Decadent Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispie Treats – A No-Bake Dessert Dream

If you’ve ever wished your childhood Rice Krispie treats could grow up a little — maybe get a sophisticated cherry twist and a layer of glossy chocolate — your dessert dreams just came true. Introducing Decadent Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispie Treats: a heavenly fusion of nostalgia and indulgence that’s as easy to make as it is impossible to resist.

This recipe takes the humble marshmallow cereal bar and transforms it into something fit for any celebration. Picture this: chewy, gooey Rice Krispie squares infused with sweet maraschino cherries, topped with a silky layer of rich chocolate. It’s the perfect mix of crispy texture, fudgy sweetness, and that delightful pop of cherry flavor that makes every bite sing.

Whether you’re preparing a quick treat for a family movie night, a no-bake dessert for a potluck, or a festive holiday tray addition, these treats check every box — fast, fun, and downright delicious.

Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispie Treats

1. No Oven Required: This no-bake recipe comes together in under 30 minutes — perfect for when you need a quick dessert fix.

2. Crowd Favorite: Both kids and adults adore the gooey texture and irresistible chocolate-cherry flavor combo.

3. Festive Flair: With their shiny chocolate coating and cherry-studded center, these bars look gorgeous on dessert tables, especially around Valentine’s Day, Christmas, or birthdays.

4. Customizable: Want to use dark chocolate instead of milk? Add white chocolate drizzle? You can tailor it however you like.

Ingredients

For the Base

• 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
• 4 cups mini marshmallows
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• ½ cup finely chopped maraschino cherries (drained well)
• 2 tbsp maraschino cherry juice (for flavor and pink color)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

For the Chocolate Topping

• 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (or milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter touch)
• 1 tbsp coconut oil or butter (to help the chocolate melt smoothly)

Optional Garnish

• Extra chopped cherries
• White chocolate drizzle

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pan
   Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, allowing a bit of overhang for easy removal. Lightly grease the paper with butter or nonstick spray.
2. Melt the Marshmallows
   In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add marshmallows and stir continuously until completely melted and smooth.
3. Add Cherry Flavor
   Stir in the vanilla extract, salt, maraschino cherry juice, and finely chopped cherries. The mixture will turn a soft pink hue — that’s your cue it’s going to be beautiful!
4. Mix in the Cereal
   Remove from heat and immediately add the Rice Krispies cereal. Stir quickly with a spatula until evenly coated.
5. Press into the Pan
   Transfer the mixture to your prepared pan. Use a piece of parchment paper or lightly greased hands to press it down evenly (don’t compact it too tightly or it’ll lose its chewiness).
6. Melt the Chocolate Topping
   In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth and glossy.
7. Pour and Spread
   Pour the melted chocolate over the pink cereal layer. Use a spatula to spread evenly across the surface.
8. Chill and Set
   Place the pan in the refrigerator for 30–40 minutes, or until the chocolate topping is firm.
9. Slice and Serve
   Once the chocolate has set, lift the entire slab out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Slice into squares with a sharp knife.

Decadent Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispie Treats

Chewy marshmallow Rice Krispie treats infused with maraschino cherries and topped with a silky layer of chocolate for the ultimate no-bake dessert.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 12 bars

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Autumn

Calories: 210

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Base

• 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
• 4 cups mini marshmallows
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 0.5 cup maraschino cherries finely chopped and drained
• 2 tbsp maraschino cherry juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 pinch salt

Topping

• 1.5 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 tbsp coconut oil or butter

Equipment

• Saucepan
• Mixing bowl
• Spatula
• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Microwave-safe bowl

Method

 

1. Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper and lightly grease.
2. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until melted.
3. Stir in vanilla, salt, cherry juice, and chopped cherries.
4. Add Rice Krispies and stir quickly until fully coated.
5. Press mixture into the prepared pan evenly.
6. Melt chocolate chips with coconut oil until smooth, then spread over the top.
7. Refrigerate 30–40 minutes until chocolate sets.
8. Lift from pan, slice, and serve.

Notes

For an extra festive touch, drizzle white chocolate or sprinkle with crushed freeze-dried cherries before the topping sets.

Tips for the Perfect Cherry Rice Krispie Treats

• Drain Cherries Well: Too much liquid can make the mixture soggy. Pat the chopped cherries dry with paper towels before adding.
• Use Fresh Marshmallows: Stale marshmallows don’t melt as smoothly, which can affect texture.
• Work Quickly: Once you mix the cereal into the marshmallow base, it starts setting fast. Have your pan ready.
• For Neat Squares: Run your knife under hot water and dry it before slicing — it’ll cut through the chocolate layer cleanly.

Flavor Variations

1. Dark Chocolate & Sea Salt: Use dark chocolate and sprinkle flaky sea salt on top for a gourmet twist.
2. White Chocolate Cherry Swirl: Melt white chocolate and swirl it over the top before the base sets.
3. Black Forest Version: Add mini chocolate chips to the base and top with whipped cream before serving.
4. Cherry Almond Crunch: Add ½ teaspoon of almond extract to the marshmallow mixture and sprinkle slivered almonds on top.

Fun Facts

• Rice Krispies Treats debuted in 1939 thanks to Kellogg’s employees Mildred Day and Malitta Jensen, who invented them for a Campfire Girls fundraiser.
• Cherries symbolize love and prosperity in many cultures, making these treats perfect for romantic or celebratory occasions.
• The chocolate-cherry combination has been a beloved dessert pairing since the early 20th century, often featured in cakes and cordials. This recipe modernizes that classic flavor pairing with the nostalgia of cereal bars.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these treats:

• As a sweet bite-size dessert at potlucks or parties.
• Wrapped individually in wax paper for lunchbox treats.
• On Valentine’s dessert platters, decorated with heart sprinkles.
• Crumbled over vanilla ice cream for a quick sundae.

Storing and Freezing

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Keeps for up to a week — the chocolate stays crisp.
• Freezer: Wrap individual squares in plastic and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Final Thoughts

Decadent Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispie Treats prove that even the simplest recipes can be elevated into something extraordinary. The combination of crisp cereal, fluffy marshmallows, sweet cherries, and smooth chocolate delivers a perfectly balanced dessert that feels both comforting and elegant.

Whether you’re introducing these at a family gathering, gifting them to a friend, or just treating yourself, these bars are sure to become a repeat favorite in your dessert lineup. One bite and you’ll know — sometimes, the most decadent desserts are also the easiest to make.