Name: Lucky Charms Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 16 ounces marshmallows (large or small); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup Rice Krispies cereal; 6 cups Lucky Charms cereal

If you’re a fan of nostalgic, colorful treats, then you’re going to love this Lucky Charms Rice Krispie Treats Recipe. Imagine the perfect chewy marshmallow base mixed with the fun crunch of Lucky Charms cereal—it’s the ultimate no-bake dessert you didn’t know you needed!

The image shows several square cereal treats arranged on a white marbled surface. Each treat has two layers: the bottom layer is made of a light beige, textured mixture of crispy rice cereal, bound together with a glossy, sticky white substance. The top layer is decorated with colorful, small flat marshmallow shapes in bright colors like yellow, pink, blue, green, orange, and purple. These marshmallows are pressed lightly into the cereal layer, creating a mix of vibrant shapes such as hearts, clovers, rainbows, and moons scattered evenly across each square. The treats are neatly cut, with clean edges, and spaced evenly apart. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Lucky Charms Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Lucky Charms Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Lucky Charms Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m honestly obsessed with these treats—their combination of gooey marshmallow and crispy cereal always brings back childhood memories and brightens any snack time or party. Plus, they’re so simple to make that you can whip them up in no time.

Super Simple: No oven needed! You just stir and press, then enjoy.
Colorful Fun: The Lucky Charms cereal adds those iconic rainbow marshmallows for a pop of color and sweetness.
Perfect Texture: Gooey, chewy base with a satisfying crunch from the cereals.
Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a kids’ party or a quick treat for yourself, these are always a hit.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Gathering the right ingredients is key here. You’ll want a good quality butter for richness and marshmallows that melt smoothly. And of course, the stars of the show—Rice Krispies and Lucky Charms cereal—bring that signature texture and flavor. Here are the essentials and why I love each one.

Flat lay of large white marshmallows piled in a simple white ceramic bowl, a small white bowl with pale yellow unsalted butter cubes, a few whole uncracked brown eggs with clean shells (to represent freshness although eggs are not in recipe but omitted), a small white bowl holding golden vanilla extract, a small white bowl filled with fine white salt, a simple white ceramic bowl of puffed Rice Krispies cereal, and a simple white ceramic bowl heaped with colorful Lucky Charms cereal marshmallows and oat pieces, all arranged in perfect symmetry, fresh and natural, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Unsalted Butter: Provides a rich, creamy base without overpowering the sweetness.
Marshmallows (large or small): The glue that holds everything together with that gooey, chewy magic.
Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance flavors.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, comforting depth to the marshmallow mixture.
Rice Krispies Cereal: Classic crispy texture that holds up well in the treats.
Lucky Charms Cereal: The colorful marshmallows and oat pieces bring whimsy and extra crunch.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

There’s something so fun about mixing things up, especially with a treat as cheerful as this Lucky Charms Rice Krispie Treats Recipe. Feel free to customize these chewy, colorful bars to suit your taste or the occasion — the possibilities are endless!

Gluten-Free Twist: Since both Rice Krispies and Lucky Charms offer gluten-free versions, I like to swap in certified gluten-free cereals for a safer option. The treats still come out just as chewy and colorful!
Extra Marshmallow Magic: Sometimes, I add an extra half cup of marshmallows into the mix for an even gooier, more decadent treat. It elevates that classic marshmallow pull that everyone loves.
Mix Up the Marshmallows: Using just the marshmallow bits from the Lucky Charms cereal on top gives a whimsical pop of color and fun texture — perfect for parties or festive occasions.
Chocolate Lovers Unite: For a chocolatey variation, stir in a handful of mini chocolate chips once the marshmallow-cereal mixture is combined but still warm. This adds a delightful surprise in every bite.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Lucky Charms Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with a smooth, thick, pale cream batter. A white spatula with small colorful sprinkles on its handle is held above the bowl by a woman's hand, with the batter slowly dripping off the spatula back into the bowl. The scene shows the glossy, creamy texture of the batter against the transparent bowl and soft background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep Your Pan with Care

Start by greasing a 9" x 9" pan with butter or nonstick spray to ensure your treats pop out easily. If you’re a bit nervous about sticking, lining the pan with parchment paper is a great move. I find a square pan gives those satisfyingly thick squares, while a rectangular pan creates thinner bars if that’s your style. Set it aside — this simple prep sets you up for smooth sailing later!

Step 2: Melt Those Marshmallows to Perfection

Spray a large mixing bowl with cooking spray so the marshmallows won’t cling to the sides. Add all 16 ounces of marshmallows, then zap them in 30-second bursts in the microwave until they’re fully melted and puffy. Keep a close eye—marshmallows can go from perfect to burnt quickly. If you prefer stovetop, melt them gently over low heat in a saucepan. The warm marshmallow mixture is what gives these treats their classic, dreamy texture.

Step 3: Stir in Butter, Salt, and Vanilla

Right after the marshmallows have melted, quickly add ½ cup of unsalted butter, ½ teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir continuously until the butter melts completely and everything blends into a shiny, smooth mixture. This step elevates the flavor, balancing the sweetness with a touch of richness and depth.

Step 4: Fold in the Cereals with Care

Reserve a few of those colorful Lucky Charms marshmallows for sprinkling on top later—they’ll make the treats look as fun as they taste! Then, add the cereals one cup at a time—starting with 6 cups of Lucky Charms cereal, followed by 1 cup of Rice Krispies. Stir well after each addition to coat the cereal evenly with the marshmallow mixture. This ensures every bite is packed with that perfect combination of chewy and crunchy.

Step 5: Press Into the Pan Nicely

Pour your colorful cereal mixture into the prepared pan. This part gets fun: using a spatula sprayed with cooking spray (or well-coated hands), press the mixture down firmly and evenly, paying special attention to the corners. This firm press helps keep each treat intact and makes for easier slicing later. Quick tip: light cooking spray on your hands prevents sticking and mess!

Step 6: Top and Set

Sprinkle those reserved Lucky Charms marshmallows over the top while the treats are still warm so they stick beautifully. Let the pan rest at room temperature until the treats firm up—about 20 minutes—or pop them in the freezer to speed things along. Either way, you’re just a short wait away from indulgent, colorful bites of nostalgia.

Step 7: Cut and Store for Freshness

Once set, run a knife around the pan edges to loosen the treats. Then lift them out and slice into 9 equal squares. Store your Lucky Charms Rice Krispie Treats in an airtight container or wrap them individually in plastic wrap. They’re perfect at room temperature for up to 3 days, but for that extra-soft, chewy texture, let them sit out overnight before digging in. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!

Top Tip

Mastering Lucky Charms Rice Krispie Treats Recipe is all about the small details that make these colorful, gooey delights shine. Here are some tips I've picked up that really help the process go smoothly and yield the tastiest treats.

Nonstick Helpers: Spraying your spatula and even your hands with cooking spray before pressing the mixture helps prevent sticking and makes shaping the treats a breeze.
Marshmallow Melting: Microwaving marshmallows in 30-second bursts avoids burning and gets you that perfect fluffy melt—trust me, rushing it only makes the texture bumpy.
Saving Marshmallows for Topping: Reserve a few bright Lucky Charms marshmallows before mixing. Adding them on top while warm ensures they stick beautifully and keep that colorful pop.
Don’t Skip Resting: Letting the treats set at room temperature, or even chilling them for 20 minutes in the freezer, really firms them up. Skip this and they’ll be too sticky to cut neatly.

How to Serve Lucky Charms Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

A close-up image shows nine square marshmallow treats arranged on a white marbled surface, with one being held by a woman's hand in the upper left area. Each treat has two layers: a base layer made of light beige crispy cereal and a top layer covered with colorful marshmallow shapes including blue moons, yellow clovers, pink hearts, orange rainbows, and purple pieces. The marshmallows create a bright and fun pattern on each square, and the texture looks soft but firm. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

These Lucky Charms Rice Krispie Treats are already bursting with colorful marshmallows, so simple garnishes do the trick. Consider sprinkling a few extra Lucky Charms marshmallows on the plate or adding a drizzle of white chocolate or pastel-colored candy melts to amp up the sweetness and make them even more party-ready.

Side Dishes

Since these treats are rich and sweet, pairing them with fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or a crisp apple complements the flavors nicely. For a fun twist, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a glass of cold milk to balance the chewiness and sweetness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cutting the treats into 9 squares, store them in an airtight container or wrap them individually in plastic wrap. They can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days. For the best chewy texture, I recommend leaving them out overnight before indulging—they get that perfect soft, slightly gooey bite.

Freezing

If you want to keep them longer, these treats freeze wonderfully. Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes—easy and convenient!

Reheating

Since these are no-bake and best enjoyed as is, reheating isn’t necessary. If you prefer them a bit softer, thaw frozen treats and let them sit out for a little while. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the marshmallows too sticky and melt your colorful Lucky Charms toppers.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use mini marshmallows instead of large ones?

Absolutely! Mini marshmallows work just fine. You might need to microwave them a little longer to ensure they're fully melted and smooth before mixing with the cereal.

How do I prevent the treats from sticking to the pan?

Greasing the 9" x 9" pan with butter or using nonstick spray, or lining it with parchment paper, will keep the treats from sticking. Plus, lightly greasing your spatula and hands when pressing helps too.

Can I make these without Lucky Charms cereal?

While Luck Charms are key to the classic flavor and colorful flair, you can experiment with just Rice Krispies cereal for a more traditional treat or mix in different cereals if you like.

How long will these treats stay fresh?

These treats remain fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days when stored properly in an airtight container. For longer storage, freezing is recommended.

Final Thoughts

There’s something endlessly cheerful about the colorful marshmallows and sticky sweetness of the Lucky Charms Rice Krispie Treats Recipe. Whether you’re making them for a celebration, a fun snack, or just to satisfy a nostalgic craving, these treats bring smiles and that perfect chewy nostalgia with every bite. Have fun making them your own, and enjoy every marshmallowy moment!