If you love the nostalgic crunch of Rice Krispies Treats but crave something a little more indulgent, meet your new favorite dessert — Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats. This recipe takes the beloved marshmallow cereal bar and elevates it with layers of cherry flavor, creamy chocolate, and a touch of sweetness that feels like pure dessert bliss.

These treats are chewy, fruity, and chocolatey all at once — a perfect blend of sweet nostalgia and elegant flavor. Whether you’re making them for Valentine’s Day, a bake sale, or just a fun family treat, they’re guaranteed to steal the show.

🍫 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with simple pantry ingredients.

No-bake dessert: Perfect for busy days or when you don’t want to turn on the oven.
Sweet & fruity: Cherry flavor paired with rich chocolate for a gourmet touch.
Kid- and crowd-friendly: Everyone loves these chewy, chocolatey bars.

Pretty in pink: A festive, colorful twist on the classic treat — perfect for holidays or parties!

🍒 Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cherry Rice Krispies Layer:

6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
4 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 bag (10 oz) mini marshmallows
1 box (3 oz) cherry-flavored gelatin mix (like Jell-O)
½ cup chopped maraschino cherries, drained and patted dry

For the Chocolate Topping:

1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (or milk chocolate, if you prefer)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil or coconut oil (for smooth melting)
Optional garnish: White chocolate drizzle, extra chopped cherries, or sprinkles

🍬 How to Make Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter or non-stick spray.

Step 2: Make the Cherry Marshmallow Mixture

In a large pot over medium-low heat, melt butter.
Add mini marshmallows and stir constantly until completely melted and smooth.
Stir in the cherry gelatin mix until fully dissolved — this gives your treats that beautiful pink hue and fruity flavor.

Remove from heat and fold in chopped maraschino cherries.

Step 3: Add the Cereal

Quickly add the Rice Krispies cereal to the pot and stir until all pieces are evenly coated in the cherry-marshmallow mixture.

Press mixture firmly and evenly into your prepared pan using a buttered spatula or wax paper.

Step 4: Melt the Chocolate

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips and oil in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth and glossy.

Pour melted chocolate over the top of the Rice Krispies layer and spread evenly with a spatula.

Step 5: Chill and Slice

Let the treats cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or refrigerate for 15–20 minutes until the chocolate is set.
Once firm, remove from the pan and cut into squares or rectangles.

Optional: Drizzle with melted white chocolate or sprinkle chopped cherries on top for extra flair!

🍫 Tips for Perfect Results

Don’t overheat the marshmallows: Melt them on low heat for soft, chewy treats.
Dry the cherries well: Too much liquid will make your bars soggy.
Work quickly: The marshmallow mixture sets fast — mix and press immediately.

Line your pan: This makes removal and slicing much easier.
Room temperature chocolate: Avoid refrigerating too long or the chocolate may crack when slicing.

🍒 Fun Variations

Black Forest Version: Add a layer of chocolate ganache and whipped cream topping for a fancy dessert twist.

White Chocolate Cherry Treats: Use white chocolate chips for a creamier, sweeter top.
Cherry Almond: Mix in ¼ teaspoon almond extract for a bakery-style flavor boost.
Chocolate-Cherry Drizzle: Swirl melted dark and white chocolate over the top for a marbled effect.

Valentine’s Day Edition: Cut into heart shapes and decorate with pink sprinkles!

🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Fridge: Keep refrigerated for up to 1 week (let come to room temperature before serving).

Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

💡 Pro Tip: For a softer bite, let them rest at room temperature before serving — the chocolate will be easier to cut and chew.

🎉 Perfect for Every Occasion

These Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats aren’t just delicious — they’re also versatile and festive!

They’re perfect for:

Valentine’s Day ❤️
Birthday parties 🎂

Bake sales 🍬
Holiday dessert trays 🎄
Potlucks or after-school snacks 🧁

Their pretty pink color and glossy chocolate topping make them a hit at any gathering!

🍫 Why This Recipe Works

This recipe combines the light crispiness of traditional Rice Krispies Treats with the rich, decadent flavor of chocolate-covered cherries. The cherry gelatin adds a fruity punch and gorgeous color, while the maraschino cherries bring chewy bursts of sweetness.

Top it all off with a thick layer of smooth, melty chocolate, and you have a dessert bar that’s perfectly balanced, beautiful, and downright irresistible.

🧁 Quick Recipe Recap

You’ll need: Rice Krispies, marshmallows, butter, cherry gelatin, maraschino cherries, and chocolate chips.

Steps:

Melt butter and marshmallows, stir in cherry gelatin.

Add cherries and cereal, then press into pan.
Melt chocolate and spread on top.
Chill, slice, and enjoy!

That’s it — no baking, no fuss, and full of cherry-chocolate magic! 🍒🍫

❤️ Final Thoughts

These Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats are a fun, flavorful spin on a childhood favorite. With their bright cherry flavor, crunchy texture, and rich chocolate coating, they strike the perfect balance between easy and elegant.

Whether you’re whipping them up for a holiday celebration, romantic dessert, or just to satisfy a sweet craving, one bite of these chewy, gooey squares will win you over instantly.

They’re simple to make, stunning to serve, and impossible to resist — the ultimate no-bake treat for chocolate and cherry lovers alike! 🍒✨

Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats – A Decadent Twist on a Classic

Author: WAFA LI

Print Recipe

Ingredients

• 6 cups crisp rice cereal (like Rice Krispies)
• 1 tbsp butter or coconut oil
• 10 oz mini marshmallows (about 4 cups)
• ¼ cup dried cherries, chopped (or freeze-dried cherries)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp almond extract (optional, enhances cherry flavor)

For the chocolate coating:
• 1 cup dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips (or dairy-free)
• 1 tbsp coconut oil or shortening

Instructions

Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper or grease lightly.
In a large pot over low heat, melt butter. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted and smooth.
Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla, almond extract (if using), and chopped dried cherries.

Fold in crisp rice cereal until fully coated.
Press mixture firmly into the prepared pan. Let cool 15–20 minutes until set.
Cut into squares.

Make the chocolate coating: Melt chocolate chips and coconut oil in 20-second bursts, stirring until smooth.
Dip each treat halfway into the chocolate or drizzle generously.
Roll edges in extra chopped cherries or crushed freeze-dried cherries for color and crunch.

Place on parchment and chill 10–15 minutes until chocolate sets.

✨ Perfect for Valentine’s Day, school parties, or anytime you want a colorful, no-bake treat!

💡 Make it festive: Use red & white sprinkles or heart-shaped candies for extra charm.

PREP TIME & NUTRITION :
Prep Time : 15 mins , Cook Time : 5 mins , Total Time : 40 mins , Servings : 12 treats , Calories : 150 , Net Carbs: 24g , Fats: 6g , Protein: 2g