These Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats are the perfect combination of chewy, crispy, and chocolatey goodness. They bring together the classic marshmallow and Rice Krispies combo with sweet dried cherries and a luscious chocolate coating. Whether it’s for a quick snack, a party treat, or just a fun dessert, these bars are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Why I Love This Recipe
The combination of crispy cereal and gooey marshmallows creates an irresistible texture.
Dried cherries add a burst of fruity sweetness that pairs beautifully with the chocolate.
The rich dark chocolate topping makes these treats feel extra indulgent.
No baking is required, making them super quick and easy to prepare.
They store well, so I can make a batch ahead of time for a convenient treat.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
4 cups Rice Krispies cereal
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1 (10-ounce) bag marshmallows
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup dried cherries, chopped
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
1 teaspoon coconut oil
Directions
Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper and lightly grease it with butter or nonstick spray.
In a large pot over low heat, melt the butter. Add the marshmallows and stir until fully melted and smooth.
Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Fold in the Rice Krispies cereal and chopped dried cherries, mixing until everything is evenly coated.
Press the mixture firmly into the prepared baking dish using a spatula or lightly greased hands. Let it cool completely.
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the dark chocolate chips with the coconut oil in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth.
Drizzle or spread the melted chocolate over the Rice Krispies treats. Let them set at room temperature or refrigerate for faster setting.
Once the chocolate is firm, cut into squares and serve.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Calories per serving: 180 kcal
Variations
White Chocolate Twist: Swap the dark chocolate chips for white chocolate to create a sweeter, creamier topping.
Nutty Crunch: Add ¼ cup of chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts for an extra crunch.
Cherry Swirl: Mix 2 tablespoons of cherry preserves into the melted chocolate for even more cherry flavor.
Extra Chocolatey: Stir in ¼ cup of mini chocolate chips when mixing the Rice Krispies for chocolate in every bite.
Marshmallow Fluff: Use marshmallow fluff instead of whole marshmallows for an even softer texture.
Storage & Reheating
Room Temperature: Store the treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator: For a firmer texture, keep them in the fridge for up to a week.
Freezer: Wrap each square in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before eating.
Related Recipes:
- Salted Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats
- Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cake
- Banana Pudding Rice Krispies
FAQs
How do I prevent my Rice Krispies treats from getting too hard?
I make sure to melt the marshmallows over low heat and avoid over-stirring, which can make them too dense. Also, pressing them gently into the pan instead of packing them too tightly keeps them softer.
Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried ones?
Fresh cherries contain more moisture and may make the treats too sticky. Dried cherries work best, but if using fresh, I recommend chopping and drying them slightly first.
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Absolutely! Milk chocolate will make the treats sweeter and creamier, while dark chocolate gives them a richer taste. It depends on personal preference.
What can I use instead of coconut oil?
I can use butter or vegetable oil in place of coconut oil when melting the chocolate. This helps keep it smooth and spreadable.
Do I need to refrigerate these treats after adding chocolate?
Refrigeration isn’t necessary, but it does help the chocolate set faster. If left at room temperature, the chocolate will firm up within an hour.
Conclusion
These Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats are a delightful twist on a classic favorite. The combination of chewy, crispy, and chocolatey flavors makes them an irresistible snack or dessert. They’re quick to make, easy to customize, and perfect for sharing. Whether I need a sweet treat for a party or just a simple homemade dessert, these bars always hit the spot.
📖 Recipe:
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Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats are the perfect combination of chewy, crispy, and chocolatey goodness. They bring together the classic marshmallow and Rice Krispies combo with sweet dried cherries and a luscious chocolate coating. Whether it’s for a quick snack, a party treat, or just a fun dessert, these bars are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Ingredients
4 cups Rice Krispies cereal
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1 (10-ounce) bag marshmallows
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup dried cherries, chopped
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
1 teaspoon coconut oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan – Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper and lightly grease it with butter or nonstick spray.
- Melt the Marshmallows – In a large pot over low heat, melt the butter. Add the marshmallows and stir until fully melted and smooth.
- Add Flavor – Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Ingredients – Fold in the Rice Krispies cereal and chopped dried cherries, mixing until everything is evenly coated.
- Shape the Treats – Press the mixture firmly into the prepared baking dish using a spatula or lightly greased hands. Let it cool completely.
- Melt the Chocolate – In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the dark chocolate chips with the coconut oil in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth.
- Add the Chocolate Topping – Drizzle or spread the melted chocolate over the Rice Krispies treats. Let them set at room temperature or refrigerate for faster setting.
- Cut & Serve – Once the chocolate is firm, cut into squares and enjoy!
Notes
Soft Treats Tip – Melt marshmallows over low heat and avoid over-stirring to keep the treats soft and chewy.
Chocolate Choices – Swap dark chocolate for milk or white chocolate for a different flavor.
Extra Add-Ins – Try chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips for an added crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 bars
- Calories: 180 kcal
