These Easter Rice Krispie Treats are a soft, buttery, and chewy no-bake dessert, packed with pastel Easter M&Ms for a fun pop of color and chocolatey sweetness. Inspired by my favorite classic Rice Krispie bars, they’re easy to make and perfect for Easter baskets, classroom parties, or a spring dessert table. If you love festive treats, my Easter Magic Cookie Bars are another fun way to celebrate the season with chocolate, coconut, and sweet layers of flavor.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Butter: I use 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter to make the treats soft and buttery. If all you have is salted butter, that works too, but you may want to lessen the amount of kosher salt.
- Marshmallows: One 10-ounce bag of miniature marshmallows (or homemade marshmallows) helps hold the cereal together and makes the treats soft and chewy. If you only have regular marshmallows, use about 40 whole ones. (I like to cut them into smaller pieces so they melt more quickly.) Mini marshmallows still work best because they melt faster and mix more easily.
- Salt: A half teaspoon of kosher salt balances the sweetness and brings out the buttery flavor. If using salted butter, you may want to use about 1/4 teaspoon of salt instead.
- Crispy Rice Cereal: Crispy rice cereal (like Rice Krispies) is what gives the treats that classic crunch. Gluten-free rice cereal works well if needed.
- Easter M&Ms: Half of the pastel colored milk chocolate candies go in the treats, the other half on top for a festive look. You can use regular M&Ms, chocolate chips, or other small candies if you like.
FAQs
Can I use different candies instead of Easter M&Ms?
Yes! You can use chocolate chips, peanut butter candies, or any small, colorful candy you like. Have fun with your favorite flavors and colors!
Can I make these treats ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make them a day or two before your party. Store in an airtight container at room temperature until ready to serve.
Can I make Easter Rice Krispie Treats larger or smaller?
Yes. Press the mixture thinner for smaller, bite-sized treats, or leave it thicker for chunkier squares. Adjust your cutting size as needed.
Can I make Rice Krispies Treats in a 9×13-inch baking dish?
Yes! You can use a 9×13-inch dish, but the treats will be thinner. Press the mixture gently to fill the pan evenly. You may need to adjust how many candies you sprinkle on top so it still looks festive.
How do I keep the Rice Krispies treats soft?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid the refrigerator unless it’s very warm, because the marshmallow can get firmer in the cold.
How to Store Easter Rice Krispie Treats
Room Temperature: Store the treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This keeps them soft, chewy, and easy to bite into.
Refrigerator (Optional): If it’s very warm in your kitchen, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Let them sit a few minutes at room temperature before serving so they’re soft again.
Can I Freeze Easter Rice Krispie Treats?
Yes! Wrap individual squares or the whole pan tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Easter Rice Krispie Treats
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 bag (10 ounces) miniature marshmallows
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 5 cups (174 g) crispy rice cereal
- ¾ cup (150 g) Easter M&M milk chocolate candies, pastel blend, divided
Instructions
- Spray an 8×8-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
- In a large pot over low heat, add butter and marshmallows. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly to prevent scorching. Sprinkle in salt.
- Once the marshmallows are fully melted and smooth, remove the pot from the heat.
- Fold in the crispy rice cereal until all the pieces are evenly coated with the marshmallow mixture.
- Let the mixture rest for about 3 minutes to cool slightly. This helps prevent the candy coating from melting.
- Gently fold in ½ cup of the M&Ms.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Lightly grease your hands or a spatula and gently press the mixture into an even layer. Be careful not to press too hard.
- Sprinkle the remaining M&Ms on top and press them gently into the treats.
- Allow to cool completely at room temperature before cutting into squares.
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