4th of July Rice Krispie Treats
These Fourth of July Rice Krispie Treats are a festive, no-bake dessert perfect for patriotic holidays, complete with red, white, and blue drizzle or dipped in candy melts! They’re easy, eye-catching, and always a crowd favorite at summer celebrations.
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Classic crispy treats meet patriotic colors in this simple, nostalgic dessert. Whether you’re hosting a Fourth of July celebration, prepping for a backyard barbecue, or packing goodies for a summer potluck, these fun patriotic treats are as easy to make as they are to serve. Add sprinkles, drizzle with candy melts, or dress them up with bows and sticks for a picture-perfect dessert that steals the show!
Be sure to also see our Red, White, and Blue Fruit Salad that comes together in MINUTES!
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Ingredients Needed
Rice Krispies cereal – The crispy base that gives these treats their signature crunch. You can also use store brand instead of the name brand if needed.
Mini Marshmallows – The gooey glue that brings the cereal together
Butter – Helps melt everything into a smooth, rich mixture
Red, White & Blue Candy Melts – Use separately for distinct colors, or swirl together for a marble effect. For drizzling I recommend using piping bags.
Sprinkles – Use stars, jimmies, or red/white/blue mixes to top off your treats
How to Make Fourth of July Rice Krispie Treats
Make the base layer:
In a large pot over low heat, melt the butter. Stir in the mini marshmallows.
Stir until smooth and fully melted, forming a gooey melted marshmallow mixture. Remove from heat and stir in the Rice Krispies until fully coated.
Press and cool:
Press the cereal mixture into a 9×13 baking pan lined with parchment paper, wax paper, or lightly greased with cooking spray. Use a rubber spatula or clean hands to spread it into an even layer. Let cool for at least 1 hour at room temperature.
Cut into pieces:
Lift the treat slab from the pan using the parchment edges. Place on a cutting board and cut into squares or use a cookie cutter to make festive shapes.
Prepare the melts:
Melt the red, white, and blue candy melts in separate bowls or medium microwave-safe bowls, heating in second intervals until smooth. Transfer melted chocolate to piping bags or zip-top bags and snip the tip for easy drizzling.
Decorate your treats:
Drizzle the melted candy over the top of the treats in a back-and-forth motion for a festive finish. Alternatively, dip each square halfway or fully into a melted candy color of your choice and top with sprinkles while wet.
Let set:
Place on a piece of parchment paper or wax paper to set at room temperature, or refrigerate for quicker results.
Helpful Tips
Use piping bags – This makes it easy to drizzle clean, controlled lines of chocolate for a professional finish
Want to dip instead? – You can dip halfway or coat the whole treat for a bolder look
Add sticks for a festive touch – Insert a popsicle stick into the bottom of each treat for easy holding
Important: Before inserting the stick, add a dab of melted chocolate to the stick end. This helps “glue” it inside so it stays in place during dipping
Dress them up – Tie a silk bow around the stick for an extra polished, giftable touch. Perfect for party favors!
Substitutions and Variations
Layer it up – Make red, white, and blue stripes by tinting each portion of the cereal mixture and pressing into layers for a stacked effect
Add peanut butter – Stir a spoonful into the melted marshmallow mixture for a nutty, nostalgic twist
Swap sprinkles and mix-ins – Blue M&Ms, red food coloring, or star-shaped sprinkles add personality
Use marshmallow fluff – For a softer, gooier version of these classic treats
Use real white chocolate – For a creamy, high-quality coating, use white chocolate chips or bars and tint with gel-based food coloring
Tip: Melt white chocolate slowly using a double boiler or low-power microwave setting
Avoid over-melting – White chocolate can seize quickly if overheated or if water gets into the bowl. Stir gently and remove from heat as soon as it’s smooth
Try different shapes – Use cookie cutters to make stars, flags, or hearts for a fun twist
How to Store
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2–3 days. Keep out of direct sunlight if you’re serving them outdoors.
Common FAQs
Yes, just be sure to melt slowly and add a little coconut oil if it’s too thick for drizzling or dipping.
Use a zip-top plastic bag and snip the corner, it works great for easy chocolate drizzle.
These Fourth of July Rice Krispie Treats are an easy dessert packed with patriotic colors and delicious treats vibes. Whether you drizzle, dip, or dress them up with bows, they’ll add sparkle to any July 4th gathering, and kids will love helping too. Want more bake recipes for patriotic holidays? Check out our full collection of summer-ready no bake desserts and red white and blue dessert ideas!
Red White and Blue Rice Krispie Treats
Ingredients
- 5 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- ¼ cup butter
- 4 cups mini marshmallows
- red candy melts
- white candy melts
- blue candy melts
- Sprinkles
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large pot over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until melted and smooth.
- Remove from heat and fold in cereal until coated.
- Press mixture into a greased or lined 9×13 pan in an even layer. Let cool at room temperature for 1 hour.
- Cut into squares or shapes with a cookie cutter.
- Melt candy melts in separate microwave-safe bowls. Transfer to piping bags for drizzling, or use for dipping.
- Drizzle back and forth over the treats, or dip each one partially or fully. Add sprinkles immediately.
- Place on parchment or wax paper and let set completely. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Notes
- The amount of candy melts or chocolate needed will depend on how you choose to decorate your treats.
- Use piping bags for clean, controlled candy drizzle.
- For dipped treats on popsicle sticks, add a dab of melted chocolate before inserting the stick to keep it secure.
- Tie silk bows around the sticks for a polished, party-ready presentation.
- Chill dipped treats to speed up setting time if needed.
