If you’re craving a nostalgic treat with a gourmet twist, look no further than this Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats Recipe. Combining the chewy crunch of classic Rice Krispies with the rich indulgence of chocolate and the sweet-tart pop of maraschino cherries, these bars offer the perfect blend of childhood joy and grown-up flavor. Easy to make and impossible to resist, they’re ideal for bake sales, party platters, holiday trays, or simply when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe is a modern take on a beloved dessert that’s both familiar and fabulously elevated.
What makes this treat stand out is its layered texture and balanced sweetness. The base is made from the timeless trio of crispy rice cereal, butter, and marshmallows, but the addition of chopped cherries infuses each bite with juicy bursts of flavor. The final touch—a smooth coating of melted chocolate—creates a decadent shell that contrasts beautifully with the airy, gooey interior. Whether you’re a chocolate lover, a cherry fan, or just looking for a new twist on a classic, these chocolate covered cherry Rice Krispies treats deliver in flavor, appearance, and crowd appeal.
What Makes Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats Recipe Special?
This chocolate covered cherry Rice Krispies treats recipe stands out because it merges classic comfort with elegant flavor. The use of real maraschino cherries adds a vibrant pop of color and a tangy sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the chocolate. It’s a no-bake dessert that requires minimal time and effort but delivers maximum wow factor. Whether cut into clean squares or shaped into festive bites, these treats are perfect for every season and occasion. Plus, they keep well in the fridge and can even be frozen, making them perfect for make-ahead desserts or last-minute indulgences.
Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats Recipe
16
servings15
minutes5
minutes180
kcalIngredients for Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats Recipe
For the Base:
6 cups crispy rice cereal (like Rice Krispies)
1 (10 oz) bag mini marshmallows
3 tbsp unsalted butter
½ cup chopped maraschino cherries (well-drained and patted dry)
1 tsp vanilla extract
- For the Chocolate Topping:
1½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tbsp coconut oil or shortening (for smooth melting)
Extra maraschino cherry halves for garnish (optional)
Directions for Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats Recipe
- Prepare the Pan and Cherries
Grease a 9x9-inch square pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. Drain and finely chop the maraschino cherries, then pat them thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This is key to prevent soggy treats and ensure the cherries distribute evenly without bleeding too much into the mixture.
- Make the Marshmallow Mixture
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the mini marshmallows and stir continuously until they’re fully melted and smooth. Remove from heat and quickly stir in the vanilla extract and chopped cherries, mixing until just combined. The mixture will be warm and sticky—work quickly in the next step.
- Stir in the Cereal
Immediately add the crispy rice cereal to the melted marshmallow-cherry mixture. Use a buttered spatula or greased spoon to gently fold the cereal into the mixture until evenly coated. Be careful not to crush the cereal, and work fast to keep the mix pliable.
- Press into the Pan
Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan. Use a buttered spatula or clean, greased hands to press the mixture evenly into the pan without compacting it too hard. Let it cool at room temperature while you prepare the chocolate topping.
- Melt the Chocolate and Pour
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each, until smooth and fully melted. Pour the melted chocolate evenly over the Rice Krispies layer. Use an offset spatula or back of a spoon to spread it smoothly to the edges.
- Chill and Slice
Place the pan in the refrigerator for about 30–45 minutes, or until the chocolate is firm. Once set, remove the treats from the pan and cut them into 16 squares. Garnish each square with a cherry half if desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature for best texture.
What to Serve with Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats Recipe
These decadent squares pair beautifully with:
- A cup of strong coffee or espresso
- Glasses of cold milk (classic pairing!)
- Hot chocolate or cherry-flavored herbal tea
- A scoop of vanilla bean or cherry ice cream
- Champagne or sweet dessert wine for a festive pairing
Nutrition Info (Per Square)
- Calories: ~180
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Sugar: 16g
- Fat: 8g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Final Thoughts
This chocolate covered cherry Rice Krispies treats recipe is the perfect fusion of comfort and sophistication. Whether you’re looking for a fun treat to make with the kids or an elegant bite-sized dessert for a party, these bars will win everyone over. They’re quick to make, easy to store, and guaranteed to disappear from the dessert table. Make them once, and you’ll be finding every excuse to whip up another batch—holidays, birthdays, or just because chocolate and cherries are a match made in dessert heaven.
