Easter is the perfect time to bring a little extra joy to your dessert table, and these Easter Rice Krispie Treats deliver in both charm and flavor! These festive treats transform the classic cereal squares we all know and love into a springtime celebration with pastel colors and Easter-themed additions. They’re incredibly simple to make but will bring smiles to faces of all ages at your holiday gathering.
What makes these treats special is how they capture the spirit of Easter while remaining deliciously familiar. The combination of gooey marshmallows, crispy cereal, and festive add-ins creates a dessert that’s both nostalgic and exciting—exactly what holiday treats should be!
Why You’ll Love This
- Quick and easy to make—perfect for last-minute Easter gatherings or activities with kids
- No baking required, just melt, mix, and set
- Customizable with your favorite Easter candies and colors
- Great make-ahead option that stays fresh for several days
- Fun activity to involve little ones in holiday preparations
Ingredients
- 16 ounces marshmallows (jumbo or mini both work)
- 7 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 3-4 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Green food coloring
- Easter egg candies (mini chocolate eggs or jelly beans)
Instructions
- Thoroughly grease cupcake pans with butter or cooking spray and set aside.
- Place marshmallows and butter in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for approximately 2 minutes, keeping a close eye to ensure the marshmallows don’t puff up too much and overflow. Stir until completely melted and well combined.
- Pour the Rice Krispies cereal into the melted marshmallow mixture. Stir until well combined and all cereal is coated with marshmallow.
- While the mixture is still warm, spoon it into the greased cupcake pans. Press down in the center with a piece of wax paper to create a nest shape. Let set for at least 30 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine the butter, milk, vanilla extract, and 2 cups of powdered sugar. Mix until smooth and creamy, about 5 minutes. Add the remaining powdered sugar and green food coloring. Beat until you reach your desired consistency and color.
- Once the Rice Krispie nests have set, carefully remove them from the cupcake pans. Pipe the green buttercream frosting into each nest to resemble grass. Top with Easter egg candies.
- Allow the frosting to set slightly before serving. Enjoy these festive Easter treats!
Tips & Variations
- For marbled Easter treats, divide the marshmallow mixture into separate bowls and add different food coloring to each before mixing with portions of cereal.
- Use a cookie cutter to create Easter-themed shapes like eggs, bunnies, or chicks instead of cutting into squares.
- Add 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips to the mixture for extra sweetness and creaminess.
- For a flavor twist, try fruity cereal like Fruity Pebbles instead of Rice Krispies.
- If your treats are too hard, you likely overcooked the marshmallows—keep the heat low and be patient.
- For extra softness, use fresh marshmallows and don’t press the mixture too firmly into the pan.
Serving Suggestions
These Easter Rice Krispie Treats are delightful on their own, but you can elevate them by serving alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a more decadent dessert experience. For a festive Easter display, arrange them on a platter with fresh berries and edible Easter grass made from shredded coconut tinted with green food coloring.
They also pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or a spring-inspired beverage like lavender lemonade for a refreshing contrast to their sweetness.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For the best texture, cut treats only when completely cooled.
- If making ahead, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
- These treats can be frozen for up to 6 weeks—just thaw at room temperature before serving.
FAQs
Can I make these treats dairy-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative, and ensure your marshmallows are gelatin-free.
Why did my Rice Krispie treats turn out too hard?
Hard treats usually result from overcooking the marshmallow mixture or pressing too firmly into the pan. Keep heat low when melting marshmallows and press gently when forming.
How can I prevent the mixture from sticking to my hands?
Lightly coat your hands with cooking spray or butter, or dampen them slightly with cold water before handling the mixture.
Can I use mini marshmallows instead of regular sized ones?
Absolutely! Mini marshmallows actually melt more quickly and evenly than large ones. Use the same weight (10 oz) for equivalent results.
[recipe_card]
