Fourth of July Rice Krispie Treats

Looking for a festive, fun, and easy-to-make dessert to dazzle your Independence Day celebration? Fourth of July Rice Krispie Treats are just the ticket! These homemade treats are a hit at any gathering and bring vibrant red, white, and blue colors to your dessert table. 

Not only is this classic treat recipe delicious, it’s perfect for all your patriotic holidays. They’re made with simple ingredients and you don’t even have to turn on the oven because it’s a no bake treat. And they’re easy to prepare, making them a fun project for families and friends to create together. 

I love making (and eating!) Rice Krispie treats. There’s just something about the crisp, crunchy cereal combined with the ooey, gooey marshmallows that I can’t resist. But one of my favorite parts is all the flavor options and ways to make them, like these Rice Krispie Nests for Easter or show the love with Heart Shaped Treats.

Whether you’re hosting a big party or a small get-together, these easy marshmallow cereal squares are loved by party guests of all ages and add a colorful and delightful touch to your patriotic festivities.

Fourth of July Rice Krispie Treats Ingredients Needed

• Unsalted butter – Allows you to control the amount of salt. If you decide to use salted butter, eliminate the salt in the recipe.
• Mini marshmallows – If you don’t have small mallows, you can use full size. Cut them into 4 pieces to make them about the size of minis. 
• Pure vanilla extract – Always use pure vanilla. The flavor of imitation doesn’t compare to the real stuff.  
• Salt – You might think you don’t need salt in a dessert recipe, but it helps to bring out the flavors, even in a dessert.
• Rice Krispies cereal – You can use any brand of puffed rice cereal. 
• The Red, White and Blue – What makes these treats special are the finishing touches – red white and blue M&Ms, patriotic sprinkles and colored candy melts.

How to Make 4th of July Rice Krispie Treats

Line the baking pan with a piece of parchment paper and set it aside. Reserve some of the marshmallows for later use.

In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add marshmallows to the pot with the melted butter. Stir until the marshmallows are melted and the mixture is smooth.

Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt. A silicone spatula works best for stirring this sticky mixture.

Fold in the Rice Krispies cereal, M&M’s, sprinkles, and the reserved mini marshmallows. Mix until everything is well-coated and mixed together. 

Spread the cereal mixture evenly in the lined pan. Lightly press it down.

Melt the red, white, and blue candy melts in separate piping bags or bowls. Microwave for 30 seconds at a time. Stir between each heating.

Snip a small piece off the tip of each piping bag and drizzle over the Rice Krispies treats. Add more M&M’s and festive sprinkles if desired.

Allow to cool on the counter for 30 minutes to an hour before cutting into squares. For easier cutting be sure to use a sharp knife spritzed with a little nonstick cooking spray.

Tips for Making Homemade Rice Krispie Treats

• Use fresh marshmallows: Stale marshmallows don’t melt as smoothly, leading to lumpy treats. The fresh mallows will give you a smoother, creamier result.
• Balance with butter: Use real butter and not margarine for best results. And be sure to measure correctly to ensure the marshmallow mixture melts perfectly. Too much butter can make your treats overly soft and greasy, while too little can make them hard and dry.

Easy Substitutions & Variations for Patriotic Krispie Treats

When it comes to making 4th of July Rice Krispie Treats, there’s plenty of room for creativity. Whether you need to swap out an ingredient or want to add your unique twist, there are many ways to make these treats your own.

Ingredient Substitutions

Sometimes, you might not have all the traditional ingredients on hand or you need to cater to specific dietary needs. Here are some easy substitution ideas:

• Different Cereal Types: Don’t limit yourself to just Rice Krispies. You can use other cereals like Cheerios, Corn Flakes, or even Cocoa Krispies to add a different taste and texture.
• Vegan marshmallows: Replace the regular ones with vegan marshmallows. Brands like Dandies offer vegan options that taste just as delicious. Of course, remember to swap the butter for a vegan versions as well. Margarine or other vegan butter substitute oil will work.
• Gluten-Free Options: Ensure your treats are gluten-free by choosing cereals that are certified gluten-free, and always check the labels on all other ingredients.

Recipe Variations

Adding a personal touch to your cereal treats can make them even more special. Here are some fun and creative variations to try:

• Chocolate chips: Add a handful of mini chocolate chips to your cereal mixture. You can mix them into the base mixture or sprinkle them on top before the treats set.
• Different colors for other holidays: Use the same recipe and switch up the colors for other holidays. For example:
  • Halloween: Use orange and black candies and sprinkles.
  • Christmas: Opt for red and green colors.
  • Easter: Pastel colors like pink, blue, and yellow work beautifully.
• Shapes and sizes: Use cookie cutters to create fun shapes like stars, hearts, or flags. This is especially fun for themed parties and makes the treats even more festive.
• Mix-ins and toppings: Incorporate sprinkles, crushed candy, or even dried fruit to add more flavor and texture. Toppings like drizzled chocolate or icing can also elevate the look and taste of your treats.
• Layered bars: Achieve a tiered effect by alternating the colored Rice Krispie mixture with melted chocolate.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You will want to make the rice krispie treats early enough that they have time to set before serving. What is great about this recipe is that you can make it a littler earlier than that, which makes the party prep easier. These treats are best when served the same day they’re made.

What to serve with Patriotic Rice Krispie Treats

These marshmallow treats will be perfect as part of your 4th of July and summer BBQs. Whether you are serving appetizers like 4th Of July Snack Board, Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak Sliders as the main course, or other desserts like Ambrosia Salad with Cool Whip, these cereal bars are the perfect addition to the table. 

How to store leftovers

I like to make an extra batch of 4th of July Rice Krispies because they make great snacks anytime and they stay fresh for 2 days on the counter. 

• Wrap them tightly: Once your treats have set and cooled, cut them into squares. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap to keep them from drying out. While not required, this extra layer of protection helps keep them fresh by preventing air and moisture from getting in.
• Store treats in an airtight container at room temperature, away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Alternatively you can store them in a ziplock bag, squeezing out as much air as possible before sealing.
• Reheating if necessary: Sometimes the treats become hard, especially by the end of the 2nd day. If that happens you can reheat them slightly, to help soften them up a bit.  Place a treat on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on low for 10-15 seconds. This should make them soft and chewy again, almost as good as fresh.