When it comes to sweet treats that combine nostalgia with an indulgent twist, Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats hold a special place in my heart. These fun, decadent treats are inspired by the classic chocolate-covered cherry, but with a playful and gooey twist that adds a layer of sweetness and texture to the original Rice Krispies treat.

I first made this recipe after coming across a box of chocolate-covered cherries during the holidays. I couldn’t resist the idea of blending the rich, fruity sweetness of the cherries with the crispy, marshmallow-y goodness of Rice Krispies. The result was nothing short of magical: a crunchy, chewy treat with bursts of chocolate and cherry flavor in every bite. These Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats are perfect for any occasion, from a simple dessert to a delightful holiday snack.

This treat is as fun to make as it is to eat, and if you’re a fan of both chocolate and Rice Krispies treats, this combination is going to knock your socks off. Keep reading to find out exactly how to make this irresistible dessert that is sure to impress your friends and family!

Why I Love This Recipe

Who doesn’t love Rice Krispies Treats? They’re simple to make, delicious, and offer a nostalgic feeling of childhood fun. But what if you could elevate this classic dessert into something even more indulgent? Enter the Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats. The combination of creamy chocolate, sweet cherry flavor, and the signature crunch of Rice Krispies makes this treat something truly special.

What sets this recipe apart from the traditional Rice Krispies treat is the addition of gooey, rich chocolate and the surprise of tart cherries, which perfectly complement the sweet and marshmallow-y base. The chocolate coating adds an extra layer of richness that is just so satisfying, while the cherries offer a burst of fruitiness that keeps each bite exciting.

I love making this treat for holidays, family gatherings, or even just for a cozy weekend dessert. The best part? It’s so easy to make and doesn’t require any special equipment. Whether you’re a beginner baker or an experienced one, this recipe is foolproof and ensures you get a batch of chewy, chocolatey, cherry-filled Rice Krispies treats every time.

Ingredients for Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats

Making Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats requires just a handful of ingredients that you may already have in your pantry. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:

Rice Krispies Cereal – This is the classic base for your treats, providing that satisfying crunch we all know and love.
Mini Marshmallows – These create the gooey texture that binds the Rice Krispies together. You could also use regular-sized marshmallows, but mini ones melt more evenly.
Butter – This adds richness to the marshmallow mixture and helps it melt down smoothly. Opt for unsalted butter to control the flavor.
Chocolate Chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate) – The star of the show! Melted chocolate chips form the delicious chocolate coating that will cover the top of your Rice Krispies treats.
Maraschino Cherries – These provide the signature cherry flavor that makes this treat stand out. Be sure to drain and chop them to prevent excess moisture from making the treats too soggy.
Vanilla Extract – A touch of vanilla enhances the flavor and rounds out the sweetness.
Pinch of Salt – Just a tiny bit to balance the sweetness and bring out the flavors of the other ingredients.

How Much Time Will You Need

When you’re craving a sweet treat but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats are the answer! Here’s an approximate breakdown of how much time you’ll need to make these treats:

Preparation Time: 10 minutes. This includes melting the butter and marshmallows, mixing everything together, and prepping the cherries.
Cooking Time: 5-10 minutes. This includes the time it takes to melt the chocolate for the topping and then spread it over the Rice Krispies.
Cooling Time: 30 minutes to 1 hour. You’ll need to let your treats cool and set before slicing and serving.

In total, you’ll be able to make these delectable treats in about 45 minutes to an hour. The wait is totally worth it!

How to Make Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats

Step – 1: Melt the Marshmallow Mixture
Start by melting the butter in a large saucepan over low heat. Once the butter is fully melted, add in the mini marshmallows. Stir constantly until the marshmallows are completely melted and the mixture is smooth. You can also add a pinch of salt at this stage to balance the sweetness.

Step – 2: Add Rice Krispies and Vanilla
Once the marshmallow mixture is smooth, remove the pan from the heat and stir in the Rice Krispies cereal. Make sure the cereal is evenly coated with the marshmallow mixture. Then, stir in the vanilla extract for an extra layer of flavor.

Step – 3: Press the Mixture Into a Pan
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Pour the Rice Krispies mixture into the dish and gently press it down with a spatula to even it out. Be careful not to press too hard; you want the treats to be chewy, not hard. Let the mixture cool slightly.

Step – 4: Prepare the Cherry Filling
While your Rice Krispies treats are cooling, chop the maraschino cherries into small pieces. Set them aside.

Step – 5: Melt the Chocolate
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt your chocolate chips. You can do this in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until the chocolate is completely smooth and melted.

Step – 6: Assemble the Treats
Once the Rice Krispies treats have cooled, spread the chopped cherries evenly over the top. Then, pour the melted chocolate over the cherries and gently spread it to cover the entire surface.

Step – 7: Let It Set
Allow the chocolate to set for 30 minutes to 1 hour at room temperature. Once the chocolate is firm, slice the treats into squares and enjoy!

Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. Here are a few substitutions you can try to make this dessert your own:

Chocolate: If you prefer dark chocolate, go ahead and swap the semi-sweet chocolate for dark chocolate chips. For a sweeter option, use white chocolate chips instead.
Cherries: While maraschino cherries are the classic choice, you can substitute them with fresh or frozen cherries for a more natural flavor. Just make sure to chop and drain them before adding.
Cereal: You can use other cereals in place of Rice Krispies, such as cornflakes or another crunchy cereal for a fun twist.
Butter: If you want a lighter version of this treat, you can substitute the butter with coconut oil or a butter alternative.

Best Side Dishes for Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats

Though these treats are delightful on their own, pairing them with the right side dish can elevate your snack time. Here are a few side dishes to consider:

Vanilla Ice Cream: The cool, creamy ice cream pairs perfectly with the crunchy and chocolatey Rice Krispies treats.
Fruit Salad: A fresh, tangy fruit salad can balance out the sweetness of the treats.
Coffee or Hot Chocolate: Pair your Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats with a warm beverage like coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy treat experience.

Serving and Presentation Tips

When it comes to serving and presenting your Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats, the goal is to highlight the colorful contrast between the chocolate, cherries, and the golden crispy cereal. Here are a few ideas to make your presentation extra special:

Plating: For a refined look, serve the Rice Krispies treats on a rectangular platter with a dusting of powdered sugar. This not only adds a delicate touch but also makes the colors of the cherries and chocolate pop.
Garnish: Top each square with a whole maraschino cherry or a drizzle of extra melted chocolate. This adds an elegant finishing touch that will catch everyone’s eye.
Storage for Presentation: If you’re preparing these treats for an event, you can arrange them neatly in small, individual treat boxes or on parchment-lined trays. Wrapping them up for gifting? Use colorful ribbons to tie a bow around each treat. It’s a cute and thoughtful way to serve them!

Tips and Tricks to Make This Recipe Even Better

A few simple tips and tricks can elevate these Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats even further, ensuring they turn out perfectly every time:

Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh marshmallows and good-quality chocolate for the best taste. Older marshmallows tend to be more sticky and harder to melt, and using quality chocolate ensures a smooth, velvety finish.
Chill for Better Texture: If you want to ensure that your Rice Krispies treats are extra chewy, consider refrigerating them for 10-15 minutes after adding the chocolate topping. This helps the chocolate set more quickly and prevents it from becoming too runny.
Add Extra Layers of Flavor: For a fun twist, try mixing in some crushed nuts, like almonds or pecans, into the Rice Krispies mixture. The nuttiness adds a delightful contrast to the sweetness and crunchiness of the base.
Play with the Chocolate Coating: If you want a thicker chocolate coating, simply double the amount of chocolate chips. You can also add a touch of heavy cream to the melted chocolate for a smoother, more glossy finish.
Customize the Cherry Flavor: For an added depth of flavor, try soaking the maraschino cherries in a little bit of brandy or vanilla extract before adding them to the treats. This will infuse them with a subtle, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall treat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats are relatively simple to make, there are a few common mistakes that can affect the final result. Avoid these pitfalls to ensure your treats turn out perfectly:

Overheating the Marshmallows: When melting the marshmallows, make sure to do so on low heat and stir constantly. If you heat them too quickly or for too long, they can become tough and chewy instead of smooth and gooey.
Not Letting the Chocolate Cool Enough: After melting the chocolate, let it cool slightly before pouring it over the treats. If it’s too hot, it may melt the Rice Krispies base, making the treats soggy.
Not Pressing the Mixture Firmly Enough: Be sure to press the Rice Krispies mixture gently but firmly into the pan to make sure it sticks together. If you don’t press it enough, the treats may fall apart when you cut them into squares.
Skipping the Cooling Step: Allow the treats to cool completely before cutting them. If you cut them too soon, the chocolate won’t have set properly, and the treats may become a messy, melted disaster.
Using Too Many Cherries: While cherries add flavor and color, using too many can make the mixture too wet. Be sure to chop and drain the cherries thoroughly before adding them to the treats.

How to Store It

Once your Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats have cooled and been cut into squares, you’ll want to store them properly to maintain their freshness. Here’s how to do it:

Room Temperature: These treats are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. They’ll stay soft and chewy while retaining their crunchy texture.
Refrigeration: If you live in a particularly warm climate or just want to ensure that the chocolate topping stays firm, you can store the treats in the fridge. Just be sure to let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving, so they’re not too cold.
Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze these treats. Wrap them individually in wax paper or plastic wrap and then place them in a resealable freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1-2 months. To thaw, simply leave them out at room temperature for a few hours.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions to help guide you in making the best Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats:

1. Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Yes! Fresh cherries can be used, but be sure to chop and drain them well. Fresh cherries have more moisture than maraschino cherries, so draining them thoroughly is key to preventing your treats from becoming too soggy.

2. Can I use a different type of cereal?
Absolutely! While Rice Krispies are the traditional choice, you can use other crispy cereals like cornflakes or Cheerios for a fun variation. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture may slightly change.

3. What can I do if my chocolate is too thick?
If your melted chocolate becomes too thick or starts to seize up, try adding a tablespoon of vegetable oil or heavy cream to thin it out. This will make it smoother and easier to spread.

4. How can I make these treats dairy-free?
To make these treats dairy-free, use a dairy-free butter substitute and non-dairy chocolate chips. There are several options available that offer great flavor and texture.

5. Can I add other toppings or mix-ins to these treats?
Yes! You can experiment with other additions like crushed nuts, mini marshmallows, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top to create different flavor profiles. Just make sure to adjust the proportions so that everything still sticks together nicely.