Ridiculously Easy Strawberry Rice Krispie Treats
These Strawberry Rice Krispie Treats are soft, chewy and packed with real strawberry flavor from freeze-dried strawberries. Easy to make with gooey marshmallow pockets and simple pantry ingredients, they’re the perfect no-bake dessert for any occasion.
Servings: 16
Calories: 178kcal
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
Don’t skip the divided marshmallows; adding some at the end creates those signature gooey pockets.
Use low heat to melt the marshmallows; high heat can make the treats firm instead of soft and chewy.
Press gently; packing the mixture too tightly results in dense bars.
Freeze-dried strawberries are key; fresh strawberries will add too much moisture.
Food coloring is optional; it enhances the pink color but doesn’t affect flavor.
Food coloring is optional; it enhances the pink color but doesn’t affect flavor.
Nutrition
Calories: 178kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 69mg | Potassium: 57mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 177IU | Vitamin C: 43mg | Calcium: 4mg | Iron: 1mg