Strawberry rice krispies treats are a fun and fruity twist on the classic recipe you've known since childhood. The addition of strawberries is the only extra ingredient you'll need to make these gooey marshmallow-filled treats.
You're probably familiar with the classic rice krispies treat. Marshmallows, butter, and rice krispies cereal are mixed and pressed into bars. You'll only need one extra ingredient to make this strawberry version - freeze dried strawberries.
I love baking with freeze dried strawberries because the strawberry flavor is concentrated, made from real strawberries, and doesn't taste artificial. If you love strawberry desserts, these treats are a must try!
Strawberry rice krispies treats are perfect for Valentine's day, last minute parties, and summer picnics. For a fun fall version, try my brown butter rice krispies treats recipe.
Ingredients and substitutions
- Rice krispies cereal - Name brand or generic rice krispies cereal works in this recipe. Rice krispies could also be substituted with corn flakes or chex cereal if desired. I recommend rice krispies for best texture.
- Butter - Salted butter can be substituted with unsalted butter and a pinch of salt.
- Marshmallows - Regular or mini marshmallows can be used in this recipe. I prefer mini marshmallows because they melt quickly.
- Freeze dried strawberries - Cannot be substituted with fresh strawberries. The reason you need freeze dried strawberries is because the dried powder doesn't add extra moisture to the recipe like fresh strawberries would. I used one whole bag of Crunchies Freeze Dried Strawberries - 0.8 oz. Any bag that's between 0.8 and 1 ounce will work just fine.
Tips and tricks
Use a food processor - I find it easiest to use a food processor to grind freeze-dried strawberries into a fine powder. A coffee grinder or blender can also work in a pinch.
Pulse until finely ground - Gently grind the freeze-dried strawberries using the pulse button until they're finely ground and no large clumps remain. This process should take only about 10 to 15 seconds in a food processor.
Mise en place - The term mise en place is a French culinary term that refers to the gathering of ingredients and setup required before cooking. Measure your ingredients and have your 9x13 pan lined before you begin.
Work quickly - The marshmallow mixture cools off and thickens quickly, so it's important to work fast. Mix your ingredients and press them into the pan quickly before the mixture cools and becomes difficult to stir.
Use mini marshmallows - I highly recommend using mini marshmallows to make rice krispies treats. Their small size melts quickly and incorporates easily with the rest of the ingredients. Regular marshmallows can work, but take slightly longer to melt.
Frequently asked questions
I find freeze-dried strawberries in the produce section at my local grocery stores - Publix or Kroger both stock them regularly. Crunchies freeze-dried strawberries is the brand I use regularly, which I can find locally as well as on Amazon.
Any bag that's about 0.8 to 1 ounce will work in this recipe. You can also purchase freeze-dried strawberry powder on Amazon to save prep time.
While I haven't tried it myself, other freeze-dried fruits should work great in this recipe. If you give any a try, let me know in the comments below!
No. Fresh strawberries are far too wet to work into a rice krispies bar. Freeze-dried strawberries work because the powder doesn't add any moisture to the recipe.
Rice krispies treats can also be frozen for up to two months in a tightly sealed, freezer safe container. When ready to enjoy, remove your rice krispies from the freezer and allow them to come to room temperature on the counter top.
Rice krispies are best served within 1 day of preparing. If you're making them a day ahead, store them in a tightly sealed container at room temperature to keep them as fresh as possible.
Marshmallows can be substituted with a jar of marshmallow fluff. The butter and marshmallows could also be substituted with ¾ cup of peanut butter and ¾ cup of honey heated over medium heat until melted and smooth, similar to the base of scotcheroos.
Recommended
📖 Recipe
Strawberry Rice Krispies Treats
Ingredients
- 0.8 ounce (23 g) freeze dried strawberries, *
- ¼ cup salted butter
- 10 ounces (28 g) mini marshmallows
- 5 ¾ cups (161 g) Rice Krispies cereal
Instructions
- Line 9x13 pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a spice grinder or food processor, grind freeze dried strawberries into a powder. Set aside.
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Remove butter from heat and add marshmallows, stirring until melted. Add Rice Krispies cereal and strawberry powder and stir until completely coated.
- Using a spatula, press cereal mixture firmly into 9x13 pan. Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares.
Equipment Recommendations
Notes
- *any 0.8 to 1 ounce bag of freeze dried strawberries will work fine. You can also use freeze dried strawberry powder and skip the step of grinding into a powder.
- Store rice krispies treats in a sealed container at room temperature. They will keep for 1-2 days, but will start to dry out by day 3.
- Rice krispies treats can be frozen for up to 2 months in a tightly sealed, freezer safe container.
- Salted butter can be substituted with unsalted butter and a pinch of salt.
I made these with leftover cornflakes instead of rice krispies. Delicious! Thanks for the recipe 😊