Pin it
This strawberry chocolate rice krispie treats recipe transforms a classic snack into a stunning triple-layer dessert that will make your taste buds dance with joy. The combination of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry layers creates a beautiful and delicious treat perfect for Valentine's Day, birthday parties, or any celebration needing a pop of color.
I first made these for my daughter's ballet recital, and they disappeared faster than any other treat on the dessert table. The bright pink strawberry layer always draws people in, but it's the perfect balance of chocolate and fruity sweetness that keeps them reaching for seconds.
Ingredients
- Rice Krispies cereal: Forms the crispy base of these treats giving that signature crunch everyone loves
- Marshmallows: Create the gooey binding texture and add essential sweetness to each layer
- Butter: Enhances richness and prevents sticking while adding a silky mouthfeel
- Semi sweet chocolate chips: Provide depth to the bottom layer without overwhelming sweetness
- Freeze dried strawberries: Deliver intense natural berry flavor impossible to achieve with artificial flavoring
- Red food coloring: Optional but helps achieve that vibrant pink top layer when your strawberry powder needs a boost
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Pan:
- Generously grease an 8x8 inch square pan with butter ensuring no spots are missed. This crucial step prevents sticking and makes serving much easier later.
- Create the Chocolate Layer:
- Melt 1½ tablespoons butter with 20 marshmallows in a medium saucepan over medium heat while stirring constantly. Once completely melted add chocolate chips and continue stirring until thoroughly incorporated resulting in a uniform brown mixture. Remove from heat and quickly fold in 2 cups of Rice Krispies until every piece is coated. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan creating a solid foundation.
- Form the Vanilla Middle Layer:
- In a clean pan melt another 1½ tablespoons butter with 20 more marshmallows stirring frequently until smooth. Remove from heat and immediately mix in 2 cups of Rice Krispies until fully covered. Press this white layer evenly over the chocolate layer applying firm pressure to ensure the layers bond together.
- Make the Strawberry Layer:
- Process freeze dried strawberries in a food processor until they become a fine powder. In a clean pan melt the final 1½ tablespoons butter with remaining 20 marshmallows. Once melted stir in the strawberry powder until fully incorporated adding a drop of red food coloring if desired for more vibrant color. Mix in the final 2 cups of Rice Krispies until completely coated and press firmly onto the vanilla layer creating your final colorful tier.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the entire treat to cool completely before cutting to prevent messy serving. Cut into 9 squares or 12 smaller portions depending on your preference and enjoy the beautiful layered effect.
Pin it
The freeze dried strawberries are truly the secret weapon in this recipe. I discovered them by accident when looking for ways to add natural color to desserts. My husband initially thought I was crazy for spending extra on specialty ingredients until he tasted the difference compared to artificial strawberry flavor. Now he requests these treats for movie nights at home.
Make Ahead Options
These rice krispie treats actually benefit from being made ahead of time. The flavors meld together beautifully after sitting for several hours. For best results prepare them up to 24 hours before serving and store covered at room temperature. If making more than a day ahead wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap to maintain freshness. They will stay good for up to three days though the texture is best within the first 48 hours.
Substitution Ideas
This recipe is incredibly versatile and forgiving. If freeze dried strawberries are unavailable you can substitute freeze dried raspberries or even freeze dried cherries for different flavor profiles. White chocolate can replace semi sweet chocolate in the bottom layer for a sweeter option. For a dairy free version use coconut oil instead of butter in equal amounts. Vegan marshmallows work beautifully for those avoiding animal products.
Decoration Suggestions
Take these treats to the next level by adding a simple white chocolate drizzle across the top once they have completely cooled. Sprinkle additional crushed freeze dried strawberries on top before the chocolate sets for extra visual appeal. For special occasions like Valentine's Day use a heart shaped cookie cutter instead of cutting into squares. You can also insert popsicle sticks into each piece before cooling to create rice krispie pops which are perfect for children's parties.
Pin it
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried?
Freeze-dried strawberries are recommended for their intense flavor and low moisture content, but you can experiment with finely chopping fresh strawberries, keeping in mind it may alter the texture of the treats.
- → How can I make these treats more festive?
Add red or pink food coloring to the layers, or decorate the top with gel icing, chocolate melts, or crushed freeze-dried strawberries for a festive touch.
- → What substitutes can I use for semi-sweet chocolate chips?
You can replace semi-sweet chocolate chips with milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate depending on your taste preference.
- → Can I make these treats ahead of time?
Yes, these treats store well in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days at room temperature or longer if refrigerated.
- → What other flavors can I try?
You can experiment with other freeze-dried fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or mango for a different twist on this treat.