If you’re after a treat that’s as fun and festive as St Patrick’s Day itself, then you have to try this St Patrick’s Day Rice Krispie Treats Recipe. It’s a delightful twist on a classic snack, packed with that perfect crunch from Rice Krispies®, the gooey sweetness of marshmallows, and a charming pop of green and white candy melts that make each square look like a little pot of gold. They’re quick to whip up, irresistibly tasty, and perfect for sharing good vibes with family and friends on this special occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making these treats is wonderfully simple, but every ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the ideal texture, flavor, and festive appearance. From the rich butter that helps bind everything together to those colorful candy melts that bring the St Patrick’s Day spirit alive, each component is essential for success.
- 1/4 cup butter: Adds richness and helps the marshmallows melt smoothly for the perfect chewy texture.
- 50 marshmallows: The key to that classic soft and gooey base in every bite.
- 7 cups Rice Krispies® cereal: Provides the crispy crunch that contrasts beautifully with the marshmallow softness.
- 1/3 cup green candy melts: Gives a vibrant, festive splash of color that’s perfect for St Patrick’s Day.
- 1/3 cup white candy melts: Adds a lovely contrast to the green, making the decoration pop visually.
How to Make St Patrick’s Day Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan
Start by spraying a 9 x 13-inch pan with non-stick cooking spray. This little step ensures your treats will slide out easily without sticking, so your presentation stays flawless and cleanup is a breeze.
Step 2: Melt Butter and Marshmallows
In an extra-large microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter and marshmallows. Heat on HIGH for 3 minutes, stopping to stir after 2 minutes. Stir until completely smooth and creamy, creating the luscious binder that holds the entire treat together.
Step 3: Mix in the Cereal
Add the Rice Krispies® cereal to the melted mixture. Gently fold it in until every flake is coated with sweet, gooey goodness. This step is what gives the treats that classic crispy-chewy balance we all crave.
Step 4: Press Into the Pan
With a damp hand, press the cereal mixture evenly into your prepared pan. The dampness helps prevent sticking, allowing you to create a uniform layer that’s just the right thickness. Let the mixture cool completely before moving on.
Step 5: Melt the Candy Coatings
Place the green and white candy melts separately into two Ziploc bags. Microwave each bag at 40% power for 1 minute, then knead the candy melts inside the bag. Repeat microwaving and kneading at 30-second intervals until the candy melts are smooth and fully melted. This method keeps things tidy and makes the drizzle effortless.
Step 6: Drizzle the Candy Melts
Snip off a small corner of each Ziploc bag and drizzle the melted candy over the cooled Rice Krispie treats. The contrasting swirls of green and white candy not only add a festive flair but create a delightful texture and taste layer that everyone will adore.
How to Serve St Patrick’s Day Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Garnishes
To add an extra special touch, consider sprinkling some edible gold glitter, festive green sprinkles, or even tiny shamrock-shaped candies on top of the candy drizzle before it sets. These little garnishes elevate your treats, making them perfect for party platters or gift boxes.
Side Dishes
While these treats stand perfectly on their own, pairing them with a light green smoothie or a refreshing mint lemonade rounds out the St Patrick’s Day experience. The fresh, tangy drinks balance the sweetness and keep the celebration feeling fresh and vibrant.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your St Patrick’s Day Rice Krispie Treats Recipe on a bright green cake stand or arrange them with other festive goodies like shamrock cookies and green-frosted cupcakes. Wrapping individual squares in clear cellophane tied with green ribbons also makes for charming party favors that guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your treats in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them soft and chewy. They should stay fresh for up to 3 days, making them an easy make-ahead option for your celebrations.
Freezing
If you want to keep these treats for longer, you can freeze them. Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. When well sealed, they can last up to 6 weeks in the freezer without losing their delightful taste or texture.
Reheating
No need to heat much—simply let frozen treats thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. This keeps them perfectly chewy without melting the candy drizzle or losing that iconic crispy crunch.
FAQs
Can I substitute the green candy melts with another color?
Absolutely! While green is perfect for St Patrick’s Day, you can use any color candy melts to match other themes or personal preferences. Just remember that the candy melts add both flavor and festive flair!
What if I don’t have Rice Krispies® cereal?
You can substitute with similar puffed rice cereals, but Rice Krispies® are ideal for that classic texture. Using a different brand may slightly change the treat’s crunchiness and flavor.
How do I prevent the candy melts from seizing?
Microwaving at reduced power and stirring often helps. If your candy melts get too thick, you can add a tiny bit of vegetable oil to smooth them out, but use sparingly to avoid thinning the drizzle too much.
Can I add extra mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
Definitely! Toss in mini chocolate chips, festive sprinkles, or chopped nuts before pressing the mixture into the pan for an extra layer of texture and flavor. Just fold them in gently to keep the treats light and crispy.
How long does it take for the candy drizzle to set?
The candy melts usually set at room temperature within 30 minutes. To speed up the process, you can pop the tray in the fridge for 10–15 minutes, but avoid leaving them too long to prevent condensation from softening the treats.
Final Thoughts
This St Patrick’s Day Rice Krispie Treats Recipe is one of those feel-good dessert gems that’s as easy as it is delightful. Whether you’re making it for a party, school event, or just a fun family treat, it brings smiles with every bite. Give it a try and watch how a simple twist on a classic snack can turn an ordinary day into a celebration filled with sweetness and cheer.
Print
St Patrick’s Day Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with these festive Rice Krispie Treats, featuring classic crispy marshmallow squares drizzled with green and white candy melts for a fun and colorful twist on a beloved treat. Quick and easy to make, they are perfect for parties or a sweet snack.
Ingredients
Base Treats
- 1/4 cup butter
- 50 marshmallows
- 7 cups Rice Krispies® cereal
Candy Drizzle
- 1/3 cup green candy melts
- 1/3 cup white candy melts
Instructions
- Prepare Pan: Spray a 9 x 13-inch pan with non-stick cooking spray to ensure the treats do not stick. Set aside.
- Melt Butter and Marshmallows: In an extra-large microwave-safe bowl, heat butter and marshmallows on HIGH for 3 minutes, stirring after 2 minutes. Stir the mixture thoroughly until smooth and fully melted.
- Add Cereal: Add the Rice Krispies cereal to the marshmallow mixture and mix until the cereal is evenly coated.
- Press Mixture into Pan: Using a damp hand, evenly press the cereal mixture into the prepared pan to create an even layer. Allow to cool completely, then cut into 12 squares.
- Melt Candy Melts: Place the green and white candy melts separately into two Ziploc bags. Microwave each at 40% power for 1 minute. Knead the candy melts inside the bags, then continue microwaving at 30-second intervals, kneading in between, until the candy melts are smooth and fully melted.
- Drizzle Candy: Snip off a small corner of each Ziploc bag and drizzle the melted candy melts over the Rice Krispie squares for a colorful and festive finish.
Notes
- Use a damp hand when pressing the cereal mixture into the pan to prevent sticking.
- You can substitute mini marshmallows for the regular ones if preferred.
- If you don’t have candy melts, white chocolate chips can be used as an alternative for the drizzle.
- Store treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Microwave power can vary; adjust melting times accordingly to avoid burning the candy melts.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Microwaving
- Cuisine: American
