If you love the classic combination of chocolate and cherries, get ready for a nostalgic twist on a childhood favorite. These Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats are a decadent, no-bake dessert that blends gooey marshmallow cereal bars with the richness of dark chocolate and juicy maraschino cherries. Perfect for holidays, bake sales, or as a fun after-school treat, these easy homemade Rice Krispies treats offer a chewy texture with a pop of fruity flavor.

What makes these treats irresistible? The buttery marshmallow base gets a delicious upgrade with the addition of sweet chopped cherries, creating a chewy, crunchy, and chocolatey bite that feels indulgent yet simple to make. Topped with a thick layer of melted chocolate and an extra drizzle for a bakery-style touch, these gourmet Rice Krispies treats will quickly become a family favorite.

If you’re looking for a fun, easy, and delicious way to upgrade classic Rice Krispies treats, these Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats are a must-try. The crisp, gooey marshmallow base meets a rich chocolate shell, with bursts of sweet cherries in every bite. Whether you’re making them for a party, gifting them during the holidays, or simply indulging in a homemade chocolate dessert, these easy chocolate cherry treats will satisfy every craving.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS CHOCOLATE COVERED CHERRY RICE KRISPIES TREATS

• Classic with a Twist – A nostalgic Rice Krispies treat gets a gourmet upgrade with rich chocolate and sweet cherry flavor.

• Irresistibly Chewy & Crispy – The perfect balance of crunch and gooey marshmallow goodness in every bite.

• Decadent Chocolate Coating – A smooth, velvety layer of chocolate takes these to the next level.

• Burst of Cherry Flavor – Juicy cherry pieces or cherry extract add a fruity sweetness that pairs beautifully with chocolate.

• Easy & No-Bake – Quick to whip up with minimal effort, making them ideal for parties, holidays, or just a sweet treat anytime.

• Perfect for Sharing – Whether for gifting or a dessert tray, these eye-catching treats are always a crowd-pleaser!

INGREDIENTS FOR CHOCOLATE COVERED CHERRY RICE KRISPIES TREATS

• Butter: Use your preferred variety—regular or a plant-based alternative like Earth Balance—to create a rich, smooth base.
• Mini Marshmallows: These provide the gooey, melty texture that holds everything together.
• Rice Krispies: The crispy rice cereal adds crunch; feel free to opt for a gluten-free version (like malt o’ meal) if needed.
• Cherry Jello Powder: Adds a burst of cherry flavor and a vibrant hue to the treats.
• Chocolate Chips: Melt these with a touch of fat for a luscious, drizzled topping.
• Shortening: Helps smooth out the chocolate, ensuring a silky drizzle over the finished treat.

HOW TO MAKE THIS CHOCOLATE COVERED CHERRY RICE KRISPIES TREATS

Step 1:
Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat until it’s completely liquid.

Step 2:
Add the mini marshmallows to the melted butter and stir continuously until they’re fully melted and blended.

Step 3:
Mix in the cherry jello powder until evenly incorporated into the buttery, marshmallow mixture.

Step 4:
Remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately stir in the Rice Krispies until they are well coated.

Step 5:
Prepare a rimmed baking sheet by cleaning and generously greasing your hands to prevent sticking, then gently press the mixture into the pan.

Step 6:
Allow the Rice Krispies mixture to cool and set.

Step 7:
In a separate container, combine the chocolate chips with shortening and melt them together. Start by heating for about a minute.

Step 8:
Stir the chocolate mixture until smooth. If necessary, heat it in short bursts (around 15 seconds each) to maintain a creamy consistency.

Step 9:
Drizzle the melted chocolate evenly over the cooled treats for a delicious finishing touch.

STORAGE OPTIONS

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week to keep the chocolate firm and the treats fresh.

Freeze: Wrap each square individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheat: Not necessary, but if you prefer softer treats, let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes after refrigeration. Avoid microwaving to prevent the chocolate from melting unevenly.

VARIATIONS AND SUBSTITUTIONS

1. Chocolate Options: Swap milk chocolate for dark or white chocolate for a different flavor profile.

2. Cherry Mix-Ins: Use dried cherries instead of maraschino for a chewy bite, or add cherry extract to the marshmallow mixture for extra flavor.

3. Cereal Base: Try cocoa-flavored rice cereal for a richer chocolate twist.

4. Toppings: Drizzle with white chocolate or sprinkle with crushed almonds for added crunch.

5. Marshmallow Swap: Use cherry-flavored marshmallows to enhance the fruity notes.

SAVE THIS RECIPE TO YOUR FAVORITE PINTEREST BOARD!

Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

20 minutes minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 4 tbsp butter regular or Earth Balance
• 10 oz. mini marshmallows
• 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal or a gluten-free alternative like malt o' meal
• 4 oz. package cherry jello powder
• 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
• 1 tbsp shortening

Instructions

• Prepare the Marshmallow Mixture:
• In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the mini marshmallows and stir continuously until they are completely melted. Mix in the cherry jello powder until fully incorporated.
• Combine with Cereal:
• Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately stir in the Rice Krispies cereal until every piece is well coated.
• (Tip: Grease your hands well to prevent sticking.)
• Press the mixture evenly into a rimmed baking sheet.
• Make the Chocolate Drizzle:
• While the treats are cooling, combine the chocolate chips and shortening in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 1 minute, then stir until the mixture is smooth. If needed, heat in additional 15-second bursts until you achieve a creamy consistency.
• Assemble:
• Once the treats have cooled, drizzle the melted chocolate evenly over the top. Allow the drizzle to set before cutting into pieces and serving.