Rainbow Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

Colorful Rainbow Rice Krispie Treats Recipe: Joyful Childhood Fun

Colorful rainbow rice krispie treats burst with childhood nostalgia and playful energy.

Marshmallow magic melts into a sweet canvas waiting for your creative touch.

Sprinkles dance across the surface, promising delightful moments of joy.

Kids and adults alike will fall in love with these vibrant squares.

Memories of school bake sales and summer parties come flooding back.

Unexpected bursts of color make these treats impossible to resist.

You can whip up this simple dessert in just minutes, making it perfect for spontaneous celebrations.

Stash Rainbow Rice Krispie Treats for Later

  • Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping treats soft and fresh by placing wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.
  • Wrap individual treats tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bag, lasting up to 6 weeks for long-term storage.
  • Keep in sealed container at cool room temperature for 2 days, ensuring treats remain crisp and maintain vibrant colors.
  • Microwave individual treats for 5-10 seconds to restore softness, or let sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before enjoying.

FAQs

  • How do I get vibrant colors for my Rice Krispie Treats?

Use gel food coloring instead of liquid food coloring. Gel colors are more concentrated, providing brighter and more intense hues without changing the treat’s texture.

  • Can I use different pan sizes?

Yes, but adjust your ingredients proportionally. A 9×13 inch pan will create thinner layers, while a smaller pan will make thicker, more compact layers. Ensure each color layer is evenly distributed.

  • How do I prevent the layers from mixing?

Work quickly and let each layer slightly cool before adding the next. Gently press down each layer with a spatula or parchment paper to create clean, distinct color boundaries.

Rainbow Rice Krispie Treats: Kid-Approved Fun

  • Celebrate Colorful Creativity: Craft a vibrant dessert that transforms ordinary Rice Krispie treats into a stunning rainbow masterpiece, perfect for sparking joy and conversation.
  • Minimal Effort, Maximum Impact: Layer different colors with simple microwave and mixing techniques, requiring no advanced baking skills or special equipment.
  • Kid-Friendly Kitchen Fun: Engage children in a delightful cooking activity where they can help mix colors, press layers, and create a visually exciting treat that's sure to make them smile.
  • Perfect Party Showstopper: Impress guests at birthdays, celebrations, or potlucks with a dessert that's not just delicious but also a feast for the eyes, making any gathering more memorable.

Gather for Rainbow Rice Krispie Treats

Main Ingredients:
  • Marshmallows: The essential binding agent that creates the sticky, sweet base for the treats.
  • Rice Krispies Cereal: The crunchy foundation that provides texture and structure to the dessert.
  • Butter: Helps melt the marshmallows and adds rich flavor to the treats.
Color Ingredients:
  • Red Food Coloring, Orange Food Coloring, Yellow Food Coloring, Green Food Coloring, Blue Food Coloring: Vibrant colorings that transform the treats into a rainbow-themed dessert.
Preparation Ingredient:
  • Non-Stick Spray: Ensures easy removal of the treats from the loaf pan and prevents sticking.

Make Rainbow Rice Krispie Treats Quick

Step 1: Grease The Pan

Grab a 9×5 inch loaf pan and spray it generously with non-stick cooking spray.

This ensures your vibrant layers will slide out smoothly when you’re ready to serve.

Step 2: Create Red Layer

Melt marshmallows and butter in the microwave until they transform into a gooey, smooth mixture.

Stir in red food coloring to create a brilliant crimson shade.

Mix in Rice Krispies cereal until every piece is coated with the red marshmallow mixture.

Step 3: Press Red Layer

Carefully spread the red mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared pan.

Use clean hands or a spatula to press down firmly, creating a compact, smooth base layer.

Step 4: Build Orange Layer

Repeat the melting process with fresh marshmallows and butter, this time adding orange food coloring.

Fold in Rice Krispies and gently layer the orange mixture on top of the red layer, pressing down to create a distinct color separation.

Step 5: Continue Color Layers

Follow the same process for each remaining color:
  • Yellow layer
  • Green layer
  • Blue layer

Carefully add each color, pressing down gently to maintain clean, crisp layer lines.

Step 6: Chill And Set

Place the pan in the freezer for approximately 30 minutes.

This helps the layers set and makes cutting easier.

Step 7: Slice And Serve

Remove from the freezer and slice into beautiful rainbow-colored treats.

Enjoy the vibrant, sweet creation that’s sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces!

Tips for Colorful Krispie Treats

  • Use parchment paper in addition to non-stick spray for easier removal and clean cutting of the rainbow layers.
  • Add food coloring gradually to achieve vibrant, consistent colors without altering marshmallow texture.
  • Use clean, slightly damp hands or a spatula to press each colored layer evenly without compressing too firmly.
  • Allow treats to set at room temperature for 15 minutes after freezing to prevent cracking when slicing.
  • Keep rainbow treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain soft, fresh texture.

New Flavors for Rainbow Rice Krispies

  • Gluten-Free Variation: Replace Rice Krispies with gluten-free rice cereal like Chex for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • Vegan Rainbow Treats: Swap butter for coconut oil and use vegan marshmallows from brands like Dandies to create a plant-based version.
  • Natural Color Approach: Substitute artificial food coloring with natural alternatives like beet juice for red, turmeric for yellow, and spirulina for green.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Use sugar-free marshmallows and mix in monk fruit sweetener to reduce overall sugar content while maintaining the colorful layered effect.

Serve Up Rainbow Rice Krispie Treats

  • Rainbow Party Platter: Arrange slices on a colorful ceramic plate with scattered rainbow sprinkles for extra festive vibes.
  • Sweet Picnic Delight: Pack these treats in small individual wax paper wraps for kids' parties or school lunches, making them portable and cute.
  • Movie Night Special: Serve alongside cold milk or hot chocolate, creating a delightful dessert companion that brightens up snack time with vibrant colors and fun layers.
  • Dessert Decoration Magic: Garnish edges with white chocolate drizzle or tiny edible star sprinkles to enhance visual appeal and add a gourmet touch.
Print
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Rainbow Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

Rainbow Rice Krispie Treats Recipe


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4.5 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Colorful rainbow rice krispie treats bring childhood nostalgia and playful sweetness to dessert tables. Marshmallow magic and buttery crunch combine with vibrant sprinkles, creating a delightful snack you’ll savor with pure joy.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 8.75 cups Rice Krispies cereal
  • 2 bags (10 ounces/280 grams each) mini marshmallows

Binding Ingredients:

  • 5 tablespoons (74 milliliters) butter, softened

Coloring Ingredients:

  • Red gel food coloring
  • Orange gel food coloring
  • Yellow gel food coloring
  • Green gel food coloring
  • Blue gel food coloring

Instructions

  1. Lightly coat a 9×5 inch loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy removal of the layered treats.
  2. Melt one-third of the marshmallows with butter in the microwave for 60 seconds, stirring until smooth. Blend in red food coloring to create a vibrant crimson hue.
  3. Gently fold Rice Krispies into the red marshmallow mixture, ensuring even distribution. Carefully press the red layer into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating a compact and even base.
  4. Repeat the melting process for each subsequent color (orange, yellow, green, blue), using fresh marshmallows and butter for each layer. Carefully spread and press each colored mixture on top of the previous layer, maintaining distinct color boundaries.
  5. Place the layered treat in the freezer for approximately 30 minutes to set and firm up the layers. Remove from the freezer, slice into neat squares, and serve immediately to enjoy the colorful, sweet creation.

Notes

  • Grease pan thoroughly to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of layered treats.
  • Use gel food coloring for vibrant, intense colors that won’t water down the marshmallow mixture.
  • Work quickly when layering colors to maintain clean, distinct color separation.
  • Allow each layer to cool slightly before adding the next to prevent color bleeding and maintain crisp color boundaries.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: None
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 146
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 58 mg
  • Fat: 4 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Fiber: 0.3 g
  • Protein: 1.2 g
  • Cholesterol: 10 mg
Nathaniel Brooks

Nathaniel Brooks

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Culinary storytelling

Education

Ivy Tech Community College – Indianapolis, IN
Culinary Arts / Hospitality Administration & Events
Focused on hands-on training in classical and modern culinary techniques. ​


Nathaniel’s story starts in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, where farm stands, backyard gardens, and old family recipes shaped his love for real food. After graduating from Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis, he spent years working in farm-to-table kitchens, learning how to turn local, seasonal ingredients into something memorable.
Today, Nathaniel pours that same spirit into every single recipe on Aspiring Culinarian – recipes that feel real, comforting, and connected to the land. When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find him foraging wild herbs, chasing sunsets with his camera, or writing about the flavors that shaped his roots.

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