Name: Patriotic Red, White & Blue Rice Krispies Treats
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 3 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 20 large marshmallows; 3 cups Rice Krispies cereal; 2 small drops blue gel food coloring; Red and blue sprinkles; Star-shaped cookie cutters; Lollipop sticks (optional)

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Patriotic Red, White & Blue Rice Krispies Treats are the perfect no-bake dessert to bring a burst of festive fun to your Fourth of July, Memorial Day, or any patriotic celebration. These gooey, crunchy treats are swirled with vibrant red, white, and blue colors, making them as eye-catching as they are delicious. I whipped these up for a neighborhood block party last summer, and they were a total hit—kids loved the colors, and adults couldn’t resist the nostalgic Rice Krispies flavor. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, packing a picnic, or just want a fun treat to share, these Patriotic Red, White & Blue Rice Krispies Treats are quick, easy, and guaranteed to spark smiles.

Ready in about 20 minutes with minimal ingredients, this recipe is a stress-free way to add some star-spangled flair to your dessert table. Let’s dive into why you’ll love these treats and how to make them!

Why You’ll Love These Patriotic Red, White & Blue Rice Krispies Treats

Festive and Fun: The red, white, and blue swirls scream patriotic pride, perfect for holiday celebrations.
No-Bake Ease: Ready in 20 minutes with no oven required—great for hot summer days.
Gooey and Crunchy: Classic Rice Krispies texture with a soft, marshmallowy bite everyone loves.
Kid-Friendly: Easy to make and decorate, making it a fun family activity.
Customizable: Adjust colors or add sprinkles to match your party theme.
Perfect for Sharing: Makes a big batch, ideal for potlucks, picnics, or gifting.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients you likely have on hand.

Ingredients for These Patriotic Red, White & Blue Rice Krispies Treats

Here’s what you’ll need to create these festive treats, with tips for the best results:

Rice Krispies Cereal (9 cups): The classic cereal gives that signature snap, crackle, and pop. Generic brands work fine too.
Marshmallows (30 oz, mini or regular): Mini marshmallows melt faster, but regular ones work if chopped. Use fresh marshmallows for the best texture.
Butter (6 tablespoons): Salted butter adds richness. Unsalted works with a pinch of salt added.
Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the flavor with a subtle sweetness. Pure vanilla is best.
Red and Blue Gel Food Coloring: Gel coloring gives vibrant hues without adding extra liquid. Avoid liquid food coloring to keep the texture firm.
Optional: Red, White, and Blue Sprinkles: Add a festive crunch and extra patriotism. Star-shaped sprinkles are especially cute.
Optional: White Chocolate Chips (½ cup, melted): Drizzle over the top for a fancier finish.

Pro Tip: Use fresh marshmallows for the gooiest texture—stale ones can make the treats too hard.

How to Make Patriotic Red, White & Blue Rice Krispies Treats – Step-by-Step

These Patriotic Red, White & Blue Rice Krispies Treats are a breeze to make and so much fun to decorate. Follow these steps for a batch of festive goodness.

Prep the Pan: Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray. Line with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal. Mini-Tip: The parchment makes cutting and serving a breeze.
Divide Ingredients: Split the ingredients into three equal portions for the red, white, and blue layers: 3 cups Rice Krispies, 10 oz marshmallows, and 2 tablespoons butter per batch. Mini-Tip: Measure everything out beforehand to keep the process smooth.
Make the Red Batch: In a large saucepan over low heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Add 10 oz marshmallows and stir until fully melted. Remove from heat, stir in a few drops of red gel food coloring and ⅓ teaspoon vanilla extract. Add 3 cups Rice Krispies and stir until coated. Mini-Tip: Work quickly to mix before the mixture stiffens.
Make the White and Blue Batches: Repeat the process in separate saucepans (or clean the same one between batches). For the white batch, skip the food coloring. For the blue batch, use blue gel food coloring. Each batch should have 3 cups cereal, 10 oz marshmallows, 2 tablespoons butter, and ⅓ teaspoon vanilla. Mini-Tip: If making one batch at a time, keep finished batches warm in a low oven (200°F).
Layer and Swirl: Spoon dollops of red, white, and blue mixtures randomly into the prepared pan. Gently press with greased hands or a spatula to spread evenly, swirling slightly to create a marbled effect. Don’t over-press to keep them gooey. Mini-Tip: Wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking when pressing.
Add Toppings: If using, sprinkle red, white, and blue sprinkles over the top while still soft. For a fancier touch, drizzle melted white chocolate in a zigzag pattern. Mini-Tip: Melt chocolate in the microwave in 15-second bursts, stirring between, to avoid burning.
Cool and Cut: Let the treats cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Lift out using the parchment overhang and cut into squares or rectangles with a sharp knife. Mini-Tip: Grease the knife for clean cuts.

Helpful Tips for Patriotic Red, White & Blue Rice Krispies Treats

Meal Prep: Make these up to 2 days ahead and store in an airtight container at room temperature. Add sprinkles or chocolate drizzle just before serving for freshness.
Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Avoid refrigerating, as it can make them hard. Freeze for up to a month, wrapped tightly in plastic and foil.
Serving Tip: Display on a festive platter with patriotic napkins for a fun presentation. Cut into smaller bites for easy grabbing at parties.
Pairing Ideas: Serve with lemonade, fruit skewers, or ice cream for a classic summer dessert spread. They’re also great with hot cocoa for a cozy twist.
Creative Twists: Add M&M’s in red, white, and blue for extra crunch, or mix in dried cranberries and blueberries for a fruity vibe. Use cookie cutters to make star-shaped treats.
Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free Rice Krispies or a similar cereal and check that your marshmallows are gluten-free.

FAQs About Patriotic Red, White & Blue Rice Krispies Treats

Q: Can I make Patriotic Red, White & Blue Rice Krispies Treats in one pot?
A: Yes, but it’s trickier to keep the colors separate. Make one batch at a time, cleaning the pot between colors, or use three small pots for efficiency.

Q: How do I avoid hard Rice Krispies treats?
A: Use low heat to melt marshmallows, don’t overcook, and press gently into the pan to keep them soft and gooey.

Q: Can I use natural food coloring?
A: Yes, but natural colors may be less vibrant. Try beet powder for red and spirulina or butterfly pea powder for blue, adjusting to taste.

Q: How do I get clean swirls in the treats?
A: Spoon the colors in random dollops and swirl lightly with a spatula or knife before pressing. Avoid overmixing to keep distinct colors.

Q: Can I make these without marshmallows?
A: Yes, use ¾ cup peanut butter or almond butter mixed with ½ cup honey or maple syrup per batch, heated until smooth, but the texture will be denser.

I make these Patriotic Red, White & Blue Rice Krispies Treats every Fourth of July, and they’re always the first dessert to disappear. My favorite trick is to add a drizzle of white chocolate and extra sprinkles for that wow factor. Try this recipe for your next patriotic party, and let me know in the comments how it turns out or what fun twists you add! What’s your favorite festive dessert?