The Sweet Magic: Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats Recipe

Sweet memories often spark culinary magic, and these chocolate covered cherry rice krispies treats blend childhood nostalgia with gourmet creativity.

Marshmallow magic meets fruity delight in a dessert that surprises and delights.

Chewy rice cereal provides the perfect canvas for rich chocolate and tangy cherries.

Crisp textures combine with smooth chocolate coating, creating an irresistible treat.

Unexpected flavor combinations make this dessert stand out from standard sweets.

Kitchen experiments like these turn ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

What Makes Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats So Delightful

• Burst with Flavor: Combine the irresistible sweetness of maraschino cherries with rich chocolate, creating a delightful twist on classic Rice Krispies treats that will tantalize taste buds.
• Super Kid-Friendly: Perfect for family gatherings, bake sales, or after-school snacks, these treats are simple to make and guaranteed to bring smiles to children and adults alike.
• No-Bake Wonder: Skip the oven and enjoy a quick dessert that requires minimal cooking skills, making it accessible for beginners and seasoned home cooks who want a fast, delicious treat.
• Customize with Ease: Experiment with different chocolate types, add sprinkles, or swap cherries for other mix-ins to personalize this versatile recipe and keep things exciting in the kitchen.

Ingredients for Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats

• Rice Krispies Cereal: A crispy base that provides a light and crunchy texture for the treats.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together.
• Mini Marshmallows: Creates a sticky sweet base that holds the treats together.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the treats.

• Maraschino Cherries: Adds a sweet and tangy burst of cherry flavor to the treats.

• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Provides a rich chocolate layer for coating the treats.
• Coconut Oil (Optional): Helps create a smooth and glossy chocolate coating.

How to Make Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats

Step 1: Initiate Marshmallow Melting

In a spacious pot over medium flame, gently melt butter. Once transformed into liquid gold, cascade mini marshmallows into the pot. Stir with consistent motion until marshmallows dissolve into silky smoothness. Splash vanilla extract and blend thoroughly.

Step 2: Combine Crispy Elements

Whisk Rice Krispies cereal and finely chopped maraschino cherries into marshmallow mixture. Stir energetically to ensure complete integration and uniform coating of every cereal piece.

Step 3: Create Delectable Slab

Prepare baking dish by greasing or lining with parchment paper. Transfer mixture into dish, using greased spatula to press mixture evenly and create smooth surface. Allow treats to cool and solidify completely.

Step 4: Transform Chocolate

• Semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Coconut oil

Melt chocolate in brief 30-second intervals, stirring between each session until achieving glossy, liquid consistency.

Step 5: Decorate with Chocolate

Once treats have cooled, drizzle melted chocolate across surface or dunk each square halfway into chocolate bath. Position decorated treats on parchment paper, permitting chocolate to harden naturally.

Step 6: Slice and Savor

After chocolate sets, slice treats into squares. Serve and enjoy these luxurious chocolate-cherry delights.

Pro Tips for Perfect Rice Krispies Treats

• Prevent marshmallows from burning by stirring constantly and using medium heat for smooth, even melting.
• Drain maraschino cherries thoroughly to avoid excess moisture that could make treats soggy and affect texture.
• Use a greased spatula or wax paper when pressing mixture into pan for clean, even bars without sticky residue.
• Melt chocolate slowly in microwave using short intervals to prevent scorching and maintain glossy, smooth consistency.
• Store treats in airtight container at room temperature for maximum freshness, keeping them soft and preventing chocolate from becoming brittle.

Variations to Try With Chocolate Covered Cherry Treats

• Cherry Chocolate Chunk Bars: Swap drizzled chocolate for chunky chocolate pieces mixed directly into the Rice Krispies mixture for extra rich texture.
• Dark Chocolate Almond Crunch: Replace maraschino cherries with toasted almonds and use dark chocolate for coating, adding nutty complexity to classic treats.
• White Chocolate Berry Blast: Use white chocolate for coating and incorporate dried cranberries alongside chopped maraschino cherries for vibrant fruity flavor.
• Midnight Cherry Crunch: Replace semi-sweet chocolate with rich black cocoa chocolate and add dark cherries for an intense, sophisticated dessert experience.

Suggested Pairings for Cherry Rice Krispies Treats

• Perfectly Pair Sweet Delights: Chocolate Meets Cherry Companions
• Creamy Vanilla Latte Complement: The rich chocolate and sweet cherry notes beautifully balance with a smooth vanilla latte, creating a decadent dessert experience that highlights the treat's complex flavor profile.
• Sparkling Cherry Mocktail Match: A light, fizzy cherry mocktail with fresh mint garnish cuts through the sweetness and provides a refreshing contrast to the dense, chocolatey Rice Krispies squares.
• Wine Pairing Elegance: Choose a late harvest Riesling or a ruby port wine to enhance the dessert's cherry and chocolate undertones, delivering a sophisticated adult-friendly treat companion.
• Smooth Cold Brew Connection: A chilled cold brew coffee with subtle chocolate hints perfectly complements the dessert, offering a crisp and slightly bitter counterpoint to the sweet Rice Krispies treat.

Storage Recommendations for Rice Krispies Treats

• Store in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper for up to 5 days. Keep the container sealed to prevent treats from drying out or absorbing refrigerator odors.
• Wrap individual treats tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 weeks. Thaw at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving.
• Keep treats in a sealed container away from direct sunlight and heat. Consume within 2-3 days for best texture and flavor.
• Microwave individual treats for 5-10 seconds to soften chocolate and restore slightly gooey texture. Avoid overheating to prevent marshmallows from becoming hard or burnt.

FAQs About Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats

• Are maraschino cherries necessary for this recipe?

Maraschino cherries add a sweet, fruity flavor and vibrant color to the Rice Krispies treats. While optional, they provide a unique twist to the classic dessert and complement the chocolate coating.

• Can I use different types of chocolate for coating?

Yes, you can use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or white chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips. Each type will create a different flavor profile and sweetness level for the treats.

• How do I prevent the Rice Krispies mixture from sticking to my hands?

Grease your hands with butter or cooking spray before pressing the mixture into the pan. This will help prevent the sticky mixture from clinging to your hands and make the process easier.

Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Sweet chocolate cherry magic elevates classic chocolate covered cherry rice krispies treats into a delightful dessert fusion. Rich chocolate and juicy cherries blend perfectly with marshmallow-bound crispy rice, promising a nostalgic yet innovative snack you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
• 10 ounces (280 grams) mini marshmallows
• 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Fruit and Flavor Ingredients:

• 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Binding and Coating Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional, for smoother chocolate)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare a large pot and melt butter over medium heat until it transforms into a golden liquid.
2. Add mini marshmallows to the melted butter, stirring continuously until they dissolve into a silky, smooth consistency. Incorporate vanilla extract for enhanced flavor.
3. Remove pot from heat and rapidly fold Rice Krispies cereal and chopped maraschino cherries into the marshmallow mixture, ensuring every morsel is evenly coated.
4. Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, using a spatula to press and distribute the mixture uniformly. Allow the treats to set and cool completely at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes.
5. Create a chocolate coating by microwaving semi-sweet chocolate chips and coconut oil in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until achieving a glossy, smooth texture.
6. Once treats are completely cooled, either drizzle melted chocolate across the surface or individually dip each treat halfway into the chocolate mixture.
7. Place chocolate-covered treats on parchment paper, allowing chocolate to solidify at room temperature or expedite the process by briefly chilling in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes.
8. Slice into squares and serve these decadent chocolate-covered cherry Rice Krispies treats.

Notes

• Swap maraschino cherries with dried cherries for a more natural, less sugary twist that adds intense fruity flavor without excess sweetness.
• Use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet for a richer, more sophisticated coating that balances the treats’ sweetness and adds depth.
• Sprinkle sea salt or crushed pistachios on top of the chocolate for a gourmet touch that creates surprising texture and enhances overall flavor profile.
• Store treats in an airtight container between parchment paper layers to prevent sticking and maintain their crisp texture for up to 3-4 days at room temperature.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Melting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 206 kcal
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 70 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg