Out of all of the dessert recipes out there, rice krispie treats are always a favorite of mine, they’re just classic. And this fun 4th of July variation adds just a bit of flavor and a lot of color and fun! We’re keeping our 4th of July pretty low key this year with just a few red, white, and blue desserts, some 4th of July games, and a few of these outdoor games in the backyard. I thought these treats would be a good low key addition. Plus, who doesn’t like rice krispie treats?? They’d also be perfect for grab and go treats on a 4th of July dessert table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
No bake recipe – this is a simple no-bake recipe that literally only takes a few minutes to make and then a few minutes to let the candy melts chill on top! Versatility – while I’m calling these 4th of July rice krispie treats (and they are), you could totally change out the colors and make them for any holiday or occasion! Kid-friendly – let the kids help make these ones! My son’s favorite part is drizzling the candy melts on top!
Ingredients
Ingredient Notes
M&Ms – you can use either regular red, white, and blue M&Ms or M&M minis. I don’t recommend any of the flavored ones (caramel, peanut butter, peanut, etc.) because they’re typically bigger and won’t mix into the rice krispie treats well. Mini marshmallows – if you don’t have mini marshmallows and can’t get them, one 16 oz bag of regular marshmallows can be substituted in place of the mini marshmallows. I’ve found the mini marshmallows work better for melting, but you can use the other ones in a pinch. Sprinkles – since these are just for decoration, you can use any sprinkles you’d like – colored ones, shaped ones, etc. Candy melts – these are optional but are a fun addition of color to these treats! Unsalted butter + salt – the recipe calls for unsalted butter and added salt, but this could also be replaced with just regular salted butter instead. If you do use salted butter, make sure to omit the extra salt.
Instructions
Before you get started making the actual rice krispie treats, you need to do a little bit of prep work. Since this recipe moves so quickly, you want to be prepped before you start cooking! Start by lining a 9×13 baking dish with parchment paper and then either grease with butter or spray with non-stick cooking spray. Lining the parchment paper allows you to simply lift the rice krispies out when they’re set to cut and decorate them! Once that’s done, measure out your ingredients. You won’t have time to measure while you’re making these, so it’s best done beforehand. Okay now we’re ready to start actually cooking! Place the butter, salt, and marshmallows together in a large saucepan or pot and turn the heat on low. Heat on low until they’re totally melted together, stirring continually. Don’t be tempted to turn up the heat – melting at higher heats can give you browned butter or hard rice krispie treats. Once it’s totally melted, immediately remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla and rice krispies. Stir until well mixed and everything is totally coated. Gently pour and mix in a 1/2 cup of the M&Ms, doing this quickly so the marshmallow mixture doesn’t harden. You want to still be able to mix them in thoroughly. Then pour the entire mixture into the prepared baking pan. Gently press the mixture into the pan either with a greased spatula, parchment paper, or greased hands. Sprinkle the remaining M&Ms over the top along with any sprinkles you’d like to use – pressing them down into the treats to set. Let the treats cool for 30 minutes (if you can keep your hands off of them) before pulling the parchment paper up with the treats to remove from the pan. Once removed, cut into equal size squares. If you want to add the candy melts on top, melt them in separate bowls in the microwave on 30-second intervals, stirring between each session until melted. Drizzle over top of the treats. This could also be done before you cut them and let them cool to avoid having to allow them to set twice. Once the candy melts have completely cooled, serve immediately and enjoy!
Expert Tips
Store the treats in an airtight container in a cool and dry area for up to two weeks. If you don’t use within two weeks, trash. If the candy melts on the treats aren’t setting as quickly as you’d like, you can put them in the refrigerator to chill but don’t leave them in there for more than 30 minutes as they’ll get hard. You may also want to do this if you live somewhere that is really warm or humid. Make sure to add the M&Ms at the very end of mixing or the candy coating will melt and bleed into the coloring of the treats and cereal.
More 4th of July Recipes
4th of July chocolate covered strawberries – these red, white, and blue standouts combine everyone’s favorite strawberries with a delicious chocolate and sprinkle coating! Easy red velvet cake – red velvet cake with white cream cheese frosting topped with blueberries makes the perfect centerpiece for any 4th of July celebration! 4th of July cheesecake – mini cheesecake topped with red, white, and blue toppings! The perfect bite-sized patriotic treats! Sugar cookie bites – cover these yummy treats with red, white, and blue sprinkles for a delicious treat perfect even for the littlest kiddos. Homemade apple pie – is there anything more all-American than apple pie? This one uses a homemade flaky pie crust and a delicious apple filling for well, an All-American winner!
