If you’re looking to add a little extra joy and color to your spring celebrations, these easter rice krispie treats are just the ticket. They combine the classic, nostalgic crunch of Rice Krispies with a vibrant burst of pastel M&M’s and cheerful sprinkles, making every bite a delightful experience. Simple to make yet irresistibly festive, these treats bring together buttery, melty marshmallows and crispy cereal in a perfect balance that’s as fun to eat as it is to make. Whether you’re prepping for an Easter party or just want a sweet seasonal snack, these treats are sure to brighten up your table and your mood.

easter rice krispie treats Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe shines in its simplicity, relying on just a handful of ingredients that each play a vital role in creating those perfect easter rice krispie treats. From the richness of butter to the chewy sweetness of mini marshmallows, every ingredient enhances the texture and taste. The colorful pastel M&M’s and sprinkles don’t just add flavor; they turn these treats into eye-catching Easter delights.

3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Provides a rich base and helps melt the marshmallows evenly for that gooey texture.

1 package (10 oz) mini marshmallows: The sweet, sticky glue that holds your cereal together perfectly.
6 cups Rice Krispies cereal: The crunchy, crispy foundation essential for that classic treat texture.

1 cup pastel M&M’s: Adds fun color and a chocolatey surprise in each bite—perfect for Easter themes.
1/2 cup assorted sprinkles: Sprinkles bring extra whimsy and bursts of sugary fun to your treats.

How to Make easter rice krispie treats

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Start by greasing your baking pan lightly with butter or lining it with parchment paper. This simple step makes sure your treats come out easily once set, so you don’t lose any of those beautiful crisps when it’s time to cut.

Step 2: Melt Butter and Marshmallows

On low heat, melt the butter gently in a large saucepan. Once it’s lusciously melted, add the mini marshmallows and stir continuously until you get a smooth, creamy mixture with no lumps. This base is where much of the magic happens—smooth, glossy, and ready to envelop your cereal.

Step 3: Combine Cereal and Marshmallow Mixture

Remove the pan from the heat, then fold in the Rice Krispies cereal, stirring until every piece is thoroughly coated in marshmallow goodness. This step ensures that perfect balance of crispy and chewy with no dry spots.

Step 4: Mix in Easter M&M’s and Sprinkles

Gently fold in three-quarters of the pastel M&M’s and sprinkles, reserving the rest to decorate the tops later. Adding them now integrates bursts of color and crunchy chocolate throughout the treats, making each bite exciting.

Step 5: Press into the Pan

Pour your colorful cereal mixture into the prepared pan and press down evenly with a buttered spatula or lightly dampened hands to avoid sticking. This step molds your treats into a neat, compact block ready to be cooled and cut.

Step 6: Let Cool and Set

Allow the mixture to cool on your countertop for about 30 minutes. This waiting patiently lets the marshmallows firm up so the treats hold their shape perfectly.

Step 7: Cut and Decorate

Once set, cut into squares or rectangles. Use the reserved pastel M&M’s and sprinkles to top each piece for a festive, inviting finish.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!

Gather your friends or family and enjoy your homemade easter rice krispie treats. Their cheerful colors and satisfying crunch are sure to bring smiles all around.

How to Serve easter rice krispie treats

Garnishes

Elevate your easter rice krispie treats by garnishing with extra pastel M&M’s, colorful sprinkles, or even edible glitter. These playful touches add whimsical Easter charm and make your treats look absolutely irresistible on any dessert table.

Side Dishes

Pair these sweet, crispy delights with light, fresh sides like fruit skewers or a citrusy punch to balance the richness. A small serving of vanilla yogurt or whipped cream can also complement the texture and intensify the indulgence.

Creative Ways to Present

For a really festive touch, cut your treats into bunny shapes using cookie cutters or layer them on a bright pastel platter with other Easter goodies like chocolate eggs and jelly beans. Wrapping individual squares in colorful cellophane tied with ribbon makes them perfect for gifting or party favors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These treats keep best when stored in an airtight container at room temperature, where they stay soft and chewy for up to three days. Keeping them covered prevents them from drying out or becoming sticky.

Freezing

If you want to prepare them well in advance, freeze the cut treats in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 6 weeks—just thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

While generally not necessary, if you prefer a softer texture, gently warm your treats in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This melts the marshmallow slightly, reviving that freshly-made gooeyness.

FAQs

Can I use different candies instead of pastel M&M’s?

Absolutely! You can swap pastel M&M’s for any colorful candy of choice, like mini chocolate chips, jelly beans, or even seasonal sprinkles to suit your taste and theme.

What if I don’t have unsalted butter? Can I use salted butter?

Salted butter is fine to use if that’s what you have on hand, but keep in mind it will add a subtle saltiness that contrasts nicely with the marshmallows’ sweetness.

How do I prevent the treats from getting too sticky?

Pressing the mixture firmly into the pan and letting it cool completely before cutting helps reduce stickiness. Using buttered or damp hands during shaping also makes handling easier.

Can I make these treats gluten-free?

Yes! Just be sure to use gluten-free Rice Krispies cereal and check that all candies and sprinkles are gluten-free certified.

Is it okay to add food coloring to the marshmallow mixture?

You can add a few drops of food coloring while melting the marshmallows to tint the mixture any color you want, enhancing the Easter theme further with pastel hues.

Final Thoughts

Once you make these easter rice krispie treats, they’re bound to become a seasonal staple in your household. Their effortless mix of crispy, chewy, colorful, and sweet makes them a joy for all ages. Whether for family gatherings, school parties, or simply a bright snack on a sunny spring afternoon, you’ll love sharing these cheerful bites with everyone you know. So grab your ingredients and dive into this joyful, easy recipe—you won’t regret it!

easter rice krispie treats Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 14 reviews

Author: Noah
Total Time: 40 minutes

Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Celebrate Easter with these festive Easter Rice Krispie Treats, featuring crispy cereal, gooey marshmallows, and colorful pastel M&M’s and sprinkles. Easy to make and perfect for holiday gatherings or a fun family treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 package (10 oz) mini marshmallows
6 cups Rice Krispies cereal

Decorations

1 cup pastel M&M’s (or other seasonal candies)
1/2 cup assorted sprinkles

Instructions

Prepare the pan: Grease a baking pan lightly with butter or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the treats once set.

Melt butter and marshmallows: In a large saucepan over low heat, melt the butter completely. Add mini marshmallows and stir continuously until they are fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
Mix in cereal: Remove the saucepan from heat. Add the Rice Krispies cereal and stir thoroughly to coat every piece of cereal with the marshmallow mixture.
Add candies and sprinkles: Gently fold in 3/4 cup of the pastel M&M’s and 1/4 cup of the assorted sprinkles, saving the rest for the topping decoration.

Press into pan: Pour the cereal mixture into the prepared baking pan. Using a buttered spatula or dampened hands, press the mixture evenly into the pan to form a firm layer.
Cool and set: Allow the mixture to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes until it becomes firm and easy to cut.
Decorate: Once set, cut the treats into squares or rectangles. Top each piece with the remaining pastel M&M’s and sprinkles for added festive flair.

Serve: Enjoy these colorful and delightful Easter Rice Krispie Treats with family and friends!

Notes

Use parchment paper to make removing the treats easier and to simplify clean-up.
To avoid sticking, dampen your hands or spatula when pressing the mixture into the pan.

Feel free to substitute candies with other seasonal or favorite treats if desired.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For a gluten-free version, ensure the Rice Krispies cereal used is labeled gluten-free.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert, Snack

Method: No-Bake, Stove-top
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar (about 1/12th of recipe)

Calories: 180
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 110mg

Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 3.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g

Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 1g

Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: Easter rice krispie treats, Rice Krispies dessert, marshmallow treats, festive treats, holiday snacks, no-bake dessert