Looking for the perfect patriotic dessert that’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser? These 4th of July Rice Krispie Treats are just what you need! They’re gooey, crispy, and topped with festive red, white, and blue sprinkles that make them perfect for your Independence Day celebration.
My kids absolutely devour these every year, and I love how quick they are to make when I’m juggling all the other holiday preparations.
If you enjoy easy no-bake desserts, you’ll also love my Chocolate Eclair Dessert!
Why You’ll Love These 4th of July Rice Krispie Treats
Easy to Make: Just 4 simple ingredients and about 15 minutes of your time!
Kid-Friendly: Both making and eating these treats are activities the whole family can enjoy together.
Perfect for Parties: These treats can be made ahead and are easy to transport to picnics, potlucks, and backyard barbecues.
There’s something magical about the combination of melted marshmallows and crispy rice cereal.
I’ve been making rice krispie treats since I was a little girl, and now my daughter Sophia loves helping me in the kitchen, especially when we make these patriotic treats for our annual 4th of July neighborhood block party.
Ingredients for 4th of July Rice Krispie Treats
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The beauty of these treats is their simplicity. You only need a few basic ingredients:
Butter: I use salted butter for a little extra flavor, but unsalted works too.
Marshmallows: Fresh marshmallows work best for that perfect gooey texture. You can use mini or regular-sized marshmallows.
Rice Krispies Cereal: The classic choice, but any crispy rice cereal will work.
Red, White & Blue Sprinkles: The key to making these treats festive for the 4th of July! I like to use a mix of star-shaped sprinkles and regular jimmies.
Ingredient Substitutions and Tips
Butter Alternatives: If you need a dairy-free option, coconut oil works well as a substitute.
Marshmallow Swaps: In a pinch, you can use marshmallow fluff (about 7 oz for each 10 oz of marshmallows).
Cereal Options: While traditional Rice Krispies give the classic flavor, you can mix things up by using Cocoa Krispies or even Fruity Pebbles for a different twist.
One thing my family loves is when I add a splash of vanilla extract to the melted marshmallow mixture.
It adds a subtle depth of flavor that makes these treats extra special.
How to Make 4th of July Rice Krispie Treats
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These patriotic treats come together in just a few simple steps:
- Prep Your Pan Spray a 9×13 baking pan with non-stick cooking spray. This is crucial for easy removal later!
- Melt the Butter In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt 4 tablespoons of butter.
- Add Marshmallows Stir in the entire bag of marshmallows and microwave for 45 seconds. Remove and stir. Return to the microwave for an additional 45 seconds and stir again until completely melted and smooth.
- Mix in Rice Krispies Add 6 cups of Rice Krispies cereal to the marshmallow mixture and stir until everything is well coated.
- Add to Pan Pour the mixture into your prepared pan and distribute it evenly, but don’t press down firmly yet.
- Add Sprinkles Sprinkle your red, white, and blue sprinkles over the top of the mixture. Then gently press the mixture evenly into the pan to secure the sprinkles.
- Cool and Cut Let the treats cool completely before cutting into squares and serving.
Tips for Perfect Rice Krispie Treats
The secret to soft and chewy rice krispie treats is not to overheat your marshmallows or press the mixture too firmly into the pan.
When my son James helps me make these, he always wants to squish them down as hard as possible, but I’ve learned that a gentle touch makes for a better texture.
Also, if you’re working with the mixture and it starts to get too stiff, just wet your hands or spatula with a little cold water to prevent sticking.
Fun Variations for These 4th of July Rice Krispie Treats
Add White Chocolate Drizzle white chocolate over the top and add sprinkles for extra flair.
Make Rice Krispie Treat Pops Insert popsicle sticks before they set completely for fun, handheld treats that kids love.
Create Layered Treats Make separate batches with red, white, and blue food coloring and layer them for a striped effect.
My husband David always requests the white chocolate drizzle version.
He claims they’re “more sophisticated” that way, but I think he just loves any excuse for extra sweetness!
What to Serve With 4th of July Rice Krispie Treats
These patriotic treats pair perfectly with your other 4th of July favorites:
- Immunity Booster Shot Recipe Balance the sweetness with something healthy!
- Frozen Lemonade The perfect refreshing beverage for a hot July day.
- Slow Cooker Balsamic Chicken For a substantial main dish before dessert.
Storage Tips for Rice Krispie Treats
Room Temperature: Store these treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days.
Freezer: Yes, you can freeze rice krispie treats! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for about 6 weeks.
Make Ahead: These treats are perfect for making a day or two before your celebration. Just wait to cut them until you’re ready to serve.
I learned the hard way after a particularly humid 4th of July celebration that keeping these treats in a cool, dry place is key to maintaining their texture.
Now I always make sure they’re in an air-conditioned space until just before serving time.
FAQs
You can make these 4th of July Rice Krispie Treats up to 3-4 days before your party if stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature.
For best freshness, wrap individual squares in plastic wrap. They’re best enjoyed within the first 5 days after making them.
The most common mistakes include cooking marshmallows at too high heat (which creates rock-hard treats), not using enough marshmallows, using stale marshmallows, and pressing the mixture too firmly into the pan.
For soft, gooey treats, melt your butter and marshmallows over low heat and press the mixture gently into your pan.
Yes! National Rice Krispie Treat Day is celebrated annually on September 18th.
This unofficial holiday is dedicated to these no-bake, gooey sweet treats that were invented by Kellogg’s employees Malitta Jensen and Mildred Day in the late 1930s.
Rice Krispie treats are popular post-workout because they provide quick energy through simple carbohydrates that are easily digestible.
The simple carbs help replenish glycogen stores in your muscles after exercise, making them an effective option for quick recovery, especially after intense workouts.
More Patriotic Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed these 4th of July Rice Krispie Treats, check out these other festive recipes:
- Red Velvet Cupcakes Another red, white, and blue dessert option.
- Berry Croissant Bake Recipe Use strawberries and blueberries for a patriotic breakfast.
- Strawberry Crunch Cookies Recipe Perfect for your 4th of July cookie plate.
Ready to Make These 4th of July Rice Krispie Treats?
There’s nothing quite like gathering around with family and friends on the 4th of July, enjoying good food and creating memories.
These patriotic treats have become a tradition in our home, and I hope they’ll become one in yours too.
When I’m setting up our backyard for our annual barbecue, I always make sure these treats are displayed prominently on the dessert table.
The red, white, and blue sprinkles catch everyone’s eye, and they’re usually the first dessert to disappear!
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below and let me know if you made any tasty variations.
Happy 4th of July!
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4th of July Rice Krispie Treats
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
These 4th of July Rice Krispie Treats are gooey, crispy, and topped with festive red, white, and blue sprinkles that make them perfect for your Independence Day celebration. They’re quick to make and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for all your holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 bag marshmallows
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- Red, white & blue sprinkles (star-shaped and jimmies)
Instructions
- Spray a 9×13 baking pan with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt 4 tablespoons of butter.
- Stir in the entire bag of marshmallows and microwave for 45 seconds. Remove and stir.
- Return to the microwave for an additional 45 seconds and stir again until completely melted and smooth.
- Add 6 cups of Rice Krispies cereal to the marshmallow mixture and stir until everything is well coated.
- Pour the mixture into your prepared pan and distribute it evenly, but don’t press down firmly yet.
- Sprinkle your red, white, and blue sprinkles over the top of the mixture.
- Gently press the mixture evenly into the pan to secure the sprinkles.
- Let the treats cool completely before cutting into squares and serving.
Notes
The secret to soft and chewy rice krispie treats is not to overheat your marshmallows or press the mixture too firmly into the pan. If the mixture starts to get too stiff, wet your hands or spatula with a little cold water to prevent sticking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: 4th of July, rice krispie treats, patriotic dessert, no-bake, marshmallow treats, holiday dessert, Independence Day