Easter M&M Rice Krispie Treats – Easy No-Bake Dessert

There’s something truly magical about Easter desserts. They’re colorful, fun, and almost always bring a smile to everyone’s face. And when it comes to crowd-pleasing treats that are simple to make but seriously addictive, these Easter M&M Rice Krispie Treats are at the top of the list. Picture this: sweet, gooey marshmallow goodness wrapped around crunchy cereal, studded with pastel-colored M&Ms that make each bite as pretty as it is delicious.

These treats are the kind of dessert you whip up when you need something fast and easy but still want it to feel special. Whether you’re preparing for an Easter egg hunt, hosting a springtime party, or just want to surprise your kids with something sweet, this recipe has you covered.

The best part? You don’t have to be a baking pro to nail this recipe. Even if you’re someone who avoids complicated desserts like the plague, you’ll find this one to be totally approachable. No ovens, no mixers—just a stovetop, a pot, and a baking dish. Plus, the kids can totally help with this one. In fact, I highly recommend getting them involved because watching their excitement as the pastel M&Ms get mixed into the gooey marshmallow mixture is pure joy.

Why You’ll Love This Easter M&M Rice Krispie Recipe

You’ll love this recipe because it ticks all the right boxes when it comes to making a crowd-pleasing treat.

It’s Incredibly Easy to Make: With just five simple ingredients and minimal cooking time, this is the perfect last-minute dessert. And because it requires no baking, it’s practically foolproof.

Irresistible Flavor and Texture: You’ve got the classic gooey, chewy texture of marshmallow-coated Rice Krispies, but with the added bonus of crunchy, colorful M&Ms that add both sweetness and a delightful bite. Plus, those pastel colors are just too cute for words and make these treats look as festive as they taste.

Versatile and Customizable: You can easily tweak this recipe to suit your preferences. Want to add a drizzle of white chocolate? Go for it. Prefer a little more crunch? Toss in some extra M&Ms or even chopped pretzels.

Perfect for Sharing: These treats are great for potlucks, parties, school events, or just a fun afternoon snack. And because they keep well, you can even make them ahead of time.

Health Benefits

Okay, so we’re not talking health food here, but that doesn’t mean we can’t appreciate the little perks these treats bring to the table.

Rice Krispies Cereal: Rice Krispies are low in fat and sugar, made primarily from puffed rice, and are often fortified with essential vitamins and minerals like iron and B vitamins. When you use certified gluten-free Rice Krispies, this recipe can be a gluten-free option.

Marshmallows: Marshmallows are mostly sugar, but they’re also fat-free. So if you’re watching your fat intake, it’s good to know you can enjoy a sweet treat without the extra fat found in most baked goods.

M&Ms (The Joy Factor): While M&Ms are certainly candy, chocolate itself does contain small amounts of antioxidants. More importantly, eating sweet treats in moderation can boost your mood and bring people together.

Emotional Wellness: The joy of making and sharing treats like these can absolutely contribute to emotional well-being. Whether you’re making them with kids or surprising someone with a batch, the happiness factor is definitely worth mentioning.

Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information

Preparation Time: Melting and mixing: 10 minutes, Setting and cooling: 30 minutes

Total Time: Approximately 40 minutes

Servings: About 20 squares (depending on how big you cut them)

Nutritional Information (Per Serving): Calories: 140, Protein: 1g, Carbohydrates: 28g, Sugars: 16g, Fat: 4g, Saturated Fat: 2.5g, Sodium: 90mg, Fiber: 0g

Ingredients List

Ingredients:

6 cups Rice Krispies cereal (or any crispy rice cereal you prefer)
10 oz Mini marshmallows (about 4 cups)
3 tbsp Unsalted butter (or salted, if you prefer a slightly salty touch)
1 cup Easter M&Ms (preferably pastel-colored for that festive look)
Optional: Sprinkles for extra color and fun

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Melt the Butter
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Let it fully melt but avoid letting it brown.

Step 3: Add Marshmallows
Add the mini marshmallows to the melted butter and stir continuously. Keep stirring until the marshmallows are completely melted and you have a smooth, creamy mixture.

Step 4: Add Cereal
Remove the pot from heat and immediately add the Rice Krispies cereal. Stir well to ensure all the cereal is coated evenly with the melted marshmallow mixture.

Step 5: Add M&Ms
Quickly but gently fold in the Easter M&Ms. The mixture will be warm, so try to work quickly to avoid melting the M&Ms too much.

Step 6: Press Into Baking Dish
Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish and press it down evenly using a greased spatula or your hands. If you want, you can sprinkle extra M&Ms or sprinkles on top for decoration.

Step 7: Cool and Cut
Allow the treats to cool completely at room temperature before cutting them into squares. This will make them easier to cut and handle.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Once your treats have completely cooled and are cut into squares, they’re ready to be devoured. Pile them onto a platter for a festive display or wrap them individually if you’re handing them out as party favors.

Step 9: Store Leftovers
If you’re somehow left with extras, place the squares in an airtight container and store them at room temperature for up to three days. But let’s be real—they’ll probably be gone before then.

Step 10: Clean Up
The good news is, cleanup is a breeze. Just soak your pot and utensils in warm, soapy water and they’ll be good as new. Now, you can sit back and enjoy the compliments rolling in.

How to Serve this Easter M&M Rice Krispie

Serve as Part of an Easter Dessert Spread: Add these treats to your Easter dessert table along with cupcakes, cookies, and chocolate eggs. They’ll be the colorful, kid-friendly addition everyone goes for.
Wrap Them Individually for Gifting: Place squares in cellophane bags tied with pastel-colored ribbons. They make the cutest little gifts for classmates, friends, or neighbors.
Make a Festive Centerpiece: Stack them in a pyramid shape on a plate and add a few extra M&Ms or sprinkles on top for decoration. It makes for a fun, colorful presentation.
Use Cookie Cutters for Fun Shapes: If you want to get extra creative, press the mixture into cookie cutters before it cools completely. Bunny shapes, egg shapes, or even flowers can take these treats to the next level.

Great! Let’s keep going and make sure we cover everything in detail:

Pairing Suggestions

Pairing these sweet, colorful treats with the right drinks or snacks can make them even more delightful. Here are some ideas to enhance your dessert experience:

Hot Drinks: Hot chocolate topped with whipped cream pairs perfectly with these sweet, chewy squares. The rich, creamy drink complements the crispy texture and gooeyness of the treats. Warm milk with a sprinkle of cinnamon is another comforting option, especially for kids.

Cold Drinks: If you’re serving these at an outdoor Easter gathering, a refreshing glass of strawberry lemonade or a cold vanilla milkshake would be a fantastic match. The tanginess of the lemonade or the creaminess of the milkshake balances the sweetness of the treats.

Fruits: Pairing these treats with a side of fresh fruit like strawberries, grapes, or pineapple chunks adds a nice, refreshing contrast. It also brings a bit of natural sweetness to the table, which can be a nice touch for those looking to balance out the sugary flavors.

Ice Cream: Take your dessert game up a notch by serving these squares alongside a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream. The creamy, cold texture makes for a delicious contrast to the chewy, crispy treats.

Nutty Snacks: If you want something to complement the sweet flavor of the M&Ms, consider offering bowls of salted nuts or even peanut butter dip on the side. The salty-sweet combination is always a hit.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

Making these treats ahead of time? No problem! Here’s how to store, freeze, and reheat them if needed:

Storing: Store your Rice Krispie Treats in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to three days. Just be sure to keep them in a cool, dry place to maintain their texture.

Freezing: Yes, you can freeze these treats! If you want to make them well in advance, simply cut the cooled treats into squares and wrap each square individually in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe zip-top bag or airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Thawing: When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply remove them from the freezer and let them come to room temperature. This usually takes about 20-30 minutes.

Reheating: These treats are best enjoyed fresh, but if you want to warm them up slightly for a gooey texture, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat them, or they’ll end up hard and dry.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though this Easter M&M Rice Krispie recipe is pretty much foolproof, a few common mistakes can mess up your batch. Here’s how to avoid them:

Using Too Much Heat: When melting the butter and marshmallows, keep the heat at medium. High heat can cause the mixture to scorch, giving your treats a burnt taste and a tough texture. Patience is key here.

Overpacking the Mixture: When you press the mixture into the baking dish, resist the urge to press it down too firmly. Overpacking can make the treats dense and hard instead of soft and chewy. Just press lightly until it’s evenly distributed.

Adding M&Ms Too Early: Make sure the marshmallow mixture has cooled just slightly before adding the M&Ms. If it’s too hot, the candies will melt, ruining their bright, festive appearance.

Not Preparing Your Baking Dish Properly: Always grease your baking dish before pressing in the mixture. If you skip this step, the treats will be incredibly difficult to remove, and you’ll end up with a sticky mess.

Cutting Before Cooling: Allow the treats to cool completely before cutting them into squares. If you try to cut them too early, they’ll fall apart and lose their shape.

Pro Tips

Want to make your Easter M&M Rice Krispie Treats the best they can be? Here are some pro tips to help you out:

Use Fresh Marshmallows: Old, stale marshmallows can make your treats tough and difficult to mix. For the best results, always use fresh, soft marshmallows.

Try Different Cereal Options: While classic Rice Krispies work best, you can experiment with other crispy cereals for fun variations. Cocoa Krispies, Fruity Pebbles, or even Frosted Flakes can create deliciously unique treats.

Mix in Extras: Want to take your treats to the next level? Try adding chopped pretzels, white chocolate chips, or even peanut butter chips to the mixture before pressing it into the baking dish. The extra textures and flavors can be amazing.

Drizzle with Chocolate: For an extra fancy touch, melt some white chocolate or milk chocolate and drizzle it over the top of the treats once they’ve cooled. Not only does it look beautiful, but it adds even more indulgence.

Use Parchment Paper for Shaping: If you find your hands sticking to the mixture while pressing it into the dish, place a piece of parchment paper over the top and press down gently. This makes the process so much easier and helps create an even surface.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Make This Easter M&M Rice Krispie Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! These treats can be made up to three days in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for the best texture.

Can I Use Regular Marshmallows Instead of Mini Marshmallows?
Absolutely. You can use regular-sized marshmallows if that’s what you have on hand. Just be sure to measure them by weight (10 oz) for accuracy, and know that they may take a bit longer to melt.

What Can I Do If My Treats Are Too Hard?
If your treats turn out too hard, it’s likely because you overcooked the marshmallow mixture or pressed the mixture too firmly into the baking dish. To soften them, try microwaving them for about 10 seconds before serving.

Can I Add Food Coloring to Make Them Even More Festive?
Definitely! Adding a few drops of food coloring to the melted marshmallow mixture before adding the cereal can give the treats a fun, colorful twist. Try pastel pink, blue, or yellow for the perfect Easter look.

Are These Treats Gluten-Free?
If you use gluten-free Rice Krispies and double-check that your M&Ms are gluten-free, then yes, this recipe can be made gluten-free! Always read labels carefully if you’re preparing for someone with gluten sensitivity.

Can I Make These Vegan?
Yes, but you’ll need to use vegan marshmallows and a dairy-free butter substitute. Brands like Dandies make great vegan marshmallows that work beautifully in this recipe.

Conclusion & Call to Action

And there you have it—perfectly festive, colorful, and delightfully gooey Easter M&M Rice Krispie Treats! This is the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again, not just for Easter but for any occasion that calls for a sweet, fun treat. They’re easy to make, customizable, and most importantly, loved by both kids and adults alike.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab those ingredients and get ready to create something that will bring smiles all around. And don’t forget to snap a photo of your gorgeous pastel squares before they disappear! Share your creations with friends and family, or tag me on social media so I can see your beautiful work.

Happy Easter and happy treat-making!

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