ADVERTISEMENT
## Key Ingredients for Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats
The beauty of **Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats** lies in their simplicity. Despite being easy to make, they are incredibly flavorful and satisfy a wide range of cravings—sweet, chocolatey, fruity, and crunchy. To create this mouthwatering dessert, you’ll need just a few basic ingredients, each of which contributes to the overall flavor and texture.
### 1. **Rice Krispies Cereal**
The star ingredient of this treat is **Rice Krispies cereal**. This crispy, crunchy rice-based cereal is the foundation of the treat, providing the signature texture that makes Rice Krispies treats so irresistible. The light, airy crunch of the cereal creates a perfect balance with the gooey marshmallow layer, giving the treat its signature chewiness.
### 2. **Butter**
**Butter** is the ingredient that helps bind the Rice Krispies together while adding richness and flavor. The butter is melted and combined with the marshmallows, allowing the mixture to become smooth and easy to work with. The butter also helps give the treat a slightly creamy texture and enhances the overall taste.
### 3. **Marshmallows**
**Marshmallows** are essential to the gooey, sticky texture of Rice Krispies treats. The sweetness and stickiness of the marshmallows provide a wonderful contrast to the crispy rice cereal. Mini marshmallows are often preferred because they melt more evenly and quickly, but regular marshmallows will work just as well.
### 4. **Cherries**
The addition of **cherries** is what sets these treats apart from the classic Rice Krispies variety. **Maraschino cherries** are the ideal choice for this dessert because of their sweet, tart flavor and vibrant red color. The cherries add a burst of fruitiness and a chewy, juicy texture that pairs beautifully with the crispy cereal and the rich chocolate.
### 5. **Chocolate**
To finish off these treats, you’ll need **chocolate** to create the signature “chocolate-covered” effect. **Milk chocolate**, **semi-sweet chocolate**, or even **dark chocolate** can be used, depending on your preference for sweetness and bitterness. The chocolate is melted and poured over the Rice Krispies mixture to create a smooth, glossy coating that adds depth of flavor and a luxurious texture to each bite.
### 6. **Vanilla Extract (Optional)**
Some recipes call for **vanilla extract** to add a touch of warmth and depth to the flavor profile of the treats. This ingredient is optional, but it can enhance the overall sweetness of the marshmallow mixture, creating a more rounded and balanced flavor.
### 7. **Toppings (Optional)**
While the basic version of Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats is delicious on its own, you can add extra toppings for added flair. Crushed nuts, such as **pecans** or **walnuts**, can add a delightful crunch that contrasts with the chewy texture of the treats. Sprinkles or chocolate drizzle can be added on top for extra decoration, making these treats perfect for parties or special occasions.
## Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats
Making **Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats** is easy and fun. The process involves a few simple steps, but the result is an indulgent and festive dessert that is sure to be a hit at any gathering. Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your own batch of these sweet, crunchy delights.
### Step 1: Prepare the Cherries
The first step in making these treats is to prepare the cherries, as they need to be properly drained and chopped before being added to the mixture.
#### Instructions:
1. Drain the **maraschino cherries** and gently pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any excess liquid.
2. Chop the cherries into small pieces, making sure they’re evenly sized so they can be easily incorporated into the Rice Krispies mixture.
### Step 2: Make the Rice Krispies Mixture
Now it’s time to make the main body of the treat—the Rice Krispies mixture. This step involves melting the butter and marshmallows together to form a sticky, gooey mixture that will hold the Rice Krispies and cherries together.
#### Instructions:
1. In a large saucepan, melt **butter** over low heat. Stir occasionally to ensure the butter doesn’t burn.
2. Once the butter is melted, add the **mini marshmallows** to the saucepan and stir constantly until they are completely melted and smooth.
3. Once the marshmallows are fully melted, remove the saucepan from the heat. If you want to add **vanilla extract** for extra flavor, do so at this point and stir it into the marshmallow mixture.
4. Pour the **Rice Krispies cereal** into the saucepan and gently fold it into the marshmallow mixture until the cereal is evenly coated. Be careful not to crush the cereal as you mix.
5. Gently fold in the chopped **maraschino cherries**, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the Rice Krispies mixture.
### Step 3: Press the Mixture into a Pan
Once the Rice Krispies mixture is complete, it’s time to transfer it into a pan and press it into place.
#### Instructions:
1. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper to prevent the treats from sticking.
2. Pour the Rice Krispies mixture into the prepared pan and use a spatula or your hands to gently press it down into an even layer. Be sure not to press too hard, as this could make the treats too dense.
3. Allow the Rice Krispies mixture to cool for about 15 minutes before proceeding to the next step.
### Step 4: Melt the Chocolate
While the Rice Krispies mixture is cooling, it’s time to melt the chocolate for the coating. You can use **milk chocolate**, **semi-sweet chocolate**, or **dark chocolate**, depending on your preference.
#### Instructions:
1. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the **chocolate** in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is smooth and completely melted. You can also melt the chocolate using a double boiler on the stovetop if you prefer.
2. Once the chocolate is melted, pour it over the cooled Rice Krispies mixture, spreading it evenly over the top with a spatula.
### Step 5: Let the Chocolate Set
Allow the chocolate to cool and set before serving the treats.
#### Instructions:
1. Place the pan in the refrigerator for about **30 minutes** to allow the chocolate to harden and set. This will ensure that the treats are easy to cut and serve.
2. Once the chocolate is set, slice the treats into squares or bars and serve. If you’d like, you can drizzle a little extra melted chocolate on top for added decoration.
## Tips for Perfect Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats
– **Don’t Overmix:** When mixing the marshmallow mixture with the Rice Krispies cereal, be careful not to overmix, as this can crush the cereal and affect the texture.
– **Customize the Chocolate:** Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate. Milk chocolate will give the treats a sweeter flavor, while
dark chocolate adds a richer, more intense chocolate taste.
– **Add Extra Toppings:** To give your treats extra flavor and texture, consider adding toppings such as chopped nuts, sprinkles, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce.
– **Chill to Set:** Make sure to chill the treats in the refrigerator long enough for the chocolate to fully set before cutting them into squares.
## Conclusion
**Chocolate Covered Cherry Rice Krispies Treats** are a sweet and crunchy delight that combines the best of two classic desserts—Rice Krispies treats and chocolate-covered cherries. The result is a decadent and indulgent treat that is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating a holiday, hosting a party, or just craving something sweet. These treats are simple to make, full of flavor, and guaranteed to be a hit with anyone who loves the combination of chocolate and fruit.
By following these easy steps, you can create your own batch of these irresistible treats and share them with friends and family. The combination of crunchy Rice Krispies, gooey marshmallows, tart cherries, and rich chocolate makes these treats the perfect dessert for anyone with a sweet tooth. Try them today and experience the joy of these sweet, crunchy, and absolutely delightful treats!
