Chef Lisa Martin - Pastry Specialist
👨‍🍳 Pastry Chef & Dessert Expert

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 Certified Pastry Chef ⏰ 10+ Years Baking Experience 🍽️ Food Photography Contributor

❤️ My Recipe Story

"Inspired by the flavors of a Black Forest cake, these treats were developed after a fun family experiment mixing classic Rice Krispie squares with cherries and melted chocolate. They quickly became a favorite for birthdays and bake sales."

Chef Lisa Martin specializes in simple yet elegant desserts. She believes in bringing joy through no-fuss recipes that look beautiful and taste even better.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Close-up of Chocolate Cherry Rice Krispie Treats with glossy chocolate drizzle and bright red cherries on top, served on a white platter.

The Perfect Blend of Chocolate and Crunch

These treats offer a satisfying combination of textures — the light crispiness of rice cereal, the chewiness of melted marshmallows, and the smooth richness of chocolate. The cherries bring in a sweet tang that perfectly balances the sweetness of the base.

Best of all, they come together in just minutes with no oven required, making them an ideal choice for busy home bakers or last-minute dessert needs.

💡 Professional Tip

Pat the mixture gently — pressing too hard can make the bars dense and tough.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! These treats can be made up to 2 days in advance. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for best texture.

You can, but ensure they are completely dried to avoid adding excess moisture, which can make the bars soggy.

Use a microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring between each, or a double boiler over simmering water for gentle, even heat.

Yes, you can try puffed quinoa or cornflakes for a fun twist — just note texture will vary.

Once the mixture holds together and cools firm but still soft to touch, it's ready for slicing.

Pair with milk, hot cocoa, or coffee for a delightful treat. These also go well with vanilla ice cream.

Yes! Use vegan butter, dairy-free chocolate, and vegan marshmallows for a plant-based version.

Keep in an airtight container at room temperature up to 3 days. Avoid refrigerating as it hardens the texture.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Bars Too Hard

Problem: Bars set too firm and lost chewiness.

Solution: Reduce pressing force and don’t overheat marshmallows — melt just until smooth.

✅

Chocolate Won’t Set

Problem: Topping remains soft.

Solution: Let bars rest at room temperature or refrigerate briefly to help chocolate harden.

✅

Mixture Too Sticky

Problem: Difficult to press into pan.

Prevention: Lightly grease hands or use wax paper to press evenly.

✅

Bars Crumble When Cut

Problem: Mixture not binding well.

Recovery: Add a few extra melted marshmallows or reduce cereal slightly next time.

✅

Chocolate Drizzle Too Thick

Problem: Drizzle clumps instead of flowing.

Prevention: Add 1 tsp coconut oil to the melted chocolate for smoother consistency.

✅

Flavor Balance Issues

Too Sweet: Use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet.

Too Salty: Reduce butter or skip salted butter.

Bland: Add a pinch of salt or a few drops of almond extract.

Flat lay of ingredients including marshmallows, crispy rice cereal, butter, cherries, and chocolate chips arranged on a wooden surface.

Choosing the Best Ingredients

Use high-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips for the drizzle to get that rich, glossy finish. Fresh marshmallows melt more smoothly and create softer bars.

Drain maraschino cherries thoroughly and pat them dry to avoid extra moisture, ensuring each bite stays crisp and chewy.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Maraschino Cherries: Dry thoroughly with paper towels before adding to avoid sogginess.
  • Mini Marshmallows: Melt gently over low heat for the best gooey texture.
  • Chocolate Chips: Use high-quality chocolate for smoother melting and flavor.
Marshmallow mixture being folded with crispy rice cereal in a large saucepan with a spatula.

Mastering the No-Bake Technique

No-bake desserts rely on timing and texture. Stir the marshmallow mixture just enough to coat the cereal but not overmix, which can crush it.

Letting the bars set properly before cutting ensures perfect squares that hold their shape yet stay soft inside.

Perfect Chocolate Drizzle

Melt chocolate slowly and drizzle using a spoon or piping bag in zigzag motions for an elegant finish.

Chocolate Cherry Rice Krispie Treats

Prep 10 min
Cook 10 min
Serves 12 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Base Mixture

  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
    Melt gently with coconut oil for glossy finish
  • 12 maraschino cherries
    Used whole as garnish

Toppings

  • 6 cups crispy rice cereal
    Provides the base crunch
  • 4 cups mini marshmallows
    Gives chewy, sticky binding

Instructions

  1. Melt and Mix

    Melt butter and marshmallows, then mix with cereal and cherries.

  2. Set and Drizzle

    Press into pan, cool, drizzle with chocolate, and garnish with cherries.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage

Store in airtight container at room temperature up to 3 days.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with coffee, milk, or ice cream for a fun treat.

Variations

Swap cherries for strawberries or use white chocolate drizzle for a twist.