This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, see our privacy policy.
One of my unofficial rules when creating recipes (like these Strawberry Rice Krispie Treats) is this: If I can't find an ingredient at our small-town mountain grocery store, it doesn't make the cut. As much as I love browsing international markets and gourmet shops, I want my recipes to be approachable and doable, with ingredients you can easily find no matter where you live.
For years, that rule kept me steering clear of freeze-dried strawberries; I just knew they'd be one of those "specialty store only" ingredients. Well… turns out I was wrong! Apparently, I've been living under a rock, because I recently discovered they're available at just about every grocery store in our area. I love that freeze-dried strawberries are simply strawberries with the moisture removed (no weird ingredients!), and they're perfect for adding bright, concentrated berry flavor where fresh strawberries would make a soggy mess. I'm on a roll with this magical little ingredient (and have a few other new dried strawberry recipes up my sleeve). I hope you love these Strawberry Rice Krispie Treats as much as we do
Taste-Tested and Grandkid Approved!
Unlike many of my recipes, which often take two or three (sometimes five or six!) tries to get just right, this one was a winner right out of the gate. I whipped up the first batch just before one of our granddaughters' soccer games and decided to bring the pan along to share with family who were there to cheer her on. Everyone loved them, but my grandson Luke was especially smitten. He immediately asked how to make them, so I asked if he'd like to be my official recipe-tester and try making them himself. His answer was an enthusiastic "yes". A few days later, he sent pictures of himself in the kitchen making the treats, along with the finished (delicious-looking) results. Bravo, Luke!
What does "Ridiculously Easy" mean?
If you're new around here, you might be wondering what we mean by "Ridiculously Easy." It's actually a whole collection of recipes we've created with that in mind. Here at The Café, "Ridiculously Easy" recipes are the ones that make you look like a kitchen rock star, with minimal effort on your part. They're simple, reliable, and always deliver big, delicious results without complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.
If you're curious about what qualifies, you can read more about our Ridiculously Easy recipe criteria and explore the full collection in our Ridiculously Easy recipe category.
These Strawberry Rice Krispie Treats check every box. They come together in minutes, use pantry-friendly ingredients, and turn out soft, chewy, and absolutely irresistible every single time.
Simple Ingredients You'll Need
You only need a handful of simple, easy-to-find ingredients to make these Strawberry Rice Krispie Treats:
- Butter - everything's better with butter, right?
- Mini marshmallows (divided) - a portion is melted with the butter, the rest is added with the cereal for those wonderful gooey pockets.
- Vanilla extract - just a spoonful to enhance the strawberry flavor.
- Crispy rice cereal (I like Rice Krispies) - for that light, signature crunch
- Freeze-dried strawberries - this is where the magic happens and creates that intense strawberry flavor!
- Pink food coloring (optional) - just a drop or two, for a pretty, rosy hue.
How to Get Perfect Soft & Chewy Rice Krispie Treats
Want bakery-style Rice Krispie Treats that are soft, gooey, and never hard? These simple tips make all the difference:
- Use low heat - Melt the butter and marshmallows slowly over low heat. High heat can make the treats stiff and dry.
- Brand name matters (in this case!) - I'm usually all for generic brands, but after a little A/B testing with this recipe, I found that brand-name marshmallows melt more quickly and evenly than their generic counterparts. (I use Jet Puffed)
- Don't melt all the marshmallows - Stir in the last portion at the end so they only partially melt, which creates those irresistible gooey pockets.
- Press gently into the pan - Light pressure is key! Packing the mixture too firmly will result in dense, hard bars.
- Work quickly - Once everything is mixed, transfer to the pan right away before the mixture starts to set.
- Use fresh marshmallows - Older marshmallows don't melt as smoothly and can affect the texture.
Free printable Strawberry Rice Krispie Treat labels
If you love sharing "gifts from the kitchen," these Strawberry Rice Krispie Treats are just begging to be dressed up and delivered! I've created a set of free printable labels to make gifting easy, pretty, and just a little bit special.
Tie up a box with a bright ribbon, add one of these cheerful labels, and you've got a thoughtful homemade treat that's sure to make someone's day.
Simply enter your email below, and the labels will be sent straight to your inbox-ready to print, cut, and share. And as a little bonus, you'll also receive fresh recipe inspiration from The Café!
Get your free printable labels...
An easy, delicious treat you'll make again and again!
These Strawberry Rice Krispie Treats are one of those happy little recipes that check all the boxes: easy, pretty, and completely irresistible. With their soft, chewy texture, bursts of real strawberry flavor, and those dreamy marshmallow pockets, they're guaranteed to disappear fast (just ask my family!). Whether you're making them for a gathering, a sweet gift, or just because, don't be surprised if they become a regular in your recipe rotation.
FAQ & Café Tips for this Strawberry Rice Krispie Treats recipes
No, fresh strawberries contain too much moisture and will make the treats soggy. Freeze-dried strawberries give you concentrated flavor without affecting the texture.
Yes! These are great, made a day or two in advance. Just store them in an airtight container or ziplock bag at room temperature for the best texture.
Yes! Wrap them well and freeze for up to 1-2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Either an 8×8 or 9×9-inch pan will work. An 8-inch pan will give you thicker, taller treats, while a 9-inch pan yields slightly thinner bars.
Yes! Double the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch pan for a larger batch.
Nope, it's completely optional! The freeze-dried strawberries add a natural pink hue, but a drop or two of coloring will give you a brighter color if you'd like.
This usually happens from using heat that's too high or pressing the mixture too firmly into the pan. For soft, chewy treats, melt the marshmallows gently over low heat and press the mixture in lightly, just enough to hold everything together.
Scroll Down for the Recipe - or Save It to Your Inbox
We'll email you the recipe so it's easy to save, print, or share.
Ridiculously Easy Strawberry Rice Krispie Treats
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter, 1 stick or 4 ounces
- 16 ounces mini marshmallows, divided
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 drops pink food coloring, optional
- 5 cups crispy rice cereal, I like Rice Krispies
- 2 ounces freeze-dried strawberries, They often come in 1-ounce bags, so you'll need 2!
Instructions
For the prep:
- Place half (about 1 ounce or 28g) of the freeze-dried strawberries in a gallon-size zip-top bag. Seal tightly, removing excess air.
- Wiggle the bag a bit so the strawberries are evenly distributed, then, use a rolling pin to crush the strawberries into a fine powder. Set aside.
- Leave the remaining strawberries in slices.
- Spray an 8×8 or 9×9-inch pan with cooking spray. Line with foil or parchment, leaving an overhang for easy removal. Spray lightly again.
- (Tip: An 8-inch pan yields thicker treats.)
- Lightly spray a large pot or Dutch oven and a spatula with cooking spray.
To make the Rice Krispie Treats:
- Melt the butter over medium heat until just beginning to sizzle a bit.
- Reduce heat to low and add 12 ounces (about ¾) of the marshmallows.
- Stir continuously until melted and smooth. Be patient, low heat gives the best texture.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and food coloring (if using) until combined. Add crushed strawberries and stir until incorporated.
- Add the cereal, remaining marshmallows and most of the remaining strawberries (reserve a few for the top).
- Stir until everything is evenly coated and the marshmallows are just beginning to soften; you want visible marshmallow pockets.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. With lightly damp fingers, gently press into an even layer. Do not pack firmly.
- Tuck the reserved strawberries lightly into the top.
- Let the treats cool completely, then cut into squares and serve.
Notes
Food coloring is optional; it enhances the pink color but doesn’t affect flavor.
Nutrition
Shop Our Café Loves
We’ve gathered our favorite kitchen tools, tableware, and entertaining treasures in one place, the Café Loves store. It’s a wonderful spot to find something special for yourself or the cooks and hosts you love!
Hi Team!
These look scrumptious and easy to make. I would like to make them for Monday, bank holiday here in the UK and the family coming for a bbq. Any chance to get the button to choose metric measurements?
I have tried several of your recipes and we love all of them, cakes, desserts, sweets, soups, main meals. I commend you for being precise and your recipe being exact (nothing forgotten to list in ingredients and then always used under methods). It is also nice to see photos that actually show what the recipe looks like, which is sadly not always the case with other blogs. I love your little stories about what inspired you to do this recipe, how you developed it and how it was received. It almost makes me feel taking part in the process. Keep up the good work, it is highly appreciated.
Blessings, Karin x
Making these this week! I don't like Rice Krispie treats as a rule, but these look amazing!! You're a genius, Chris! Quick question...when do you add the food coloring? And did you use it for the pics? Thanks!
Hi Cat, the food coloring is added in step 4 under "How to make the Rice Krispie Treats". I had forgotten to add that at first, but corrected it later in the day that the recipe was published. If you refresh your page, you should see it there!
Oh,and yes, I do use a drop or two when I make these!
Thanks, Chris!
Can you double the recipe, or is it too much for the pan? I’m thinking I’ll need a lot more for teenagers😉
Hi Beverly, you could double this in a 9x13-inch pan!
when do you add the food coloring. do you add it to the slices?
Thanks, Meredith - I have added that to the recipe!
Never been a Rice Krispie fan, but I'll definitely be trying these! And for those of us who don't have Instagram, we missed out on your Easter video😭 It would be nice not to have to download an app to enjoy them! Bet you had fun!
I'm sorry, Cat - it was just something that we posted on Instagram - we don't have another option for sharing it.
Can't wait to make these with my grandchildren. Please send the labels. Thank you.
Hi Liz, scroll up to the section where I talk about gifting. You can download the labels instantly right there!