Get ready to fall in love with these Strawberry Crunch Rice Krispie Treats! These delightful squares combine the nostalgic crunch of classic Rice Krispie treats with the sweet, summery flavor of strawberries and a delicious cookie crumble topping. They’re reminiscent of those strawberry shortcake ice cream bars we all loved as kids, but in an easy-to-make homemade treat.
Perfect for everything from casual family desserts to special occasions, these pretty pink treats are sure to bring smiles all around. The beautiful strawberry pink color makes them especially perfect for Valentine’s Day, baby showers, or any celebration where you want to add a pop of color to your dessert table.
Why You’ll Love This
- No baking required – just melt, mix, and chill!
- The perfect balance of chewy marshmallow base and crunchy cookie topping
- Kid-friendly recipe that adults will equally adore
- Easily customizable with different flavors and mix-ins
- Can be made ahead for parties or potlucks
Ingredients
- 6 cups strawberry-flavored Rice Krispies cereal (or regular Rice Krispies)
- 1 (10 oz) bag mini marshmallows
- 4 tbsp (60g) unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 10 Golden Oreos, crushed
- 3 tbsp strawberry Jell-O powder
- 3 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix crushed Golden Oreos, strawberry Jell-O powder, and melted butter. Stir until combined and set aside.
- In a large pot, melt butter over low heat. Add mini marshmallows, stirring until fully melted. Stir in vanilla extract. Remove from heat and fold in Rice Krispies cereal until fully coated.
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch (23x33cm) baking dish and press the Rice Krispie mixture evenly into the pan. Sprinkle the strawberry crunch mix evenly over the top, pressing gently so it sticks.
- Let set for 30 minutes, then slice into squares and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- For a stronger strawberry flavor, add 1/4 cup finely chopped freeze-dried strawberries to the marshmallow mixture.
- Try different gelatin flavors like raspberry or cherry for a different fruity twist.
- Make them extra festive by adding white chocolate drizzle on top after they’ve cooled.
- For a less sweet version, use unsweetened vanilla cookies instead of Golden Oreos.
- If the mixture is too sticky to work with, lightly butter your hands or spatula before pressing into the pan.
- Cut with a plastic knife for cleaner edges – it won’t stick to the marshmallow as much as a metal knife.
Serving Suggestions
These Strawberry Crunch Rice Krispie Treats are perfect on their own, but you can elevate them by serving alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special dessert. The contrast between the cold ice cream and the chewy, room-temperature treats is absolutely divine!
For a fun dessert board, cut these into smaller squares and serve alongside chocolate-dipped strawberries and vanilla wafer cookies for a strawberry shortcake-themed treat platter.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, place wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.
- These treats are best enjoyed within 1-2 days when they’re at their freshest and chewiest.
- If your kitchen is very warm, store in the refrigerator, but allow to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
FAQs
Can I make these without artificial strawberry flavoring?
Yes! Skip the gelatin powder and instead use 1/3 cup pulverized freeze-dried strawberries for natural color and flavor.
Can I make these ahead of time for a party?
Absolutely! Make them 1-2 days ahead and store in an airtight container. Add the crunch topping the day of serving for maximum crispness.
My treats turned out too hard. What went wrong?
You may have cooked the marshmallow mixture too long or pressed the treats too firmly into the pan. Cook just until melted and press gently for softer treats.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free Rice Krispies or similar cereal and gluten-free vanilla cookies for the crunch topping.
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