Easter Rice Krispie Treats are the springtime dessert that instantly brightens up any table, inviting both kids and adults to indulge in something whimsical, sweet, and delightfully easy to make. With pastel sprinkles and adorable chocolate eggs tucked on top, these chewy treats combine nostalgia and festive fun in every bite. They’re the treats everyone reaches for first at potlucks and family gatherings—and they move from kitchen to celebration in just minutes. Whether you’re an avid baker or more of a “spoon-licker,” you’ll love how effortlessly these no-bake bars channel the playful spirit of Easter into a dessert that’s as much fun to decorate as it is to eat.

Easter Rice Krispie Treats Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Just a small handful of classic pantry staples is all it takes to whip up these irresistible Easter Rice Krispie Treats! Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of gooey marshmallow, crisp cereal bite, rich buttery flavor, and cheerful Easter color.

Rice Krispies cereal: Provides that beloved crispy texture and forms the base of the treats, making every bite satisfyingly crunchy.
Mini marshmallows: The star for gooeyness—they melt down silky smooth to bind everything together and add the signature sweet flavor.
Unsalted butter: Gives the treats that irresistible rich, creamy flavor, plus keeps the marshmallows from sticking to the pan.
Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle warmth and enhances the marshmallow-y sweetness for a bakery-style upgrade.
Pastel-colored sprinkles: Instantly makes your treats pop with color and visual excitement—so perfect for spring!
Mini chocolate eggs or candy-coated chocolates: These Easter-themed candies turn each bar into a mini springtime masterpiece.
Nonstick cooking spray or butter for greasing: Critical for keeping your hands and baking dish clean and mess-free during assembly.

How to Make Easter Rice Krispie Treats

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Start by grabbing your 9×13-inch baking dish and giving it a light, even coating of nonstick spray or softened butter. This little step works wonders at keeping the treats from sticking, so they lift out easily in neat squares or shapes—no wrestling required!

Step 2: Melt the Butter and Marshmallows

Set a large saucepan over medium-low heat and melt the butter. Once the butter is just pooled and fragrant, pour in your mini marshmallows. Stir constantly with a spatula or wooden spoon as the marshmallows slowly melt into a glossy, creamy mixture. Take care not to rush it; gentle heat prevents scorching for the smoothest possible base.

Step 3: Add the Vanilla

When all the marshmallows have melted down, remove the saucepan from the heat and quickly stir in the vanilla extract. This extra splash transforms your treats from “just sweet” to bakery-worthy, making the flavor pop.

Step 4: Combine with Cereal

Pour all six cups of Rice Krispies cereal into your marshmallow mixture. Working swiftly but gently, fold until every crispy puff is coated in that irresistible sticky fluff. Be thorough but careful so you don’t crush the cereal—light hands mean lighter, airier treats!

Step 5: Press Into the Pan

Transfer the sticky cereal goodness into your greased baking dish. Press the mixture down evenly using a greased spatula or your fingertips (just a touch of butter or spray will prevent sticking). Don’t press too firmly; you want to keep the treats light and chewy, not hard.

Step 6: Decorate for Easter Fun

While the treats are still warm and slightly tacky, go wild with your decorations! Scatter pastel-colored sprinkles generously over the top, then gently press mini chocolate eggs or candy-coated chocolates in festive clusters. This step is where Easter Rice Krispie Treats truly come to life!

Step 7: Cool, Slice, and Serve

Let your pan of decorated treats cool completely at room temperature. Once set, lift them out and slice into sixteen cheerful squares—or grab your favorite cookie cutters for egg, bunny, or flower shapes that make every bite feel even more special.

How to Serve Easter Rice Krispie Treats

Garnishes

A handful of bright pastel sprinkles or a gentle dusting of colored sanding sugar always adds that finishing sparkle. For extra pizzazz, pipe tiny swirls of melted white chocolate or dot the tops with an extra candy egg right before serving—because who can resist a little extra sweetness?

Side Dishes

Pair these delightful treats with a spread of fresh berries or citrus segments for a pop of freshness. A tall glass of cold milk, lemonade, or even a mug of hot cocoa makes for the ultimate kid-friendly (and grown-up-approved) afternoon treat combo.

Creative Ways to Present

Easter Rice Krispie Treats aren’t just for slicing! Try cutting them into egg, bunny, or flower shapes using cookie cutters and arrange them on a pastel platter. For party favors, wrap individual treats in cellophane bags tied with pastel ribbons, or skewer smaller pieces for a “treat pop” display that makes any dessert table feel extra magical.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your treats at their best, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Separate layers with wax paper to keep the decorations intact and the bars from sticking together.

Freezing

If you’d like to save Easter Rice Krispie Treats for later, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to six weeks. Defrost at room temperature for about 20 to 30 minutes before serving.

Reheating

No oven required to refresh these beauties! If your treats feel a little firm, you can microwave a single square for just 5–10 seconds to bring back a bit of softness and that freshly-made gooeyness. Just don’t overheat, or the candy toppings may melt.

FAQs

Can I use large marshmallows instead of mini ones?

Absolutely! Just be sure to chop the large marshmallows into smaller pieces for easier melting, and use the same total weight as called for. The mini ones melt a bit faster, but both types will work beautifully.

What if I don’t have Rice Krispies cereal?

You can swap in any crispy rice cereal of your choice, or even try cornflakes or puffed wheat for a unique spin. Just make sure the cereal is light and airy so your Easter Rice Krispie Treats stay nice and chewy.

How do I keep marshmallow treats from sticking to my hands?

Lightly grease your hands with a bit of butter or nonstick spray before pressing the mixture into the pan. You can also use a piece of parchment paper to press down while keeping fingers mess-free.

Can I add food coloring for a more festive look?

Definitely! Stir a few drops of pastel gel or liquid food coloring into the melted marshmallow mixture before adding the cereal for colorful, party-ready layers.

Are these treats gluten free?

Rice Krispies cereal in the US may contain barley malt, which isn’t gluten free. If gluten is a concern, use a certified gluten free crispy rice cereal and double-check that all your candy decorations are safe as well.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dash of springtime happiness and a dessert everyone will love, you can’t go wrong with Easter Rice Krispie Treats. I hope you’ll give them a try—decorate boldly, share generously, and make sweet memories with every batch. Happy Easter baking!

Easter Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 16 squares 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Easter Rice Krispie Treats are a fun and festive no-bake dessert perfect for springtime celebrations. Made with the classic combination of Rice Krispies cereal, marshmallows, and a touch of vanilla, these treats are adorned with colorful sprinkles and mini chocolate eggs for a whimsical touch.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
1 (10-ounce) bag mini marshmallows
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Decorations:

pastel-colored sprinkles
mini chocolate eggs or candy-coated chocolates
nonstick cooking spray or butter for greasing

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Instructions

Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray and set aside.
Melt Marshmallows: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the mini marshmallows and stir constantly until completely melted and smooth.
Combine Ingredients: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Gently fold in the Rice Krispies cereal until evenly coated.
Transfer and Decorate: Immediately transfer the mixture to the prepared dish and press it down evenly. Decorate with pastel sprinkles and mini chocolate eggs, pressing them gently into the top.
Cool and Serve: Let the treats cool at room temperature before cutting into squares or fun shapes.

Notes

Use cookie cutters to shape them like eggs, bunnies, or flowers for a festive touch.
For extra color, mix in a few drops of food coloring to the melted marshmallows before adding the cereal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American