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A festive, crunchy treat that smells like childhood

Lucky Charms Rice Krispie Treats bring big kid nostalgia to any celebration with warm, buttery marshmallow aroma, a pillowy chew, and crunchy cereal bits studded with colorful marshmallows. These bars are ideal for St. Patrick’s Day parties, school bake sales, or an easy sweet to make with kids. One practical tip before you start: have a greased pan and a silicone spatula ready—pressing the mixture while warm keeps the bars smooth and stops them from becoming crumbly. If you enjoy themed cereal bars, you might also like this seasonal twist on the classic: Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats.

What makes these bars worth the fuss

They’re quick to pull together, require no baking, and deliver a mix of textures—chewy marshmallow, crisp cereal, and soft marshmallow bits from the Lucky Charms. They’re versatile enough to color green for a holiday, dress up with sprinkles, or adapt to dietary needs with a few substitutions. For other crowd-pleasing party sweets, see our roundup of easy treats: Valentine’s Day treat ideas.

Little reasons to love them

Bright, snackable highlights

Fast hands-on time — ready in under 20 minutes
Kid-friendly assembly steps perfect for helpers
Portable and easy to pack for lunches or picnics
Customizable with color, sprinkles, or extra mix-ins

A simple timeline for kitchen flow

Melt → mix → press → cool. First, gently melt butter and marshmallows; then stir in cereals off the heat and press into a pan to set. No oven required, which makes cleanup minimal and the recipe convenient for last-minute hosting. For other quick homemade snacks you can pair at a party, browse our collection of easy recipes: homemade treats collection.

Smart prep moves before you begin

Measure cereals into a large bowl so they’re ready to fold in; grease the baking dish or line it with parchment for easy removal; and if you’re adding color, mix it into the melted marshmallows while still warm for even shading. If serving at a casual buffet, consider making the bars the day before and storing airtight. You can also plan savory dishes alongside the sweets—try serving with a hearty casserole like Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole for a complete comfort-food menu.

Ingredients

3 tablespoons butter, 1 package (10 oz) mini marshmallows, 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal, 1 cup Lucky Charms cereal, Green food coloring (optional), Sprinkles (optional for decoration)

Notes on ingredient choices and swaps

Mini marshmallows melt fastest and give the best texture; if using large marshmallows, allow a little more melting time.
For dairy-free bars, swap butter for coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative and confirm the marshmallows are vegan.
Use fresh cereal for maximum crunch—stale cereal will yield softer bars.
If you’d like extra marshmallow chew, add an extra cup of mini marshmallows (reduces crispness).

How to make them — clear step-by-step

Place the butter in a large saucepan and warm over low heat until it has fully melted.
Add the package of mini marshmallows to the melted butter and stir continuously over low heat until the marshmallows are smooth and completely melted; if you want green bars, blend in a few drops of green food coloring into the warm marshmallow mixture now.
Remove the pan from the heat. Immediately fold in the Rice Krispies cereal and the Lucky Charms cereal until every piece is coated and the mixture is evenly combined.
Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and use a lightly greased spatula or wax-paper-lined hands to press it into an even layer.
Let the pan sit at room temperature until the bars are fully cooled and set before slicing into squares.
If desired, scatter sprinkles on top while the surface is still slightly tacky for decoration.

Visual and timing cues to watch for

Melting marshmallows should become glossy and fluid with no visible lumps (about 2–4 minutes over low heat).
Once cereals are added, mix quickly—overworking causes the marshmallow to firm up.
Press the pan firmly but evenly; the mixture should hold its shape when trimmed at the edges.
Cooling time is typically 30–60 minutes at room temperature; refrigeration speeds it up but can make bars firmer.

Serving ideas and pairings

These bars are great on their own or as part of a dessert spread. They pair well with warm beverages, fruit, or salty snacks to balance sweetness. For an unexpected pairing, serve them alongside creamy rice bowls at a casual dinner party: Creamy Cajun Chicken and Rice Bowls complement the sweet-salty contrast nicely.

Quick serving suggestions

Stack on a cookie platter with brownies and cookies for an easy dessert board
Wrap individually in parchment for party favors or lunchbox treats
Cut into small bite-sized squares for a snack table

How to keep them fresh and safe

Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for best texture. Avoid humid or hot conditions that will make them sticky. If you must reheat slightly to soften, a 5–7 second zap in the microwave per piece will do.

Storage checklist

Airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap
Keep at room temperature up to 3 days for best texture (up to 5 days if cool)
Freeze for up to 6 weeks—thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before serving

Tools, shortcuts, and technique pointers

A large saucepan, silicone spatula, and greased 9×13-inch pan are all you need. For easiest pressing, use a sheet of wax paper or a second piece of parchment over the top and press with a flat-bottomed measuring cup.

Little hacks to save time

Warm the pan before transferring to make pressing smoother
Use prepared nonstick spray on the spatula to avoid sticking
Mix cereals in a very large bowl to reduce spillovers

Flavor twists and dietary swaps

You can swap cereals, add mix-ins, or modify for dietary needs: use gluten-free Rice Krispies-style cereal for a GF version, or add chopped nuts for texture (watch for allergy concerns). Replace sprinkles with edible gold stars for a party-ready look.

Simple substitution ideas

Dairy-free: vegan butter + vegan marshmallows
Lower-sugar: reduce marshmallows slightly and add a touch of sugar-free marshmallow topping (may affect texture)
Extra mix-ins: chocolate chips, crushed graham crackers, or chopped dried fruit

Nutrition at a glance

Estimated per serving (based on 12 equal squares): Calories ~ 165 kcal; Protein ~ 2 g; Fat ~ 4 g; Carbohydrates ~ 34 g; Serving size: 1 square (1 of 12).

Notes on the nutrition estimate

These values are approximate and will vary with exact brands, portion sizes, and any added mix-ins. To reduce calories or carbs, make smaller squares or substitute part of the cereals with lower-calorie puffed grains.

Quick answers to common concerns

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes—make them a day in advance and store airtight at room temperature; they’ll stay fresh for 2–3 days.

Q: Will the Lucky Charms marshmallows melt and lose color?
A: The cereal marshmallows will soften slightly but largely keep their color and shape once mixed in; mix gently to preserve them.

Q: Can I bake these to set them faster?
A: No baking is required. Pressing and cooling is all that’s needed; baking will dry them out and change the texture.

Q: How can I prevent the mixture from sticking to my hands when pressing?
A: Lightly grease your hands or the wax paper used to press the mixture, or use a greased spatula.

Try them and share the smiles

Give these Lucky Charms Rice Krispie Treats a go this weekend—the recipe is quick, kid-approved, and easy to customize for any celebration. Have fun experimenting with color and toppings, and enjoy a simple, joyful homemade sweet.

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Patricia Krouse