Creamy melted chocolate, juicy bursts of maraschino cherry, and the nostalgic crunch of Rice Krispies all come together in these Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats — a dessert that’s equal parts playful and irresistible. If you love the comfort of classic rice krispie squares but want something a little fancier and more grown-up, this recipe delivers in under 30 minutes with minimal fuss. Fun fact: maraschino cherries were once a luxury delicacy preserved in liqueur, so adding them to a humble treat feels delightfully decadent.
This recipe is perfect when you need a quick, family-friendly dessert that doubles as a party showstopper. It’s simpler than baking a pie and faster than many cookie recipes — yet it looks like you spent extra time on it. If you enjoy other cherry-chocolate combinations, you might like the Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake on the blog. Ready to make something crunchy, sweet, and a little bit nostalgic? Let’s get cooking!
What is Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats?
What exactly are Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats? Think of your favorite childhood marshmallow cereal bars, but flirted with by chocolate and a maraschino cherry makeover. How did the name come about — did a chocolate-coated cherry fall into a cereal bowl and change everything? Maybe. Is it exceptionally delicious? Absolutely. After all, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” This playful mashup is named for the two star components — chocolate and cherry — atop crispy, marshmallow-bound Rice Krispies. Curious? Try the recipe and see if it becomes your new go-to sweet treat.
Why You’ll Love This
- Irresistible trio: crunchy cereal, gooey marshmallow, and silky chocolate combine with bright cherry bites for an unbeatable texture and flavor contrast. Each bite is sweet, slightly tangy, and satisfyingly crisp.
- Wallet-friendly and quick: making these at home saves money compared to specialty bakery treats. A few pantry staples transform into a decadent dessert in minutes — great for last-minute gatherings.
- Customizable toppings: choose semisweet or milk chocolate, add a sprinkle of sea salt, or swap in dark chocolate for a richer profile. The maraschino cherries add a fun pop of color and juicy sweetness that makes these treats special.
If you love rich chocolate desserts, you might also enjoy the playful contrast in Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Cheesecake Squares. Ready to make something both nostalgic and elegant? Head to the how-to and let’s build these bars.
How to Make
Quick Overview
This recipe is wonderfully simple: melt butter and marshmallows, fold in Rice Krispies and cherries, press into a pan, and top with melted chocolate. The standout elements are the chewy marshmallow base and the glossy chocolate finish, with bright cherry pieces throughout. Prep time is about 10 minutes, active cook time about 10 minutes, and chilling time around 20 minutes — total roughly 40 minutes until ready to cut and enjoy.
Ingredients
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal (measure before pouring)
- 10 oz mini marshmallows (about one standard bag)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature or softened, plus extra for greasing
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 (10 oz) jar maraschino cherries, drained and chopped (pat dry to avoid excess moisture)
- 2 cups semisweet or milk chocolate chips
- 1 tbsp coconut oil (optional, for smooth melting)
Directions
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. Set aside.
- In a large pot over low heat, melt the 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter until fully melted, stirring to prevent browning.
- Add the 10 oz mini marshmallows to the melted butter. Stir continuously over low heat until the marshmallows are completely smooth and melted, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Remove the pot from heat and stir in the 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until combined.
- Fold in the 6 cups of Rice Krispies cereal, stirring gently but thoroughly so every flake is coated with the marshmallow mixture.
- Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries, distributing them evenly. If cherries are very wet, pat them dry before folding in to avoid soggy bars.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan and press it firmly and evenly using a spatula or lightly greased hands to create a compact layer. Press gently to maintain some airiness.
- Allow the Rice Krispies layer to cool and set for 10 to 15 minutes at room temperature while you prepare the chocolate topping.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the 2 cups chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon coconut oil (if using). Melt in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until smooth and fully melted.
- Pour or drizzle the melted chocolate evenly over the top of the Rice Krispies layer. You can fully coat the top or create a decorative drizzle pattern with a spoon.
- Place the pan in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes to allow the chocolate to set completely.
- Once the chocolate is firm, cut the treats into squares using a sharp knife warmed under hot water and dried for clean cuts. Serve and enjoy!
What to Serve With
These treats are a dessert, but pairing ideas make them feel more complete. Try a scoop of vanilla ice cream for contrast, a dollop of whipped cream with a sprinkle of toasted coconut, or fresh berries to highlight the cherry flavor. For drinks, serve with cold milk, hot coffee, or a chocolatey mocha. At parties, arrange alongside other bite-sized sweets and a fruit platter to balance the richness.
Top Tips for Perfecting
- Ingredient substitutions: swap milk chocolate for dark chocolate if you prefer less sweetness. Use gluten-free crispy rice cereal to make the recipe gluten-free.
- Timing adjustments: press the mixture firmly but not too compact; over-pressing yields very dense bars. Allow adequate chill time for the chocolate to set cleanly.
- Flavor enhancements: stir a pinch of flaky sea salt into the melted chocolate for a sophisticated contrast. Add a tablespoon of cherry liqueur to the melted chocolate for adult-only treats.
- Common mistakes to avoid: do not add wet cherries directly without draining — extra moisture can make bars soggy. Don’t overheat marshmallows or chocolate to prevent burning.
- For neat slices: warm your knife under hot water and wipe it dry between cuts.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If your kitchen is warm and chocolate is soft, refrigerate for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze individual squares in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before serving. Reheat briefly at room temperature to remove chill or microwave for 8 to 10 seconds if you prefer a softer, gooier texture.
FAQs
What if my marshmallows and butter seize or get grainy?
Keep the heat low and stir constantly. Overheating can cause graininess. If this happens, remove from heat and stir until smooth; adding a tiny splash of corn syrup can help smooth it out.
Can I use frozen cherries instead of maraschino?
Frozen cherries can be used if fully thawed and very well drained. Fresh cherries work too but may make the bars less sweet and slightly more tart.
Is it better to use milk or semisweet chocolate?
Semisweet balances the marshmallow sweetness nicely. Choose milk chocolate for a sweeter, creamier top or dark chocolate for richer flavor.
Can I add mix-ins like nuts or sprinkles?
Yes — fold in chopped nuts when mixing the cereal, or sprinkle decorations on the melted chocolate before chilling for extra texture and color.
How do I get clean, even squares when cutting?
Use a sharp knife warmed under hot water, wipe dry between cuts, and press straight down rather than sawing to keep edges clean.
Conclusion
These Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats are proof that simple ingredients can make a stunning dessert. They’re quick to prepare, wallet-friendly, and crowd-pleasing — perfect for family nights, bake sales, or holiday gatherings. Give them a try and see how the crunchy cereal, gooey marshmallow, and glossy chocolate come together with that bright cherry pop. For another take on this idea, check out this version on Around My Family Table and a fun variation at Fork Lore.
Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats
Equipment
- Large Pot
- 9x13 inch Pan
- Spatula
- Microwave-safe Bowl
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal Measure before pouring
- 10 oz mini marshmallows About one standard bag
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter Room temperature or softened, plus extra for greasing
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 jar maraschino cherries 10 oz, drained and chopped, pat dry to avoid excess moisture
- 2 cups semisweet or milk chocolate chips
- 1 tbsp coconut oil Optional, for smooth melting
Instructions
- Lightly grease a 9x13-inch pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. Set aside.
- In a large pot over low heat, melt the 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter until fully melted, stirring to prevent browning.
- Add the 10 oz mini marshmallows to the melted butter. Stir continuously over low heat until the marshmallows are completely smooth and melted, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Remove the pot from heat and stir in the 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until combined.
- Fold in the 6 cups of Rice Krispies cereal, stirring gently but thoroughly so every flake is coated with the marshmallow mixture.
- Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries, distributing them evenly. If cherries are very wet, pat them dry before folding in to avoid soggy bars.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan and press it firmly and evenly using a spatula or lightly greased hands to create a compact layer. Press gently to maintain some airiness.
- Allow the Rice Krispies layer to cool and set for 10 to 15 minutes at room temperature while you prepare the chocolate topping.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the 2 cups chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon coconut oil (if using). Melt in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until smooth and fully melted.
- Pour or drizzle the melted chocolate evenly over the top of the Rice Krispies layer. You can fully coat the top or create a decorative drizzle pattern with a spoon.
- Place the pan in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes to allow the chocolate to set completely.
- Once the chocolate is firm, cut the treats into squares using a sharp knife warmed under hot water and dried for clean cuts. Serve and enjoy!