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Fruity Pebbles Rice Krispie Treats

Bright, crunchy, and impossibly fun, these Fruity Pebbles Rice Krispie Treats turn a classic childhood snack into a colorful party-ready bar. The combination of Fruity Pebbles and Rice Krispies gives you big cereal flavor with that nostalgic marshmallow chew—perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or an easy weeknight treat. If you love playful desserts with minimal fuss, this recipe delivers the feel-good factor in every bite. For a savory weeknight compliment to these sweets, you might also enjoy this Cajun sausage and rice skillet, which is a favorite on my dinner rotation.

Why make this recipe

Fast: Ready in about 15–20 minutes from start to finish (plus cooling time).
Crowd-pleaser: The colors and sweet cereal crunch make these a hit with kids and adults alike.
Versatile: Top with sprinkles, chocolate, or keep them plain—either way, they travel well.

In short: These treats are a simple, cheerful upgrade to the traditional Rice Krispie bar that require few ingredients and yield maximum smiles.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Fruity Pebbles Rice Krispie Treats

Ingredients:

3 cups Fruity Pebbles cereal
4 cups Rice Krispies cereal
1 package (10 oz) mini marshmallows
3 tablespoons butter
Sprinkles (optional)

Directions:

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the mini marshmallows and stir until completely melted and smooth.
Remove from heat and quickly mix in the Fruity Pebbles and Rice Krispies until well combined.
Press the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch pan evenly.
Allow to cool, then cut into squares or bars.
Optionally, top with sprinkles before serving.

Full walkthrough and tips for success

Prep first: Measure cereals into a large bowl so they’re ready to go; marshmallows set up quickly once melted.
Melt gently: Use low heat and a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent marshmallows from scorching. Stir constantly until glossy and lump-free.
Mix quickly but gently: When you add cereals to the melted marshmallow, fold with a rubber spatula to coat evenly without crushing the cereal.
Press without compacting too much: Lightly press into the pan using a sheet of parchment or buttered hands to avoid overly dense bars; you want them snug but still airy.
Cool completely before cutting: This prevents sticking and gives clean edges.

Why these specific ingredients work

Fruity Pebbles bring intense fruity flavor and bright color, but they’re lighter and more fragile than Rice Krispies, which is why the combination uses more Rice Krispies for structure.
Mini marshmallows melt faster and more evenly than large marshmallows, giving a smoother binding texture.
Butter adds richness and helps the marshmallows melt into a glossy binder.

Best Way to Store Fruity Pebbles Rice Krispie Treats

Room temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days to maintain the best chew and crunch.
Refrigerator: Keep in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days; they may firm up slightly—bring to room temp before serving for best texture.
Freezer: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag or container for up to 6 weeks; thaw on the counter for 30–60 minutes before eating.

Serving Ideas for Fruity Pebbles Rice Krispie Treats

Cut into bite-sized squares and serve on a dessert platter alongside cookies and brownies for a colorful mix.
Top with a drizzle of white chocolate and add sprinkles to match a party theme or holiday colors.
Serve with a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream for a playful warm-and-cold dessert contrast—place the slightly warm bar on the plate and add ice cream just before serving.
Pack them in lunchboxes for a nostalgic snack; wrap individually for easy transport.

Tips to make Fruity Pebbles Rice Krispie Treats (Q&A style)
Q: How do I keep the bars from getting too hard?
A: Avoid over-pressing the mixture into the pan and don’t overcook the marshmallows. Remove the pan from heat as soon as the marshmallows are fully melted and glossy.

Q: Can I make them in advance?
A: Yes—store them wrapped at room temperature up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze individually wrapped bars.

Q: How do I prevent the cereal from getting soggy?
A: Work quickly once the marshmallows are melted so the mixture cools and sets before the cereal absorbs moisture. Press lightly rather than compacting the bars too much.

Variations and substitutions

Chocolate-Swirled: After pressing the mixture into the pan, melt 1/2 cup chocolate chips and drizzle over the top; use a toothpick to swirl. (Paragraph format)
Marshmallow-Free Option: Replace the mini marshmallows with about 1/2 cup honey and 1/4 cup brown rice syrup heated with 2 tablespoons butter until just combined, then stir into cereals. This changes the texture—expect slightly chewier bars. (Bullet)

Troubleshooting and technique notes

If your marshmallow mixture seems too stiff to stir: Warm the pan very gently over low heat for a few seconds and stir until it loosens; avoid high heat.
If the bars are crumbly after cooling: You likely didn’t use enough marshmallow binder or you pressed too lightly; next time increase marshmallow by 1–2 ounces or press slightly firmer.
Want a softer chew? Add an extra ounce of marshmallows or 1 tablespoon of light corn syrup to the melted mixture.

Flavor and texture profile
Expect a bright, sugary burst from the Fruity Pebbles with the slightly toasted, neutral snap of Rice Krispies providing structure. Marshmallows glue everything together and give the characteristic chew. The contrast of crispy cereal and gooey marshmallow is the hallmark of these bars—colorful, sweet, and texturally fun.

Scaling the recipe

Half batch: Use a smaller 8×8 inch pan and halve all ingredients. Reduce cooking time slightly since you’ll be melting less marshmallow.
Double batch: Use a second 9×13 pan or a larger roasting pan; melt marshmallows in a very large pot or in two batches to ensure even heating.

Safety and allergy notes

Contains gluten if your Rice Krispies are not certified gluten-free—substitute with a gluten-free crisped rice cereal if needed.
Contains dairy (butter) and may be cross-contaminated if mini marshmallows contain gelatin from non-vegetarian sources—use vegan marshmallows and plant-based butter for a vegan version.

Presentation and party tips

For kids’ parties, cut into fun shapes using cookie cutters after pressing into the pan but before fully cooling; allow to set partially so shapes hold.
For bake sales, individually wrap bars in cellophane and tie with a ribbon—use custom labels to list ingredients and allergens.
To make a dessert tray pop, alternate plain Rice Krispie squares next to the Fruity Pebble bars for a color contrast.

FAQ (mixed formats)

Q: Can I substitute regular marshmallows for mini marshmallows?
A: Yes—use about the same weight (10 oz package is typically mini); larger marshmallows will take slightly longer to melt.

Q: How long do these treats stay fresh?
A: At room temperature in an airtight container, plan on 2–3 days for peak texture. Refrigerate for up to 7 days or freeze up to 6 weeks.

Q: Can I bake these to make them firmer?
A: No baking is required. Baking will dry them out and change the texture—stick with stovetop melting for the best chew.

Q: What’s the best way to cut clean squares?
A: Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts for smooth edges.

Q: How do I make them vegan?
A: Use vegan marshmallows and a plant-based butter substitute. Note that texture may differ slightly.

Q: Are there low-sugar versions?
A: You can experiment with reduced marshmallows or sugar-free marshmallows, but texture and binding quality will be affected.

Extra notes for gatherings
If you’re making a large quantity for a crowd, plan to prepare multiple pans ahead of time—marshmallow treats are forgiving and can be stored and transported easily. For a dessert table, combine these with other handheld sweets like brownies and cupcakes to give guests contrast in flavor and texture.

Final thoughts on technique
The most crucial moments in this recipe are melting the marshmallows to a smooth state and mixing the cereal in quickly but gently. Once you master the timing and the light press into the pan, the results will be consistent: bright, chewy bars with just the right balance of crunch and gooeyness.

Conclusion

For more inspiration and similar Fruity Pebbles treat ideas, see the Fruity Pebble Rice Crispy Treats recipe on Crazy for Crust, or check out Gemma’s version at Bigger Bolder Baking.