Get ready to fall in love with Coconut Lover’s Rice Krispy Treats—a tropical upgrade to everyone’s favorite childhood snack. Imagine gooey, vanilla-scented marshmallow wrapping around crispy rice cereal, all studded with strands of sweet shredded coconut for an extra boost of flavor and chewy-crunchy goodness. Finished off with more coconut on top, these bars are simple to make, downright addictive, and sure to bring a bit of sunshine to any day. If you’re a coconut enthusiast (or even just coconut-curious!), these treats will have you reaching for seconds before you realize it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for these Coconut Lover’s Rice Krispy Treats is wonderfully short, but each item plays a vital role in creating that signature gooey texture and coconut-rich flavor. Here’s what you’ll need and why:
- Butter: Adds irresistible richness and ensures your treats are silky-smooth and never sticky or dry.
- Mini marshmallows: The essential gooey component that binds everything together and gives these bars their iconic softness.
- Vanilla extract: Just a splash brings out the sweetness in the coconut and elevates the marshmallow flavor.
- Rice Krispies cereal: The crispy backbone! These keep your bars light and perfectly crunchy throughout.
- Sweetened shredded coconut: The true star of the show, lending a gentle chew and a burst of tropical flavor to every bite, plus an extra sprinkle for topping to make things pop.
How to Make Coconut Lover’s Rice Krispy Treats
Step 1: Melt the Butter
Start by grabbing a large, sturdy saucepan and melting your butter over medium heat. Let it slowly sizzle until it’s completely liquid—you don’t want to rush this step, as the buttery base sets the stage for the whole recipe.
Step 2: Add Marshmallows
Pour in all the mini marshmallows and stir constantly. As they melt, the mixture should become silky and glossy, with no lumps left behind. Remove the pan from heat as soon as everything is melted to prevent the sugars from caramelizing or hardening.
Step 3: Stir in Vanilla, Cereal, and Coconut
With the mixture off the heat, quickly stir in the vanilla extract for max aroma, then add all the Rice Krispies cereal and sweetened shredded coconut. Work swiftly; the marshmallow cools fast. Mix everything together until all the cereal is coated and the coconut is evenly dispersed.
Step 4: Press into the Pan and Top with Coconut
Grease a 9×13-inch pan (a quick spritz of nonstick spray or a butter rub is perfect), and press the sticky mixture inside. It helps to use a sheet of parchment or a buttered spatula so your hands don’t get glued together! Once it’s spread out, gently press extra shredded coconut over the top for irresistible flavor and texture.
Step 5: Cool and Slice
Let the Coconut Lover’s Rice Krispy Treats cool for at least 30 minutes at room temperature to firm up. Once set, cut them into generous squares, and watch as everyone makes a beeline for these coconut-packed delights.
How to Serve Coconut Lover’s Rice Krispy Treats
Garnishes
Add a final flourish to your Coconut Lover’s Rice Krispy Treats with a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes or a light drizzle of melted dark chocolate across the top. This not only looks beautiful—it adds a burst of extra flavor that plays so well with the coconut theme.
Side Dishes
For a snack spread, pair these bars with slices of fresh mango, pineapple, or kiwi for a truly tropical tray. Alternatively, serve with a tall glass of cold coconut milk or hot coffee to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the bars with fun cookie cutters for festive shapes—hearts, stars, or even tropical palm trees. You can also stack them neatly and tie with a ribbon for edible gifts, or skewer them with cocktail sticks for party-ready, mess-free bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Simply store any leftover Coconut Lover’s Rice Krispy Treats in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to four days—if they last that long!
Freezing
For longer-term storage, you can freeze the treats by separating layers with parchment paper in a sealed freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to two months; just thaw at room temp for best texture.
Reheating
While these bars are best enjoyed at room temperature, if you’d like them a touch gooier, warm a square in the microwave for 5–10 seconds. That brings the marshmallow back to life and makes them extra melty and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use unsweetened coconut instead of sweetened?
Absolutely! If you prefer a less sweet treat or want more control over the sugar level, unsweetened coconut works just fine—the bars might have a slightly nuttier flavor and drier texture, but still taste great.
What if I only have large marshmallows?
You can substitute large marshmallows for minis by using about 40 regular-sized marshmallows. Cut them for faster melting and stir patiently to ensure everything’s smoothly blended.
Can I add other mix-ins?
Definitely! Try mixing in chopped macadamias, white chocolate chips, or even dried pineapple for even more tropical flair in your Coconut Lover’s Rice Krispy Treats.
How do I keep the treats from sticking to my hands?
Lightly oil or butter your hands, or use a piece of wax or parchment paper while pressing the mixture into the pan—no more sticky mess!
Are Coconut Lover’s Rice Krispy Treats gluten-free?
Rice Krispies cereal is not always gluten free due to malt flavoring, so be sure to use a certified gluten-free crispy rice cereal if you have dietary restrictions.
Final Thoughts
If coconut is your bliss, these Coconut Lover’s Rice Krispy Treats are pure, easy-bake happiness. Try them once and you’ll want them on repeat for every picnic, lunchbox, or “just because” snack. Grab your ingredients, jump into the kitchen, and discover coconut joy in every bite!
Print
Coconut Lover’s Rice Krispy Treats Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A tropical twist on the classic—gooey Rice Krispy treats packed with coconut and marshmallows, then topped with shredded coconut for extra texture.
Ingredients
For the Rice Krispy Treats:
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 (10 oz) bag mini marshmallows
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
For Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut (plus extra for topping)
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add marshmallows and stir until melted and smooth. Remove from heat.
- Stir in vanilla, cereal, and coconut. Mix well.
- Press mixture into a greased 9×13-inch pan. Sprinkle more coconut on top.
- Cool and cut into squares.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Mixing, Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg