Description
These festive Easter Rice Krispie Bars are a delightful no-bake treat featuring classic marshmallow and crispy cereal combined with pastel-colored M&M’s or candy-coated chocolate eggs. Perfectly sweet, crunchy, and colorful, they’re easy to prepare and ideal for seasonal celebrations or as a fun snack for kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 4 cups mini marshmallows
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Mix-ins and Toppings
- 1 cup pastel-colored M&M’s or candy-coated chocolate eggs
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional, for drizzling)
- 1/4 cup Easter-themed sprinkles
Instructions
- Melt Butter: In a large pot over medium-low heat, melt the unsalted butter carefully, ensuring it does not burn to provide a rich base for the marshmallows.
- Incorporate Marshmallows: Add the mini marshmallows to the melted butter and stir continuously until they are fully melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- Add Vanilla Extract: Remove the pot from the heat, then stir in vanilla extract if using, to add a subtle depth of flavor to the bars.
- Mix in Cereal: Fold in the Rice Krispies cereal gently, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with the melted marshmallow mixture to achieve that perfect chewy and crispy texture.
- Add Candy Mix-ins: Gently incorporate the pastel-colored M&M’s or chocolate eggs, being careful not to crush or melt them for a festive look and surprise crunch.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease removal of the bars later.
- Press Mixture: Transfer the cereal and marshmallow mixture into the prepared dish and press down firmly and evenly using a spatula or greased hands to create a compact layer.
- Drizzle White Chocolate (Optional): Melt white chocolate chips separately and drizzle over the top for an elegant finish and extra sweetness.
- Add Sprinkles: Sprinkle Easter-themed sprinkles over the bars while the white chocolate drizzle is still soft to adhere beautifully and add colorful holiday cheer.
- Set and Slice: Allow the bars to set at room temperature for about 30 minutes until firm. Once set, slice into 12-16 bars and serve.
Notes
- You can substitute candy-coated chocolate eggs with any pastel-colored candies or skip them to keep it simple.
- Press the mixture firmly to help the bars hold together when slicing.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days for freshness.
- For easier cleanup, reuse parchment paper or grease properly to avoid sticking.
- White chocolate drizzle and sprinkles are optional but add festive flair and sweetness.
