Chocolate Cherry Rice Krispies

Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats are a playful and nostalgic dessert made for sharing. Crunchy cereal, soft marshmallow, juicy cherries, and a glossy chocolate finish combine for a treat that always disappears at family parties and holiday gatherings. These bars come together quickly and add a celebratory touch to any event.

These treats became a summer staple after I made them for a picnic one year. Now my friends always ask for the cherry chocolate version whenever we have a gathering.

Ingredients

• Rice Krispies cereal: gives crunch and lightness try to use a fresh unopened box for best texture
• Unsalted butter: helps the marshmallows melt smoothly and adds richness choose a good quality brand for flavor
• Mini marshmallows: create the chewy base look for soft and pillowy ones for easy melting
• Vanilla extract: rounds out flavors use pure vanilla if possible for depth
• Maraschino cherries: bring color and a pop of fruitiness drain well and chop finely for even distribution
• Semi sweet chocolate chips: bring indulgence and pair so well with cherries choose a good quality chocolate for smooth melting
• Coconut oil (optional): makes the melted chocolate glossier and easier to drizzle you can skip for a firmer finish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Melt the Marshmallows:

Begin by melting the butter in a large heavy bottomed pot over medium heat. Once melted add all of the mini marshmallows and stir continuously with a sturdy spatula. Keep stirring as the marshmallows soften and melt completely until you have a thick smooth mixture. This step takes about five minutes and forms the backbone of the treat.

Incorporate Flavor:

Take the pot off the heat so the sugars do not overcook. Stir in the vanilla extract now so it mixes smoothly into the warm melted marshmallow.

Add the Cereal and Cherries:

Immediately add the Rice Krispies cereal and chopped maraschino cherries to the pot. Work quickly and fold everything together with your spatula making sure the cereal is fully coated and the cherries are distributed evenly. The mixture may be sticky so using a greased spatula really helps.

Shape the Treats:

Prepare a 9 by 13 inch baking dish by greasing it or lining with parchment paper to make unmolding easy later. Pour in the cereal mixture and gently press down to create an even layer. You can use a piece of greased parchment or a second greased spatula to avoid sticking. Let the pan cool completely so the treats set firmly.

Melt the Chocolate:

Place the semi sweet chocolate chips with coconut oil if using in a microwave safe bowl. Heat in short bursts of about 30 seconds stirring each time until the chocolate is totally smooth and silky. Avoid overheating to prevent burning the chocolate.

Chocolate Topping:

Drizzle the melted chocolate over the cooled Rice Krispies slab for a decorative effect or cut into squares first and dip each piece halfway into the chocolate for more chocolate with each bite. Lay the treats out on parchment paper to let the chocolate harden at room temperature.

Finish and Serve:

Once the chocolate is firm cut the slab into even squares. Enjoy right away or pack into an airtight container for later.

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Cherries are my favorite part of this recipe. They were always in my mom’s desserts growing up and every bite of these bars reminds me of cherry topped cakes we baked together as a family.

Storage Tips

Store the finished treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If your kitchen is very warm you can layer the squares with parchment paper to keep the chocolate from sticking. Refrigeration is not necessary but on hot days the chocolate coating benefits from being chilled briefly to harden.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have maraschino cherries try using dried cherries or chopped dried cranberries for a slightly tart flavor. For the chocolate you can use dark chocolate chips or milk chocolate chips depending on your taste. Coconut oil can be omitted or replaced with a bit of butter if you want the chocolate to set a bit softer.

Serving Suggestions

These treats are perfect for potlucks birthday parties school snack boxes or holiday dessert trays. For a festive touch try sprinkling the freshly dipped chocolate with fun colored sprinkles before it sets. You can also cut them into heart shapes for Valentine’s Day or any celebration.

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Cultural and Historical Context

Rice Krispies Treats have been a classic American homemade dessert since the 1930s when they were invented as a fundraiser idea. The cherry and chocolate variation brings in flavors reminiscent of chocolate covered cherries popular at holidays and special occasions making these bars instantly nostalgic.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino?

Fresh cherries add moisture, so well-drained or dried cherries are preferable to avoid soggy bars.

→ How do I keep the chocolate coating smooth?

Adding coconut oil to the melted chocolate creates a silky texture and makes dipping or drizzling easier.

→ Are these treats suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, as long as your marshmallows are gelatin-free or vegetarian, this dessert is vegetarian-friendly.

→ How should I store the bars for freshness?

Keep the treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to retain the best texture.

→ Can I use other fruits instead of cherries?

Absolutely! Try dried cranberries or chopped strawberries for a new flavor twist and similar texture.

→ What if I want extra chocolate flavor?

Drizzle additional melted chocolate over the bars after setting for a richer, more decadent finish.