Bright, buttery, and impossibly chewy, these Rainbow Rice Krispie Treats are a joyful twist on the classic no-bake snack. Kids adore the colors and grown-ups love how fast they come together.
They’re perfect for birthday parties, bake sales, or an easy holiday platter. Make a batch, let them cool, and watch them disappear.
For more party-friendly sides that pair well with these treats, consider trying a savory rice casserole to balance the sweetness: Bang Bang Fried Rice recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Rainbow Rice Krispie Treats
– Bright, eye-catching layers that are party-ready.
– No-bake and quick—ready in under an hour.
– Soft, chewy interior with a slight crisp on the edges.
– Customizable colors for any theme or holiday.
– Kid-friendly prep; great for little helpers.
– Uses pantry staples you likely already have.
The taste is pure, buttery marshmallow nostalgia with the toasted snap of Rice Krispies. Each square offers a tender, slightly sticky chew with a gentle crisp when you first bite in.
★★★★★ “I made these for my daughter’s rainbow party and they vanished within minutes. Fun to make and even better to eat!” — Real reader review
Key Ingredients for Rainbow Rice Krispie Treats
Gel food coloring: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple.
Gel colors matter because they provide vivid hues without thinning the marshmallow mixture. Pick concentrated gel paste rather than liquid dye to avoid altering texture. If you substitute liquid food coloring, expect paler colors and a slightly stickier marshmallow mix.
Miniature marshmallows (32 ounces).
The marshmallows are the glue and the primary sweetness. Use regular mini marshmallows for even melting and consistent texture. Using large marshmallows will work, but chop them first so they melt faster and more uniformly.
Butter (12 tablespoons).
Butter adds richness, sheen, and helps control stickiness. Use unsalted butter so you can control salt levels; if you substitute with margarine, expect a less rich flavor and a different mouthfeel.
Rice Krispies cereal (15 cups).
The cereal gives structure and the signature “snap.” Use plain Rice Krispies or similar puffed rice cereal; flavored varieties change taste and can clash with the marshmallow. Overly stale cereal will produce softer, less crisp bars.
Full Ingredient List for Rainbow Rice Krispie Treats
– 32 ounces miniature marshmallows
– 12 tablespoons butter
– 15 cups Rice Krispies cereal
– Gel food coloring: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple
Step-by-Step Instructions for Rainbow Rice Krispie Treats
Step 1: Line an 8- or 9-inch square baking pan with wax paper or parchment, and lightly spray with non-stick cooking spray.
Use a single sheet of parchment or wax paper pressed to the pan, with corners neatly folded. Lightly spray the paper so each layer releases easily when you lift the slab. This prevents sticking and makes tidy slicing easier.
Pro Tip: The paper should lie smooth with no large air pockets and feel slick where you sprayed it.
Step 2: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine marshmallows and butter; microwave for 1 minute, stir, then microwave in 20-30 second bursts until smooth.
Melt the marshmallows and butter together gently to avoid scorching. Stir after each burst to redistribute heat; the mixture will go glossy and pourable when ready. If you prefer stove-top, melt on low with a silicone spatula, stirring continuously.
Pro Tip: The mixture should look glossy and have no visible marshmallow lumps; it will smell sweet and buttery.
Step 3: Divide melted mixture into six bowls, adding gel food coloring to each. Stir until color is uniform.
Portion the warm marshmallow mixture into six shallow bowls for easier mixing. Add a tiny pea-sized amount of gel dye and stir vigorously until the color deepens. Add color sparingly—gel is concentrated and a little goes far.
Pro Tip: Each bowl should show an even, opaque color with no streaks and the mixture should feel smooth and slightly warm.
Step 4: Add 2 1/2 cups Rice Krispies to each bowl and fold gently until coated.
Measure 2 1/2 cups cereal into each colored bowl and fold using a spatula or spoon. Coat each cereal portion thoroughly so every flake is shiny with marshmallow. Work quickly but gently to preserve some crispness.
Pro Tip: The coated cereal should look glossy and clump together lightly without being soupy or dry.
Step 5: Press the first colored mixture into the prepared pan, then layer remaining colors, pressing gently.
Start with one color and press it into the pan in an even rectangle, using a piece of parchment or greased spatula to avoid sticking. Layer subsequent colors directly on top, pressing only enough to create good adhesion without crushing the cereal. Aim for even thickness per layer.
Pro Tip: Each layer should be even, about 1/2 inch thick, and the top should be smooth but not overly compressed.
Step 6: Cool at room temperature for 30-60 minutes, lift from pan, trim edges, and slice into 1-inch squares.
Let the slab firm up at room temperature until set but still slightly pliable. Lift the paper out of the pan, trim ragged edges with a sharp knife, and use a serrated or nonstick knife to cut 1-inch squares. For cleaner cuts, chill 10–15 minutes before slicing.
Pro Tip: The finished slab should hold its shape, have defined layers, and feel set but not rock-hard.
Expert Tips for Rainbow Rice Krispie Treats
– Work quickly: marshmallow sets fast; have bowls and cereal pre-measured.
– Temperature tip: keep the room cool; high heat makes marshmallow too runny and sticky.
– Use gel colors to avoid diluting the mixture and to get vibrant layers.
– Texture troubleshooting: if bars are too hard, you over-compressed them or used too much cereal; press more gently next time.
– Equipment tip: silicone spatulas and greased parchment make mixing and pressing painless.
– Common mistake: adding wet mix or liquids—never add water or liquid flavorings directly, it changes texture.
– Knife tip: warm the knife under hot water and dry it between passes for cleaner slices.
– Serving tip: place sheets of parchment between stacked squares to prevent sticking.
Also useful for party planning: if you want a hearty side to balance the sweets, try a cheesy casserole with rice like the cheesy hamburger rice casserole for a family-style spread.
Storage & Freezing for Rainbow Rice Krispie Treats
Room temperature storage: keep in an airtight container at room temp for up to 3 days. Place wax or parchment between layers to prevent sticking. Avoid refrigeration unless you prefer a chewier texture.
Fridge storage: refrigerating can firm them up and keep them 4–6 days, but expect them to be slightly firmer and chewier. Use an airtight container to avoid moisture absorption.
Freezer storage: wrap squares individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag or airtight container for up to 3 months. Freeze quickly to lock texture and color.
Thawing & reheating: thaw at room temperature for 30–60 minutes before serving. If they feel too firm, microwave a single square for 8–10 seconds to restore softness. For other make-ahead party ideas, consider pairing with a zesty rice bake such as chicken enchilada rice casserole that reheats well.
Variations & Substitutions for Rainbow Rice Krispie Treats
Confetti sprinkle surprise: Fold in 1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles to each colored bowl before pressing. The sprinkles add tiny pops of color and crunch; use nonpareils (not jimmies) to avoid bleeding color.
Chocolate layer twist: replace one color layer with 2 cups mini chocolate chips melted into 1 cup marshmallow mix and 2 1/2 cups cereal. This yields a rich chocolate band that pairs beautifully with the sweet marshmallow.
Gluten-free swap: use certified gluten-free puffed rice cereal instead of standard Rice Krispies. The texture remains similar and the bars are safe for gluten-sensitive guests.
Fruit-flavored edition: add 1/4 teaspoon clear, fruit-flavored extract (like strawberry or lemon) to each color and reduce gel by a touch if you want subtle candy-like fruit notes. Use sparingly to avoid changing consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rainbow Rice Krispie Treats
Q: Can I make these ahead of time for a party?
A: Yes. Make them up to 48–72 hours ahead and store in an airtight container at room temperature with parchment layers between squares. For best texture, avoid refrigerating unless you need the extra firmness; chilling shortens shelf life slightly due to condensation when brought back to room temp.
Q: How do I keep the colors bright and not bleed into each other?
A: Use gel food coloring and allow each layer to firm slightly before pressing the next. Work quickly so colors set while still tacky but not wet. If layers look too soft, chill the slab for 5–10 minutes between additions.
Q: Can I make these without a microwave?
A: Absolutely. Melt butter and marshmallows in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over very low heat, stirring constantly until smooth. Remove from heat, then divide and color as instructed. Stove-top gives slightly more control and avoids hot spots.
Q: Why are my Rice Krispie treats too hard or too soft?
A: Too hard usually means over-pressing or too much cereal for the marshmallow amount. Too soft indicates undercooking the marshmallow melt (not glossy) or too much butter. Follow ratios precisely and press gently.
Q: Can I freeze already-cut squares?
A: Yes. Wrap each square tightly in plastic and store in an airtight container in the freezer up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30–60 minutes before serving; for an even softer bite, microwave one square for 8–10 seconds.
Final Thoughts on Rainbow Rice Krispie Treats
Bright, easy, and endlessly customizable, these Rainbow Rice Krispie Treats are a party staple that both kids and adults love. If this recipe brought a smile, please leave a star rating in the recipe card below and pin it to Pinterest for later.
Conclusion – Rainbow Rice Krispie Treats
For a comparison and additional visual tips, see the version at Rainbow Rice Krispie Treats – Simply Recipes, a step-by-step adaptation with photos.
If you enjoy playful cereal desserts, this tutorial on EASY RAINBOW RICE KRISPIE TREATS — a fun, no-bake dessert offers another approachable method.
For more color-layer inspiration and plating ideas, check out Rainbow Rice Krispie Treats – Baked Bree.
Rainbow Rice Krispie Treats
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 32 ounces miniature marshmallows Use regular mini marshmallows for even melting and consistent texture.
- 12 tablespoons butter Use unsalted butter for better salt control.
- 15 cups Rice Krispies cereal Use plain Rice Krispies for best results; flavored varieties can clash with marshmallow.
Coloring
- gel food coloring: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple Use concentrated gel paste to avoid altering texture.
Instructions
Preparation
- Line an 8- or 9-inch square baking pan with wax paper or parchment, and lightly spray with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine marshmallows and butter; microwave for 1 minute, stir, then microwave in 20-30 second bursts until smooth.
- Divide melted mixture into six bowls, adding gel food coloring to each. Stir until color is uniform.
Mixing
- Add 2 1/2 cups Rice Krispies to each bowl and fold gently until coated.
- Press the first colored mixture into the prepared pan, then layer remaining colors, pressing gently.
Cooling and Slicing
- Cool at room temperature for 30-60 minutes, lift from pan, trim edges, and slice into 1-inch squares.
