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Delicious, simple and quick 4th of July Rice Krispie Treats are always a hit, and are festive for any patriotic occasion.
When we are looking for a fun and festive treat for Independence Day, we also like to make our 4th of July Cookies and American Flag Cake.
Patriotic Rice Krispie treats
Whenever we need to make a last-minute treat, we always opt for Rice Krispie Treats, because:
- I always have the ingredients on hand and
- They are SO easy and yummy!!
I used some red and blue food coloring to create these patriotic layers, and I love how these 4th of July rice krispie treats turned out!
How to Make
- PREP. Separating your cereal and marshmallows into three (2 cups of rice krispies, and about 2 cups of marshmallows). You’re going to make one layer at a time.
- MARSHMALLOWS. Put the marshmallows in microwave safe bowls, and add 1 Tbsp margarine to each. Microwave one at a time for a few minutes until the marshmallows start to expand. Make sure they don’t overflow!
- DYE. In one bowl, mix in blue food coloring, and mix red in another (food coloring gel will be more vibrant). Add 2 cups of rice krispies to each bowl and stir with a rubber spatula until all the cereal is well coated.
- ASSEMBLE. Layer the cereal in a glass baking dish in whatever order you like (we started with blue, white, then red). To press the layers in evenly, you can use a sheet of wax paper on top of the marshmallow covered cereal, and then press with your hands. That way your hands don’t get so messy and the rice krispies won’t stick to you.
- COOL. Let all the layers cool before cutting into squares. Enjoy!
Tips + variations
- Mini Marshmallows: Use normal sized or mini marshmallows as long as you have the amount the recipe calls for in each separate bowl.
- Pan Size: I use an 8×8 or a 9×9 glass pan. You can use 9×13, but the treats will be thinner. You can also double the recipe and use a 9×13 pan for more thick rice krispie treats.
- Shapes: Once the layers are cooled, use cookie cutters once the layers are cooled to cut out different shapes. I think stars would be fun for the 4th of July!
- To cook the marshmallows, I prefer the ease of microwaving the marshmallows, but if you would rather use the stove, by all means, you can! I would still recommend doing the three layers separately, that way you ensure each layer has the same amount of marshmallow coating.
SToring Info
STORE Fourth of July Rice Krispie treats in an airtight container, but only for about 2-3 days. Try and keep them in a container that will fit all of them just right, without much excess air. The more open space, the more likely they are to dry out.
Store them at room temperature and not in the fridge. Sticking a piece of sandwich bread into the container will help keep the rice krispie treats soft.
For more patriotic treats, check out:
- Patriotic Trail Mix
- Red White and Blueberry Cupcakes
- Patriotic Pudding Cups
- Red White and Blue Trifle
- 4th of July Cookies
4th of July Rice Krispies Treats
Ingredients
- 6 cups Rice Krispies Cereal (divided)
- 16 oz marshmallows (divided)
- 3 tbsp margarine or butter (divided)
- Food Coloring (red and blue/turquoise – I like Betty Crocker Gel Food Colors because the colors are brighter)
Instructions
- Gather your supplies and divide the Rice Krispies and marshmallows in three for the three layers (2 cups Rice Krispies and about 2 cups marshmallows).
- Add marshmallows to a microwave safe bowl along with the margarine (1 TB) for a few minutes or until they start to get big and almost touch the top of the microwave. Take them out, stir well and add the food coloring. (We started with the blue, then no food coloring and then the red).
- Then add 2 cups of Rice Krispies and stir well. Press into well greased 9×9 pan (a 9×13 works but makes thinner treats).
- Repeat with no food coloring and then the red food coloring layer. Let set and ENJOY!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I love these rice krispies. They are so cute. I think rice krispies are great during summer cause they aren’t a heavy treat.
I would love for you to share this on my Patriotic Link-up party
http://www.suzyhomemaker.net/2012/05/lets-party-like-its-1776.html
Thanks
Agreed!! Plus, they are so easy and quick to make – BONUS!
Ok..it’s official..you are my hero!
Not only do I LOVE rice krispie treats but I love any excuse to play w/ my food colors and icing dyes.
AND
the fact that I only make rice krispie treats once in awhile because of the mess in the melted pan. has now been rectified by the fact I can now make them using my microwave!!
You are awesome…I’m putting these on my blog.!! thanks so much!!
LOL!! Yay – so glad to be someone’s hero, haha!! It was so fun using the food colors for these and using the gel food colors made the colors so vibrant!! And what’s funny is I’ve been micorwaving my marshmallows for years – I thought everyone did it. Makes for a SUPER quick but yummy treat. 🙂
love the red white and blue!
Thank you, Heather!!
These treats look colorful and yummy! I love festive treats!
What a great idea to add the food coloring! Rice crispy treats are totally a go-to treat in our house – well, we use gluten free rice crispies! I am totally pinning this to my 4th of July board, and I am your newest follower 🙂 Cant wait to see what other great ideas you have!
Thank you for the sweet words, Veronica! Glad you like the treats, and I hope you can find more creations on here that you will love as well. 🙂