Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats

There’s something magical about the crunch of Rice Krispies mingling with the sweet burst of cherries and the smooth, velvety touch of chocolate. These Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats are playful, indulgent, and just the right balance of chewy, crunchy, and gooey. Every bite feels like a little celebration, combining childhood nostalgia with a grown-up twist of elegance.

Behind the Recipe

I remember the first time I bit into a chocolate-covered cherry at a holiday party. The surprise of the juicy cherry inside the glossy chocolate coating made me smile instantly. Fast forward to today, and I’ve taken that same joy and tucked it inside the classic Rice Krispies treat. The result is a fun, whimsical dessert that’s just as perfect for bake sales as it is for holiday platters. Think of it as a mash-up of two beloved classics with a modern flair.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Rice Krispies Treats first appeared in the 1930s, when Kellogg’s test kitchens combined marshmallows and cereal into a quick dessert that became an American staple. Chocolate-covered cherries, on the other hand, trace back to the late 1800s when they were introduced as a decadent confection. By bringing these two together, we get a dessert that blends nostalgia, tradition, and creativity all in one sweet square.

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Why You’ll Love Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats

Versatile: They work equally well for lunchbox snacks, party trays, or festive holiday desserts.

Budget-Friendly: With just a handful of pantry staples, you can make a big batch without breaking the bank.

Quick and Easy: No oven required, and they come together in less than half an hour.

Customizable: Use white, dark, or milk chocolate, and swap cherries for dried cranberries or raspberries if you like.

Crowd-Pleasing: They’re colorful, fun, and universally loved by both kids and adults.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare them the night before and let them set for stress-free entertaining.

Great for Leftovers: Store them for several days and enjoy whenever the craving hits.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

The secret to flawless treats lies in a few smart moves:

1. Always use fresh marshmallows, as stale ones won’t melt smoothly.
2. Stir gently to keep the Rice Krispies from crushing and losing their crunch.
3. Use a lightly greased spatula or wax paper when pressing the mixture into the pan to avoid sticky fingers.
4. Let the bars cool completely before cutting to get clean edges.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

To keep things simple, here’s what you’ll want nearby:

• Large saucepan: For melting butter and marshmallows evenly.
• Mixing spoon: A sturdy spoon or silicone spatula for folding in the cereal.
• 9×13-inch baking pan: Perfect size for pressing the mixture.
• Parchment paper: Helps with easy lifting and less mess.
• Microwave-safe bowl: For melting the chocolate coating.

Ingredients in Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats

Every ingredient plays a role in creating that dreamy balance of crunch, sweetness, and indulgence.

1. Rice Krispies cereal: 6 cups, provides the light, crispy foundation.
2. Unsalted butter: 4 tablespoons, adds richness and helps marshmallows melt smoothly.
3. Mini marshmallows: 10 ounces (about 4 cups), the gooey glue that binds everything together.
4. Maraschino cherries: 1 cup, chopped and drained, giving bursts of sweetness and color.
5. Semi-sweet chocolate chips: 1 1/2 cups, for the decadent chocolate coating.
6. Vegetable oil: 1 teaspoon, helps the chocolate melt to a glossy finish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Sometimes you just need to swap things around, and here are a few ideas:

Rice Krispies cereal: Use cocoa-flavored cereal for extra chocolate flavor.
Unsalted butter: Swap for coconut oil for a lighter, tropical twist.
Mini marshmallows: Marshmallow fluff works in a pinch.
Maraschino cherries: Dried cranberries or fresh raspberries are tasty alternatives.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Use milk chocolate or white chocolate for variety.

Ingredient Spotlight

Maraschino cherries: These bright red gems aren’t just for cocktails—they bring a juicy, candy-like sweetness that pairs perfectly with chocolate.

Semi-sweet chocolate chips: With just the right balance of bitter and sweet, they form a smooth, glossy coating that ties the whole treat together.

Instructions for Making Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats

Every step is part of the fun, and here’s how to bring them to life:

1. Preheat Your Equipment: Line your baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Combine Ingredients: Melt the butter in a large saucepan over low heat, then stir in marshmallows until smooth.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Remove from heat, fold in Rice Krispies, then gently mix in the chopped cherries.
4. Assemble the Dish: Press the mixture evenly into your prepared baking pan with a greased spatula.
5. Cook to Perfection: Melt chocolate chips with vegetable oil in the microwave in 30-second bursts until smooth.
6. Finishing Touches: Pour melted chocolate over the cooled treats and spread evenly.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Let chocolate set completely before cutting into squares and serving.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

These treats are all about contrast. The crisp Rice Krispies give a light crunch, while the cherries add a juicy chewiness. The silky chocolate topping ties it together with a luxurious finish, creating a harmony of flavors that’s both playful and indulgent.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

• Cut into small squares for bite-sized party treats.
• Add a pinch of sea salt on top of the chocolate for a gourmet touch.
• Try swirling white chocolate over the dark chocolate for a pretty marble effect.

What to Avoid

Even the best recipes can go sideways if you’re not careful:

• Don’t overheat marshmallows, or they’ll become stiff instead of gooey.
• Avoid pressing the mixture too firmly into the pan, or the bars will be dense instead of airy.
• Don’t skip draining cherries well—excess liquid will make treats soggy.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 16
Calories per serving: 210

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

The beauty of these treats is how well they hold up. You can make them a day ahead, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to a month—just separate layers with parchment paper.

How to Serve Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats

Serve them on a festive platter, drizzle with extra melted chocolate for flair, or top with sprinkles for a party vibe. They also pair beautifully with a glass of cold milk or even a mug of hot cocoa for a cozy moment.

Creative Leftover Transformations

• Crumble leftovers into ice cream for a fun sundae topping.
• Layer pieces into a parfait with whipped cream and fruit.
• Turn them into cake pops by rolling into balls and dipping in chocolate.

Additional Tips

Keep your knife slightly greased or warmed when cutting to make perfect squares. Store parchment between layers to prevent sticking. A little patience while chocolate sets will reward you with flawless bars.

Make It a Showstopper

Presentation makes all the difference. Arrange squares in neat rows on a platter, drizzle contrasting chocolate, or garnish with a cherry on top of each piece for an eye-catching dessert table centerpiece.

Variations to Try

• White Chocolate & Almond: Use white chocolate topping and sprinkle sliced almonds.
• Cherry Vanilla Swirl: Add a touch of vanilla extract for a sweet, creamy note.
• Double Chocolate: Mix cocoa powder into the marshmallow base for extra richness.
• Cherry Coconut: Sprinkle shredded coconut over the chocolate topping.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino?

Yes, but be sure to pit and dry them thoroughly to avoid excess moisture.

Q2: How do I keep the chocolate from cracking when cutting?

Let the chocolate fully set, then use a sharp, slightly warmed knife.

Q3: Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, just use a certified gluten-free crispy rice cereal.

Q4: Do I need to refrigerate them?

Not unless your kitchen is very warm—room temperature storage works fine.

Q5: Can I make them dairy-free?

Use dairy-free margarine and vegan chocolate chips.

Q6: Will the cherries bleed into the marshmallow mixture?

Draining them well helps prevent bleeding, and chopping right before adding reduces color spread.

Q7: Can I make these in a smaller pan?

Yes, a smaller pan will yield thicker bars.

Q8: Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely, just use a larger pan or make in two batches.

Q9: How do I make clean cuts?

Grease your knife lightly or dip it in warm water between cuts.

Q10: Can I drizzle extra chocolate on top?

Yes, and it adds a lovely decorative touch.

Conclusion

Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats are the kind of dessert that brings joy with every bite. They’re simple to make, beautiful to serve, and downright irresistible. Whether you’re whipping them up for a party, a holiday, or just because, trust me—you’re going to love this one. It’s playful, nostalgic, and absolutely worth every bite.