Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats
Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats, a delicious twist on the classic treat with gooey marshmallows, dried cherries, and a rich chocolate coating. Perfect for parties or quick desserts!”
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 12-15 squares
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: USA
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
10 oz mini marshmallows
3 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 (10 oz) jar maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
2 cups semisweet or milk chocolate chips
1 tbsp coconut oil (optional, for smooth melting)
Instructions
Prepare a 9×13-inch pan by lightly greasing it or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a large pot, melt the butter over low heat. Add the mini marshmallows and stir until completely melted and smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Fold in the Rice Krispies cereal until fully coated with the marshmallow mixture.
Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the Rice Krispies mixture.
Press the mixture into the prepared pan using a spatula or lightly greased hands. Let it cool for 10-15 minutes.
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil (if using) in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth.
Drizzle or spread the melted chocolate over the top of the Rice Krispies layer. You can fully coat the top or create a fun drizzle pattern.
Let the chocolate set by placing the pan in the fridge for about 20 minutes.
Notes
- Pressing the Mixture: When pressing the Rice Krispies mixture into the pan, don’t press too hard. Compressing them too much can make the treats hard and tough to bite into. Lightly press for that perfect chewy texture.
- Melting the Marshmallows: Be patient when melting the marshmallows on low heat. If you melt them too quickly on high heat, they might scorch or give your treats a slightly burnt flavor. Slow and steady is key for a smooth, gooey marshmallow base.
- Chocolate Layer: For a more intense chocolate flavor, use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet. You can also try white chocolate for a different twist.
- Cherry Options: If you’re not a fan of dried cherries, you can substitute them with dried cranberries, chopped maraschino cherries, or even freeze-dried raspberries for a fruity variation.
- Cutting the Treats: To get clean, even squares, wait until the chocolate is fully set before cutting. Use a sharp knife and clean it between cuts to prevent sticking.
- Storage: Store these treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate them if you prefer the chocolate to stay firm.