Fourth of July Rice Krispies Treats

Serves 15

These sticky and crispy cereal-marshmallow bars can be made using the basic recipe below or by following directions on the Kellogg’s Rice Krispies Cereal package. Then top with our easy homemade vanilla frosting or take even more shortcuts by using prepared frosting. Note that the bars can also be left plain if preferred or they can be decorated with red, white, and blue toppings of your choosing – to celebrate July 4^th!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup salted butter, cut into 1 Tbsp. size chunks  
• 1 (16 oz.) bag of mini marshmallows
• 7 cups crispy rice cereal (Kellogg’s Rice Krispies cereal)

Toppings:

• Vanilla frosting (Store bought or homemade – see recipe below)
• Your favorite red and blue candies or assorted red and blue fruits (e.g. red and blue sprinkles, patriotic-themed m&m’s, shaved coconut, crushed cookies, fresh blueberries and raspberries and more!)

Directions:

Spray a 13 x 9-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Melt the butter in a pot over medium-low heat. Add mini marshmallows and cook, stirring constantly until marshmallows have melted. Remove from heat and immediately add the cereal. Gently fold the mixture until all the cereal is coated with the melted marshmallow. Pour it right away into the prepared baking dish. Spray a spatula with non-stick cooking spray. Using the spatula, quickly spread and evenly press the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Let the treats cool for about 30 minutes. Spread frosting over top. Add candies to decorate. Cut into squares and serve immediately or cover and keep at room temperature until ready to serve.

Easy homemade vanilla frosting

Ingredients:

• 1 cup salted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 3 Tbsp. heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

Using an electric mixer, beat the butter on medium-low until creamy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and fully mix each time before adding more. Slowly add in the heavy cream. Next, add the vanilla extract. Put the mixer speed on high and beat for an additional 30 seconds until frosting is light and fluffy.

Spread frosting on top of the prepared and cooled crispy rice treats. Then decorate with your favorite 4^th of July toppings!

Happy 4^th of July!