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Red, White, and Blue Rice Krispie Treats

Red, White, and Blue Rice Krispie Treats are chewy, gooey, and layered with marshmallow and crispy Rice Krispies. This no-bake method uses melted butter and marshmallows, tinted gel colors, and a quick 30-minute chill for clean squares with a sprinkle finish.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
chilling 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Rice Krispies cereal
  • 6 cup Rice Krispies cereal Use regular Rice Krispies cereal for the classic crunchy-sweet texture.
mini marshmallows
  • 10 oz mini marshmallows Measure as mini marshmallows for even melting.
unsalted butter
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter Unsalted keeps the sweetness balanced; melt gently.
red gel food coloring
  • 1 red gel food coloring Tint one marshmallow bowl red; start with a small amount and adjust.
blue gel food coloring
  • 1 blue gel food coloring Tint one marshmallow bowl blue; start with a small amount and adjust.
patriotic sprinkles
  • 0.25 cup patriotic sprinkles Sprinkle on top right after layering for best texture.
nonstick cooking spray
  • 1 nonstick cooking spray Spray the 9x13 baking dish so the bars release easily.

Equipment

  • 1 sheet pan
  • 1 saucepan

Method
 

Prep the pan
  1. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray so the layers release cleanly after cooling.
Melt the marshmallow base
  1. Melt the butter in a large saucepan over low heat until just melted and glossy, about 1–2 minutes.
  2. Add the mini marshmallows and stir until completely melted, about 3–5 minutes, keeping the heat low to prevent scorching.
Make colored layers
  1. Divide the melted marshmallow mixture into three bowls so each batch can be colored and layered evenly.
  2. Leave one bowl white for the middle layer.
  3. Tint one bowl red with red gel food coloring and stir until the color is uniform.
  4. Tint one bowl blue with blue gel food coloring and stir until the color is uniform.
  5. Fold 2 cups of Rice Krispies cereal into the red bowl until the cereal is fully coated.
  6. Fold 2 cups of Rice Krispies cereal into the blue bowl until the cereal is fully coated.
  7. Fold 2 cups of Rice Krispies cereal into the white bowl until the cereal is fully coated.
Assemble and set
  1. Press the blue mixture into the bottom of the pan using firm, even pressure for a stable base layer.
  2. Add the white layer on top and press gently so it doesn’t mix with the blue layer.
  3. Finish with the red layer and spread it evenly with light pressure.
  4. Top with patriotic sprinkles so they adhere to the warm surface.
  5. Cool for 30 minutes until set and firm enough to cut.
Slice and serve
  1. Cut into squares and serve right away for the chewiest texture.

Notes

Pro tip: keep the heat on low while melting to prevent the marshmallows from browning and turning grainy. Store covered in the refrigerator up to 3 days; freeze up to 1 month (thaw overnight in the fridge) for best texture. For a gluten-free option, use certified gluten-free Rice Krispies cereal if needed.