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.

The image shows eight square-shaped cereal treats stacked on a white marbled surface. The treats have two visible layers: a light beige base made from puffed rice cereal pressed together, with colorful small bits of fruity cereal mixed throughout, adding bright spots of red, blue, yellow, orange, and green. The treats are arranged on a blue plate, placed in the center of the image. To the right, there is a small white bowl filled with the colorful cereal pieces, some spilling onto the surface nearby. At the bottom right corner, there is another white bowl filled with small white marshmallows. A white layered plate is partially visible at the top left corner, and a turquoise fabric cloth is placed on the right side of the image. The surface underneath everything is a white marbled texture. 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 Rainbow Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Rainbow Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Rainbow Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

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.

Flat lay of a small pat of salted butter, a handful of white marshmallows, a small white bowl of salt crystals, a generous mound of plain rice krispies cereal, and a colorful pile of fruity pebble cereal with marshmallows, all arranged with perfect symmetry around small white ceramic bowls, 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

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.

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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

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

A square white dish filled with one thick layer of rice cereal treats mixed with colorful fruity cereal pieces, creating a textured look with specks of red, green, blue, orange, and yellow throughout a cream-colored marshmallow base. Around the dish on a white marbled surface are scattered small colorful cereal bits and a few white mini marshmallows. To the top left, part of a white bowl with a gray rim is visible, showing remnants of the cereal treat mixture and a white spatula with some cereal mixture on it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

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

The image shows a large pot with two main layers inside: on the left side is a thick layer of light tan crispy rice cereal, and on the right side is a layer of bright, colorful fruity cereal in shades of red, blue, green, orange, and yellow, all sitting on a base of melted white marshmallows. Around the pot are white bowls containing mini white marshmallows, more of the colorful fruity cereal, and some crispy rice cereal. Scattered on the white marbled surface are extra mini marshmallows and bits of the colorful cereal, adding a playful touch. All items are arranged on a clean, white marbled surface, and no woman's hand is shown in the scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

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:

Can I use other cereals instead of Fruity Pebbles?

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.

How do I prevent my Rainbow Rice Krispie Treats from being too sticky?

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.

Can I make these treats ahead of time for a party?

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.

Is it okay to add vanilla extract to the recipe?

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!