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Red, White, and Blue Rice Krispie Treats

Red, White, and Blue Rice Krispie Treats are an easy, layered marshmallow-and-cereal dessert made by melting and pressing three colored bars into a 9x13 pan. Each chewy square has a classic buttery marshmallow pull, finished with star sprinkles for a festive 4th of July look.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
cooling and setting 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 24 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Red Layer
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter Plus more for greasing the pan
  • 3 cup mini marshmallows
  • 1 Red gel food coloring Use several drops to reach a deep red
  • 3 cup Rice Krispies cereal
White Layer
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter Plus more for greasing the pan
  • 3 cup mini marshmallows
  • 3 cup Rice Krispies cereal
Blue Layer
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter Plus more for greasing the pan
  • 3 cup mini marshmallows
  • 1 Blue gel food coloring Use several drops to reach a deep blue
  • 3 cup Rice Krispies cereal
For the pan
  • 1 Cooking spray or butter (for greasing)
  • 0.5 cup white sprinkles Optional
  • 0.25 cup red and blue star-shaped sprinkles Optional

Equipment

  • 1 Dutch oven
  • 1 sheet pan

Method
 

Prep the pan
  1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan generously with cooking spray or butter, then set aside. Keep the pan ready so each layer can be pressed before the marshmallow sets.
Make the red layer
  1. Melt 3 tbsp unsalted butter in a large saucepan over low heat. Stir until just melted and smooth, without letting it brown.
  2. Add 3 cups mini marshmallows and stir constantly over low heat until fully melted and smooth. Remove from heat as soon as the mixture looks glossy and uniform.
  3. Add several drops of Red gel food coloring to the melted marshmallow mixture and stir until deeply red. Stop when the color is even throughout.
  4. Fold in 3 cups Rice Krispies cereal until fully coated. Mix gently so the cereal stays intact.
  5. Press the red layer evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan using a greased spatula or buttered hands. Press firmly into an even, flat layer so it won’t slump.
  6. Let the red layer cool for 5 minutes. It should feel set enough to hold the next layer.
Make the white layer
  1. Melt 3 tbsp unsalted butter in the saucepan over low heat. Stir until smooth and fully melted.
  2. Add 3 cups mini marshmallows and stir constantly over low heat until fully melted and smooth. Remove from heat once there are no lumps.
  3. Fold in 3 cups Rice Krispies cereal until fully coated. Mix just until the cereal is evenly covered.
  4. Press the white layer evenly over the red layer. Keep it level and press firmly so the layers fuse.
  5. Let the white layer cool for 5 minutes. This quick rest helps prevent color mixing.
Make the blue layer
  1. Melt 3 tbsp unsalted butter in the saucepan over low heat. Stir until the butter is completely melted.
  2. Add 3 cups mini marshmallows and stir constantly over low heat until fully melted and smooth. Pull the saucepan off the heat right away.
  3. Add several drops of Blue gel food coloring and stir until deeply blue. Keep mixing until the color is consistent.
  4. Fold in 3 cups Rice Krispies cereal until fully coated. Ensure there are no dry cereal pockets.
  5. Press the blue layer firmly and evenly over the white layer. Press with steady pressure to make clean, tight layers.
  6. If using, scatter star sprinkles over the top and press lightly to adhere. Add immediately after pressing so they stick.
Set, slice, and serve
  1. Let the pan sit at room temperature for at least 20–30 minutes until fully set and firm. The top should no longer feel sticky when touched lightly.
  2. Cut into squares or rectangles using a sharp greased knife. Wipe the blade between cuts for clean edges.
  3. Serve at room temperature. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Notes

Pro tip: press each layer firmly with greased hands to get smooth, distinct stripes. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days; freezing is not recommended for best texture. For a simple swap, use gluten-free Rice Krispies cereal to make the treats gluten-free.