One step keeps these from turning into the dense, chewy disaster most Rice Krispie treat recipes produce, and it has nothing to do with the Fruity Pebbles. These bars are thick, soft, and almost cloud-like, with that bright fruity crunch in every bite, and they will absolutely get stolen off the dessert table at a cookout before you make it back with your plate. This is the version that will have you stop looking at any others.
These started as a, “Mom can we make something fun?” moment, and I’ll be honest, the first batch wasn’t anything to write home about. The cereal ratio was a bit off and they fell apart the second we tried slicing into them. Too much Fruity Pebbles and you lose the structure. Those tiny pieces don’t hold up the same way Rice Krispies do. The 50/50 split is the sweet spot. You get that bright, fruity flavor in every bite without sacrificing the chew. I’ve made enough bar desserts to know that ratio problems are almost always the culprit when something looks right but won’t hold, and this one was no different.
The other thing I tested was pressing. It feels instinctive to pack the mixture down into the pan, like you’re helping it hold together, but that first pressed batch came out dense and tough. Pressing compresses all the air out before the marshmallow has a chance to set.
What you want is to spread it just enough to fill the pan and then leave it alone. That’s what gives you that thick, soft pull when you bite into one. I use a lightly greased spatula, smoth it to the edges without any downward pressure, and let it sit.
Fruity Pebbles Rice Crispy Treats Ingredients
- butter
- vanilla extract
- marshmallows
- Rice Krispies cereal
- fruity pebbles cereal
How to Make Fruity Pebbles Rice Crispy Treats
Detailed instructions and measurements to make them are listed in the recipe card at the bottom of this page.
- Line a 9×13 pan with parchment paper.
- Add the butter to a large saucepan and melt. Once it has melted, turn the burner down to low.
- Add the vanilla and marshmallows. Melt over low heat, stirring frequently until the marshmallows are smooth. Remove from the heat.
- Add the rice Krispies cereal and fruity pebbles cereal to the butter and marshmallow mixture. Stir to coat.
- Pour the cereal mixture into the 9×13 pan. Spread it smooth but do not press down. Pressing down will cause the bars to be dense.
- Let them firm up at room temperature for 2-3 hours, or in the refrigerator for 1 hour. Lift them from the pan with the parchment paper and slice them into bars. Enjoy your fruity pebble Krispie treats!
Kitchen Equipment and Tools Needed for Fruity Pebble Treats
Fruity Pebbles Rice Krispie Treats Tips
- Spray your hands with cooking spray when smoothing it out. It will help prevent it from sticking to your hands.
- Use fresh marshmallows. If you use stale marshmallows, it will change the texture and they will be denser.
- When melting the marshmallows, be sure to stir frequently over low heat. You want to avoid it getting too hot. The sugar in the marshmallows will get hard and ruin the treats. The marshmallows should become smooth.
- Do not use butter substitutes. It will change the taste and texture of the treats.
Fruity Pebbles Rice Crispy Treats FAQs
You can. You can use whichever flavor you prefer.
You will just need to verify you use gluten free cereal.
Yes, you can swap the butter with coconut oil.
Overcooking the marshmallows or using too much can cause your rice crispy treats to fall apart. Be sure to use the exact measurement and allow your treats to cool completely before cutting them.
You can keep your Fruity Pebble Rice Crispy Treats crispy by storing them at room temperature in an airtight container. To keep them crispy even longer, you can wrap them individually and store them in the freezer until you’re ready to eat them.
Substitutions for Fruity Pebble Treats
- Marshmallows – you can substitute 7 ounces of marshmallow creme in place of the marshmallows
- Fruity Pebbles – you can also make these with cocoa pebbles instead of fruity pebbles.
How to Store Fruity Pebble Rice Crispy Treats
All rice crispy treat recipes, regardless of the type of cereal added need to be stored in an airtight container. I recommend storing them no longer than 2 days. They will become dense and lose their softness after the 2nd day.
How Long do Fruity Pebbles Treats Last?
Fruity pebbles treats only last about 2 days when stored in an airtight container. After 2 days they will begin to harden and become dense.
How to Freeze Fruity Pebbles Rice Krispie Treats
You can also freeze these treats. Place them between wax paper or freezer paper in an airtight container. Thaw for 15 minutes at room temperature before serving.
Fruity Pebbles Rice Crispy Treats
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 10.5 ounces mini marshmallows
- 3 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 3 cups fruity pebbles cereal
Instructions
- Line a 9×13 pan with parchment paper.
- Add the butter to a large saucepan and melt. Once it has melted, turn the burner down to low.
- Add the vanilla and marshmallows. Melt over low heat, stirring frequently until the marshmallows are smooth. Remove from the heat.
- Add the rice Krispies cereal and fruity pebbles cereal to the butter and marshmallow mixture. Stir to coat.
- Pour the cereal mixture into the 9×13 pan. Spread it smooth but do not press down. Pressing down will cause the bars to be dense.
- Let them firm up at room temperature for 2-3 hours, or in the refrigerator for 1 hour. Lift them from the pan with the parchment paper and slice them into bars. Enjoy your fruity pebble Krispie treats!
Notes
- Spray your hands with cooking spray when smoothing it out. It will help prevent it from sticking to your hands.
- Use fresh marshmallows. If you use stale marshmallows, it will change the texture and they will be denser.
- When melting the marshmallows, be sure to stir frequently over low heat. You want to avoid it getting too hot. The sugar in the marshmallows will get hard and ruin the treats. The marshmallows should become smooth.
- Do not use butter substitutes. It will change the taste and texture of the treats.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
