These Chocolate Cherry Rice Krispie Treats are a delightful twist on the nostalgic classic, combining crispy cereal, sweet marshmallow, cherry flavor, and rich chocolate topping for a fun and flavorful dessert bar that’s perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chocolate Cherry Rice Krispie Treats offer everything you love about the traditional treat with the added indulgence of chocolate and the bright, fruity punch of cherries. The maraschino cherry juice adds subtle flavor to the marshmallow base, while the chocolate drizzle and chips add richness and depth. Easy to prepare and impossible to resist, these no-bake treats are perfect for parties, holiday trays, after-school snacks, or anytime you want something quick and satisfying.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 package (10 oz) marshmallows
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup maraschino cherry juice
- 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, chopped
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup chocolate syrup (for drizzling)
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional, for topping)
Directions
- Melt the Base:
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
- Add the marshmallows and stir constantly until completely melted and smooth.
- Flavor the Mixture:
- Stir in the vanilla extract and maraschino cherry juice. Remove from heat.
- Combine with Cereal:
- Add the Rice Krispies cereal and stir until fully coated.
- Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries.
- Shape and Set:
- Press the mixture into a greased 9×9-inch baking pan. Use a spatula or wax paper to flatten evenly.
- Add Chocolate Topping:
- Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth.
- Pour and spread the melted chocolate evenly over the top of the Rice Krispie layer.
- Finish with Garnishes:
- Drizzle with chocolate syrup and sprinkle with mini chocolate chips, if using.
- Cool and Cut:
- Let the treats cool to room temperature for at least 1 hour.
- Cut into squares and serve.
Servings and timing
Servings: 12 squares
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Setting Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Calories per serving: Approximately 200 kcal
Variations
- Dark Chocolate Version: Use dark chocolate chips for a richer, less sweet topping.
- Nutty Addition: Add 1/4 cup chopped almonds or pecans for crunch.
- White Chocolate Drizzle: Swap the chocolate syrup for melted white chocolate for a color contrast.
- Cherry Extract Boost: Add a few drops of cherry extract to intensify the flavor.
- Festive Twist: Sprinkle with red and white sprinkles for a holiday version.
Storage/Reheating
Store these treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
Do not refrigerate, as it can make them hard.
Freezing is not recommended due to the moisture in the cherries, which may affect texture when thawed.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino?
It’s best to use maraschino cherries for their sweetness and moisture content. Fresh cherries may release too much liquid.
Can I use cherry-flavored gelatin powder?
For a more intense cherry flavor, a small sprinkle of cherry gelatin powder could be mixed into the marshmallow mixture, though this may alter the consistency slightly.
How do I keep the treats from sticking to the pan?
Grease the pan well or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Can I skip the chocolate drizzle?
Yes, the base is flavorful enough on its own, but the chocolate adds richness and visual appeal.
Are these gluten-free?
Use gluten-free crisped rice cereal and check your chocolate and marshmallows for gluten-free certification.
Can I use mini marshmallows?
Yes, use about 5 1/2 cups of mini marshmallows in place of the standard package.
How long do these treats last?
They’re best within 2–3 days but can be stored for up to 4 days if tightly covered.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, make the day before and store at room temperature for best texture.
What kind of chocolate is best?
Semi-sweet chocolate chips work best, but milk or dark chocolate are also excellent options.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, double the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch pan. You may need a bit more topping to cover the larger surface area.
Conclusion
Chocolate Cherry Rice Krispie Treats are a fun, flavorful twist on a beloved classic. With just the right amount of chew, crunch, chocolate, and cherry, these no-bake bars are perfect for celebrations, gifting, or satisfying a sweet craving. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, this simple recipe is sure to become a favorite in your dessert rotation.
Chocolate Cherry Rice Krispie Treats
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 squares 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fun and flavorful twist on the classic Rice Krispie treat, these Chocolate Cherry Rice Krispie Treats combine gooey marshmallow, crispy cereal, rich chocolate, and a hint of cherry for a delightful no-bake dessert.
Ingredients
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 package (10 oz) marshmallows
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup maraschino cherry juice
- 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, chopped
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup chocolate syrup (for drizzling)
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional for topping)
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
- Add the marshmallows and stir constantly until melted and smooth.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and cherry juice, then remove from heat.
- Add the Rice Krispies cereal and stir until evenly coated.
- Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries.
- Press the mixture into a greased 9×9-inch baking pan and flatten evenly.
- Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until smooth.
- Spread the melted chocolate evenly over the top of the treats.
- Drizzle chocolate syrup over the top and sprinkle with mini chocolate chips, if using.
- Allow the treats to cool to room temperature before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Use a greased spatula or wax paper to press the mixture into the pan without sticking.
- Let the chocolate topping fully set before slicing for cleaner cuts.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Substitute cherry juice with grenadine for a deeper red hue if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
