Fourth of July Rice Krispie Treats
These festive Fourth of July Rice Krispie Treats are a simple, no-bake dessert featuring classic puffed-rice cereal, melted marshmallows, and a patriotic burst of freeze-dried raspberries and blueberries. Quickly assembled and cooled, they offer a delightful chewy texture with a sweet, fruity tang, perfect for celebrating. Serve with vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
Equipment
- 1 Large Non-Stick Saucepan
- 1 9x13 inch Baking Dish
- 1 Heat-Resistant Spatula
- 1 Measuring Cups
- 1 Butter Brush or parchment paper for lining
Ingredients
Main
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter plus more for brushing
- 5 cups crisp puffed-rice cereal
- 2/3 cup freeze-dried raspberries
- 1/2 cup freeze-dried blueberries
- 1 10-ounce bag mini marshmallows
- 2 pints vanilla ice cream
Instructions
- Prepare the baking dish by brushing it thoroughly with unsalted butter, ensuring all surfaces are covered to prevent sticking.
- In a large, non-stick saucepan, melt the 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over very low heat.
- Add the entire bag of mini marshmallows to the saucepan and stir continuously until they are completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat immediately. Do not allow the marshmallows to boil or brown.
- Quickly add the 5 cups of crisp puffed-rice cereal to the melted marshmallow mixture. Fold gently with a heat-resistant spatula until the cereal is evenly coated.
- Gently fold in the freeze-dried raspberries and blueberries, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture without crushing them excessively.
- Transfer the entire mixture to the prepared baking dish. Using a lightly buttered spatula or buttered hands, gently and evenly press the mixture into the pan. Avoid compacting it too firmly, as this can lead to a hard texture.
- Allow the treats to cool completely at room temperature for at least 2 hours to set properly. Alternatively, you may chill them in the refrigerator for about 1 hour for quicker setting.
- Once fully set, use a sharp, buttered knife to cut the treats into 12 squares or your desired festive shapes.
- Serve the Rice Krispie treats at room temperature or slightly chilled, optionally accompanied by scoops of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
Notes
For optimal texture, melt butter and marshmallows over very low heat, stirring constantly until just smooth – overcooking will yield hard treats. Immediately remove from heat before folding in the cereal and freeze-dried berries; this ensures the berries retain their vibrant color and slight tartness. When pressing the mixture into the buttered pan, do so gently with a lightly buttered spatula or hands to avoid compacting the treats, which results in a denser product. A pinch of sea salt added to the melted marshmallow mixture can beautifully balance the sweetness. Ensure the treats cool completely, preferably at room temperature, before cutting. Serve chilled or at room temperature, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to complement the festive flavors.