Hi everyone — I’m Erin from Hey, EEP! and I’m excited to share a colorful twist on a classic: Rainbow Rice Krispy Treats. Rice Krispies treats are one of those nostalgic desserts I could easily eat by the trayful (a habit I picked up from my mom). While I usually enjoy them plain, these rainbow versions are packed with playful fruity flavor and bright color.
These treats are made in small personal-size portions that are perfect for sharing. My favorite trick is adding a bit of Jell-O to each marshmallow layer to boost the color and flavor — it gives them a Fruity Pebbles vibe without needing to mix actual cereal colors. You can also use food coloring, or a combination of both, depending on how vivid or subtle you want the hues to be. I used classic rainbow shades, but feel free to customize the palette to suit any occasion.
These treats are forgiving and versatile. If the mixture sets too quickly, warming the pieces briefly in a low oven makes them pliable again. They’re quick to prepare, easy to adapt for dietary needs, and naturally gluten-free when you use gluten-free cereal — which makes them ideal for parties, classroom treats, or a fun weekend baking project with kids.
Rainbow Rice Krispy Treats
Ingredients
- Nonstick cooking spray for supplies
- 1 stick butter
- Jell-O and/or food coloring for dyeing
- 2 bags mini marshmallows
- 1 box Rice Krispies cereal
Instructions
-
Line a small baking sheet with aluminum foil and fold to create a mini pan about one-quarter to one-half the size of the sheet. Spray the inside with nonstick cooking spray.
-
Spray the inside of a saucepan with nonstick cooking spray. Add 1 tablespoon butter and melt over medium heat. Stir in 1 cup marshmallows and 1 tablespoon Jell-O or a few drops of food coloring, if desired. Cook, stirring, until the marshmallows are melted.
-
Turn off the heat and fold in 1½ cups Rice Krispies until combined. Press this first color into the prepared pan to form the first layer.
-
Run your hands under cold water to keep them from sticking, then gently press the mixture to even it out. Repeat the melting and coloring steps to build additional layers in the colors you choose.
-
Once layered, cut the slab into 1-inch slices. Place a few slices at a time on a foil-lined baking sheet sprayed with nonstick spray and warm in a 300°F oven until soft and pliable.
-
Remove the warmed slices and gently bend each into a rainbow shape. Set aside to cool and firm up.
-
For marshmallow clouds, melt 1 tablespoon butter and 1 cup marshmallows in a clean saucepan. Spoon the melted marshmallow onto the bottom of each rainbow and press mini marshmallows into the sticky surface to create clouds.
Photos by Erin Phraner | Hey EEP
Why I love Rice Krispies treats: they’re quick, forgiving, and endlessly adaptable. If a batch firms up too fast, pop the pieces back in a low oven for a few minutes to make them moldable again. They’re also naturally gluten-free when you choose gluten-free cereal, so they’re great for sharing with friends who have dietary restrictions.
