I love easy no bake treats, especially in the summer when I don’t want to turn on the oven! These Fourth of July Rice Krispie treats are the whole package; easy, patriotic with their red white and blue layers, and of course, delicious too. I make them for Memorial Day, July 4th, and more!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fun and festive. Red, white, and blue colors make these perfect for celebrating!
- No-bake and easy. Simple ingredients and quick prep make this a stress-free patriotic dessert
- Kid-friendly. A fun recipe to make with kids, and even more fun to eat!
- Soft and gooey. That classic marshmallow texture everyone loves
- Easy to customize. Use sprinkles, candy, or food coloring to match your party theme
- Perfect for parties. Easy to make ahead and a batch is great for feeding a crowd
- Portable and shareable. Great for cookouts, picnics, and potlucks!
- Classic with a twist. All the nostalgia of traditional Rice Krispie treats with a festive upgrade perfect for Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Fourth of July celebrations!
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Ingredients List
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal (or generic equivalent)
- ¼ cup salted butter (4 Tbsp)
- 10 ounces mini marshmallows
- Red gel food coloring
- Royal blue gel food coloring
- Patriotic sprinkles (or similar)
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- If you don’t have salted butter, use unsalted butter instead and just add a pinch of salt to compensate
- I find that mini marshmallows melt best, but you can use around 40 standard-sized marshmallows instead. For a softer texture, increase to 16 ounces of marshmallows
- You get the best, most vibrant coloring from gel food coloring (as compared to liquid or natural alternatives). However, if you want to stay away from food coloring, you can use pomegranate powder instead of the red color and blue spirulina instead of the blue color. Just like any color additions, start small (½ tsp or so) and add more until you achieve the desired color. You could also just mix in various sprinkles and colored candies (like M&Ms) to plain colored treats instead!
- Any candy decorations you like are fine! I like red white and blue nonpareils and star-shaped sprinkles, but you can use M&M candies, red, white, and blue sprinkles, a drizzle of red, white, and blue candy melts, or anything similar!
Step By Step Instructions
- Grease a 13×9 dish with nonstick spray, butter, or line with parchment paper. You can also use a 9×9 pan if you prefer thicker layers, meaning taller treats
- Divide the butter into 3 microwave safe bowls (medium or large size). I usually add 1 Tbsp to each one, then cut the remaining 1 Tbsp into even thirds by eyeballing it. If you don’t have 3 bowls, you can use just one, but you’ll want to wash it out between each layer to prevent the transfer of coloring
- Heat one of the bowls on high until the butter melts (about 30 seconds). Then, add in ⅓ of the marshmallows. You can eyeball it, or it’s approximately 2 cups of marshmallows. Stir the marshmallows to coat in the melted butter, then continue cooking in 30-second increments, stirring each time, until melted and smooth (usually about 30 seconds – 1 minute)
- Stir in the royal blue food coloring until the desired shade is reached (I use ¼ tsp of the gel, but you can adjust to preferences, as brands can vary). Make sure to stir until the color is smooth (no streaks)
- Mix in ⅓ of the cereal (or 2 cups of Rice Krispies) and stir until the cereal is well coated in the marshmallow mixture. Then, press the cereal mixture into your greased dish in an even layer. To prevent sticking while pressing, you can spray your hands or a rubber spatula with nonstick spray, or simply use a sheet of parchment paper to press down!
- Repeat melting another ⅓ of the butter and marshmallows in a separate bowl (or after cleaning the first one), mixing in the cereal without adding any coloring this time, then spread it out and press that into the pan on top of the blue layer to form the white layer. Lastly, repeat the process again, but this time add the red food coloring in before mixing the cereal and spreading and pressing on the final layer
- Add sprinkles, candies, or other decorations to the top of the Rice Krispie treats as desired while still warm, and gently press on them so they adhere (I use a white chocolate drizzle, non pareils, and star shaped sprinkles)
- Cool in the refrigerator until firm, about 30 minutes, then remove from the baking dish and cut into squares or use a cookie cutter as desired (I usually do 2 cuts lengthwise and 4 cuts widthwise, or cut into star shapes but it’s up to you)! Enjoy!
Pairing Suggestions
Cookout Favorites
- Burgers: Juicy, savory burgers balance the sweetness of the treats!
- Hot dogs: A classic pairing for an all-American spread. Try any of my great Air Fryer Hot Dog Recipes!
- BBQ chicken: Sweet and smoky flavors complement the dessert. My Peach Whiskey BBQ Chicken is a great summer pairing!
- Ribs: Rich, saucy meats pair perfectly with a simple, sweet treat
Classic Sides
- Corn on the cob: Sweet corn fits right in with the summer vibe
- Potato salad: Creamy and tangy for balance. Try my Air Fryer Potato Salad for a fun twist on the classic!
- Coleslaw: Crunchy and refreshing alongside heavier foods
- Baked beans: Slightly sweet and savory, perfect for BBQ spreads. Air Fryer Baked Beans make it easy!
Salty Snacks
- Popcorn: Light and salty to contrast the sweetness
- Pretzels: A simple, crunchy pairing
- Potato chips: Classic and easy for casual gatherings!
Fresh Additions
- Watermelon slices: Juicy and refreshing for hot summer days!
- Berry platter: Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries keep the theme going, especially my Red White and Blue Strawberries!
Drink Pairings
- Lemonade: Bright and refreshing with sweet treats
- Iced tea: A classic, easy crowd-pleaser
- Fruit punch: Fun and festive for parties
- Sparkling water: Light and palate-cleansing
- Strawberry daiquiri: Sweet, fruity, and refreshing with just enough tartness to balance the gooey marshmallow treats while keeping that fun, festive vibe!
Occasion Vibes
Perfect for Fourth of July (Independence Day) parties, cookouts, picnics, and potlucks, these pairings keep things fun, festive, and easy for a crowd!
Recipe FAQs
Can I Use Icing To Decorate Rice Krispie Treats?
Yes! Icing is a great way to decorate Rice Krispie treats. For best results, use a thicker icing like buttercream or store-bought decorating icing, as it holds its shape well and doesn’t soak into the treats. You can also use royal icing for more detailed designs that set firm.
How Do You Keep Rice Krispie Treats Soft?
To keep them soft, avoid overcooking the marshmallows and don’t press the mixture too firmly into the pan. Store the treats in an airtight container at room temperature to prevent them from drying out.
Can I Make Rice Krispie Treats Ahead Of Time?
Yes! Rice Krispie treats can be made 1-2 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature, and wait to add any frostings until closer to serving for the best texture and appearance.
Tips For the Best Fourth of July Rice Krispie Treats
- Make sure to use fresh marshmallows, as older, stale ones will make your treats turn out dry
- Kids can help by adding the decorations (sprinkles and candies) on top at the end! Adults should handle the melting steps, though
- For a fun finishing touch, instead of just cutting your treats into squares, you can use a star shaped cookie cutter for an extra patriotic presentation (make sure they’re cooled completely before cutting for the most neat edges)! I recommend using the 13×9” pan if you plan to do this, as thinner treats are easier to cut (compared to the tall ones from a 9×9” pan)
Storage Tips
- Store at room temperature. Rice Krispie treats stay softest when kept at room temp, not in the fridge!
- Use an airtight container. This prevents them from drying out and getting hard
- Layer with parchment or wax paper if stacking. Helps keep them from sticking together
- Keep away from heat. Warm environments can make them sticky or too soft
- Best within 2-3 days. They’re freshest and gooey during this window
- Avoid refrigerating. The fridge can make them firm and less chewy (though you can always pop them in the microwave for a few seconds before enjoying to help this)
- Freeze if needed. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 6 weeks, then thaw at room temperature before serving
Final Thoughts
These Fourth of July Rice Krispie treats are the perfect easy and delicious no bake dessert for all sorts of patriotic holidays! While of course they’re ideal for July 4th, they also work great for Memorial Day cookouts, Labor Day, picnics, potlucks, BBQs and more!
The separate layers of red white and blue add a fun spin to the classic treats, and you can still add customized decorations to the top of the treats to make them your own (or just use what you have on hand).
Cut them into squares, or use a cookie cutter to make fun patriotic shapes – no matter how you enjoy them they’re kid friendly, adult approved, and always a favorite of party guests!
Fourth of July Rice Krispie Treats
Servings: 12
These layered red white and blue Fourth of July Rice Krispie Treats are a fun, no bake, patriotic dessert perfect for picnics, potlucks, BBQs, and more!
Equipment
- Large microwave safe bowl (x3 if you don’t want to wash between layers)
- Spatula (or spoon; for mixing)
- 13×9 pan (or 9×9 for taller treats)
- Nonstick spray (or parchment paper)
- Chef's knife (or cookie cutter and sharp knife of choice)
Ingredients
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal (or generic equivalent)
- ¼ cup salted butter (4 Tbsp)
- 10 ounces mini marshmallows
- Red gel food coloring
- Royal blue gel food coloring
- Patriotic sprinkles (or similar)
Instructions
- Grease a 13×9 dish with nonstick spray, extra butter, or line with parchment paper
- Divide the butter into 3 microwave safe bowls (medium or large size). I usually add 1 Tbsp to each one, then cut the remaining 1 Tbsp into even thirds by eyeballing it. If you don’t have 3 bowls, you can use just one, but you’ll want to wash it out between each layer to prevent the transfer of coloring¼ cup salted butter
- Heat one of the bowls on high until the butter melts (about 30 seconds). Then, add in ⅓ of the marshmallows. You can eyeball it, or it’s approximately 2 cups. Stir the marshmallows to coat in the melted butter, then continue cooking in 30-second increments, stirring each time, until melted and smooth (usually about 30 seconds – 1 minute)10 ounces mini marshmallows
- Add the royal blue food coloring until the desired shade is reached (I use ¼ tsp of gel, but you can adjust to your preference). Stir until the color is smooth (no streaks)Royal blue gel food coloring
- Mix in ⅓ of the cereal (or 2 cups) and stir until the cereal is well coated in the marshmallow mixture. Then, press it into your greased dish in an even layer. To prevent sticking while pressing, you can spray your hands or a flat spatula with nonstick spray, or simply use a sheet of parchment or wax paper to press down!6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- Repeat melting another ⅓ of the butter and marshmallows in a separate bowl (or after cleaning the first one), add the cereal without adding any coloring this time, then spread it out and press that into the pan on top of the blue layer to form the white layer. Lastly, repeat the process again, but this time add the red food coloring in before coating the cereal and spreading and pressing on the final layer¼ cup salted butter, 10 ounces mini marshmallows, Red gel food coloring, 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- Add sprinkles, candies, or other decorations to the top while still warm, and gently press on them so they adherePatriotic sprinkles
- Cool in the refrigerator until firm, about 30 minutes, then remove from the baking dish and cut into squares or use a cookie cutter as desired (I usually do 2 cuts lengthwise and 4 cuts widthwise, or cut into star shapes using a cookie cutter and sharp knife, but it’s up to you). Enjoy!
Notes
- Mini marshmallows melt best, but you can use 40 standard-sized marshmallows instead. For a softer texture, increase to 16 ounces of marshmallows
- You get the best, most vibrant coloring from gel food coloring (as compared to liquid or natural alternatives). Adjust amounts as needed based on what you use and your preferences. You can also just mix in various sprinkles and patriotic colored candies (like M&Ms) to plain colored treats instead!
- Any candy decorations you like are fine! I top mine with a drizzle of white chocolate, patriotic nonpareils, and star-shaped sprinkles. You can also use M&M candies, red, white, and blue sprinkles, a drizzle of red, white, and blue candy melts, or anything similar!
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, decorations added, size of pan and pieces, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
Serving: 44g | Calories: 170kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 1.8g | Fat: 3.8g | Saturated Fat: 2.4g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 42mg | Potassium: 11mg | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 107.8IU | Calcium: 1.1mg | Iron: 3.7mg
