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Easter Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

If you’re looking for a festive, fun, and absolutely delicious treat to bring to your Easter celebration, I’ve got you covered with my go-to Easter Rice Krispie Treats Recipe. These aren’t your average marshmallow squares — they’re packed with a colorful mix of cereals and candy that make every bite a delightful surprise. I promise, once you try this recipe, it’ll be your new holiday classic.

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Perfect cereal blend: Combining Rice Krispies, Rice Chex, and Frosted Cheerios adds a wonderful crunch with subtle sweetness and texture variety.
  • Marshmallow magic: Melting most of the marshmallows first creates a gooey base, while folding in the last bit keeps a soft, pillowy texture throughout.
  • Candy and sprinkles: Adding Easter M&Ms and sprinkles at the end keeps the colors vibrant and brings the festive vibe.
  • Simple prep and cleanup: With minimal ingredients and quick cooking, you get impressive results fast without a ton of mess.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Easter Rice Krispie Treats Recipe plays a starring role — from the buttery-soft marshmallow base to the crisp, varied cereals, and finally the festive candies and sprinkles for a pop of color. Here’s what I use and why I love each one.

Easter Rice Krispie Treats, festive cereal treats, Easter party snacks, colorful marshmallow squares, holiday dessert ideas - Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden salted butter cubes, a generous mound of white mini marshmallows scattered loosely, a small white ceramic bowl holding clear vanilla extract, a neat pile of crispy Rice Krispies cereal, a cluster of light tan Rice Chex squares, a handful of shiny, frosted Cheerios, a small white ceramic bowl brimming with colorful Easter M&Ms in vibrant reds, blues, yellows, and greens, and a delicate sprinkle of pastel-colored Easter sprinkles arranged beside them, all ingredients fresh and natural, arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997
  • Salted butter: It adds richness and balances the sweetness, while the salt sharpens flavors just right.
  • Mini marshmallows: The gooey glue that holds everything together, with the best melt-and-pull texture.
  • Vanilla extract: Just a splash brightens the marshmallow base with warm, aromatic depth.
  • Rice Krispies cereal: Classic crispiness and lightness that’s essential for that iconic treat feel.
  • Rice Chex cereal: Adds an extra crunch and subtle nuttiness; plus, it mixes nicely without overpowering.
  • Frosted Cheerios: The hint of sweetness and a slightly different texture keep things exciting and fun.
  • Easter M&Ms: Colorful and chocolaty, they take these treats over the top in both taste and festive appeal.
  • Easter sprinkles: Small but mighty; they add visual sparkle and festive flair right on top and inside.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of my favorite things about this Easter Rice Krispie Treats Recipe is how easily it adapts to your preferences. I often switch up the cereals or candies to keep it fresh, and I encourage you to play around with it as well.

  • Variation: I once swapped out the Rice Chex for Corn Chex when that’s what I had on hand—it still worked beautifully, though I avoid wheat Chex because it changes the texture too much.
  • Dietary tweak: For a less sweet version, try reducing the marshmallows slightly or adding nuts for crunch and protein.
  • Seasonal switch-up: Swap Easter M&Ms for other holiday-themed candies, like mini pumpkins for Halloween or peppermint pieces for Christmas.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easter Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace and Ingredients

Before you dive in, it’s really helpful to premeasure all your ingredients. This streamlined approach makes the whole process feel smooth and stress-free. Then, line a 9×13-inch baking sheet with parchment paper and give it a quick spritz of non-stick spray—trust me, it helps with the release later on.

Step 2: Melt Butter and Marshmallows

In a large saucepan over low heat, melt the butter along with 8 cups of the mini marshmallows, stirring gently but constantly. The key here is patience—keep the heat low to avoid scorching. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture is smooth and glossy.

Step 3: Add Vanilla and Remaining Ingredients

Remove the pot from heat and stir in your teaspoon of vanilla extract. Then fold in the remaining 2 cups of marshmallows along with all your cereals. Stir quickly but gently until everything is evenly coated—these last marshmallows help keep the texture soft and inviting.

Step 4: Fold in Candy and Sprinkles, Then Shape

Now, carefully fold in the colorful Easter M&Ms and sprinkles. Make sure to add these at the very end so the candy colors won’t bleed into the marshmallow mixture. Immediately transfer everything to your prepared pan and gently press it down with parchment paper or greased hands—don’t pack it too hard, or your treats might turn tough.

Step 5: Let Set and Cut

Allow your treats to set at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Once firm, use a sharp knife to cut into festive squares and start enjoying! If you want an extra pop, sprinkle more M&Ms and sprinkles on top right before pressing down.

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Pro Tips for Making Easter Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

  • Low and slow melting: Keep the marshmallow melting process on low heat to prevent burning and achieve a silky texture.
  • Last-minute candies: Add your M&Ms last and fold carefully to keep their shape and bright colors.
  • Gentle pressing: Use parchment paper on top so you can press down lightly without crushing the treats, keeping them chewy.
  • Storage savvy: Store in an airtight container at room temp for best texture and freshness; moisture is the enemy!

How to Serve Easter Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

Easter Rice Krispie Treats, festive cereal treats, Easter party snacks, colorful marshmallow squares, holiday dessert ideas - The image shows three square cereal treats stacked on a white plate, each treat made of light tan puffed rice cereal mixed with melted marshmallow. The treats are topped with colorful candy-coated chocolates in blue, purple, pink, green, and yellow, along with tiny green and multicolored sprinkles. A small yellow candy chick and a white candy bunny with blue eyes are also visible on the top layer. The treats have a sticky and soft texture with some melted marshmallow strings connecting pieces. The background is a soft pastel mint color with scattered colorful candies and eggs out of focus. The surface is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually top mine with a few extra M&Ms and some pastel-colored sprinkles for that perfect Easter vibe. If I’m feeling crafty, I’ve also drizzled white chocolate or pastel-colored candy melts—they add a bit of elegance without much effort.

Side Dishes

These treats are sweet and rich, so I like pairing them with lighter sides—like fresh fruit salads or a simple vanilla yogurt dip. They’re especially fun alongside a brunch spread filled with quiches, muffins, and fresh juices.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I’ve enjoyed stacking these treats like little towers on a pastel tiered tray or cutting them into bunny and egg shapes using cookie cutters. Wrapping individual squares in cellophane tied with a bow also makes for adorable Easter basket gifts!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Easter Rice Krispie Treats in an airtight container at room temperature, usually somewhere cool and dry. They keep perfectly for up to two weeks, and honestly, they rarely last that long in my house!

Freezing

If you want to freeze them, I wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When thawed at room temperature, they maintain a great texture, though I’d recommend enjoying them within a couple of months for best flavor.

Reheating

I usually skip reheating because I love the chewy cool texture, but if you prefer warm treats, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave softens them nicely—just don’t overdo it or they’ll get tough.

FAQs

  1. Can I use unsalted butter in this Easter Rice Krispie Treats Recipe?

    Absolutely! If you’re using unsalted butter, just add about half a teaspoon of salt to the melting stage to keep the flavor balanced and prevent the treats from tasting flat.

  2. Why do some recipes suggest not adding all the marshmallows at once?

    Adding most marshmallows while melting creates the smooth base, but folding in some at the end gives the treats a lighter, pillowy texture and stops the mixture from turning too gummy.

  3. Can I substitute other cereals in this recipe?

    You can swap Rice Chex for Corn Chex, which works well. I personally avoid wheat Chex here as it changes texture too much. For Cheerios, feel free to use other varieties that bring the sweetness you like.

  4. How do I prevent M&M colors from bleeding?

    Add the M&Ms right at the end and fold them in gently and quickly. Adding them too early or stirring vigorously can cause the colors to run into the marshmallow mixture.

  5. How long do these Easter Rice Krispie Treats last?

    Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, they’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to two weeks—perfect for Easter parties or to nibble on through spring.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly joyful about making this Easter Rice Krispie Treats Recipe — it brings out your inner kid and adds a little magic to the usual holiday spread. It’s quick to whip up, colorful, and melts perfectly in your mouth every single time. I can’t recommend it enough for your Easter gatherings, and I hope it becomes a beloved tradition in your kitchen, too. Happy baking!

Print
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Easter Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 8 reviews
  • Author: Madison
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 20 servings
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Easter Rice Krispie Treats are a colorful and festive twist on the classic treat, combining Rice Krispies, Rice Chex, Frosted Cheerios, Easter M&Ms, and sprinkles for a fun and delicious snack perfect for the holiday.


Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • ½ cup salted butter
  • 10 cups mini marshmallows, divided
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 5 cups Rice Krispies cereal
  • 2 cups Rice Chex cereal
  • 2 cups Frosted Cheerios
  • 1 cup Easter M&Ms
  • 2 teaspoons Easter sprinkles


Instructions

  1. Prepare baking pan: Premeasure all ingredients before starting and line a 9×13-inch baking sheet with parchment paper. Coat the parchment paper with non-stick spray and set aside.
  2. Melt butter and marshmallows: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the ½ cup of salted butter along with 8 cups of the mini marshmallows, stirring frequently until the mixture is completely smooth.
  3. Add vanilla and remaining ingredients: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Then immediately add the remaining 2 cups of mini marshmallows along with 5 cups Rice Krispies, 2 cups Rice Chex, and 2 cups Frosted Cheerios cereals. Stir gently until all cereals are fully coated with the marshmallow mixture.
  4. Fold in candies and sprinkles: Quickly fold in 1 cup Easter M&Ms and 2 teaspoons Easter sprinkles without overmixing to prevent color bleed.
  5. Transfer and set: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Optionally, top with extra M&Ms and sprinkles. Using parchment paper or greased hands, gently press the mixture evenly into the pan without pressing too hard to avoid making them tough.
  6. Cool and serve: Allow the treats to set at room temperature for 30 minutes before cutting into squares and serving.

Notes

  • Unsalted butter can be substituted for salted butter by adding about ½ teaspoon of salt to the mixture.
  • Corn Chex can replace Rice Chex but avoid using wheat Chex to maintain texture and taste.
  • Other Cheerios varieties can be used if preferred.
  • Add M&Ms toward the end to prevent their colors from bleeding into the mixture.
  • Press the mixture gently into the pan to keep the treats soft and chewy.
  • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks to maintain freshness.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 square
  • Calories: 150 kcal
  • Sugar: 15 g
  • Sodium: 80 mg
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg

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