Get ready to fall in love with the irresistible twist on a classic favorite: Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats. Imagine the soft, gooey comfort of marshmallow cereal bars, studded with sweet-tart maraschino cherries and finished with a luscious blanket of melted chocolate. This dessert offers a playful balance of textures and flavors—the crackle of cereal, the pop of juicy cherry, and the deep richness of chocolate—guaranteed to put a smile on faces of all ages. Whether you’re making these for a special celebration, a potluck, or just a cozy night at home, these treats bring a retro-but-fancy vibe that’s entirely too easy to love.

Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t need a massive grocery list for these Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats, but every item here serves a tasty purpose. The magic happens when a few simple ingredients are combined with just the right touches for a treat that’s genuinely memorable.

Rice Krispies cereal: The essential crunchy base that gives these treats their iconic snap and light texture.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps melt the marshmallows smoothly for an even gooey coating.
Mini marshmallows: The sweet glue that binds everything together; mini versions melt fastest for perfect consistency.
Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla deepens the flavor and rounds out the sweetness of the marshmallows.
Chopped maraschino cherries: Their tart, candy-like bite is the star flavor here—pat them dry so your treats don’t turn soggy!
Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melted on top, they create that fabulous chocolate coating that makes these bars irresistible.
Coconut oil or vegetable shortening: Just a spoonful ensures the melted chocolate spreads like a dream and sets to a glossy finish.
Extra chopped cherries or sprinkles (optional): For a finished look and another punch of cherry flavor or a pop of color on top.

How to Make Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats

Step 1: Prep Your Pan

Begin by lining a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or giving it a quick mist of nonstick spray. This simple move guarantees you’ll get the treats out with zero sticking. Save yourself a battle later and give those corners a little extra attention!

Step 2: Melt Butter and Marshmallows

Set a large saucepan over medium heat, add your unsalted butter, and let it melt until just frothy—watching for that golden color. Stir in the mini marshmallows, mixing constantly until you’ve got a molten, silky mixture without any lumps. Take it off the heat right away to keep things chewy.

Step 3: Flavor and Cherry Time

Stir in the vanilla extract for an aromatic boost, then fold in the chopped maraschino cherries (be sure they’re really well drained and dabbed with a paper towel). Their vibrant color and juicy tang instantly bring these Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats to life!

Step 4: Add Cereal and Combine

Pour the Rice Krispies cereal straight into your marshmallow-cherry mixture. Work quickly, folding and turning until every puffed grain is fully coated. This ensures each square is perfectly crispy and sticky—no dry patches!

Step 5: Press and Cool

Transfer everything into your prepared pan. A greased spatula or a sheet of wax paper pressed across the top works wonders for even, smooth bars. Pat gently (don’t pack too tightly) so your treats stay light and airy. Let them cool for about 30 minutes on the counter.

Step 6: Make the Chocolate Topping

While your base sets, combine chocolate chips with coconut oil (or shortening) in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring each time, until silky and pourable. This will become your glossy chocolate blanket!

Step 7: Top, Decorate, and Chill

Pour the melted chocolate over your cooled treats, smoothing it right to the edges. While it’s still wet, sprinkle with extra cherries or colorful sprinkles if you like. Chill the pan for 15–20 minutes—just until the chocolate sets—then lift from the dish and cut into perfect squares.

How to Serve Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats

Garnishes

These treats look stunning with a sprinkle of chopped maraschino cherries or festive sprinkles scattered over the chocolate before it sets. For an extra touch of celebration, a drizzle of white chocolate or a dusting of edible glitter can really make your Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats pop on the dessert table.

Side Dishes

They’re delicious all by themselves, but pairing them with a simple bowl of fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream turns snack time into dessert party territory. For kids, try serving with cold milk; for grownups, a cup of dark roast coffee or espresso keeps things sophisticated and balances the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Layer your Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats on a platter with alternating rows of fresh cherries for visual wow factor. Wrap individual squares in cellophane with a ribbon for party favors, or stack them high on a cake stand for a playful centerpiece. Want more fun? Cut into hearts or circles with cookie cutters for a themed celebration!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats at their freshest, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Place sheets of wax or parchment paper between layers to keep the chocolate from sticking, and enjoy within three days for best flavor and texture.

Freezing

If you want to make them ahead for an event, go ahead and freeze! Place cut squares in a freezer-safe container, separated by layers of parchment. They’ll keep for up to a month; just thaw at room temp for an hour before serving to let the chocolate and marshmallow soften up again.

Reheating

Technically, these no-bake bars don’t need reheating—just enjoy straight from the container! But if you like your chocolate super soft, pop a square in the microwave for about 5–7 seconds. You’ll get that molten, just-made texture all over again.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Maraschino cherries give the treats their signature color and classic flavor, plus they hold their shape well. Fresh cherries can be used in a pinch, but make sure to pit them and blot thoroughly to avoid adding extra moisture—otherwise the treats might turn soggy.

Why does the chocolate need coconut oil or shortening?

A little coconut oil or shortening helps chocolate chips melt smoothly and remain spreadable. It also prevents the chocolate from becoming too hard when set, so you get a luscious, easy-to-bite topping.

How can I keep the marshmallow mixture from sticking to my hands?

Lightly greasing your hands or spatula with butter or spray before pressing the mixture into the pan works wonders. Wax paper is also your friend for this task—just lay it over the mixture and press gently for smooth, even bars.

Can I make Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just be sure to use a brand of crispy rice cereal that’s certified gluten-free, as not all varieties are. Double-check your marshmallow brand too, especially if serving to someone with gluten sensitivities.

Do these treats travel well for parties or school lunches?

Yes, they’re fantastic for packing up and taking along. The chocolate sealing in the cherries helps prevent stickiness. Just stack with parchment between layers in a sturdy container, and they’ll look just as good when you arrive as they did at home.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a scatter of nostalgia and a dash of playful flavor, there’s nothing quite like bringing a batch of Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats to the table. They’re simple to make, always a conversation starter, and truly the kind of sweet that makes you look like a dessert hero with minimal effort. Give this recipe a try, and don’t be surprised when everyone begs for the recipe!

Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats Recipe

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4.8 from 7 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 16 squares 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the delightful combination of cherries, chocolate, and crispy cereal with these Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats. Perfect for a sweet treat or a special occasion, these no-bake squares are a hit with both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

Scale

Rice Krispies Mixture:

6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 package (10 oz) mini marshmallows
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup chopped maraschino cherries (drained and patted dry)

Chocolate Topping:

1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tablespoon coconut oil or vegetable shortening (for melting chocolate)
extra chopped cherries or sprinkles for topping (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare Rice Krispies Mixture: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, add marshmallows and stir until melted. Remove from heat, add vanilla and cherries, then fold in Rice Krispies.
Press and Cool: Press mixture into the dish, let cool for 30 minutes.
Make Chocolate Topping: Melt chocolate and coconut oil in the microwave, pour over cooled Rice Krispies layer, top with cherries or sprinkles.
Chill and Serve: Chill until chocolate is set, then cut into squares and enjoy!