A fun twist on the classic marshmallow treat, these Strawberry Rice Crispy Treats are fruity, gooey, and crispy with the perfect sweet-tart balance

Sliced strawberry rice crispy treats on a cutting board.

I'll happily admit that rice crispy treats are a weak spot for me. I can never have just one, and I definitely have to be cautious about how often I make them because I can (and have) eaten a whole batch of them by myself. Nobody can touch the original best-ever salted brown butter rice crispy treats from Smitten Kitchen (a recipe I happily make once a year around Halloween), but what I take from that beloved recipe is the need for balance in the traditionally sweet marshmallow treat. These Strawberry Rice Crispy Treats take what I love about that recipe from Smitten Kitchen and apply it here with a soft and gooey cereal bar that is sweet but also balanced from the acidity and tartness from the freeze-dried strawberries and of course, the perfect amount of salt.

Freeze-dried strawberries are the key here. They have all the flavor of strawberry without any of the moisture. They're an ingredient I turn to over and over again (see: Homemade Strawberry Milk, Strawberry Oatmeal, Strawberry Granola with Coconut and White Chocolate) because I just love it so much.

I know your kids will adore these Strawberry Rice Crispy Treats, but I am willing to bet the adults in your house will be even more excited about them!

Stacked pieces of strawberry rice crispy treats on a marble slab.

Ingredients Needed and Substitutions

Here is a brief overview of the ingredients needed for this recipe. The recipe card lists the full recipe with quantities below this text.

crispy rice cereal (we all know the OG is from Kellogg's and is great, but store-brand is fine too!---just avoid the "puffed rice" cereal as this doesn't have the correct texture for these cereal treats)
freeze-dried strawberries (commonly available in most grocery stores now and the only ingredient listed on the package should be only strawberries)
marshmallows (the mini marshmallows tend to melt easier, but either size is fine here so long as it is 10 ounces)
unsalted butter (salted butter can be used, but the amount of added salt should be cut in half)
coarse kosher salt (this recipe was tested using Diamond Crystal coarse kosher salt. If you use Morton's kosher salt or fine salt, decrease by about half for volume, or use the same amount by weight.)
almond and vanilla extract (the almond extract can be omitted if necessary due to allergies but helps boost the strawberry flavor of this recipe)

How to Make Them

Here is a visual overview of how to make these Strawberry Rice Crispy Treats! Keep scrolling for the full recipe.

Butter melting in a pot for the strawberry rice crispy treats recipe.

Step 1: Melt the butter.

Marshmallows melting in a pot for strawberry rice crispy treats

Step 2: Stir in the marshmallows, salt, and extracts and cook until completely homogenized.

Mixing freeze-dried strawberries with rice crispy cereal in a pot.

Step 3: Add in the crispy rice cereal and crushed freeze-dried strawberries.

Stirring the strawberry rice crispy treats mixture.

Step 4: Stir to combine until well combined.

Strawberry rice crispy treats mixture spread in a baking pan.

Step 5: Transfer to the prepared container.

Pressing down the strawberry rice crispy treats mixture in a pan.

Step 6: Use an oiled spatula or flat bottom cup to press the cereal treat in an even layer. Let set up.

How to Store Them

Strawberry Rice Crispy Treats can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for about 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days. They also freeze well in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Defrost at room temperature.

More Strawberry Recipes

Making these Strawberry Rice Crispy Treats? Be sure to leave a comment with a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review on your experience! Have a question? Leave a comment below and I’ll get back to you as quickly as I can!

Full Recipe

Strawberry Rice Crispy Treats

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Author: Kelli Avila
Prep Time: 00:05
Cook Time: 00:10
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 16 cereal treats 1x
Category: Sweets

Print Recipe

Description

A fun twist on the classic marshmallow treat, these Strawberry Rice Crispy Treats are fruity, gooey, and crispy with the perfect sweet-tart balance

Ingredients

Units Scale

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, more for pan (or use cooking spray)
1 (10-ounce) bag marshmallows
½ teaspoon coarse kosher salt
¼ teaspoon almond extract
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
5 cups crispy rice cereal
1 (1-ounce) bag freeze-dried strawberries, crushed (see note)

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Instructions

Butter or spray a 9-inch square baking dish and line with two pieces of parchment paper long enough to hang over the sides inside.
In a large pot, melt the remaining 6 tablespoons butter over medium-low heat. Add in the marshmallows, salt, vanilla, and almond extract. Cook, stirring often, until the marshmallows are melted and evenly combined with butter. Turn off the heat.
Working quickly, add in the cereal and strawberry powder until completely combined.
Immediately transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Use a lightly oiled spatula to press into a firm, even layer.
Let cool completely, then cut into 16 squares and serve.

Notes

To crush the freeze-dried strawberries, use a fresh bag to ensure they are crisp and haven’t absorbed any moisture, especially if the weather is humid. Using a food processor, blender, or rolling pin, crush the strawberries until they are mostly a powdered consistency. It doesn't need to be an even powder; in fact, it's better to have some bigger pieces of dried strawberry in the Rice Crispy treats.

This recipe was tested using Diamond Crystal coarse kosher salt. If you use Morton's kosher salt or fine salt, decrease the volume by half.

Store the cereal treats at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.