Decadent Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispie Treats – An Easy No-Bake Dessert You’ll Crave

If you’re looking for a quick, irresistible, and crowd-pleasing dessert, these Decadent Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispie Treats are about to become your new favorite indulgence. Combining the nostalgic crunch of classic Rice Krispies with the rich, romantic flavor of chocolate-covered cherries, this treat is everything you want in a dessert—gooey, sweet, and satisfyingly chewy.

Whether you’re making them for the holidays, Valentine’s Day, or just because your sweet tooth demands attention, this no-bake recipe delivers that perfect balance of flavor and texture.

🍒 The Inspiration Behind Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispie Treats

Chocolate-covered cherries have long been a symbol of decadence—often associated with Valentine’s Day, fancy dessert boxes, or nostalgic holiday trays. Their sweet cherry centers wrapped in luscious chocolate are timeless.

So, what happens when you merge that luxurious flavor combination with the nostalgic comfort of Rice Krispie treats? You get an indulgent twist that feels both classic and creative—a dessert that wows guests and delights kids alike.

This recipe is everything we love about the original Krispie treat—crispy, chewy, and buttery—but layered with cherry sweetness and finished with a glossy chocolate coating.

🍫 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No-Bake Simplicity: No oven, no fuss. Just melt, mix, and press.
• Unique Flavor: A gourmet twist on a classic with cherry and chocolate.
• Crowd Favorite: Perfect for parties, potlucks, or gifting.
• Beautiful Presentation: The drizzle of chocolate and cherry on top make them look bakery-worthy.
• Flexible & Customizable: Use your favorite chocolate type or switch in different fruits.

🍒 Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Rice Krispie Base:

• 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
• 10 oz mini marshmallows (about 5 cups)
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• ½ cup finely chopped maraschino cherries (patted dry)
• 2 tbsp maraschino cherry syrup (from the jar)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

For the Chocolate Topping:

• 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (or dark chocolate)
• 1 tbsp coconut oil or shortening (for smooth melting)

Optional Garnish:

• Whole maraschino cherries (for decoration)
• White chocolate drizzle (for a contrasting look)

🧈 Instructions

1. Prepare the Pan:
   Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. Lightly grease with butter or cooking spray.
2. Melt Butter and Marshmallows:
   In a large pot over medium heat, melt butter. Add the marshmallows and stir until completely melted and smooth. Remove from heat.
3. Add Flavor:
   Stir in vanilla extract, cherry syrup, and a pinch of salt. Mix well until the color turns slightly pink and the mixture smells deliciously cherry-like.
4. Mix in Cereal and Cherries:
   Quickly add the Rice Krispies and chopped cherries to the pot. Stir gently but quickly until everything is evenly coated.
5. Press into Pan:
   Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking pan. Using a greased spatula or parchment paper, press the mixture evenly into the pan. Avoid pressing too firmly so the treats stay soft and chewy.
6. Cool Completely:
   Allow the treats to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes before adding the chocolate layer.
7. Prepare Chocolate Topping:
   Melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil together in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and glossy.
8. Pour and Spread:
   Pour melted chocolate over the cooled Rice Krispie base. Use a spatula to spread evenly.
9. Add Garnish:
   Top each square with a whole maraschino cherry or drizzle with white chocolate for a stunning finish.
10. Chill and Slice:
    Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes to set the chocolate. Lift the treats out using parchment paper and slice into squares with a sharp knife.

Decadent Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispie Treats

A no-bake dessert that combines the nostalgic crunch of Rice Krispie treats with the rich, indulgent flavor of chocolate-covered cherries.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 12 bars

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Autumn

Calories: 210

Ingredients

  

Rice Krispie Base

• 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
• 10 oz mini marshmallows
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 0.5 cup maraschino cherries finely chopped and patted dry
• 2 tbsp maraschino cherry syrup from jar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 pinch salt

Chocolate Topping

• 1.5 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 tbsp coconut oil or shortening

Optional Garnish

• whole maraschino cherries for topping
• white chocolate drizzle optional

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Saucepan
• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Spatula

Method

 

1. Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper and grease lightly.
2. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat, then add marshmallows and stir until smooth.
3. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla, cherry syrup, and salt.
4. Add Rice Krispies and chopped cherries; stir gently until combined.
5. Press mixture evenly into prepared pan without compacting too much.
6. Cool completely before adding chocolate.
7. Melt chocolate chips and coconut oil until smooth, spread over cooled bars.
8. Garnish with cherries or white chocolate drizzle; refrigerate until set.
9. Cut into squares and serve.

Notes

Pat cherries dry to avoid sogginess. Store bars in airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate for up to one week.

🍒 Tips for Perfect Results

• Dry Your Cherries: Pat maraschino cherries dry before adding to avoid excess moisture making the bars soggy.
• Don’t Overpack: When pressing the mixture into the pan, apply gentle pressure. Compacting too much makes the treats dense.
• Customize Your Chocolate: Swap in milk or white chocolate for a sweeter version, or dark chocolate for an elegant, less-sweet finish.
• Add Texture: Sprinkle crushed freeze-dried cherries or chocolate shavings on top for extra flair.
• Store Properly: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

🍫 Flavor Variations

1. Cherry Almond Crunch:
   Add ½ tsp almond extract and sprinkle slivered almonds on top before the chocolate sets.
2. Chocolate Cherry Peanut Butter:
   Stir 2 tbsp peanut butter into the melted marshmallow mixture for a rich, nutty undertone.
3. White Chocolate Raspberry Twist:
   Substitute maraschino cherries with freeze-dried raspberries and use white chocolate topping.
4. Dark Chocolate Cherry Espresso:
   Mix ½ tsp espresso powder into the chocolate topping for a grown-up version that pairs beautifully with coffee.

🍰 Serving Suggestions

These Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispie Treats make a delightful addition to any occasion:

• Holiday Dessert Table: Their rich flavor and glossy finish make them ideal for Christmas or Valentine’s Day.
• Party or Potluck: Cut into bite-sized squares for finger food perfection.
• Gift Idea: Wrap individually in clear cellophane bags tied with red ribbon for homemade gift boxes.
• After-Dinner Treat: Serve chilled with espresso or red wine for a sophisticated dessert pairing.

💡 Fun Facts

• The original Rice Krispie Treat was invented in 1939 by Kellogg’s home economists Mildred Day and Malitta Jensen.
• Maraschino cherries date back to the early 1800s, originally soaked in Maraschino liqueur in Croatia.
• Chocolate-covered cherries became popular in the U.S. in the 1920s as an elegant candy-shop delicacy.

This recipe celebrates all three traditions—a nostalgic cereal treat, a classic cherry confection, and a timeless chocolate indulgence—all rolled into one unforgettable bite.

❤️ Why This Recipe Stands Out

Unlike store-bought bars, this homemade version bursts with flavor. The subtle cherry essence perfectly complements the buttery marshmallow base, and the chocolate shell adds a satisfying contrast of texture. It’s not just a dessert—it’s a bite-sized experience that feels gourmet but takes less than 30 minutes to make.

So next time you need a fast, festive, and foolproof sweet—reach for these Decadent Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispie Treats. They’re beautiful, easy, and absolutely unforgettable.