Easter Rice Krispie Bars Recipe
If you’re looking for a show-stopping treat that’s as cheerful and festive as spring itself, Easter Rice Krispie Bars absolutely deliver! This nostalgic, no-bake dessert takes everyone’s favorite gooey marshmallow treat and gives it a seasonal makeover with pastel candy eggs and M&Ms. With their vibrant colors and irresistible crunch, these bars are guaranteed to bring a pop of joy to any Easter table, classroom party, or after-school snack session. Whether you’re a kitchen pro or working with little helpers, you’ll love how quickly these come together—and how impossible they are to resist!

Ingredients You’ll Need
These Easter Rice Krispie Bars keep things simple, letting every ingredient shine. Each component brings an essential layer—whether it’s melt-in-your-mouth marshmallows, crispy cereal, or bursts of pastel candy for color and fun.
- Rice Krispies cereal (6 cups): Provides the classic crispy crunch that gives each bite its light, airy bite.
- Mini marshmallows (1 bag, 10 oz): Melt to create that signature, sticky-sweet texture everyone loves.
- Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons): Adds rich flavor and helps everything blend smoothly without overpowering the marshmallow sweetness.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Brings warm, comforting notes and rounds out the sweetness in every taste.
- Pastel-colored candy-coated chocolate eggs (1 cup): Think Cadbury Mini Eggs for color, crunch, and chocolatey surprise!
- Pastel M&Ms (1/2 cup): These add more colorful pops and a second hit of chocolate fun.
- Pastel sprinkles (for topping): The finishing touch for irresistible spring flair and a little extra crunch.
- Nonstick cooking spray or butter (for greasing): Crucial for easy removal so nothing sticks when you slice the bars.
How to Make Easter Rice Krispie Bars
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start by greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray or a generous swipe of butter. This sets you up for easy, frustration-free bar removal later, so those beautiful pastel toppings don’t get stuck or crumble.
Step 2: Melt the Butter and Marshmallows
In a big saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter first, swirling it around to coat the bottom. Pour in all the mini marshmallows and stir, stir, stir—they’ll slowly soften, then become creamy and glossy. Keep mixing until it’s perfectly smooth.
Step 3: Stir in the Vanilla
Once your marshmallow mixture is melted and dreamy, remove the pan from heat and quickly stir in the vanilla extract. This simple addition infuses everything with sweet, homey aroma.
Step 4: Fold in the Rice Krispies Cereal
Pour all six cups of Rice Krispies cereal straight into the pot. Use a sturdy spatula or big spoon to gently fold until every last grain is coated in that luscious marshmallow mix, making sure not to crush the cereal.
Step 5: Add the Candy Mix-ins
Let things cool for just a minute or two so the candies don’t melt right away. Then, fold in most of the candy-coated mini eggs and pastel M&Ms, keeping a handful of each aside for decorating the top later.
Step 6: Press the Mixture Into Your Pan
Scoop everything into your prepared baking dish while it’s still warm. Use a buttered spatula (or a piece of wax paper) to press the mixture down gently but firmly, making sure it’s even all the way to the edges.
Step 7: Decorate and Finish
Right away, scatter those reserved candies over the top, then follow up with as many pastel sprinkles as your heart desires. Press them in gently so each piece is festive and fun—this is when your Easter Rice Krispie Bars truly come to life!
Step 8: Let Set and Slice
Allow the bars to set at room temperature for about one hour so they hold their shape perfectly. For an extra-firm texture, pop the tray in the fridge for 20 to 30 minutes. Slice into squares and watch everyone’s eyes light up!
How to Serve Easter Rice Krispie Bars

Garnishes
When it comes to serving, the more color, the better! Add an extra scattering of pastel sprinkles or a drizzle of white chocolate over the bars right before serving. Even a few edible flowers can give your Easter Rice Krispie Bars serious wow-factor for the holiday dessert table!
Side Dishes
Complement these sweet, crunchy bars with a platter of fresh spring berries or a bowl of pastel fruit salad. A big mug of coffee, hot chocolate, or citrusy punch on the side balances out the sweetness and makes your snack spread feel special and complete.
Creative Ways to Present
For eye-catching presentation, arrange squares on a cake stand with colored tissue paper, or wrap each bar individually in cellophane and tie with a ribbon for charming party favors. Easter Rice Krispie Bars also look adorable nestled in muffin cups or tucked into Easter baskets alongside other treats.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled and sliced, keep your Easter Rice Krispie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Layer with wax paper to prevent sticking, and keep them out of direct sunlight to preserve their gorgeous pastel hues.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze them! Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then pop them into a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to two months—just thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving for the best texture.
Reheating
These bars are tastiest at room temp, but if you want a gooier finish, microwave a single square for just 5 to 10 seconds. Resist overheating, as this can make the marshmallow mixture tough rather than gooey and soft.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cereal for Easter Rice Krispie Bars?
Absolutely! While classic Rice Krispies create the traditional texture, you can swap in cornflakes, Chex, or gluten-free puffed rice if you want a twist—just keep the measurements the same for best results.
How do I keep my bars from turning out too hard or too soft?
Be careful not to overheat the marshmallow mixture; remove it from the heat as soon as the marshmallows are melted. Press the mixture gently into the pan—packing it too tightly results in a firmer, denser bar.
Can I make these Easter Rice Krispie Bars gluten-free?
Definitely! Just use a certified gluten-free crispy rice cereal and make sure your marshmallows and candies are also labeled gluten-free. The rest of the recipe stays just as quick and easy.
How far ahead can I make these bars?
You can easily make them two to three days in advance. Store them airtight and add decorative sprinkles the day of serving for the freshest look and happiest crunch.
What’s the best way to cut Rice Krispie Bars cleanly?
Use a sharp knife lightly coated with butter or nonstick spray, and wipe it clean between each cut. This trick helps prevent sticking and gives you those perfect, Instagram-worthy edges every time.
Final Thoughts
Easter Rice Krispie Bars have a magical way of making any spring celebration brighter, sweeter, and just a little bit more special. If you love the carefree fun of classic Rice Krispies treats, this cheerful twist will win your heart—and your tastebuds. Invite family or friends, give it a try, and watch these colorful squares disappear in minutes!
Print
Easter Rice Krispie Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Easter Rice Krispie Bars are a delightful and colorful treat perfect for the spring season. With a crispy, marshmallow-infused base, studded with pastel candies and sprinkles, these no-bake bars are a fun and festive dessert for Easter gatherings.
Ingredients
Rice Krispie Bars:
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 bag (10 oz) mini marshmallows
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-Ins and Toppings:
- 1 cup pastel-colored candy-coated chocolate eggs (like Cadbury Mini Eggs)
- 1/2 cup pastel M&Ms
- Pastel sprinkles for topping
- Nonstick cooking spray or butter for greasing
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter and set aside.
- Melt Marshmallows: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the marshmallows and stir continuously until completely melted and smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Add the Rice Krispies cereal and gently fold until evenly coated. Fold in the candy-coated eggs and pastel M&Ms.
- Press Into Dish: Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Top with pastel sprinkles and reserved candies.
- Set and Serve: Allow the bars to set at room temperature before cutting into squares.
Notes
- For a firmer texture, refrigerate before cutting.
- Feel free to customize with different candies and gluten-free options.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg