When I made these Strawberry Crunch Rice Krispie Treats, the kitchen smelled sweet like fresh strawberries and marshmallows.
Each square came out soft, chewy, and topped with that crunchy strawberry layer that looked so pretty.
I remember cutting them up and thinking—these taste just like summer.
These treats are colorful, fun, and full of nostalgic sweetness.
They’re perfect for parties, picnics, or a quick no-bake dessert.
Let’s make them together—you’ll love how simple and delicious they turn out.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: No baking required, just mix and set.
- Beautiful Pink Color: The strawberry gelatin creates a lovely pink shade that looks as good as it tastes.
- Extra Creamy: Marshmallow cream makes these treats softer and more decadent than traditional Rice Krispie treats.
- Kid-Friendly: Children love the strawberry flavor and fun texture.
- Perfect for Parties: These colorful treats are great for birthdays, baby showers, or spring gatherings.
What You Need to Know Before You Start
Prep Time & Cook Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: This recipe makes about 16 treats, depending on how large you cut them. Want more for a crowd? Double the recipe and use a larger pan.
Difficulty: Super easy! Even beginners can make these treats successfully on the first try.
Required Kitchen Tools
- Large pot or saucepan
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Parchment paper or cooking spray
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients for Strawberry Crunch Rice Krispie Treats
These treats use simple ingredients you can find at any grocery store. The strawberry gelatin powder gives them that special flavor and pretty color. Here’s everything you’ll need:
- Crispy Rice Cereal: 6 cups of plain rice cereal form the base of these treats.
- Marshmallows: 4 cups of mini marshmallows or about 40 large marshmallows create the gooey binding.
- Butter: 3 tablespoons of butter add richness and help everything melt smoothly.
- Vanilla Essence: 1 teaspoon brings warmth and depth to the flavor.
- Marshmallow Cream: Half a cup makes these treats extra soft and creamy.
- Strawberry Gelatin Mix: 3 tablespoons of strawberry gelatin powder (not prepared, just the dry powder) give these treats their fruity flavor and pink color.
- Vanilla Pudding Mix: 2 tablespoons of instant vanilla pudding mix add extra creaminess.
- Flour: 1 tablespoon helps absorb moisture and keeps the treats from being too sticky.
Variations for Strawberry Crunch Rice Krispie Treats
- Different Fruit Flavors: Try raspberry, cherry, or orange gelatin for different flavors and colors.
- Add Sprinkles: Mix in colorful sprinkles for extra fun and decoration.
- White Chocolate Drizzle: Melt white chocolate and drizzle over the top once set.
- Freeze-Dried Strawberries: Add crushed freeze-dried strawberries on top for more strawberry flavor and crunch.
- Use Golden Grahams: Replace half the rice cereal with Golden Grahams cereal for a different texture.
How to Make Strawberry Crunch Rice Krispie Treats Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Pan
Line your 9×13 inch pan with parchment paper or spray it well with cooking spray. This step is important so your treats come out easily later.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the strawberry gelatin powder, vanilla pudding mix, and flour. Stir them together and set aside.
3. Melt the Butter and Marshmallows
Put the butter in your large pot over medium heat. Once melted, add all the marshmallows. Stir constantly until the marshmallows are completely melted and smooth. This takes about 3 to 4 minutes.
4. Add the Creamy Ingredients
Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the vanilla essence and marshmallow cream until everything is well mixed and creamy.
5. Mix in the Powder
Add your dry ingredient mixture (gelatin, pudding, and flour) to the melted marshmallow mixture. Stir quickly until the pink color spreads evenly throughout.
6. Add the Cereal
Pour in the crispy rice cereal. Use your wooden spoon or spatula to fold and stir gently until every piece of cereal is coated with the pink marshmallow mixture.
7. Press Into Pan
Transfer the mixture to your prepared pan. Use a piece of parchment paper or a buttered spatula to press the mixture down evenly. Press firmly but gently so the treats hold together but stay soft.
8. Let Them Set
Allow the treats to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes until firm. You can speed this up by placing them in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
9. Cut and Serve
Once set, lift the treats out using the parchment paper. Cut into squares with a sharp knife. Clean the knife between cuts for neat edges.
Serving and Decoration
These Strawberry Crunch Rice Krispie Treats are beautiful on their own, but you can make them even more special:
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: A light sprinkle adds a sweet touch.
- Top with Fresh Strawberries: Place a small fresh strawberry slice on each square.
- Dip in White Chocolate: Dip one corner of each treat in melted white chocolate and let dry.
- Add Edible Flowers: Small edible flowers make these treats perfect for spring parties.
- Stack on a Pretty Plate: Arrange on a cake stand or colorful platter for parties.
Storing Strawberry Crunch Rice Krispie Treats
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
- Refrigerator: Keep treats fresh for up to 5 days in the fridge in an airtight container.
- Freezer: Wrap individual treats in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 6 weeks. Thaw at room temperature for 20 minutes before eating.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Don’t Overcook the Marshmallows: Stir constantly and remove from heat as soon as they melt. Overcooked marshmallows make hard treats.
- Work Quickly: The mixture starts to firm up as it cools, so work fast when mixing in the cereal and pressing into the pan.
- Grease Your Hands: Lightly butter your hands when pressing the mixture down to prevent sticking.
- Use Fresh Marshmallows: Old, hard marshmallows won’t melt properly.
- Cut with a Hot Knife: Run your knife under hot water and dry it before cutting for cleaner edges.
- Don’t Press Too Hard: Press firmly enough to hold the treats together, but not so hard that they become dense and tough.
Nutrition
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 treat) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 165 |
| Total Fat | 3g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Cholesterol | 8mg |
| Sodium | 125mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 34g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0g |
| Sugars | 20g |
| Protein | 1g |
Nutritional values are approximate and based on 16 servings.
PrintStrawberry Crunch Rice Krispie Treats
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 16 treats 1x
- Category: Dessert / No-Bake Treats / Sweet Snacks
Ingredients
- 6 cups crispy rice cereal
- 4 cups mini marshmallows (or 40 large marshmallows)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
- 1/2 cup marshmallow cream
- 3 tablespoons strawberry gelatin mix (dry powder)
- 2 tablespoons instant vanilla pudding mix (dry powder)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Prepare Pan: Line a 9×13 inch pan with parchment paper or grease well with cooking spray.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, combine strawberry gelatin powder, vanilla pudding mix, and flour. Set aside.
- Melt Marshmallows: In a large pot over medium heat, melt butter. Add marshmallows and stir constantly until completely melted and smooth, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Creamy Ingredients: Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla essence and marshmallow cream until well combined.
- Add Powder Mixture: Quickly stir in the dry ingredient mixture until evenly distributed and pink color spreads throughout.
- Mix in Cereal: Add crispy rice cereal and fold gently until all cereal is coated with the marshmallow mixture.
- Press Into Pan: Transfer to prepared pan. Use buttered hands or parchment paper to press mixture down evenly and firmly.
- Cool and Set: Let cool at room temperature for 30 minutes or refrigerate for 15 minutes until firm.
- Cut and Serve: Lift from pan using parchment paper. Cut into 16 squares with a sharp knife.
Strawberry Crunch Rice Krispie Treats FAQs
Yes! Use about 40 large marshmallows. They take slightly longer to melt, so stir patiently until smooth.
This usually happens when the marshmallows are cooked too long or at too high heat. Melt them gently over medium heat and remove from heat immediately when smooth.
Yes, but they won’t be quite as soft and creamy. You can add an extra cup of marshmallows instead.
No, but the strawberry flavor is what makes these special. You can use any flavor of gelatin you like for different variations.
Butter your hands lightly before pressing the mixture into the pan. You can also use a piece of parchment paper to press down.
The gelatin already provides nice color, but you can add a few drops of pink food coloring if you want a brighter shade.
Conclusion
Strawberry Crunch Rice Krispie Treats are a delightful twist on the classic recipe that everyone will enjoy. The combination of marshmallow sweetness with strawberry flavor creates a treat that tastes like summer in every bite. These pretty pink squares are simple enough for kids to help make and special enough to serve at any celebration. Whether you pack them in lunchboxes, serve them at parties, or enjoy them as an afternoon snack, these treats are sure to bring smiles.
