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    Home » Recipes » Quick and Easy

    Sep 15, 2020 · Modified: Oct 30, 2022 by Melinda O'Malley Keckler · This post may contain affiliate links · this blog generates income via ads.

    Fancy Rice Krispy Treats

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Fancy Rice Krispy Treats taste similar to an orange creamsicle and are perfect anytime you need a fast dessert or a quick after school treat. It only takes about 15 minutes to put these together. I've added chopped walnuts, dried cranberries, vanilla extract and orange zest to give them a wonderful and "fancy" touch. Everyone loves these! 

    Note: Links in the recipe are paid links, Amazon Associates. This means I make a small commission when you click and shop. Your cost is the same and I only link to products or ingredients that I use and love.

    Rice Krispie treats stacked with a wedge of orange on the side.

    It's yummy enough to serve these for the holidays and best of all, these are so kid-friendly!

    Ingredients to Have on Hand

    These are the ingredients I keep in my pantry, especially during the holidays, so I can put this together quickly and be ready any time a treat is called for.

    Rice Krispie Cereal

    Mini-Marshmallows, 2, 10 ounce bags

    Walnuts

    Dried Cranberries

    Vanilla Extract

    Easy to Make

    I hesitate to call this a recipe since it's SO easy and is inspired by a treat we've all made a million times. Rice Krispie Treats.

    But the combination of flavors in this version makes this a very special treat.

    Mini-marshmallows and butter melting in a pot on the stove.
    I prefer to use bagged marshmallows instead of jarred marshmallow cream. The mini-marshmallows melt quickly in the hot butter on the stove.

    Top Tips and FAQ

    Can I substitute marshmallows for marshmallow cream?

    Yes. I've tried it both ways and I personally prefer the texture that comes from melting the marshmallows on the stove with the butter on low heat.

    But marshmallow cream, which you buy in a jar, works fine.

    You can substitute the mini-marshmallows in this recipe with about 10 ounces of marshmallow creme, which is about a jar and a half if you buy 7 ounce jars.

    Does it matter if I use fresh marshmallows? I have a bag that's been in my pantry for a few months.

    I recommend buying new bags of marshmallows to make Rice Krispy treats. Check the best before date on the bag.

    If the marshmallows are soft and pillow-like, they'll be fine for this recipe. If they are hard, dry or starting to stick together in the bag, it's best to toss them out.

    While most marshmallows will still taste fine for a month or two after that date, beyond that time period there's a chance that the marshmallows are stale.

    Rice Krispie square with mini-marshmallows and dried cranberries on top.

    How to Store

    Fancy Rice Krispie Treats stay fresh and delicious for 3-5 days at room temperature. Just cover your pan lightly with plastic wrap or remove each square and place in a zipped plastic storage bag.

    Use waxed paper to separate each layer.

    Rice Krispie treats stacked with a wedge of orange on the side.

    You can also freeze these treats. Just cut into squares, layer with plastic wrap or waxed paper and store in an airtight container in the freezer.

    Defrost at room temperature for a few hours and enjoy.

    The Inspiration

    The orange-vanilla-cranberry essence is something that's delicious all year long. Special hat tip to my son Kyle who came up with the idea to add the orange zest to this recipe. Delicious. Give it a try and be sure to rate the recipe below.

    One portion of a treat with marshmallows and dried cranberries on the side and top.

    More Quick Dessert Recipes

    Looking for more ideas? Here's another kid-friendly dessert: Peanut Butter Cookies these are chewy, tender and delicious... and not just for kids. Speaking of peanut butter, let the flavors of a beloved lunch-time sandwich inspire dessert. Peanut Butter Pies combine your flavor of jam with cream cheese and peanut butter. It might remind you a delicious candy bar.

    No-Peel Apple Cake is a family-favorite recipe and incredibly easy to prepare. No need to peel the apples!

    Stay in Touch

    Be sure to give a star rating to the recipes you make from the Crinkled Cookbook. I always love hearing from you. Sharing is great too! Use the buttons after the recipe to text it with just one click or send it to family and friends on Pinterest and Facebook. Enjoy.

    Recipe

    Rice Krispie square with mini-marshmallows and dried cranberries on top.

    Fancy Rice Krispy Treats

    These are not your average Rice Krispy squares. I've added chopped walnuts, dried cranberries, vanilla extract and orange zest. These are delicous and "fancy" - everyone loves them!
    5 from 26 votes
    Print Rate Pin Recipe
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Servings: 12 3" squares
    Calories: 328kcal
    Author: Melinda O'Malley Keckler

    Ingredients 

    • ½ cup butter
    • 15 ounces mini marshmallows - about one and a half 10 ounce bags
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1 cup chopped walnuts plus 1 tablespoon for the topping
    • ⅔ cup dried cranberries plus 2 tablespoons for the topping
    • 1 teaspoon orange peel zest
    • 7 cups Rice Krispy cereal

    Instructions

    • Grease a 13" x 9" baking dish (or spray with Pam)
    • On the stovetop, melt butter in large saucepan, add one and a half bags mini marshmallows. Stir over low heat until marshmallows are melted and smooth. Remove from heat and add salt, vanilla extract, chopped walnuts, dried cranberries and orange zest. Stir until combined. Add 7 cups of Rice Krispy cereal and stir until combined. Spread cereal mixture into baking dish and sprinkle reserved walnuts and dried cranberries on top, pat the mixture down using a small piece of waxed paper sprayed with Pam to prevent sticking.
    Tried this recipe? Or pin for later.Mention @crinkledcookbook or tag #crinkledcookbook

    Nutrition

    Calories: 328kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 3gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 213mgPotassium: 63mgFiber: 1gSugar: 27gVitamin A: 1323IUVitamin C: 11mgCalcium: 13mgIron: 5mg

    Please note, the nutrition details are estimated using a food database and are offered here only as a guideline for informational purposes.

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    Hello there, my friends! It's so great to have you here. My name is Melinda and I absolutely love home cooking. I've been creating delicious recipes for my family for over 30 years. Fun fact about me, I used to work as a TV journalist. Stick around, explore the Crinkled Cookbook, and make great meals at home!

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