice Krispie Treats turn out and any creative twists you might add. So grab your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy the delightful crunch and sweetness of these treats! Happy snacking!
Cherry Rice Krispie Treats: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Snack
These Cherry Rice Krispie Treats offer a fun twist on the classic, blending crunchy Rice Krispies with sweet marshmallows and tart dried cherries. Easy to make and perfect for snacks or desserts, they can be enhanced with a drizzle of white chocolate for an extra touch.
Ingredients
- 4 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup unsweetened dried cherries, chopped
- 1/4 cup butter (1/2 stick)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional, for drizzling)
Instructions
- Start by gathering all your ingredients. It’s always easier to have everything in one place before you begin cooking.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t brown.
- Once the butter is melted, add the mini marshmallows to the saucepan. Stir continuously until the marshmallows are completely melted and smooth.
- After the marshmallows are melted, remove the saucepan from the heat.
- Next, add the chopped dried cherries and salt to the melted marshmallow mixture. Stir well to combine.
- Now, it’s time to add the Rice Krispies cereal. Gradually fold in the cereal, making sure to coat each piece evenly with the marshmallow mixture.
- Once the Rice Krispies are fully incorporated, transfer the mixture to a prepared baking dish.
- Using a spatula or your hands (dampened with a little water to prevent sticking), press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the dish.
- Let the mixture cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- Once the mixture is set and cool, cut it into squares.
- If you want to add a little extra flair, melt the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and drizzle the melted chocolate over the cut squares.
- Allow the chocolate to set for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Store any leftover Cherry Rice Krispie Treats in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for about 3-5 days, but I doubt they’ll last that long because they’re so delicious!
- If you want to keep them for a longer period, you can freeze them. Just wrap each square in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply let them thaw at room temperature.
