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Red, White, and Blue Rice Krispie Treats

Red, white, and blue Rice Krispie Treats made with melted marshmallows and crispy cereal, pressed into a 9×13-inch pan for clean patriotic layers. The gooey, no-bake bars set after a short cooling time so they slice into neat squares.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
cooling 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 210
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Rice Krispies cereal
  • 6 cup Rice Krispies cereal
unsalted butter
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
mini marshmallows
  • 10 oz mini marshmallows
vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
Red gel food coloring
  • 1 Red gel food coloring
Blue gel food coloring
  • 1 Blue gel food coloring
Red, white, and blue sprinkles
  • 0.5 cup Red, white, and blue sprinkles
Nonstick cooking spray
  • 1 Nonstick cooking spray

Equipment

  • 1 large pot

Method
 

Prep the pan and melt the base
  1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray so the bars release easily after cooling. Use a thin, even coat, especially along the corners.
  2. Melt the unsalted butter in a large pot over low heat for 5 minutes, stirring until mostly melted and smooth. Keep the heat low to avoid browning.
  3. Add the mini marshmallows to the pot and stir continuously for 3–5 minutes until completely smooth and glossy. Stop when no dry spots remain.
  4. Stir in the vanilla extract for 30 seconds until evenly incorporated. The mixture should look cohesive and silky.
Color, layer, and assemble
  1. Divide the marshmallow mixture into three bowls. Each bowl should have a similar amount so the layers match.
  2. Leave one bowl white and keep it plain for the center section. Cover it briefly if it starts to firm up.
  3. Tint one bowl red and mix until the color is uniform. The mixture should be a consistent red throughout.
  4. Tint the other bowl blue and mix until the color is uniform. The mixture should be consistently blue with no streaks.
  5. Fold 2 cups Rice Krispies cereal into the blue bowl and stir until every flake is coated. Press the mixture gently to prevent dry cereal pockets.
  6. Fold 2 cups Rice Krispies cereal into the white bowl and stir until fully coated. The cereal should look evenly moistened.
  7. Fold 2 cups Rice Krispies cereal into the red bowl and stir until fully coated. The mixture should hold together when you press it.
  8. Press the blue mixture into the one-third section of the pan. Smooth the top with gentle pressure to create a tight layer.
  9. Press the white mixture into the center section. Spread it to the edges of the middle area so the layers are defined.
  10. Press the red mixture into the final section. Flatten the surface so the top is even.
  11. Add the red, white, and blue sprinkles over the top while the mixture is still warm and tacky. Aim for an even sprinkle layer so each bite has color.
Cool and cut
  1. Let the treats cool for 30 minutes until set. They should feel firm and no longer glossy on top.
  2. Cut into squares and serve. For clean edges, use firm pressure and lift slices carefully from the pan.

Notes

For best slicing, press each layer firmly and let the pan cool fully before cutting. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge. If you need a dairy-free option, use a dairy-free butter alternative in the same amount (vanilla and marshmallows can remain the same).