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Dr. Seuss Rainbow Rice Crisp Treats

Dr. Seuss Rainbow Rice Crisp Treats - featured image

These whimsical, colorful rice crisp treats are layered with vibrant hues and classic marshmallow flavor, making them the perfect easy, no-bake dessert for parties, birthdays, or any festive occasion. They’re chewy, gooey, and guaranteed to bring smiles to kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 30 cups (about 750g) rice crisp cereal (6 cups per color layer)
  • 25 cups (about 1.25 kg) mini marshmallows (5 cups per layer)
  • 20 tablespoons (280g) unsalted butter (4 tablespoons per layer)
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons vanilla extract (1/4 teaspoon per layer)
  • Gel food coloring (red, orange, yellow, green, blue; Wilton or AmeriColor recommended)
  • Pinch of salt per layer
  • Optional: Sprinkles (rainbow jimmies or nonpareils, for topping)
  • Optional: 1/2 cup (90g) white chocolate chips, melted for drizzling

Instructions

  1. Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy lifting. Spray parchment and spatula or hands lightly with nonstick spray or rub with butter.
  2. Set out 5 small bowls for dividing and coloring the marshmallow mixture for each layer.
  3. Measure out 6 cups rice cereal, 5 cups mini marshmallows, and 4 tablespoons butter for each layer. Have gel food coloring ready.
  4. For the first layer: In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt 4 tablespoons butter at 50% power for about 40 seconds. Add 5 cups mini marshmallows and microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until melted and smooth (1–2 minutes total). Stir in 1/4 teaspoon vanilla and a pinch of salt.
  5. Add 2–3 drops of gel food coloring (start with red for the bottom layer) and mix until evenly colored.
  6. Pour in 6 cups rice cereal and fold until fully coated. Quickly scrape mixture into the lined pan and gently press into an even layer.
  7. Repeat the melting, coloring, mixing, and pressing steps for each remaining color (orange, yellow, green, blue), layering each on top of the previous layer. Use a clean bowl or rinse between colors.
  8. If using sprinkles, add them to the top layer before it cools.
  9. Let the pan cool at room temperature for at least 20 minutes, or refrigerate for 10 minutes.
  10. Lift out the treats using the parchment overhang. Slice into squares or use cookie cutters for shapes.
  11. Optional: Drizzle with melted white chocolate or add extra sprinkles.
  12. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.

Notes

For best results, use fresh marshmallows and gel food coloring. Work quickly when mixing and pressing each layer to keep the treats chewy. For gluten-free or vegan versions, use certified gluten-free rice cereal, vegan marshmallows, and plant-based butter. Let each layer cool slightly before adding the next to keep colors distinct. Store at room temperature for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to a month.

Nutrition

Keywords: rice crisp treats, rainbow dessert, Dr. Seuss, party treats, no-bake dessert, kid-friendly, marshmallow treats, colorful snacks