Festive Firecracker Rice Crispy Treat Bars
These Festive Firecracker Rice Crispy Treat Bars are a quick and easy holiday treat featuring browned butter, mini marshmallows, crispy rice cereal, and colorful sprinkles for a sweet, crunchy, and festive snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/4 cup (56g) unsalted butter
- 4 cups (about 200g) mini marshmallows
- 6 cups (150g) crispy rice cereal
- 1/2 cup (75g) festive rainbow sprinkles
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Brown the butter: Place 1/4 cup (56g) unsalted butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently as it melts and foams, watching for it to turn a golden brown and smell nutty, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat immediately once browned bits appear.
- Add marshmallows: Immediately add 4 cups (about 200g) mini marshmallows to the browned butter. Stir gently but consistently until fully melted and smooth, about 3-5 minutes.
- Flavor with vanilla and salt: Stir in 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
- Mix in cereal: Quickly fold in 6 cups (150g) crispy rice cereal until every piece is coated in the marshmallow mixture.
- Add sprinkles: Gently fold in 1/2 cup (75g) festive rainbow sprinkles.
- Press into pan: Transfer the mixture into a greased or parchment-lined 9×13-inch pan. Use a buttered spatula or wax paper to press it evenly and firmly, about 1-inch thick.
- Cool and cut: Let the bars cool completely at room temperature, about 1 hour. Once set, cut into squares or fun shapes.
Notes
Brown the butter slowly and stir constantly to avoid burning. Use mini marshmallows for smoother melting. Press the mixture firmly but not too hard to keep bars light and chewy. Let bars cool completely before cutting to avoid crumbling. For gluten-free, use certified gluten-free crispy rice cereal. Vegan version possible with vegan marshmallows and plant-based butter.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 16
- Sodium: 75
- Fat: 7
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 33
- Protein: 1.5
Keywords: rice crispy treats, holiday treats, festive snacks, firecracker bars, easy dessert, holiday parties, marshmallow bars