Easter Rice Krispie Treats are the absolute definition of springtime happiness in dessert form! These cheerful, pastel-studded squares take just minutes to prepare, but have a magical way of transforming any table into a playful, colorful celebration. With their classic chewy-crispy texture, sweet marshmallow hug, and a pop of creamy chocolate eggs in every bite, they’re a slam dunk for get-togethers, classroom parties, or just treating your family to something special. This easy no-bake treat is beloved by kids and adults alike, and I guarantee there won’t be even a crumb left behind!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love most about these Easter Rice Krispie Treats is how a few simple, reliable ingredients come together to create something both nostalgic and delightfully fresh. Each component adds its own personality—from gooey marshmallow melt to the surprise crunch of pastel eggs—creating a treat that’s much more than the sum of its parts.
- Rice Krispies cereal: Provides the signature light and crisp foundation, so the treats hold together with just the right amount of snap!
- Mini marshmallows: The gooey glue that binds it all; mini size melts quicker and smoother for a perfectly even mix.
- Unsalted butter: Adds a creamy richness and keeps the texture wonderfully soft—don’t skip it!
- Vanilla extract: Gives a boost of homestyle flavor, making each bite warm and inviting.
- Salt: Just a touch sharpens the sweetness and makes all the flavors pop.
- Pastel-colored candy-coated chocolate eggs: These little bursts of color and chocolate delight are an Easter must and make each treat extra special.
- Pastel sprinkles (optional): For anyone who loves a little extra sparkle and whimsy on top—totally fun but optional.
- Nonstick cooking spray or extra butter for greasing: Makes it a breeze to release your treats from the pan and prevents sticky messes.
How to Make Easter Rice Krispie Treats
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Start by giving your 9×13-inch pan a light coating of nonstick spray or a swipe of butter. This tiny effort pays off big when it’s time to lift out your Easter Rice Krispie Treats—no crumbled corners or sticking!
Step 2: Melt the Butter
In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, melt your butter gently, swirling the pan now and then to keep things moving. You want that melted butter ready to welcome the marshmallows for smooth, even melting and buttery flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Melt Marshmallows
Add the mini marshmallows to your melted butter and stir continuously, letting them dissolve into a glorious, sticky syrup. Keep stirring until there are no lumps left—take your time and enjoy the sweet aroma!
Step 4: Flavor It Up
Once the mixture is silky smooth, take the pan off the heat and quickly stir in vanilla extract and salt. This is your secret step for bringing cozy depth and balance to your Easter Rice Krispie Treats.
Step 5: Mix in the Cereal
Immediately add all of the Rice Krispies cereal. Use a sturdy spoon or spatula to fold everything together, making sure every bit of cereal gets a glossy coat of marshmallow magic.
Step 6: Add Chocolate Eggs
Let the mixture cool for just a minute (so the eggs don’t melt), then fold in about half of your candy-coated chocolate eggs. Give it a gentle hand so those pretty pastel shells stay whole and picture-perfect.
Step 7: Press into Pan
Transfer everything to your prepared pan. A greased spatula or sheet of wax paper works wonders for pressing the mixture down evenly and neatly—it makes all the difference for neat, sliceable squares!
Step 8: Decorate!
While the treats are still warm, press the remaining chocolate eggs into the top, then scatter on pastel sprinkles if you want a dazzling finish. Let everything cool completely for at least an hour before slicing and serving.
How to Serve Easter Rice Krispie Treats
Garnishes
Amp up your presentation by tucking a few extra mini candy eggs and a flurry of pastel sprinkles over each square—it instantly transforms the treats into showstoppers. A simple dusting of powdered sugar or an extra drizzle of white chocolate can also turn up the springtime charm.
Side Dishes
Serve your Easter Rice Krispie Treats alongside a bright fruit salad, mini lemon tarts, or a platter of baby carrots and hummus for a fun, colorful spread. These treats love the company of anything fresh and vibrant, making them the perfect addition to your Easter brunch or dessert table.
Creative Ways to Present
Try using Easter-themed cookie cutters to shape your treats into bunnies, eggs, or flowers—perfect for party favors or basket fillers! Wrapping each treat in cellophane with a festive ribbon makes a sweet take-home gift, or stack them on a cake stand for a whimsical centerpiece everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover squares at room temperature in an airtight container—they’ll stay soft and chewy for up to three days. Just be sure to separate layers with parchment or wax paper, so the decorations stay crisp and pretty.
Freezing
Easter Rice Krispie Treats can be frozen! Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap, then stash them in a freezer-safe bag for up to a month. Thaw at room temperature for about an hour and they’re ready to enjoy—perfect for prepping ahead when holiday chaos is in full swing.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat these treats, but if you like them extra soft, a few seconds in the microwave (literally 5-10 seconds) can bring them back to gooey goodness. Just keep an eye out so the chocolate eggs don’t melt!
FAQs
Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini?
Absolutely! Just make sure you weigh out about 10 ounces and consider chopping them up for easier melting. Be sure to stir well to get a silky, lump-free mixture.
Can I add food coloring to make them even more festive?
Go for it! A few drops of pastel food coloring stirred into the melted marshmallow mixture before adding the cereal creates lovely shades—think robin’s egg blue, soft pink, or lavender.
Are these treats gluten-free?
Most Rice Krispies cereal contains malt flavoring (from barley), which is not gluten-free. However, you can substitute a certified gluten-free crispy rice cereal for a crowd-friendly option!
Can I make Easter Rice Krispie Treats a day ahead?
Yes, they’re wonderful made in advance. Just store them airtight at room temp and decorate right before serving if you want those sprinkles and eggs to stay super vibrant.
What’s the best way to cut the treats neatly?
Use a sharp, greased knife or an offset spatula (warmed under hot water and wiped dry). Let them cool completely, and you’ll get those perfect, bakery-worthy squares with crisp edges and no sticking.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you’ll give these Easter Rice Krispie Treats a spin in your own kitchen—they’re joyful to make, a breeze to share, and guaranteed to disappear faster than you think. Add a burst of color and love to your celebrations this year, and make some sweet memories along the way!
Print
Easter Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 squares
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Celebrate Easter with these colorful and easy-to-make Easter Rice Krispie Treats. They are perfect for a festive dessert or snack during the holiday season.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 package (10 oz) mini marshmallows
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Toppings:
- Pastel-colored candy-coated chocolate eggs (like Mini Eggs or M&M’s)
- Pastel sprinkles (optional)
- Nonstick cooking spray or extra butter for greasing
Instructions
- Prepare Pan: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch pan with nonstick spray or butter and set aside.
- Melt Marshmallows: In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Add the marshmallows and stir continuously until completely melted and smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and salt. Quickly fold in the Rice Krispies cereal until fully coated.
- Add Toppings: Gently fold in about half of the candy eggs, being careful not to crush them. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan.
- Decorate: Immediately press the remaining candy eggs on top and add sprinkles if desired.
- Cool and Serve: Let cool completely at room temperature for about 1 hour before cutting into squares and serving.
Notes
- For an extra festive look, use Easter-themed cookie cutters to shape the treats.
- You can also add a few drops of pastel food coloring to the melted marshmallow mixture before mixing in the cereal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
