4th July Patriotic Rice Krispies (Printable version)

Layered red, white, and blue rice Krispies snacks, chewy and festive for summer gatherings and holidays.

# Ingredients list:

→ Main

01 - 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
02 - 10 ounces mini marshmallows
03 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
04 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Coloring

05 - Red gel food coloring
06 - Blue gel food coloring

→ Decoration

07 - Red, white, and blue sprinkles, optional

# Steps:

01 - Line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
02 - Divide the marshmallows and butter into three equal portions: approximately 3.3 cups marshmallows and 1 tablespoon butter per color layer.
03 - In a large saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon butter over low heat. Add 3.3 cups marshmallows and stir until melted. Stir in red gel food coloring until desired shade is achieved. Add 2 cups Rice Krispies and mix until evenly coated. Press evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
04 - Wipe the saucepan clean and melt 1 tablespoon butter over low heat. Add 3.3 cups marshmallows and stir until melted. Stir in vanilla extract. Add 2 cups Rice Krispies and mix until coated. Gently press over the red layer.
05 - Wipe the saucepan clean and melt remaining 1 tablespoon butter over low heat. Add remaining marshmallows and stir until melted. Stir in blue gel food coloring. Add remaining 2 cups Rice Krispies and mix until coated. Gently press over the white layer.
06 - Sprinkle red, white, and blue sprinkles over the top while the mixture is still slightly warm, if desired.
07 - Allow treats to cool and set for at least 1 hour. Lift from the pan using the parchment paper, slice into squares, and serve.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Easy and quick to make with just 30 minutes of active time
  • Requires only basic ingredients you likely have on hand
  • No baking needed—perfect for hot summer days
  • Visually stunning with vibrant patriotic colors
  • Kid-friendly and fun for the whole family to help prepare
  • Customizable with sprinkles and decorations
02 -
  • Use gel food coloring for the most vibrant, true-to-tone colors without adding excess liquid
  • Keep a bowl of water nearby to dip your hands or spatula when pressing layers to prevent sticking
  • Work with one layer at a time and don't let the mixture cool too much before pressing, or it won't adhere properly
  • For cleaner cuts, use a sharp knife wiped clean between each slice
  • Make sure each layer is evenly distributed before adding the next to ensure uniform thickness throughout
  • Let the treats set completely before cutting for the cleanest, most defined layers
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