Stars-and-Stripes Cereal Treats

Name: Stars-and-Stripes Cereal Treats
Prep time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 12 serving(s)
Ingredients: 4 tbsp. salted butter, plus more for the pan; 1 (10-ounce) bag mini marshmallows; 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract; 1/4 tsp. kosher salt; 6 c. rice cereal (such as Rice Krispies); 1/4 c. white candy melts; 1 c. red candy melts; 1 c. blue candy melts; White star sprinkles, for decorating

Serve these at all your summer cookouts!

By Ree DrummondPublished: May 20, 2026

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red white and blue themed rice krispie treats on a platter

Kate Sears

Yields:

12 serving(s)

Prep Time:

25 mins

Total Time:

1 hr 15 mins

Few things say “summer celebration” quite like a pan of gooey cereal treats dressed up in red, white, and blue. These stars-and-stripes cereal treats are the kind of fun, festive dessert that disappears fast at Memorial Day cookouts, Fourth of July parties, and family picnics.

Inspired by classic rice cereal treats, this easy no-bake recipe gets a patriotic makeover with colorful candy melts, white star sprinkles, and a popsicle-style presentation that kids (and adults!) will absolutely love. The buttery marshmallow base stays soft and chewy, while the candy coating adds just the right amount of crunch and sweetness. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply making summer memories with the kids in the kitchen, these cereal treats are guaranteed to be a hit.

How do you keep cereal treats soft and chewy?

The secret to soft, chewy cereal treats is melting the marshmallows gently over medium-low heat and avoiding overmixing the cereal. Press the mixture lightly into the pan instead of packing it down too firmly, which can make the treats hard.

Can you make these cereal treats ahead of time?

Yes! These stars-and-stripes cereal treats are great for making ahead. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Just be sure to wait until the candy coating is fully set before stacking them for storage.

Can you use regular marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?

Absolutely. If you don’t have mini marshmallows, use about 40 regular marshmallows in place of the 10-ounce bag.

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Ingredients

Directions

1. Step 1Butter a 9-by-13-inch baking pan. Line with 2 overlapping sheets of parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the long sides.
2. Step 2Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the marshmallows and cook, stirring constantly, until melted and smooth, about 5 minutes. Stir in the vanilla and salt.
3. Step 3Remove the pan from the heat and gently fold in the cereal until combined. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and press into an even layer with damp fingers. Let cool completely, about 30 minutes.
4. Step 4Use the parchment paper to gently lift out the sheet of treats and transfer it to a cutting board. Trim the edges, if needed, then cut into 12 rectangles; they’ll be about 2 by 4 inches each. Insert a lollipop stick or craft stick into the bottom of each rectangle.
5. Step 5Put the white candy melts, red candy melts, and blue candy melts in 3 separate microwave-safe bowls and microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring, until melted and smooth.
6. Step 6Transfer the white candy melts to a resealable plastic bag; snip off a small corner. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. Step 7Dip the top corner of half of the treats into the red candy melts and place the dipped treats on the prepared baking sheet. Dip the remaining treats in the blue candy melts. Sprinkle the white star sprinkles over the blue treats. Drizzle the white candy melts in thin lines over the red treats. Let the candy set, about 20 minutes.