Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats

Okay, if you’ve ever dreamed of a Rice Krispies Treat that’s a little extra (and by “extra,” I mean deliciously decadent), this is the recipe you need. Imagine the classic crispy, gooey Rice Krispies Treat, but with a twist: each bite is filled with rich chocolate, sweet cherries, and that signature marshmallowy goodness. The perfect balance of crunchy, chewy, and smooth! These Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats are an instant crowd-pleaser—whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering, packing them in lunchboxes, or just indulging in a sweet snack.

Trust me, once you make these, they’ll disappear faster than you can say “chocolate cherry bliss.”

Why You’ll Love Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats

These treats are everything you love about the classic Rice Krispies bars—with an indulgent twist that turns them into something truly special.

Sweet & Salty Magic

The soft, marshmallow-y Rice Krispies are perfectly balanced with the rich, decadent chocolate and the tartness of cherries. It’s the ultimate sweet and salty combo that you can’t stop eating.

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor

This recipe uses simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. But don’t let that fool you—this treat brings a whole lot of flavor with very little effort.

A Fun Twist on the Classic

We all love the classic Rice Krispies treat, but these are next level with the addition of cherries and chocolate. They’re perfect for adding a bit of fun and flair to a timeless favorite.

Quick & Easy to Make

You won’t be spending all day in the kitchen for these! With just a few steps, you’ll have a batch of irresistible treats ready to enjoy in under 30 minutes.

Versatile for Any Occasion

Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just a sweet afternoon craving, these treats are perfect for any occasion. Plus, they can easily be adapted to fit any dietary preferences or flavor twists.

Ingredients

Let’s break down the ingredients that turn the humble Rice Krispies treat into something extraordinary.

For the Rice Krispies Treats:

• Rice Krispies Cereal: The crunchy base that holds everything together. Classic and simple, but oh-so-satisfying.
• Marshmallows: The key to getting that gooey, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Use the mini marshmallows for easier melting!
• Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the base, helping everything come together perfectly.
• Salt: Just a pinch of salt to balance out the sweetness and enhance the overall flavor.
• Maraschino Cherries: Sweet, juicy cherries that add a pop of color and flavor. Chop them into small pieces for an even distribution.

For the Chocolate Coating:

• Chocolate Chips: Use semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips, depending on your preference. The rich chocolate coating is what makes these treats feel extra indulgent.
• Heavy Cream: To help create a smooth and silky ganache that will coat the bars with ease.
• Butter: A little bit of butter in the ganache gives it that rich, glossy finish.

Instructions

Let’s get to the fun part—making these irresistible treats!

Step 1: Make the Rice Krispies Treats Base

1. Melt the Butter: In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the marshmallows and stir constantly until they are fully melted and smooth.
2. Mix in the Rice Krispies: Remove from heat, and quickly fold in the Rice Krispies cereal and a pinch of salt. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated in the marshmallow mixture.
3. Add the Chopped Cherries: Fold in the maraschino cherries, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
4. Press Into the Pan: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper. Press the Rice Krispies mixture into the dish, making sure it’s even and compact. Use the back of a spoon or your hands (lightly greased) to press down firmly.

Step 2: Prepare the Chocolate Ganache

1. Melt the Chocolate: In a heatproof bowl, combine the chocolate chips, heavy cream, and butter. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
2. Coat the Rice Krispies Treats: Once the chocolate ganache is ready, pour it over the top of the Rice Krispies treats. Use a spatula to spread it evenly over the surface.

Step 3: Let the Chocolate Set

1. Chill to Set: Allow the treats to cool and the chocolate to set. You can speed up this process by placing them in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
2. Cut into Squares: Once the chocolate is firm, cut the treats into squares or rectangles. You should have about 12-16 pieces, depending on how big you like your treats.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Serve these sweet, chocolatey, cherry-filled delights at room temperature, and watch them disappear in no time! They’re best enjoyed within a couple of days, but I’d be surprised if they lasted that long!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 16
Calories per serving: 230
Total Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 80mg
Total Carbohydrates: 32g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Total Sugars: 21g
Protein: 1g
Vitamin A: 6% of your daily value
Vitamin C: 2% of your daily value
Calcium: 2% of your daily value
Iron: 6% of your daily value

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats

These treats are perfect just as they are, but if you want to elevate them even more, here are a few ideas for serving:

With Whipped Cream

Serve these with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an over-the-top treat.

As Party Favors

These treats make great party favors or a fun homemade gift! Cut them into smaller pieces and wrap them up in cellophane with a festive bow.

With a Drizzle of Chocolate

For an extra touch of indulgence, drizzle some extra melted chocolate over the top before serving.

With a Cup of Coffee

These sweet treats pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk. The richness of the chocolate and the sweetness of the cherries make for the perfect pairing.

Additional Tips

• Cherries: For a more intense cherry flavor, feel free to use dried cherries or cherry preserves instead of maraschino cherries. Just adjust the texture accordingly.
• Make It Dairy-Free: You can swap the butter for vegan butter and use dairy-free chocolate chips to make these treats vegan-friendly!
• Make-Ahead: These are great for making ahead and storing. Just keep them in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature, or store them in the fridge for up to a week.
• Customize with Other Mix-ins: If you’re feeling adventurous, add in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts, or even mini marshmallows for extra gooey texture.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make these treats without the cherries?
A1: Yes! If cherries aren’t your thing, you can leave them out or substitute them with other fruits like dried cranberries or raisins. You can also just go for a classic chocolate-covered Rice Krispies treat.

Q2: Can I use dark chocolate for the ganache?
A2: Absolutely! Dark chocolate would give these treats a more intense chocolate flavor, which balances well with the sweetness of the Rice Krispies and cherries.

Q3: How do I store these treats?
A3: Store the treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week.

Q4: Can I freeze these treats?
A4: Yes! These treats freeze well. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container, and they’ll keep for up to 3 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.

Q5: How can I make these treats gluten-free?
A5: To make these treats gluten-free, simply substitute the Rice Krispies with gluten-free puffed rice cereal.

Q6: Can I use a different type of chocolate for the ganache?
A6: Yes! You can use milk chocolate, white chocolate, or even chocolate chips in place of semi-sweet chocolate. Just adjust the sweetness accordingly.

Q7: Can I add more cherries?
A7: Absolutely! If you love cherries, feel free to

add more to the Rice Krispies mixture for a more pronounced cherry flavor.

Q8: Can I make this recipe without using marshmallows?
A8: You can try making a marshmallow substitute using melted white chocolate and butter. However, this might slightly alter the texture.

Q9: How do I make these treats more “cherry forward”?
A9: For a stronger cherry flavor, you can try using cherry extract in the ganache or add more maraschino cherries into the Rice Krispies mixture.

Q10: Can I add a drizzle of caramel?
A10: Yes, caramel would be a wonderful addition! A light drizzle of caramel sauce on top will add an extra layer of sweetness and richness.

Conclusion

Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats are a fun and indulgent take on a beloved classic, with the perfect balance of crunchy, gooey, and chocolatey goodness. Whether you’re making them for a party or just because, these treats are sure to impress. Grab the ingredients, get your hands sticky, and prepare to enjoy a treat that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

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