Easter is such a joyful time, isn’t it? The flowers are blooming, kids are buzzing with excitement, and there’s just something magical about spring. One of my favorite traditions is whipping up a batch of *easter rice crispy treats*. They’re not just super easy to make; they’re also a colorful, fun treat that brings everyone together. I remember one year, my kids and I decided to make these treats as part of our Easter celebration. We melted marshmallows and butter, and the kitchen filled with the sweetest scent. My little ones loved mixing in the pastel M&M’s and sprinkles, giggling as they tried to sneak a few bites along the way. These treats are perfect for family gatherings, school parties, or just a cozy afternoon at home. Trust me, once you make them, you’ll want to keep the tradition alive every Easter! They’re a hit with both kids and adults alike!
Ingredients for Easter Rice Crispy Treats
To make these delightful treats, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 package (10 oz) mini marshmallows
- 6 cups rice crispy cereal
- 1/2 cup pastel M&M’s
- 1/4 cup colorful sprinkles
That’s a total of 5 ingredients to create these fun and festive Easter rice crispy treats!
How to Prepare Easter Rice Crispy Treats
Making these *easter rice crispy treats* is a breeze! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of delicious treats in no time. Let’s dive right in!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Melt the butter: Start by grabbing a large pot and placing it over low heat. Add 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the pot and let it melt slowly. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning – we want it nice and creamy!
- Add the marshmallows: Once the butter is melted, toss in the entire package of mini marshmallows (that’s 10 ounces!). Stir continuously until the marshmallows are fully melted and smooth. This is where the magic begins, so don’t rush!
- Mix in the cereal: Remove the pot from the heat. Now, add 6 cups of rice crispy cereal to the melted marshmallow mixture. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently fold the cereal in, making sure every piece is well-coated. Take your time here – you want that gooey goodness to hug every crispy bit!
- Transfer to the pan: Next, prepare a greased 9×13 inch pan. Press the mixture firmly into the pan, spreading it evenly. You can use a piece of wax paper or your hands (lightly greased) to help press it down without sticking.
- Add the toppings: While the mixture is still warm, sprinkle the top with 1/2 cup of pastel M&M’s and 1/4 cup of colorful sprinkles. Press them down gently so they stick. It’s a fun touch that makes the treats festive and inviting!
- Let cool: Finally, let the treats cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. This usually takes about 30 minutes. Patience is key here – cutting them too soon might make a sticky mess!
And there you have it! You’ve just made the most delightful *easter rice crispy treats* that are sure to bring smiles and sweet memories!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These *easter rice crispy treats* are a family favorite for so many reasons! Here’s why you’ll adore making them:
- Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep, you can whip up a delightful treat.
- No-Bake Fun: No oven required! Just melt, mix, and enjoy.
- Festive Appeal: The colorful M&M’s and sprinkles make these treats perfect for Easter celebrations.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids love helping out, from stirring the melted marshmallows to adding the fun toppings.
- Deliciously Chewy: The combination of marshmallows and crisp cereal creates a sweet, chewy texture that’s irresistible!
Trust me, these treats will be a hit at any gathering!
Tips for Success
To ensure your *easter rice crispy treats* turn out perfectly every time, here are some handy tips to keep in mind:
- Ingredient Substitutions: If you’re in a pinch, you can swap the pastel M&M’s for any candy you like! Think about using chocolate eggs or jelly beans for a fun twist.
- Storing Your Treats: To keep them fresh, store your treats in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll last up to a week, but I bet they won’t last that long!
- Make It Extra Festive: Get creative with your sprinkles! You can use themed sprinkles for different holidays or even add a drizzle of melted chocolate over the top for a decadent touch.
- Even Coating: When mixing in the cereal, be gentle but thorough. A spatula helps ensure every crispy bit gets that marshmallow goodness.
With these tips, your treats will be the star of the Easter celebration!
Variations on Easter Rice Crispy Treats
One of the best things about *easter rice crispy treats* is how easily they can be customized! You can switch up the M&M’s for different colored candies depending on the season or holiday. Imagine bright red and green for Christmas or pastel colors for spring! For a chocolate lover’s twist, try adding mini chocolate chips or even peanut butter chips into the mixture. Nuts, like chopped pecans or walnuts, can also add a delightful crunch. If you’re feeling adventurous, drizzle some melted chocolate over the top before adding sprinkles for an extra layer of flavor. The possibilities are endless, and each variation is just as fun and delicious!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one square of these delightful *easter rice crispy treats*. Each serving contains approximately:
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Protein: 1g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fiber: 0g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates based on typical ingredients used, so actual nutritional content may vary slightly. Enjoy these treats guilt-free in moderation!
FAQ About Easter Rice Crispy Treats
Got questions about making these delicious *easter rice crispy treats*? I’ve got answers! Here are some common queries:
- How do I store my rice crispy treats? To keep your treats fresh and chewy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay good for about a week, but good luck keeping them around that long!
- Can I use different candies? Absolutely! Feel free to swap out the pastel M&M’s for your favorite candies, like chocolate eggs or even gummy bunnies. It’s all about making them your own!
- How long do they take to set? Let the treats cool completely in the pan for about 30 minutes before cutting. This step helps them hold their shape and makes them easier to slice.
- Can I make these ahead of time? Yes! You can make these treats a day or two in advance. Just store them properly, and they’ll be ready to enjoy when your Easter celebrations begin.
- What if I want to make them gluten-free? You can easily make *easter rice crispy treats* gluten-free by using gluten-free rice crispy cereal. Just check the marshmallow packaging to ensure they’re also gluten-free!
Enjoy making these treats and feel free to experiment with different ideas and flavors!
Print
Easter Rice Crispy Treats: 5 Joyful Steps to Delight
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy and fun Easter-themed rice crispy treats.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 package (10 oz) marshmallows
- 6 cups rice crispy cereal
- 1/2 cup pastel M&M’s
- 1/4 cup sprinkles
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large pot over low heat.
- Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted.
- Remove from heat and add rice crispy cereal. Stir until well coated.
- Press the mixture into a greased 9×13 pan.
- While still warm, sprinkle with M&M’s and sprinkles.
- Let cool completely before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
- Use different colored M&M’s for various holidays.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: easter rice crispy treats, marshmallow treats, no-bake dessert
