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I stumbled upon this amazing twist on traditional Rice Krispies squares that brings together the incredible mix of chocolate and cherry flavors! I whipped these up one afternoon on a whim, and now my family won't let me show up to any event without them. Picture your classic crispy marshmallow treats, but upgraded with a cherry kick and topped with smooth chocolate drizzles. They're incredibly tasty, super fun to make, and honestly, they vanish from the plate before I can even announce they're ready!
The Beginning of Something Delicious
I created these treats during a family film evening when I wanted something different from our standard snacks. I can still remember how my children's faces lit up seeing the beautiful pink color, and my husband sneaking pieces off the tray before they'd even set properly. These days, they're what we make whenever we want a special treat without spending ages in the kitchen.
Why These Stand Out
Cherry Jello is the magic ingredient here - it adds this wonderful burst of flavor and gives them a gorgeous pink hue. And that chocolate on top? It turns these from merely good into something you can't stop eating. The best thing is they only take about 10 minutes to throw together. They're just right for those sudden sweet cravings or unexpected guests.
Your Ingredients List
- Unsalted Butter: This lets us manage the saltiness ourselves
- Small Marshmallows: These dissolve much quicker than the large variety
- Rice Krispies: Get a new box for the crunchiest results
- Cherry Jello Powder: Our game-changing addition
- Chocolate Chips: Dark is my preference but you can use milk too
- Bit of Shortening: Helps create that smooth chocolate topping
Let's Make Them
- Get Started:
- Begin by heating that butter until it bubbles and smells amazing. Then add your marshmallows and stir until they turn completely gooey.
- Cherry Transformation:
- Here comes the exciting part! Mix in the cherry Jello and watch as everything turns a beautiful pink shade.
- Combine Everything:
- Carefully add your Rice Krispies - you want them all covered in the pink mixture but still intact.
- Finishing Touch:
- After they've cooled down, mix your chocolate with a bit of shortening and zigzag it across the top.
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Chocolate Magic
Want your chocolate topping to look amazing? Chill your treats in the fridge first. The cold surface makes the chocolate set up wonderfully. I like to mix up thin streams with thicker lines - it looks really impressive but takes zero effort!
Storage Secrets
Put these goodies in a sealed container and they'll stay yummy for up to a week. But let's be real, they never stick around that long at my place! Just keep them in a cool spot so the chocolate doesn't get melty.
Try New Versions
Don't be afraid to switch things up with different Jello flavors - strawberry works really well too! Sometimes I use white chocolate for the topping or add some crushed nuts while the chocolate's still soft.
Plant-Based Alternatives
You can easily make these without animal products! Just grab some vegan butter and plant-based marshmallows. They come out just as tasty and everyone at your table can enjoy them.
No Gluten Needed
Need to avoid gluten? It's super easy! Just pick up some gluten-free Rice Krispies and make sure your chocolate doesn't contain gluten. Such a tiny change means everyone can munch happily.
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Kid-Friendly Kitchen Fun
My little ones go crazy for making these! They love watching the pink color appear and helping with the chocolate drizzles. We've made it our weekend tradition - though I have to keep an eye out or the marshmallow bag mysteriously empties!
Crowd-Pleasing Treats
I always bring these to school fundraisers and community gatherings. They travel without mess, look super festive, and I always get asked how to make them. Plus they're so quick to put together - just right when you get last-minute party invitations!
Personal Touches
I sometimes toss in a dash of cinnamon or some dried cherry pieces to the mixture. Feel free to play around - these treats are pretty flexible and it's so fun discovering new flavor combos.
Great Pairings
We love eating these with a glass of cold milk or a mug of hot coffee. At grown-up gatherings, I've paired them with sweet wines and they're fantastic! Something about cherry and chocolate just goes with everything.
The Joy Factor
These treats aren't just another sweet snack - they bring real happiness with every bite. Whether you're making them for movie night or a birthday celebration, they always create smiles around the table. Try them once and watch them become your family's new favorite!
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I make them gluten-free?
Swap the regular crispy rice cereal for a gluten-free option. Most stores carry gluten-free versions that work perfectly for this treat.
- → What’s the best way to store them?
Keep them fresh in a sealed container at room temperature for up to three days. Use wax paper if stacking to avoid sticking together.
- → Can I add a different gelatin flavor?
Absolutely! Try out various gelatin flavors to make new versions of these fun treats.
- → Why is shortening added to the chocolate?
It helps make the chocolate smoother and thinner, which makes it easier to drizzle and set nicely on the treats.
- → Can I use large marshmallows?
You can! Cut them into pieces for quicker melting, as they take slightly longer than mini marshmallows.