4th of July Rice Krispie Treats: This patriotic dessert is easy to make, super delicious, and tons of fun to serve at your Fourth of July get together (or anytime)!
12cupscrispy rice cerealdivided (I used Rice Krispies)
1½teaspoonsclear vanilla extractdivided
red & blue food coloring(8-9 red drops, 6 blue)
Instructions
Line a 9x13-inch pan with parchment paper. Spray lightly with nonstick cooking spray.
In a large pot, start to melt ¼ cup butter over medium-low heat. Once melted, add 5 cups of the mini marshmallows to the butter, stirring often. Once the marshmallows are almost melted, turn the heat to low.
Add ½ teaspoon of vanilla and the red food coloring, a few drops at a time, and mix well. If needed, continue to add food coloring until desired color. Remove from heat.
Mix in 4 cups of the cereal. Stir until the cereal is well coated.
Pour into the parchment lined pan. Spread evenly while pressing down firmly, and smooth the top using the back of a buttered spoon.
Repeat the same process, leaving this second batch white. Pour the white batch on top of the red layer. Press down and smooth evenly.
Repeat the process one last time with the blue food coloring. Place on top of the white layer. Press firmly and smooth out the top layer. Allow to cool completely at room temperature (will take about an hour).
Remove the treats from the pan, using a knife to cut around the edges if needed. Peel off the parchment paper and place on a cutting board.
Cut the treats into star shapes using a cookie cutter. If the cutter isn’t deep enough to completely reach the bottom of the pan, create an indentation with the cutter to use as a stencil, and then cut it out completely using a knife. Be sure to spray your cookie cutter and/or knife with cooking spray so the Rice Krispie doesn't stick to them.
Serve & enjoy!
Notes
NOTE: The marshmallow cools down quickly, so be prepared to mix in the cereal immediately after removing from the heat, then quickly add them to the pan before cooling down too much and getting very sticky.STORAGE: Store your patriotic homemade Rice Krispie treats in an airtight container on the counter for 2-3 days, or in the fridge for 4-5 days. You could also put these in an airtight, freezer safe container and freeze them for up to a month. Rice Krispie treats keep well in the freezer.