Red White and Blue Rice Crispy Treats

Red, White, and Blue Rice Krispy Treats are fluffy, sweet, and very easy to make. They are colored in red, white, and blue to look extra festive and fun.

Perfect for the 4^th of July, also known as Independence Day, these red, white, and blue rice crispy treats are crispy and chewy, with sweet buttery marshmallow glue holding everything together. They are just as pretty as they are delicious, topped with red, white, and blue chocolate. The kids will love these, and so will guests at your holiday parties. And they are so easy to make in 30 minutes with no baking!

Red White and Blue Rice Krispy Treats are very easy to make and a super fun project with kids. These are colored red, white and blue and topped with blue and red melted chocolate. White chocolate chips are added to resemble stars and festive red and blue sprinkles. Soft, chewy and fluffy, these are always a hit with kids and grown-ups.

You do not even have to turn on the oven to make these treats so you will not have to worry about heating up the house during the summer. You can even make them in the microwave if you want instead of on the stove. However, they turn out better on the stove. Melting the butter and marshmallows turns out better on the stove because you can control how the heat is distributed.

The good thing about this recipe is that you can change the colors to match the season. If it’s Easter, use pastels. For Christmas, use red and green. For Valentine’s Day, use red and pink, and for St. Patrick’s Day, you can use green. However, the ingredients are always the same, and so is the cooking method. The only thing that changes is the colors.

Why you will love this recipe

• It’s great for holiday parties: Change the colors or keep them the same for the 4^th of July.
• Easy to make: On the stove or in the microwave in just a few easy steps.
• Fast recipe: No need to spend your day in the kitchen. These are done in 15 minutes.
• The kids can help: Let them do the frosting, stirring, and decorating.

What you’ll need to make these red, white, and blue rice crispy treats

Special items:

• Saucepan – To melt the butter and marshmallows.
• Bowls – These are used to make the different colors of crispy rice treats.
• Baking pan – To spread the treats.

Ingredients:

• Butter – I prefer salted to add salt to accentuate all the sweetness. 
• Marshmallows – I used both jumbo and mini marshmallows. You need 30 ounces altogether.
• Vanilla – I recommend 100% vanilla extract for a real vanilla taste without a bitter aftertaste.
• Rice Krispies Cereal – Any brand will do. I used Kellogg’s.
• Blue gel food coloring – Any brand is fine.
• Red gel food coloring – You can use any brand.
• Blue chocolate melts – Wilton is what I prefer.
• Red chocolate melts – I use Wilton because it is high-quality.
• White chocolate chips – Giardelli or Nestle are both excellent.
• Star sprinkles – Red and blue stars are what I used.

How to make red, white, and blue rice crispy treats?

1. Make the treats: First, melt butter over low heat. Then, add the jumbo marshmallows and let them melt on low. After completely melting, add the small marshmallows and let them melt almost on low. Then remove them from the heat and add the cereal. Stir until the cereal is coated all the way. 
2. Layer: Now, divide the mixture into three large bowls. Add six drops of blue gel food coloring to one bowl and mix it up with a spatula. Then, use a buttered spatula to press it gently into the pan with parchment paper on the bottom. Do the same with the uncolored rice crispies. Last, mix the red food coloring into the final bowl and press it gently on top. 
3. Melt, decorate, cool, and serve: Afterward, melt the candy in separate bowls in the microwave according to the package instructions and drizzle it on top. Then, add the star sprinkles and white chocolate chips. Do not cut them and serve until they are completely cool.

Expert tip

How to keep rice crispy treats from sticking to the pan

One thing about rice crispy treats is that they are sticky. But that is mostly a good thing. The only time it is not good is when you are trying to get them out of the pan without ruining them, especially if you forgot to line it with parchment paper. That is what I usually do. Since you are not putting them in the oven, you could also use wax paper. There is no reason why you couldn’t use aluminum foil, too.

Other times, I have used non-stick spray, butter, or some kind of vegetable oil like coconut oil or canola oil. Another thing to remember is not to press it forcefully into the pan. I used to just use a silicone spatula to spread it out, pressing gently, after spraying it with oil. But sometimes, I like to use my hands, as I just realized that if you get your hands wet, the marshmallow does not stick to your hands.

The most important thing, however, is to follow the instructions carefully. Do not add too many marshmallows. That guarantees that your red, white, and blue rice crispy treats will stick to everything—the pan, your fingers, your clothes, your kids—everything. If you follow the recipe and the steps carefully, you will have these patriotic treats in minutes.

Recipe variations and add-ins:

• More chocolate: Add more chocolate chips into the rice crispy treat mixture for extra chocolatey goodness.
• More color: Use colored marshmallows for additional color in your marshmallow treats.
• Different flavors: Marshmallows also come in various flavors now. Experiment and see what tastes you enjoy.
• Try extracts: If you do not like the marshmallow flavors, add some extra flavor with extracts. You can find any flavor, from almond to watermelon. I think red velvet or cake batter would be great for the kids, and I would like to try amaretto or strawberry margarita.
• Go nuts: Chop some nuts like walnuts or pecans and sprinkle them on top before the chocolate melts to make your rice crispy treats crunchy.

Serving suggestions:

It is a dessert or a snack, but it is also cereal, right?

• If you are having a patriotic party, serve these treats with my patriotic trifle with lemon cream. It is easy and looks so fancy.
• Serve a couple of these and a glass of milk for breakfast, and the kids will think you are the coolest parent ever! However, since they are a sugary treat, you probably do not want to do this daily.
• Adding one of these to your kids’ lunch can never go wrong. They do not spoil and taste great, warm or cool.
• Another great patriotic red, white, and blue dessert is this frozen yogurt bark. It only has two ingredients and takes just 10 minutes to make. It is also healthy, made of Greek yogurt and berries.
• Adults and kids love these treats. You can make them in different colors for different holidays and celebrations, too!

How Do I Make Rice Crispy Treats In The Microwave?

• Add butter and marshmallows to a large microwave safe bowl.
• Heat on HIGH for 2-3 minutes, stirring after 2 minutes.
• If the mixture is not fully melted, microwave in 1 minute increments until melted.
• Stir until smooth.
• Add Rice Krispies cereal. Stir until coated.
• Press mixture into 13 x 9 inch pan coated with cooking spray or lined with parchment paper.
• Cut into squares when cool.

Frequently asked questions

Why are my rice crispy treats so hard?

The main reason for hard rice crispy treats is high heat. You should always melt the marshmallows and butter over low heat. It may take a little more time, but it is worth it. Cooking them over high heat will give you much softer and chewier results. Also, pressing them down in the pan too hard will make them too hard. If you pack them too firmly, they will be too dense and firm. Spread it gently with a silicone spatula, and do not press down hard on the mixture as you spread it into the pan.

Should homemade rice crispy treats be refrigerated?

I do not recommend putting these in the refrigerator because they will get hard. Store them in a cool, dark place, wrapped in plastic in an airtight container for up to three days. Cutting them into individual pieces and separating them with plastic, parchment, or wax paper would be best. Using zipper baggies, you should also put parchment or wax paper between layers. Then, place them in a cool, dark place where they will stay fresh for three days.

Why are my rice crispy treats falling apart?

It may be that you did not use enough cereal. The first thing most people think is that there are not enough marshmallows because they are the glue. But with too much glue and not enough substance, it just falls apart. Add some more cereal and see if that helps. You should use the exact measurements given in the directions. I tested these measurements repeatedly, so I have it down to a science. If you use the correct measuring cups, it will work out just fine. 

Why are my rice crispy treats so sticky?

Although you want your rice crispy treats to be sticky, you do not want them to stick to everything they touch, including the pan, fingers, and clothes. If you use too much butter or marshmallows, that will happen. Using my exact measurements, this should never happen. But sometimes the packages of marshmallows are off. If that happens, you can always add more cereal and mix it up again to save it.

How to store:

• Refrigerate: Do not refrigerate. Keep them in an airtight container on the counter for three days.   
• Freezing: Place them in a freezer bag, separated by parchment or wax paper, for up to three months.   
• Defrost: Thaw overnight in your refrigerator for the best flavor.

More Patriotic themes desserts:

Recipe tips:

• Always use fresh marshmallows for rice crispy treats. Save the old marshmallows for hot cocoa.
• Do not replace butter with margarine; the butter makes the treats moist and chewy.
• To keep them from sticking, place parchment or wax paper between the layers of rice crispy treats.
• Melt the butter and marshmallows on low to keep your treats from getting stiff.
• Also, do not press them down when spreading them in the pan for the same reason.
• Make sure you mix it well because the marshmallow is the glue that holds it all together.
• Do not refrigerate. They will get too hard. Instead, pack them in an airtight container separated with plastic, parchment, or wax paper and leave them at room temperature for three days.