Oh my goodness, if you haven’t tried chocolate covered cherry rice krispies treats yet, you’re in for a delightful surprise! I mean, who doesn’t love a classic rice krispies treat? But when you add the sweet and tart twist of cherry pie filling and a luscious chocolate coating? Wow! It’s like a party in your mouth! I remember the first time I made these for a family gathering. I thought I’d just whip up the usual treats, but then I spotted a jar of cherry pie filling and decided, why not? The reaction was priceless—everyone was raving about them! They’re so easy to make, and they disappear faster than you can say “chocolate covered cherry.” Trust me, once you try these, you’ll never go back to the plain ones!
Ingredients for Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats
- 3 cups rice krispies cereal
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup cherry pie filling
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
These ingredients come together to create the most heavenly treats! Make sure to grab the unsalted butter for that perfect balance of flavors. And don’t skimp on the cherry pie filling—it’s the star of the show! You’ll love the sweet and tart contrast it brings. Ready to get cooking? Let’s make some magic happen!
How to Prepare Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats
Alright, let’s dive into the fun part—making these delicious chocolate covered cherry rice krispies treats! I promise you, it’s a breeze. We’ll start by melting the butter and marshmallows, then mix in the magic, and finally, we’ll top it off with that rich chocolate layer. Let’s go!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, grab a large saucepan and melt 1/4 cup of unsalted butter over low heat. Keep an eye on it, so it doesn’t brown—just gently melt it.
- Once the butter’s melted, add 1 cup of mini marshmallows. Stir them in until they’re completely melted and gooey. Oh, the smell is divine!
- Now, remove the saucepan from the heat. Carefully mix in the 3 cups of rice krispies cereal and 1 cup of cherry pie filling. Make sure everything is well combined. This is where the magic starts to happen!
- Next, press the mixture firmly into a greased 9×9 inch pan. Use a spatula or even your hands (lightly buttered works too) to get an even layer.
- While that’s cooling, let’s melt the chocolate! In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup of chocolate chips with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Heat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until it’s smooth and glossy.
- Now, pour the melted chocolate over your rice krispies mixture, spreading it evenly. It’s going to look so good!
- Finally, pop the pan in the refrigerator and chill for about 30 minutes until the chocolate is set. Once it’s firm, cut into squares and get ready to enjoy!
Trust me, you’ll want to sneak a piece or two while you’re cutting them!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s talk numbers! These chocolate covered cherry rice krispies treats are not only delicious but can also fit into your dessert plans with some mindful eating. Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown per square (about 1 square):
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sugar: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
Keep in mind, these values are estimates based on standard ingredients, so your specific treats might vary a bit. But hey, a little indulgence never hurt anyone, right? Enjoy every bite without worrying too much about the numbers!
Tips for Success
Now, let’s make sure your chocolate covered cherry rice krispies treats turn out absolutely perfect! First, quality ingredients make a huge difference—go for a good brand of chocolate chips and fresh cherry pie filling if you can. It really elevates the flavor! When melting the butter and marshmallows, keep the heat low and stir gently; this helps prevent any burning or clumping. If you want that perfect chocolate layer, adding a touch of vegetable oil not only helps it melt smoothly but also gives it that gorgeous shine!
And don’t rush the chilling process—let them cool in the fridge for at least 30 minutes so the chocolate sets up nicely. If you’re feeling adventurous, experiment by adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top before chilling for a sweet-and-salty combo. Enjoy the process, and happy cooking!
Variations of Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats
Oh, the fun doesn’t have to stop with just cherries! There are so many delightful ways to customize these chocolate covered cherry rice krispies treats to match your taste buds or the occasion! Here are some of my favorite variations:
- Mixed Berry Bliss: Swap out the cherry pie filling for a combination of raspberry and blueberry pie filling. The fruity burst will be a fantastic twist!
- Chocolate Lovers: Use dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate for a richer flavor, or even drizzle some melted white chocolate on top for a beautiful contrast!
- Nutty Goodness: Add chopped nuts, like almonds or pecans, into the rice krispies mixture for an added crunch. Just be sure to chop them finely so they mix well!
- Peanut Butter Delight: Stir in a couple of tablespoons of creamy peanut butter with the melted marshmallows for that classic sweet and salty combo!
- Caramel Swirl: Drizzle some caramel sauce over the melted chocolate layer before chilling. It adds an extra layer of yumminess that you won’t be able to resist!
- Seasonal Flavors: For a festive option, try using pumpkin pie filling in the fall or a coconut cream filling for a tropical twist!
Feel free to mix and match these ideas based on what you have at home or what you’re craving. The possibilities are endless, and each variation brings its own unique flavor to these treats. Enjoy experimenting!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, let’s talk about keeping those delicious chocolate covered cherry rice krispies treats fresh! After you’ve made these sweet delights, you’ll want to store them properly to maintain their yummy texture and flavor. First things first, let them cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. Once that’s done, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for about 2–3 days, but if you want to keep them longer, pop them in the fridge! They’ll be good for up to a week, and I promise, they won’t last that long!
If you find yourself with extras (lucky you!), you can also freeze them. Just wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap, place them in a freezer-safe bag, and they’ll keep for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just take a piece out and let it thaw at room temperature for about 15–20 minutes. No reheating needed—these treats are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature! Trust me, they taste just as good after freezing, and you’ll love having a sweet surprise waiting for you!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—ready in just 20 minutes!
- Delicious combination of sweet cherries and rich chocolate.
- Perfect for sharing at parties or family gatherings.
- Fun for all ages—kids and adults will love these treats!
- Customizable with your favorite fruits and toppings.
- Made with simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
- Great for satisfying your sweet tooth without a lot of fuss.
- They look gorgeous on a dessert table—so inviting!
- Easy to store and keep fresh for days.
- A nostalgic twist on a classic favorite that never goes out of style!
FAQ About Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats
Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?
Absolutely! Fresh cherries can add a lovely burst of flavor, but you might want to mix them with a bit of sugar to enhance their sweetness and mimic that pie filling taste. Just chop them up and fold them in with the rice krispies!
What if I don’t have chocolate chips?
No worries! You can use any type of chocolate you have on hand—like a chocolate bar chopped into pieces or even chocolate melts. Just make sure to adjust the melting process accordingly!
Are these treats suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes! All the ingredients in this recipe are vegetarian-friendly. Just double-check that your marshmallows don’t contain any gelatin if you’re looking for a strict vegetarian option.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap out the regular rice krispies for a gluten-free brand. Many stores carry gluten-free rice cereals that work just as well!
How do I prevent the chocolate from cracking when it sets?
To avoid cracking, make sure the chocolate is melted smoothly and evenly. A little vegetable oil mixed in helps with that glossy finish. Also, let the chocolate cool slightly before pouring it over the treats—this can help prevent temperature shock!
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! These treats are perfect for making in advance. Just store them in an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh in the fridge for about a week. They’re great for parties or as a sweet surprise for later!
What’s the best way to cut these treats?
A sharp knife works best! Lightly grease the knife or dip it in warm water before cutting to help it glide through the chocolate and marshmallow mixture without sticking.
Can I add other toppings or mix-ins?
You bet! Feel free to get creative! Sprinkles, crushed nuts, or even a drizzle of caramel or peanut butter on top can elevate these treats to a whole new level of deliciousness. Enjoy experimenting!
Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats: 7 Blissful Steps
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Chocolate covered cherry rice krispies treats are a delightful twist on the classic dessert. They combine sweet cherries, crunchy rice cereal, and rich chocolate for a tasty treat.
Ingredients
- 3 cups rice krispies cereal
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 cup cherry pie filling
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large saucepan over low heat.
- Add mini marshmallows and stir until melted.
- Remove from heat and mix in rice krispies cereal and cherry pie filling.
- Press the mixture into a greased 9×9 inch pan.
- Melt chocolate chips with vegetable oil in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Spread melted chocolate over the rice krispies mixture.
- Chill in the refrigerator until set, then cut into squares.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Use fresh cherries for added flavor.
- For a crunchier texture, add nuts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop and chilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: chocolate covered cherry rice krispies treats