These Monster Rice Krispie Treats are fun and colorful snacks that everyone loves! Made with melted marshmallows, crispy rice cereal, and lots of silly candy eyes, they’re perfect for a party!
Who can resist not only the yumminess but also the goofy face of these treats? I love giving them to friends and watching their smiles! They’re super easy to make—just mix, form, and enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice Krispies cereal: This ingredient provides that delightful crunch! You can swap it with other crispy cereals like Fruity Pebbles or even puffed rice for a different flavor and texture.
Mini marshmallows: They melt perfectly for the gooey base. If you’re looking for a lower-sugar option, try using a sugar-free brand or large marshmallows, just remember to adjust the quantity as they melt differently.
Gel food coloring: This is key for those vibrant monster hues! If you don’t have gel colors, liquid food coloring works too, but the gel gives deeper colors. Feel free to skip it for a classic look or use natural food dyes.
Candy eyeballs: These make your treats fun and festive! If you can’t find them, use chocolate chips or small candies for eyes. You can even pipe icing to create your own eyes!
How Do I Get the Rice Krispie Treats to Hold Their Shape?
The key to holding your Rice Krispie Treats together is the right proportion of marshmallows to cereal. Make sure to melt the marshmallows slowly and stir constantly until they are fully smooth. This way, they coat the Rice Krispies evenly for a sticky, cohesive mix.
- Melt the butter first before adding the mini marshmallows to ensure a smooth melt.
- Be careful not to overheat the mixture; medium to low heat works best.
- After mixing in the cereal, press it firmly into the pan to eliminate any air gaps. This will help your treats maintain their shape once cut!
Monster Rice Krispie Treats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Treats:
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 4 cups mini marshmallows
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
For the Color:
- Gel food coloring (green, purple, orange, blue)
For Decoration:
- Candy eyeballs (enough for each treat)
- Non-stick spray or butter (for greasing)
Time Estimate
This fun and colorful recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 1 hour to cool and set. In under 2 hours, you’ll have a delightful treat ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pan:
Start by greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick spray or butter. This will help the treats come out easily later. Set it aside for now.
2. Melt the Butter:
In a large pot, melt the unsalted butter over low heat. Stir it gently to ensure it doesn’t burn!
3. Add the Marshmallows:
Once the butter is melted, add in the mini marshmallows. Keep stirring constantly until they are fully melted and smooth. This is the gooey base for your treats!
4. Separate the Mixture:
Take the pot off the heat and divide the melted marshmallow mixture into 4 separate bowls. This allows you to create colorful monster layers!
5. Color the Marshmallows:
Add a few drops of gel food coloring to each bowl. Use green, purple, orange, and blue to create those bright monster colors. Stir it well until the colors are fully mixed in!
6. Combine with Rice Krispies:
For each colored mixture, gently fold in 1 1/2 cups of Rice Krispies cereal until each piece is well coated with the marshmallow mixture.
7. Press into the Pan:
Take each colored mixture and press it firmly into your prepared pan. You can do this in strips or blocks, leaving space for plain Rice Krispies in between if you like, to create a fun design.
8. Add the Eyeballs:
While the treats are still soft, gently press two candy eyeballs onto the top of each colored portion. This will make them look like cute little monsters!
9. Cool and Set:
Let the treats cool at room temperature for at least 1 hour. This allows them to set nicely for cutting later.
10. Cut and Serve:
Once they’ve cooled and set, cut the treats into squares. Make sure each piece has a colorful top with those fun eyeballs! Serve and enjoy your adorable Monster Rice Krispie Treats!
Can I Use Different Types of Cereal?
Absolutely! While Rice Krispies are traditional, you can substitute with other crispy cereals like Fruity Pebbles or Corn Pops for a unique twist. Just ensure they maintain a similar texture for the best results!
What If My Marshmallow Mixture Is Too Sticky?
If the mixture is too sticky, it might be helpful to lightly grease your hands or the spatula with non-stick spray when pressing it into the pan. This will prevent the mixture from sticking too much as you work!
Can I Make These Treats Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make these treats a day in advance! Just keep them stored in an airtight container at room temperature. This helps them stay fresh and delicious for your gathering!
How Long Do Leftover Treats Last?
Leftover Monster Rice Krispie Treats can last for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. To keep them fresh and chewy, avoid exposing them to air!
