Nothing brightens up an afternoon snack quite like these cheerful, chewy Rainbow Rice Krispie Treats! This Rainbow Rice Krispie Treats Recipe combines the classic crispiness of Rice Krispies with a splash of fruity pebbles magic for a fun, colorful twist you'll want to make again and again.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’ve been making this treat for years—whether it’s a quick after-school pick-me-up or a crowd-pleaser at bake sales. The combo of gooey marshmallows and those colorful fruity pebbles just makes every bite exciting and nostalgic.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 10 minutes with no oven required.
- Colorful & Fun: Fruity Pebbles add a vibrant pop that kids and adults adore.
- Perfect Texture: Soft, chewy, and still somehow crispy—a perfect snack balance.
- Customizable: Swap cereals to suit your taste or use whatever colorful cereal you have on hand.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun with this recipe. I always recommend grabbing fresh marshmallows and your favorite brands of cereals—fresh cereal ensures crispiness, and quality marshmallows make for that luxuriously gooey texture we love.
- Salted butter: Adds richness and a bit of savory balance to the sweetness.
- Marshmallows: The glue that holds everything together with that trademark chewy softness.
- Salt: Enhances flavor and keeps the sweetness from becoming cloying.
- Rice Krispies cereal: Classic crispy texture that’s light and airy.
- Fruity Pebbles with marshmallows cereal: Delivers a burst of vibrant color and fruity flavor that makes this recipe stand out.
Make It Your Way
The beauty of this Rainbow Rice Krispie Treats Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Whether you want to swap the cereals for different flavors, add a little extra crunch, or tweak the sweetness, it’s a fun base to make your own colorful creation.
- Cereal Swap: I love experimenting by replacing fruity pebbles with other colorful cereals like Cocoa Pebbles or even a berry-flavored rice cereal for a slightly different twist. It keeps things visually exciting and adds a subtle flavor change.
- Nut-Free Option: For a nut-free version, make sure to check your cereal labels and use seed butters in place of butter if you want to avoid dairy completely—this still works wonderfully for a chewy treat.
- Vanilla Boost: Adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract when melting the marshmallows really enhances the flavor and gives that cozy homemade feel.
- Sprinkle Toppings: For a festive touch, try folding in mini chocolate chips, rainbow sprinkles, or even edible glitter right before pressing the treats into the pan.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Rainbow Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan for Easy Cleanup
Start by lining a 9x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper—this simple step makes removing your treats a breeze and keeps them from sticking. Give it a light spray of cooking spray on top of the parchment to ensure every square lifts out perfectly.
Step 2: Melt the Butter Gently
Place ¼ cup (½ stick) of salted butter in a large saucepan and melt it over medium-low heat. This should take about 2 minutes—keep a close eye so the butter doesn’t brown. The goal is a smooth, golden base that will melt the marshmallows nicely.
Step 3: Add Marshmallows and Salt for Balance
Stir in the entire 12-ounce bag of marshmallows along with ½ teaspoon of salt. The salt really balances the sweetness and elevates the overall flavor of your treats.
Step 4: Melt to a Creamy, Gooey Mixture
Keep the heat on medium-low or low and stir constantly. This is key to prevent the marshmallows from burning or sticking to the bottom. After 2 to 3 minutes, you’ll have a smooth, glossy marshmallow mixture just ready to coat your cereal.
Step 5: Fold in the Cereals Gently
Take the saucepan off the heat. Slowly fold in 4½ cups of Rice Krispies and 2½ cups of Fruity Pebbles with marshmallows. Be gentle here to avoid crushing your cereal and maintain that satisfying crunch mixed with chewy marshmallows.
Step 6: Press and Set in Your Prepared Pan
Spoon the cereal mixture into your lined pan. Using a spreader or clean hands (lightly buttered if sticks are an issue), press evenly into place. A gentle press keeps the treats fluffy rather than overly compacted.
Step 7: Cool Completely Before Cutting
Let the treats cool fully at room temperature until firm, which usually takes about 30 minutes. Then cut into 18 squares and serve your colorful, chewy snack that’s as fun to eat as it is to make!
Top Tip
These simple tips will help you get the perfect texture and vibrant look every time you make this Rainbow Rice Krispie Treats Recipe. They’re little tricks I've picked up after some trial and error that really make a difference!
- Use Parchment Paper & Cooking Spray: This combo makes removing your treats from the pan super easy without any sticking or breaking—trust me, it saves a lot of frustration.
- Gently Fold the Cereal: When mixing the rice krispies and fruity pebbles into the melted marshmallow, fold gently to keep the cereal crisp and avoid crushing those colorful pieces.
- Press Lightly But Evenly: Use a spreader or clean hands to press the mixture evenly into the pan, but be careful not to over-compress. This keeps the treats soft and chewy instead of dense.
- Try Vanilla Extract: If you want an extra flavor boost, adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract right when the marshmallows melt adds a lovely depth to this no-bake snack.
How to Serve Rainbow Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra fun, sprinkle some rainbow nonpareils or mini chocolate chips on top right after spreading the mixture in the pan. You can also drizzle melted white or colored chocolate over the cooled treats to make them even more festive!
Side Dishes
These treats shine on their own, but if you're serving them at a party or snack time, pair them with simple fresh fruit like strawberries or a glass of cold milk for a perfect balance of sweet and refreshing flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Rainbow Rice Krispie Treats in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for about 3 to 4 days, making them a great make-ahead snack.
Freezing
If you want to save them longer, wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, just thaw at room temperature for about an hour.
Reheating
These treats are best enjoyed at room temperature. If you prefer them slightly warm and gooey, pop a single treat in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds, but be careful not to overheat or they’ll get too soft and sticky.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! You can swap fruity pebbles with any colorful or flavored cereal you like to customize the look and taste of your Rainbow Rice Krispie Treats Recipe. Just keep the total cereal amount the same.
Be sure to melt the marshmallows thoroughly and mix until smooth. Press the treats gently but firmly into the pan to hold their shape without crushing the cereal. Cooling completely before cutting also helps reduce stickiness.
Yes! They can be made a day or two in advance. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh and chewy. If you need to make them even earlier, freezing is a great option.
Definitely! Adding about a teaspoon of vanilla extract when melting the marshmallows enhances the flavor beautifully without changing the texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly joyful about these Rainbow Rice Krispie Treats — they bring out the kid in all of us with every chewy, colorful bite. Whether you’re making them for a celebration or a simple snack, this easy, no-bake recipe is a surefire way to brighten your day. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share them with the people you love. Happy snacking!
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Rainbow Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 18 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Deliciously colorful and chewy Rainbow Rice Krispie Treats made with a mix of classic rice krispies and fruity pebbles cereals. This easy no-bake recipe comes together quickly using butter, marshmallows, and two types of cereal for a fun twist on a beloved snack.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ¼ cup salted butter (½ stick)
- 12 ounce bag marshmallows
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 4 ½ cups rice krispies cereal
- 2 ½ cups fruity pebbles with marshmallows cereal
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line a 9x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper and spray it lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Melt the Butter: In a large saucepan, melt the salted butter over medium-low heat for about 2 minutes until fully melted.
- Add Marshmallows and Salt: Stir in the marshmallows and salt into the melted butter.
- Melt Marshmallows: Continue cooking over medium-low or low heat, stirring constantly, until the marshmallows are completely melted and the mixture is smooth, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Combine Cereal: Remove the saucepan from heat and gently fold in the rice krispies and fruity pebbles cereals until evenly coated with the marshmallow mixture.
- Transfer and Shape: Spoon the mixture into the prepared pan and use a spreader or clean hands to press and smooth it into an even layer.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the treats to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares and serving.
Notes
- Use parchment paper and cooking spray to make removing the treats easier and prevent sticking.
- For extra flavor, try adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract when melting the marshmallows.
- Press the mixture gently to avoid crushing the cereal, maintaining its crisp texture.
- You can swap fruity pebbles for any colorful cereal to customize the look and taste.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh and chewy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 124 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 157 mg
- Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.2 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 0.1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 7 mg

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