Chocolate Cherry Rice Krispies Treats: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Chocolate Cherry Rice Krispies Treats – are you ready to take a nostalgic classic and give it a decadent, grown-up twist? Forget everything you thought you knew about this childhood favorite because we’re about to elevate it to a whole new level of deliciousness. Imagine the satisfying snap of Rice Krispies, the rich, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate, and the burst of sweet, tart cherries all harmonizing in one irresistible bite.

Rice Krispies Treats have been a beloved American staple since the 1930s, born from the Kellogg’s kitchen as a way to promote their new cereal. Over the years, they’ve become synonymous with easy, no-bake desserts and cherished memories. But who says we can’t improve on perfection? The addition of chocolate and cherries transforms these simple squares into something truly special, perfect for a sophisticated dessert or a delightful treat any time of day.

People adore Rice Krispies Treats for their simplicity, their satisfying crunch, and their undeniable sweetness. This Chocolate Cherry Rice Krispies Treats recipe maintains all those beloved qualities while adding layers of flavor and texture that will tantalize your taste buds. The combination of chocolate and cherry is a timeless pairing, offering a delightful balance of sweet and tart that’s simply irresistible. Plus, they’re still incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort for maximum reward. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these upgraded, utterly delicious treats!

this RECIPE

Ingredients:

• 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
• 10 oz (about 40) large marshmallows
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup dried cherries, chopped
• Pinch of sea salt

Preparing the Chocolate Ganache

Okay, let’s start with the chocolate ganache. This is what’s going to give our Rice Krispies treats that extra layer of decadent chocolatey goodness. Trust me, it’s worth the extra step!

1. Combine the chocolate chips and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Make sure the bowl is large enough to prevent any overflow when the mixture bubbles up in the microwave. I like to use a glass bowl for this, as it distributes heat more evenly.

2. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between each interval. This is crucial! You don’t want to burn the chocolate. Start with 30 seconds, then stir. If the chocolate isn’t melting, microwave for another 30 seconds and stir again. Repeat until the chocolate is almost completely melted. It’s okay if there are a few small pieces of unmelted chocolate; the residual heat will melt them as you stir.

3. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of sea salt. The vanilla enhances the chocolate flavor, and the sea salt balances the sweetness. Don’t skip the salt – it really makes a difference!

4. Set the ganache aside to cool slightly. While it’s cooling, it will thicken up a bit, making it easier to drizzle over the Rice Krispies treats later. You want it to be pourable but not too runny.

Making the Rice Krispies Treat Base

Now for the main event – the Rice Krispies treat base! This is where the magic happens. We’re going to make a super gooey, marshmallowy base that’s perfectly balanced with the crunch of the cereal and the tartness of the cherries.

1. Melt the butter in a large saucepan over low heat. Use a large saucepan, as you’ll be adding the marshmallows and cereal to it later. Low heat is key here; you don’t want to brown the butter, just melt it gently.

2. Add the marshmallows to the melted butter and stir constantly until completely melted. This is where patience comes in. Keep stirring! The marshmallows will melt slowly at first, but eventually, they’ll become a smooth, gooey mass. Make sure there are no lumps left.

3. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Once the marshmallows are completely melted, take the pan off the heat. This prevents the marshmallows from overcooking and becoming hard.

4. Stir in the chopped dried cherries. Distribute them evenly throughout the melted marshmallow mixture. The cherries add a wonderful chewy texture and a burst of flavor that complements the chocolate perfectly.

5. Add the Rice Krispies cereal and gently fold until well coated. Be gentle! You don’t want to crush the cereal. Just fold it in until all the cereal is coated in the marshmallow mixture. Work quickly, as the mixture will start to set up as it cools.

Assembling and Finishing the Treats

Almost there! Now it’s time to assemble the treats and add that final touch of chocolatey goodness.

1. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. I like to use cooking spray, but you can also grease it with butter or line it with parchment paper. This will prevent the Rice Krispies treats from sticking to the dish.

2. Pour the Rice Krispies mixture into the prepared baking dish and press down firmly and evenly. Use a spatula or your hands (lightly greased) to press the mixture into the dish. Make sure it’s evenly distributed so that all the treats are the same thickness.

3. Drizzle the chocolate ganache over the Rice Krispies treats. Use a spoon or a piping bag to drizzle the ganache evenly over the top. You can create a simple pattern or just drizzle it randomly – it’s up to you!

4. Sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt (optional). This is totally optional, but I love the way the salt enhances the chocolate flavor. Just a tiny pinch will do.

5. Let the Rice Krispies treats cool completely before cutting into squares. This is important! If you try to cut them while they’re still warm, they’ll be sticky and messy. Let them cool for at least an hour, or even better, refrigerate them for 30 minutes to speed up the process.

6. Cut into squares and serve. Once the treats are cool and firm, cut them into squares of your desired size. I usually cut them into 2-inch squares, but you can make them bigger or smaller depending on your preference.

Tips and Variations

Want to customize your Chocolate Cherry Rice Krispies Treats? Here are a few ideas:

• Use different types of chocolate. Instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips, try milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate for the ganache.

• Add nuts. Stir in chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds along with the dried cherries for added crunch and flavor.

• Use flavored marshmallows. Experiment with different flavors of marshmallows, such as chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry, to add a unique twist to the treats.

• Add a sprinkle of cocoa powder. Dust the top of the treats with cocoa powder for a more intense chocolate flavor.

• Make them festive. Use red and green sprinkles for Christmas, or pastel sprinkles for Easter.

Storage Instructions

To keep your Chocolate Cherry Rice Krispies Treats fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay good for up to 3 days. If you live in a warm climate, you may want to store them in the refrigerator to prevent the chocolate from melting.

Troubleshooting

My Rice Krispies treats are too hard. This usually happens when the marshmallows are overcooked. Make sure to melt the marshmallows over low heat and stir constantly. Also, avoid pressing the mixture too firmly into the baking dish.

My Rice Krispies treats are too sticky. This can happen if you don’t let the treats cool completely before cutting them. Be patient and let them cool for at least an hour, or refrigerate them for 30 minutes.

My chocolate ganache is too thick. If the ganache is too thick, add a teaspoon of heavy cream at a time, stirring until it reaches the desired consistency.

My chocolate ganache is too thin. If the ganache is too thin, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to thicken up.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Chocolate Cherry Rice Krispies Treats are so much more than your average childhood snack. The combination of rich dark chocolate, tart dried cherries, and that classic Rice Krispies crunch creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will have everyone reaching for seconds (and maybe thirds!). I truly believe this recipe is a must-try because it’s incredibly easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers maximum deliciousness. It’s the perfect treat for a quick dessert, a fun baking project with kids, or a delightful addition to any party spread.

But the best part? You can easily customize these treats to suit your own preferences! Feeling adventurous? Try adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a sweet and salty kick. Or, if you’re a fan of nuts, chopped almonds or pecans would be a fantastic addition. For an extra layer of chocolatey goodness, drizzle melted white chocolate over the finished treats. You could even swap out the dried cherries for other dried fruits like cranberries or raspberries, or add a touch of orange zest for a bright, citrusy flavor. The possibilities are endless!

Serving these Chocolate Cherry Rice Krispies Treats is just as versatile as the recipe itself. They’re perfect on their own as a simple and satisfying snack. But you can also elevate them by serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a more sophisticated presentation, cut them into smaller squares and arrange them on a platter with fresh berries. They also make a wonderful addition to a dessert charcuterie board, adding a touch of nostalgic fun to a more elegant spread.

I’ve made these treats countless times, and they’re always a hit. The combination of the familiar Rice Krispies texture with the sophisticated flavors of chocolate and cherry is simply irresistible. I especially love how easy they are to adapt to different occasions and preferences. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy dessert for a weeknight dinner or a fun and festive treat for a holiday party, these Chocolate Cherry Rice Krispies Treats are sure to please.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven (just kidding, no oven needed!), and get ready to whip up a batch of these amazing treats. I promise you won’t be disappointed. And once you’ve tried them, I’d love to hear what you think! Did you make any variations? What was your favorite part? Share your experience in the comments below! I’m always looking for new ideas and inspiration, and I can’t wait to see what creative twists you put on this classic recipe. Happy baking (or should I say, no-baking!) and enjoy every delicious bite! I am confident that you will love this Chocolate Cherry Rice Krispies Treats recipe as much as I do.