These red white and blue rice krispie treats are such a fun and festive recipe that makes the perfect showstopper for your Memorial Day or 4th of July BBQs! Both kids and adults will love this yummy dessert!
Table of Contents
Patriotic Rice Krispie Treats
One of my family’s favorite no-bake desserts to make during the summer is rice krispie treats. This patriotic version of red, white and blue rice krispie treats are a fun twist on the classic treat. It’s made my adding red and blue food coloring into the melted marshmallow mixture for a festive 4th of July dessert that is perfect for all your Independence Day celebrations!
I made them last year and all the kids (even adults) LOVED them! Adding the star sprinkles and red, white and blue M&M’s really takes these 4th of July rice krispie treats over the top. You could definitely still make them without adding any food coloring/layers and just add the sprinkles and M&M’s. They do take a little more time (and dishes) than the traditional recipe, but they are so worth it!
This is truly an amazing dessert dish that the crowd will remember and request year after year. I always enjoy making red, white and blue recipes around Memorial Day or 4th of July and these rice krispies might be my new favorite!
Tips + Variations
- Spatula. Use a spatula or piece of wax paper to push down each layer so they are compact in the dish.
- Melting. You can melt the butter and marshmallows on the stove if preferred, but I’d still recommend dividing it into 3 batches.
- Let cool. Let them cool before cutting, this way they have time to set and will hold their shape.
- Cutting. A buttered plastic knife is the best way to cut the rice krispies into squares.
- Cut in half. You can make a smaller batch by using a 8×8″ pan and cutting the recipe in half.
- Brown the butter. Take this dessert up a notch by making brown butter rice krispie treats. To make brown butter, simply melt the butter in the pan until it has turned a golden brown color. Super easy and SO delicious!
Ways to Decorate
There are so many different ways to decorate these rice krispies to make them extra festive. Any of the following would look great:
- Add red, white and blue M&M’s
- Add sprinkles on top
- Melt red and blue candy melts in the microwave and then drizzle on top for more color
- Use a star shaped cookie cutter to cut out the treats
- Mix sprinkles into the top plain layer for a little more color
- You could skip dying the layers and simply decorate with festive M&M’s and sprinkles on top
Storing and Freezing
- To store: This dessert will stay fresh for up to 3 days if stored in an airtight container or bag. If storing in layers, it helps to add a sheet of wax paper in between so that they don’t stick together.
- To freeze: Wrap each rice krispie treat individually in foil, then place in a freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, let thaw on the counter at room temperature for about an hour or so.
FAQs
Use only fresh marshmallows, don’t pack them down too hard in the pan and most importantly don’t overcook your marshmallows for too long. If the butter or marshmallows have started to turn brown or get toasty, they are overcooked.
If you find that the mixture is sticking to your hands there are a few things you can do! Place a piece of wax paper under your hands while pressing them, or run your hands under cold water so they are slightly damp or you can also spray your hands with cooking spray or rub with butter.
You can. They will be more chewy but still good. A word of warning, you must eat them before they harden again or you could chip a tooth.
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Red White and Blue Rice Krispie Treats
Ingredients
- 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- 15 cups mini marshmallows , about 2 bags
- 9 cups rice krispies
- ¼ cup festive sprinkles , optional
- ½ cup M&M’s , optional
- red and blue food coloring
Instructions
- Butter a 9×13″ dish and set aside.
- Place 2 Tablespoons butter and 5 cups of marshmallows in 3 separate microwavable bowls. Cook the first bowl for 1 minute and then stir. Cook an additional 15 seconds if needed and then stir in the blue food coloring.
- Once the mixture is smooth, stir in 3 cups of rice krispies until combined. Then press into the bottom of the dish. You can either butter your hands or use a piece of wax paper to push down the layers. Repeat with the 2nd layer and red food coloring. Repeat for the top layer with no food coloring.
- Top immediately with sprinkles and M&M’s if desired. Cover with plastic wrap until ready to serve. Butter your knife (I find a plastic knife works best) and then cut into squares. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
Categorized as: 4th of July, American, Bars, Desserts, No-Bake
Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook and shares easy family-friendly recipes and desserts for every occasion.
I’m making these again. They were a hit last year at our neighborhood’s Fourth of July celebration. When the ingredients are divided into 3 different colored batches, each batch consists of 2 T of butter, 3 cups of rice krispies and how many cups of marshmallows?
Thank you
Thanks for the catch -it is supposed to be 5 cups of marshmallows per bowl :)
these are so fun and everyone loves the colors and how festive these are!
I’m so glad they were a hit!
Sooo cute and the perfect dessert to make with my kids!
How many ounces were in the bag of marshmallows you used?
I used 16 oz bags.
Made this with my kids and we enjoyed it! We had fun and we were able to make a delicious dessert at the same time. Thanks for sharing this recipe!
Absolutely delicious and adorable! I’m delighted to have a batch for this holiday weekend that we’ll be spending at home. They make everything feel so much more special.
Love how festive these are! And tasty, too…
These are so fun and perfect for all the patriotic holidays coming up!
Love quick and easy treats like these! I am saving it for later!
My son definitely love this! Simple and pretty!
I love this idea! So simple and pretty!
I can’t get enough rice krispie treats! This is a fantastic fourth of July treat!
Just in time for Memorial Day party with the family !!
Such a great red white and blue festive dessert! I am pinning this for next weekend!
I love easy and festive desserts! Hope you enjoy these! :)
So festive! Perfect for all summer holidays!