Get ready for some fun with these Monster Rice Krispie Treats! They’re made with crispy rice cereal, gooey marshmallows, and colorful candies that bring a big smile.
What’s great is how easy they are to make! I love adding extra sprinkles or gummy candies on top—because who doesn’t want a treat that looks a little silly? 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice Krispies Cereal: This is the classic base for these treats! If you’re looking for something different, try using Cocoa Krispies for a chocolatey twist. You can also use a gluten-free cereal to accommodate dietary needs.
Mini Marshmallows: These help create that gooey texture. If you’re vegan, look for plant-based marshmallows, which work just as well in this recipe.
Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred for better control over saltiness. If you’re dairy-free, coconut oil makes a good substitute that adds a subtle flavor.
Food Coloring: I like using gel food colors for vibrant shades without too much liquid. If you want a natural option, beet juice can substitute for red, and spirulina can add green coloring.
Candy Eyeballs: These are key for the monster look! You can use chocolate chips or M&M’s instead if you can’t find candy eyeballs. Get creative with your decorations!
How Do I Prevent Stickiness When Making Rice Krispie Treats?
Sticky hands are the biggest challenge! To make this easier, lightly grease your hands with butter or cooking spray when you press the mixture into the pan. This helps prevent the gooey mixture from sticking to you.
- Use a greased spatula or spoon to press the mixture into the pan evenly. Be gentle to avoid crushing the cereal.
- Let them cool completely to help them set, which will also make cutting easier.
- Keep the treats stored in an airtight container to maintain their texture and freshness—perfect for sharing at parties!
Monster Rice Krispie Treats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 4 cups mini marshmallows (divided equally for four batches)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter (divided equally for four batches)
- Food coloring: green, purple, orange
- Candy eyeballs (large, round)
- Black, purple, and orange edible candy melts or fondant for decorating mouths, noses, and teeth
- Non-stick cooking spray or butter for greasing pan
- Parchment paper
How Much Time Will You Need?
This festive recipe takes about 25 minutes of preparation, plus an additional 30 minutes to cool and set. So, in total, expect to spend around 1 hour before these delightful treats are ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Work Area:
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray. Then, line the pan with parchment paper and grease the parchment as well. This will help you easily remove the treats once they cool!
2. Make Base Rice Krispie Treats:
In a large pot, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over low heat. Once melted, add 1 cup of mini marshmallows and stir until they’re completely melted and smooth. Remove the pot from heat and gently mix in 2 cups of Rice Krispies cereal until combined.
Pour half of this mixture into a large bowl. Add green food coloring to one half and purple food coloring to the other half, stirring well until the colors are uniformly mixed. Repeat with the remaining marshmallows and cereal, adding orange food coloring to one batch, and leaving one batch plain (no coloring).
3. Spread & Cool:
Quickly press each colored mixture into separate greased parchment-lined pans, smoothing them down to about 1-inch thickness. Allow to cool completely to set for about 20-30 minutes.
4. Cut Treats:
Once cooled, gently lift the treats out of the pans using the parchment paper. Using a sharp knife, cut each colored slab into squares, approximately 2×2 inches in size.
5. Decorate Monsters:
Use candy eyeballs to give each square big, silly eyes. Shape small triangles or ovals using the black, purple, and orange candy melts or fondant for mouths, noses, fangs, and teeth. Gently press these decorations onto the treats; if needed, a little melted marshmallow or frosting can help them stick. Be as creative as you like—every monster can look different!
6. Set and Serve:
Let the decorated treats sit for about 15 minutes so the decorations stick well. Once ready, they are all set for serving! Enjoy these colorful, monster-themed Rice Krispie Treats at your next party or spooky gathering!
These fun and colorful Monster Rice Krispie Treats are perfect for Halloween or any festive occasion where a playful sweet treat is wanted!
Can I Use Different Types of Cereal for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While Rice Krispies are the classic choice, you can experiment with other cereals like Cocoa Krispies for a chocolate flavor or even gluten-free cereals to fit dietary preferences. Just make sure the texture is similar for the best results!
How Do I Store Leftover Rice Krispie Treats?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them, but they may become a bit more firm. Just bring them back to room temperature before serving!
Can I Make These Treats Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the Rice Krispie base a day in advance and just wait to decorate them right before serving. This will ensure they stay fresh and the decorations look their best!
What If I Can’t Find Candy Eyeballs?
No worries! If you can’t find candy eyeballs, you can use chocolate chips, M&M’s, or mini marshmallows cut in half for eyes. Get creative with whatever candies you have on hand to give your monsters a fun look!
