Fruity Pebbles Rice Krispie Treats

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my full disclosure for details.

Hi Bold Bakers!

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE: Cheerful Fruity Pebbles Rice Krispies Treats bring the party! In my recipe, everyone’s favorite sweet, crunchy treat gets a bright, bold makeover!

• Colorful: This eye-catching snack (you’ll be tempted to post it on Instagram or Facebook)  looks like a celebration and makes an ordinary day special.
• Budget-friendly: At a little over $5, a batch of Rice Krispies treats is a bargain.
• Perfect for kids: Not only will kids love eating them, they can help make them (or do it all themselves!).
• Unbeatable texture and flavor: Gooey, crispy, fruity-sweet, buttery!
• Super simple! The total time is just over 30 minutes. With just a handful of ingredients, you can have a panful of gorgeous treats in a flash!

For so many people, breakfast cereal delivers an amazing combination of perfect crispiness, delightful sweetness, and wholesome, nostalgic delight. No wonder it’s used for more than a morning meal, but enjoyed as a snack or the base of a fun recipe. Be sure to try out my Cereal Milk Ice Cream, Australian Honey Joys, 10-Minute Chocolate Cracknell, and No-Bake Granola Bars.

I remember the first time I came to America as a child and had my first Rice Krispies Treat. As a kid with a (very!) sweet tooth, my world was rocked, and I continue to love them and have a good time coming up with fun and yummy variations!

My expert tips to you when making this recipe are first to take care and heat the marshmallow and butter only until they are soft and melty. Because if you cook for too long, then the mixture will actually become hard. Personally, I prefer to heat the marshmallows and butter in the microwave, doing it in short bursts so I can ensure the mixture doesn’t overcook. You can also do it in a pot over a very low heat. My second tip is to make sure to oil your spatula and even your hands with a little flavorless oil (I prefer this to cooking spray) when you mix and spread it into the pan, because making Rice Krispies treats is a sticky business!

Table of Contents

• What are Fruity Pebbles Rice Krispie Treats?
• Tools You Need
• Key Ingredients and Substitutes
• How to Make Fruity Pebbles Rice Krispie Treats
• Gemma’s Pro Chef Tips
• Make Ahead and Storage Instructions
• FAQs
• More Fruity Summer Recipes

What are Fruity Pebbles Rice Krispie Treats?

Fruity Pebbles Rice Krispie Treats are no-bake bars made by combining cereal with a melted butter-marshmallow mixture.

• Fruity Pebbles Rice Krispie Treats are a variation of the classic recipe that are made with plain Rice Krispies cereal.
• Using Fruity Pebbles makes this version more flavorful, with a tangy, citrusy taste, that’s a delightful contrast to the creamy sweet marshmallow.
• Their vibrant look means they’re already colorful and celebratory—no decorating needed!

Fruity pebbles treats are a no-bake dessert. After the melted butter and marshmallow mixture, vanilla extract, and salt are combined with the cereal, the mixture is left to sit until it has cooled and become firm enough to cut.

Fruity Pebbles first hit the supermarket shelves in 1971. The name was based on The Flintstones Saturday morning cartoon, and the Post company cereal was one of the first foods with a media tie-in. The vivid look and flavorful taste made the cereal instantly popular.

Tools You Need

• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups
• Kichen scale (optional)
• 9×13-inch (23×33-cm) baking dish
• Microwave-safe bowl
• Saucepan (optional)
• Silicone spatula

Key Ingredients and Substitutes

Mini marshmallows

• Mini marshmallows give this treat sweetness with a vanilla note.
• Substitute: You can use regular-size marshmallows, but they won’t melt as quickly.
  • You can use homemade marshmallows instead of store-bought marshmallows.

Butter

• Butter adds moisture, fat, and rich flavor.
• Additionally, melting the butter with the marshmallow helps them melt smoothly.
• I usually use salted butter, but you can use salted butter or unsalted butter here.
• Substitute: For a non dairy option, you can use an equal amount of coconut oil in place of the butter.

Fruity Pebbles Cereal

• Fruity Pebbles are the base of this treat, providing it with rainbow hues, bright fruit sweetness, and its signature crispy texture.
• Importantly,  the best taste, use a fresh, unopened Fruity Pebbles.
• Substitute: For another fruity cereal, you can use the same amount of Froot Loops or Trix.
  • For a chocolatey version, substitute Cocoa Pebbles for the Fruity Pebbles.

Vanilla extract

• Vanilla extract enhances the marshmallow taste of the fruit pebbles rice crispy treats.
• Additionally, the vanilla extract rounds out the flavor of the crispy treats and adds warmth.
• Substitute: Use an equal amount of Vanilla Bean Paste instead of the extract if you prefer.

Salt

• Salt is crucial for balancing out the sweetness of these rice krispie bars.
• If you’re into the sweet-salty combo, you can even sprinkle some flaky sea salt on the top of these treats after you press them into the pan.

How to Make Fruity Pebbles Rice Krispie Treats

1. Prepare the pan: Butter a 9 x 13 inch pan (23×33 cm) baking dish and set aside.
2. Heat marshmallow and butter: In a large microwave-safe bowl add the marshmallows and butter. Microwave for 1 minute at a time, stirring in between heatings, until the marshmallows have fully melted. (This step can also be done on the stove top in a large pot or Dutch oven over low heat, stirring constantly.)

3. Mix ingredients: Using a greased spatula, fold in the Fruity Pebbles, vanilla and salt until the cereal is evenly coated.

4. Add to pan: Spread into your prepared pan, and press down gently to create a solid, even layer.

5. Let set: Place the rice crispy treats on the counter for 30 minutes to set. Cut into 12 squares.

Gemma’s Pro Chef Tips

• Melt carefully: When melting the marshmallows for these fruity pebble krispie treats, be sure to heat gently and stop just as soon as they are melted. Over-heated marshmallows will cause these treats to become too firm and brittle.
• Colorful cones: Instead of pressing the fruity pebbles treats into a pan, fill mini ice cream cones with the fruity pebbles while they are still warm for a fun hand-held treat.
• Endless treats: Be sure to try my other Rice Krispies treat recipes, like S’mores Rice Krispies Treats, Snickers Rice Krispies Treats, and Rice Krispie Treat in a Mug.
• Cereal choices: You can use other cereals in the same amount for different flavor variations. Cocoa Krispies and Cornflakes are delicious!
• Add some fun: You can add mix-ins to your fruit pebbles rice crispy treats like chopped salted nuts, unmelted marshmallows, or chocolate chips just after you stir the cereal and melted marshmallows together.
• Easy transport: If you’re bringing these to a party, pack in an airtight container and layer with parchment paper so they don’t stick together.
• Giftable! These treats are really cute cut small (use mini cookie cutters) and placed in cellophane bags tied with ribbon.
• More cereal goodness: If you love Fruity Pebbles, try our Cereal Milk Ice Cream!

Make Ahead and Storage Instructions

• Make-ahead tips:
  • You can make my fruity pebble marshmallow treat recipe up to three days ahead.
  • Store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
• How to store leftovers: Store leftover bars in an airtight container (important to use, so they stay nice and gooey!) at room temperature for up to three days.

FAQs

How do I make sure my Fruity Pebbles Rice Krispies Treats have the perfect texture?

• Don’t overcook the marshmallow-butter mixture, or your treats could get too hard.
  • Either heat the mixture in short bursts or melt it at low heat and mix continuously.
• Additionally, ensure the mixture is evenly mixed and press it firmly into the pan; otherwise, your bars may fall apart.

How do I make sure my fruit krispie treats are brightly colored?

• There’s a chance the cereal colors can mix and look a bit muddy if the marshmallow mix is too hot or if you overmix.
  • Before mixing, let the marshmallow-butter mixture cool for a few seconds if it’s very hot.
  • Then, stir the cereal mixture just until evenly coated.

What are some mix-ins I can use with this Fruity Pebbles treats recipe?

• Stir in some extra mini marshmallows for more pops of gooeyness.
• Mix in white chocolate chips.
• For even more fun color, stir in sprinkles.
• Enhance the fruit flavor by adding pieces of freeze-dried strawberries.
• Make it crunchier by stirring in a few tablespoons of chopped, toasted nuts.
• Bring out a tropical vibe by mixing in some toasted coconut flakes.

Are there any fun ways to shape and top these treats?

• Use cookie cutters to make fun shapes.
• Shape the krispie treats into bite-sized balls and coat with white chocolate.
• Top bars with drizzles of white chocolate.

More Fruity Summer Recipes

• Tie-Dye Popsicles
• Summer Fruit Spring Rolls
• Summer Fruit Tart
• Frozen Sherry Berry Trifle
• Homemade Snow Cones

Try These Recipes!

Seed Crackers

Reese's Peanut Butter Cups Recipe

4-Ingredient Water Crackers Recipe

Homemade Saltine Crackers Recipe