Red White Blue Treats

This festive red, white and blue crispy rice treats recipe transforms the classic marshmallow treat into a patriotic masterpiece perfect for summer celebrations. The colorful layers create a stunning visual effect that will impress guests while maintaining that nostalgic sweet and crunchy texture everyone loves.

I first made these for a neighborhood Fourth of July block party, and they disappeared faster than the fireworks overhead. Now they're requested at every summer gathering from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Ingredients

• Nonstick cooking spray: Prevents sticking and makes removal from the pan effortless
• Unsalted butter: Creates that rich, classic flavor base. Use high quality for best taste
• Mini marshmallows: Melt faster and more evenly than large ones. Fresh bags work best
• Crispy rice cereal: Provides the signature crunch. Name brand tends to hold texture better
• Blue gel food coloring: Gives vibrant color without thinning the marshmallow mixture
• Red gel food coloring: Creates the perfect patriotic red layer without adding liquid
• Red white and blue sprinkles: Adds festive flair and extra texture to the top layer

How To Make Red White And Blue Crispy Rice Treats

Prepare the pan:

Line a 9x9 inch baking dish with aluminum foil leaving an overhang on two sides. This creates handles for easy removal later. Spray the foil lightly with cooking spray to ensure nothing sticks.

Prepare the blue layer:

Divide butter and marshmallows between three bowls. Microwave the first bowl for about 60 seconds until marshmallows are puffy. Stir in blue food coloring until completely incorporated with no streaks. Quickly add cereal and fold until evenly coated. Transfer to prepared pan and press into an even layer.

Create the white layer:

Microwave the second bowl of butter and marshmallows until melted. This layer remains undyed for the white stripe. Mix in cereal until coated and press firmly over the blue layer creating your second stripe.

Add the red layer:

Microwave final bowl of butter and marshmallows. Add red food coloring and stir until evenly colored. Fold in remaining cereal and press on top of white layer completing your patriotic stack.

Finish with sprinkles:

While still warm, sprinkle the top with red white and blue sprinkles, pressing gently so they adhere to the surface. This adds extra festive appeal and a bit of crunch.

Set and serve:

Let treats sit at room temperature until firm, about 30 minutes. Use foil handles to lift from pan, then cut into 16 squares.

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The first time I made these, my daughter insisted on adding extra sprinkles to the top layer. That happy accident became our family tradition, and now we sometimes mix sprinkles into each layer for added texture and surprise color throughout.

Perfect Timing Tips

Making these treats for a specific holiday? Time it right! I've found preparing them the morning of your event gives them enough time to set properly while still being fresh and chewy when served. If making a day ahead, cover tightly with plastic wrap after cutting to maintain that perfect soft texture.

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Clever Variations

Want to customize these treats beyond July 4th? The layering technique works beautifully with any color combination. Try school colors for graduation parties, team colors for sports events, or pastels for baby showers. Simply adjust your food coloring accordingly. For Halloween, orange and black layers create a spooky treat, while red and green work perfectly for Christmas celebrations.

Serving Suggestions

These crispy treats make a perfect standalone dessert, but for a truly memorable spread, pair them with complementary dishes. Serve alongside fresh berries for a sweet contrast, or create a dessert board with vanilla ice cream and chocolate dipping sauce. For summer parties, these treats hold up well outdoors without melting like many other desserts.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini ones?

Yes, you can use regular marshmallows, but they may take slightly longer to melt. Mini marshmallows melt faster and more evenly, which makes mixing easier.

→ What can I use instead of crispy rice cereal?

If you don’t have crispy rice cereal, you can use puffed rice or similar cereals with a light texture. Avoid dense or overly sweetened cereals to maintain the balance of flavors.

→ How do I prevent the layers from sticking to my hands?

Spraying a little nonstick cooking spray on your hands or rubber spatula helps keep the marshmallow mixture from sticking while pressing it into the pan.

→ Can I make these treats ahead of time?

Yes, these treats keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Make sure they’re stored in a cool, dry place to maintain their texture.

→ Is the food coloring necessary, or can I skip it?

The food coloring is optional and adds visual appeal for themed celebrations. You can skip it if you prefer natural-looking treats or use natural food colorings as an alternative.

→ What’s the best way to cut the treats cleanly?

Use a sharp knife sprayed with nonstick cooking spray or lightly greased for smooth, clean cuts. Cut slowly to avoid crushing the crispy layers.