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Get ready to experience the perfect combination of sweet cherry and rich chocolate in these Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats! This delightful twist on the classic dessert brings together the nostalgic crunch of Rice Krispies with the fruity burst of cherry jello and the indulgence of chocolate drizzle. Whether you’re making these for a holiday gathering, a special occasion, or just because, these treats are sure to impress.
Key Ingredients
The magic of these Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats lies in their carefully selected ingredients. The combination of buttery marshmallows, cherry-flavored jello, and crispy cereal creates a unique texture and flavor profile that sets these treats apart from traditional versions. The chocolate topping adds that perfect finishing touch that makes them irresistible.
Ingredients List
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Butter (regular or Earth Balance) | 4 tbsp |
| Mini marshmallows | 10 oz. |
| Rice Krispies (or gluten-free brand like Malt O’ Meal) | 6 cups |
| Cherry jello powder | 4 oz. package |
| Chocolate chips | 1 1/2 cups |
| Shortening | 1 tbsp |
Helpful Tools
Before you begin making these Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats, make sure you have the right tools on hand. You’ll need a large saucepan for melting the ingredients, a sturdy wooden spoon or spatula for stirring, a rimmed baking sheet for pressing the treats, and a microwave-safe bowl for melting the chocolate. Having these tools ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Pro-Tips
Creating the perfect Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats is easy when you follow these expert tips. First, make sure to grease your hands well when pressing the mixture into the pan to prevent sticking. Second, work quickly when combining the ingredients as the mixture can become difficult to handle as it cools. Third, for an extra festive touch, consider adding some red food coloring to enhance the cherry color. Fourth, if you want a more intense cherry flavor, you can add a teaspoon of cherry extract to the marshmallow mixture. And don’t forget to check out these Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Krispy Cups for another delicious variation!
How to Make Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats
- Heat the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat until completely melted.
- Add the mini marshmallows to the melted butter and stir continuously until they’re fully melted and smooth.
- Sprinkle the cherry jello powder into the marshmallow mixture and stir until it’s completely incorporated and the color is uniform.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately add the Rice Krispies cereal. Stir gently but thoroughly to ensure all the cereal is coated with the cherry-marshmallow mixture.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased rimmed baking sheet. Using greased hands, press the mixture evenly into the pan. Be gentle to maintain the light, airy texture.
- While the treats cool, combine the chocolate chips and shortening in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 1 minute, then stir until smooth. If needed, heat in additional 15-second bursts until the chocolate is completely melted and has a creamy consistency.
- Once the treats have cooled completely, use a spoon or fork to drizzle the melted chocolate over the top in a decorative pattern.
- Allow the chocolate to set before cutting into squares and serving.
Variations
Once you’ve mastered the basic Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats, try these fun variations! For a white chocolate version, substitute white chocolate chips for the regular chocolate and add some freeze-dried cherries for extra texture. You could also create a chocolate-covered strawberry version by using strawberry jello instead of cherry and adding a hint of vanilla extract. For a festive holiday twist, add some holiday-themed sprinkles on top of the chocolate before it sets, or use colored candy melts to create seasonal designs.
Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats
- Total Time: 45
- Yield: 16 servings
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp butter (regular or Earth Balance)
- 10 oz mini marshmallows
- 6 cups Rice Krispies (or gluten-free brand like Malt O Meal)
- 4 oz package cherry jello powder
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
- 1 tbsp shortening
Instructions
- Melt butter: Heat the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat until completely melted.
- Add marshmallows: Add the mini marshmallows to the melted butter and stir continuously until they are fully melted and smooth.
- Add cherry jello: Sprinkle the cherry jello powder into the marshmallow mixture and stir until it is completely incorporated and the color is uniform.
- Combine with cereal: Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately add the Rice Krispies cereal. Stir gently but thoroughly to ensure all the cereal is coated with the cherry-marshmallow mixture.
- Press into pan: Transfer the mixture to a greased rimmed baking sheet. Using greased hands, press the mixture evenly into the pan. Be gentle to maintain the light, airy texture.
- Prepare chocolate drizzle: While the treats cool, combine the chocolate chips and shortening in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 1 minute, then stir until smooth. If needed, heat in additional 15-second bursts until the chocolate is completely melted and has a creamy consistency.
- Drizzle and set: Once the treats have cooled completely, use a spoon or fork to drizzle the melted chocolate over the top in a decorative pattern. Allow the chocolate to set before cutting into squares and serving.
Notes
- Grease your hands well when pressing the mixture into the pan to prevent sticking.
- Work quickly when combining the ingredients as the mixture can become difficult to handle as it cools.
- For an extra festive touch, consider adding some red food coloring to enhance the cherry color.
- If you want a more intense cherry flavor, you can add a teaspoon of cherry extract to the marshmallow mixture.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 6 weeks with parchment paper between layers.
- To make dairy-free, use dairy-free butter like Earth Balance and dairy-free chocolate chips.
- Prep Time: 15
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
FAQ
How long do Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats stay fresh?
When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these treats will stay fresh for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 6 weeks. Just be sure to place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Can I make these treats dairy-free?
Absolutely! Simply use dairy-free butter like Earth Balance and dairy-free chocolate chips. The rest of the ingredients are naturally dairy-free, making it easy to adapt this recipe for those with dairy sensitivities.
Why did my treats turn out hard instead of chewy?
If your Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats turned out hard, you may have overcooked the marshmallow mixture or pressed them too firmly into the pan. Make sure to remove the mixture from heat as soon as the marshmallows are melted, and press gently when forming the treats to maintain their light, chewy texture.
Conclusion
These Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats combine the best of both worlds – the classic, beloved texture of Rice Krispies treats with the sophisticated flavor combination of cherry and chocolate. They’re surprisingly simple to make yet impressive enough for any occasion. The vibrant color and beautiful chocolate drizzle make them as visually appealing as they are delicious. Whether you’re making them for a party, as a gift, or just as a special treat for your family, these Cherry Chocolate Rice Krispies Treats are sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection!
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