If you’re looking for a nostalgic treat with a magical twist, you’ll absolutely adore this Lucky Charms Rice Krispie Treats Recipe. It’s a fun, colorful upgrade on the classic Rice Krispie treat—bringing in those marshmallow charms we all love and giving each bite a happy little pop of sweetness and crunch. Whether you’re making this for a fun after-school snack or a whimsical party treat, these bars are going to become an instant favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Childhood Nostalgia Meets Modern Twist: The classic Rice Krispie treats get a colorful and magical boost from Lucky Charms, making snack time instantly more fun.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: You only need a handful of pantry staples, but the combination creates a chewy, crunchy delight every single time.
- Perfect For Any Occasion: Whether it’s a party, a sweet gift, or a quick family snack, these treats are easy to make and universally loved.
- Customizable and Fun: With opportunities to add more marshmallows, food coloring, or other twists, you’ll have a blast making these your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients work seamlessly to give you that classic Rice Krispie treat texture with a delightful twist from Lucky Charms marshmallows. I always recommend grabbing fresh cereal for the best crunch, and remember, a little food coloring goes a long way to create that fun green tint.
- Lucky Charms Cereal: Pick a fresh box to ensure those magical marshmallows are soft and flavorful.
- Rice Krispies Cereal: The original crispy rice cereal provides the perfect crunchy base.
- Mini Marshmallows: These are key to binding everything together while keeping that chewy softness.
- Salted Butter: Adds richness and balances the sweetness perfectly; salted butter works best here.
- Green Gel Food Coloring: This gives the marshmallow mixture a pretty tint without changing texture or taste.
Variations
One of the things I love most about this Lucky Charms Rice Krispie Treats Recipe is how flexible it is—you can easily tweak it to suit your taste buds or any dietary needs. Here are some ideas to inspire your creativity in the kitchen.
- Use Different Food Coloring: I sometimes swap green for pink or purple gel coloring to match holidays or birthday themes—it’s surprisingly fun to experiment!
- Mix in Chocolate Chips: Adding mini chocolate chips before setting adds a melty surprise that my family can’t get enough of.
- Try Gluten-Free Cereal: For friends who avoid gluten, gluten-free rice cereal buys you all the crunch without the gluten concerns.
- Extra Marshmallow Topping: I like throwing extra marshmallows on top before setting—it makes the treats even more visually appealing and extra gooey.
How to Make Lucky Charms Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Step 1: Set Up Your Pan
Begin by buttering a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly. This keeps the treats from sticking and makes removal a breeze when it’s time to slice. I like using salted butter here to add a touch of flavor right from the start.
Step 2: Melt the Marshmallows
Grab a microwave-safe bowl and add your mini marshmallows. Heat in 20-second intervals twice, stirring gently after each, until they’re just starting to melt but not fully liquid. This gentle melting helps avoid scorching and keeps the texture smooth. Trust me, patience pays off here.
Step 3: Melt the Butter Separately
In a second microwave-safe bowl, melt your butter in 20-second bursts until it’s about 90% melted. You’ll see some solid pieces still, and that’s okay—they’ll finish melting when we mix it in. This step took me a couple tries to get just right without burning the butter, so keep a close eye.
Step 4: Combine Butter and Marshmallows
Add the warm butter into the marshmallow bowl and pop it in the microwave for roughly 20 more seconds. Then stir everything together. This is when the magic starts—you’ll get a silky, glossy marshmallow mixture that’s ready to hug all the cereal pieces.
Step 5: Add Food Coloring and Cereals
Drop in your green gel food coloring and stir until the marshmallow mixture is evenly tinted. Then fold in the Rice Krispies cereal first, mixing gently to coat every crisp in the sticky marshmallow. Next, carefully add the Lucky Charms cereal, stirring just enough to combine without smashing those fun marshmallow shapes.
Step 6: Press Into the Pan and Add Marshmallows on Top
Using a buttered rubber spatula (this is key to avoid sticking), press the mixture evenly into your prepared pan. I find it easiest to pat it gently to avoid crushing the marshmallow shapes. Then sprinkle extra marshmallows on top for that irresistible finishing touch.
Step 7: Chill and Serve
For best results, refrigerate the pan for about 30 minutes. This firming step makes cutting cleaner and snacking neater—no crumbling everywhere! Once set, cut into 12 squares for perfectly shareable pieces or 8 if you want larger, more indulgent treats.
Pro Tips for Making Lucky Charms Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
- Butter Your Tools: Always butter your hands and spatula when working with marshmallow mixtures to keep things from sticking and tearing.
- Watch Your Microwave Timing: Microwaves vary so pay close attention and heat in short bursts to avoid burning anything.
- Add Food Coloring Early: Mixing the food coloring right after melting marshmallows gives the prettiest even color before adding cereals.
- Don’t Over-Stir the Cereal: Gentle folding preserves the Lucky Charms marshmallow shapes and keeps the treat visually magical.
How to Serve Lucky Charms Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Garnishes
I often like to sprinkle a few extra Lucky Charms marshmallows or even mini edible glitter on top for a little sparkle—kids and adults both love these simple finishing touches. A drizzle of white chocolate is another favorite that adds a creamy contrast without overpowering the original flavors.
Side Dishes
Since these treats are quite sweet, I typically serve them alongside a glass of cold milk or a simple fruit salad to round out the snack. Fresh berries or sliced apples provide a refreshing balance that helps keep everyone happy and satisfied.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like cutting these Lucky Charms Rice Krispie Treats into fun shapes using cookie cutters—stars, hearts, you name it. Wrapping individual pieces in colorful cellophane with cute ribbon makes for charming party favors or lunchbox surprises.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your cut treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you live in a warm climate, popping them in the fridge helps extend freshness without drying them out, which I learned after a few too many stale bites.
Freezing
I’ve successfully frozen these treats wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to a month. Thaw them overnight in the fridge to keep the texture intact. It’s a great way to prep ahead for events or busy weeks!
Reheating
If you want a warm, melty treat, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave does wonders. I find watching carefully so they don’t over-soften keeps them perfect—warm and chewy but still holding their shape.
FAQs
-
Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows in this Lucky Charms Rice Krispie Treats Recipe?
Yes, you can use regular marshmallows, but you’ll need to chop them into smaller pieces for even melting and mixing. Mini marshmallows just melt more evenly and bind the cereal better, so they’re preferred, but regular ones work in a pinch.
-
Why do you add green food coloring?
The green food coloring adds a fun, festive twist to the marshmallow mixture that complements the colorful Lucky Charms cereal. It’s purely for visual appeal and doesn’t affect the taste, so you can skip or change the color if you prefer.
-
How do I keep the Lucky Charms marshmallows from melting into the treat?
The key is to add the Lucky Charms cereal after the Rice Krispies are coated, folding gently and minimally. This helps keep those marshmallow shapes intact so you get that magical look and chewy bite.
-
Can I make smaller or larger batches of this recipe?
Absolutely! Just keep the ratios consistent and adjust the size of your baking dish accordingly. Smaller batches work well for sharing or lunchbox treats, and larger batches are perfect for parties or gatherings.
-
What’s the best way to cut the treats without them sticking?
Use a buttered or lightly oiled sharp knife and press down firmly in one clean motion. I also like to refrigerate the treats before cutting, which firms them up and reduces stickiness.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Lucky Charms Rice Krispie Treats Recipe has become one of my go-to crowd-pleasers because it’s simple, colorful, and downright fun to make. I remember the first time I made these and how my family went crazy for the nostalgic flavors with that extra sprinkle of magic. You’re going to love how easy and joyful it is to whip up a batch, and the best part? Everyone will want to know your secret. Trust me, keep this recipe handy—it’s a guaranteed winner for any occasion, and I can’t wait for you to enjoy it just like I do!
Print
Lucky Charms Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (microwave melting time)
- Total Time: 45 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Lucky Charms Rice Krispie Treats blend the classic crispy, gooey texture of traditional Rice Krispie treats with the magical, colorful marshmallows of Lucky Charms cereal. Perfectly buttery with a hint of green color, these no-bake treats are a fun and festive snack or dessert that’s easy to make and sure to delight kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 5 cups Lucky Charms Cereal plus extra marshmallows to add on top
- 4 cups Rice Krispies Cereal
- 1 (10.50 oz) bag mini marshmallows
- 5 teaspoons salted butter
- Green gel food coloring (amount to preference)
Instructions
- Prepare baking dish: Butter a 9×13 inch baking dish and set it aside to prevent sticking.
- Melt marshmallows: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the mini marshmallows by heating in 20-second increments, twice, until they are partially melted and soft but not fully liquified.
- Melt butter: In a separate microwave-safe bowl, melt the salted butter in 20-second bursts until it is almost completely melted.
- Combine marshmallows and butter: Add the melted butter to the marshmallows and microwave the mixture again for about 20 seconds to help fully combine them. Stir thoroughly until smooth and uniform.
- Add color and cereals: Add green gel food coloring to the marshmallow mixture according to your desired shade of green, stirring well. Then add the Rice Krispies cereal and stir until they are evenly coated. Follow by adding the Lucky Charms cereal and mix gently until all the cereal pieces are coated in the marshmallow mixture.
- Spread mixture in pan: Using a buttered rubber spatula, evenly press and spread the cereal mixture into the prepared baking dish, making sure to compact it for easy cutting later.
- Add topping marshmallows: Sprinkle extra Lucky Charms marshmallows over the top of the spread mixture for an extra colorful and fun finish.
- Chill and set: Refrigerate the dish for at least 30 minutes to allow the treats to set firmly.
- Cut and serve: Remove from the refrigerator and cut into 12 equal squares for standard serving size, or into 8 squares if larger treats are preferred.
Notes
- It’s okay if the butter isn’t fully melted before adding to the marshmallows, as it will continue to melt when combined.
- To achieve precise green coloring, add the food coloring directly to the marshmallows before mixing in the cereals.
- Microwave times may vary depending on your appliance, so adjust heating durations accordingly and watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Use a buttered spatula to prevent sticking while spreading the mixture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (approx. 1/12th of recipe)
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *