You do not need any special luck to make this easy Lucky Charms Rice Krispie treats microwave recipe. It has everything people love about classic marshmallow cereal bars, with the colorful crunch of Lucky Charms and those familiar sweet marshmallow pieces mixed in. The result is a fun, festive dessert that is especially cute for St. Patrick’s Day, but simple enough to make any time you want a quick no-bake treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Rice Krispie treats are already one of the easiest desserts to make, and using the microwave makes them even more convenient. There is no need to stand over the stove or watch a pot carefully. The butter and marshmallows melt in just a few minutes, and the whole mixture can be pressed into the pan in less than 10 minutes before cooling.
This Lucky Charms Rice Krispie treats recipe is also a great option for kids to help with. Younger helpers can measure cereal, sprinkle on toppings, or press the mixture into the pan with a greased spatula or wax paper. Since the recipe is sticky but very straightforward, it makes a fun family kitchen project.
The combination of Rice Krispies and Lucky Charms gives these marshmallow cereal treats a nice balance of crisp texture, sweetness, and color. Lucky Charms are a natural choice for St. Patrick’s Day desserts, but you can easily adapt the idea for other holidays by changing the cereal, sanding sugar, sprinkles, or decorative toppings.
Katie’s Tip
For a fall or Halloween variation, try using seasonal colors, candy pieces, or shaped cereal treats inspired by pumpkin and holiday dessert ideas.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 5 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 4 cups Lucky Charms cereal
- 16 ounces mini marshmallows
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 tablespoon green sanding sugar, optional
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- You can use either name-brand or generic cereal. Both work well in this microwave cereal treat recipe.
- If you prefer a more traditional Rice Krispie treat texture, use all Rice Krispies cereal and add only the marshmallow pieces from the Lucky Charms. This can be time-consuming unless you already have marshmallow-only pieces available.
- If you do not have mini marshmallows, you can use 64 large marshmallows instead. Large marshmallows may take slightly longer to melt in the microwave.
- Flavored marshmallows, such as chocolate marshmallows, may also be used if you want a different flavor profile.
- If using unsalted butter, add ½ teaspoon salt to help balance the sweetness.
- The green sanding sugar is optional, but it adds sparkle and makes these treats especially festive for St. Patrick’s Day. You can also use sprinkles, edible glitter, or icing in colors that match your celebration.
How to Make Lucky Charms Rice Krispie Treats in the Microwave
- Grease a 13×9 pan. You may also line the pan with parchment paper or nonstick foil to make removal easier.
- Add the butter to a large microwave-safe mixing bowl. Microwave on high for 30 seconds, or until the butter begins to soften and melt.
- Add the vanilla extract and marshmallows to the bowl with the melted butter.
- Microwave on high for 60 seconds, then stir. Continue heating in 30-second bursts, stirring after each interval, until the marshmallows are fully melted. In a 1000W microwave, this may take about 1 ½ minutes total.
- Add both cereals and the sanding sugar to the melted marshmallow mixture. Stir until all the cereal is evenly coated.
- Spread the coated cereal into the prepared pan. Press it down into an even layer. The mixture will be sticky, so spray your hands with nonstick spray, use a greased spatula, or press it down with wax paper.
- Add extra toppings if desired. More sanding sugar, sprinkles, or edible glitter can be added before the treats set.
- Cool completely. Let the treats set at room temperature for about 2 hours, or place them in the refrigerator for 45 to 60 minutes. Cut into squares and serve.
What to Serve For Dinner When Lucky Charms Rice Krispie Treats Are For Dessert
- Corned beef
- Reuben sandwiches
- Bangers and mash
- Shepherd’s pie
- Cottage pie
- Stout pie
- Fish pie
- Cabbage
- Colcannon
- Boxty
- Irish soda bread
- Beef stew
- Potato soup
- Green beer
- Irish coffee
These Lucky Charms Rice Krispie treats make a playful dessert after a cozy St. Patrick’s Day-inspired dinner. They pair well with savory comfort foods, potato-based dishes, sandwiches, soups, and classic Irish-inspired meals.
Recipe FAQs
Is There a Way to Soften Rice Krispie Treats?
The best way to soften Rice Krispie treats is to increase the ratio of marshmallows to cereal. More marshmallow creates a softer, chewier texture.
You can also microwave an individual treat for about 30 seconds before eating to warm the sugar and make the bar softer.
Is It OK to Use Old Marshmallows For Rice Krispie Treats?
No, old marshmallows are not ideal for Rice Krispie treats. Marshmallows lose elasticity as they age, which means they may not melt smoothly or set correctly.
Fresh marshmallows give the best texture for cereal bars.
What Is the Best Way to Cut Rice Krispie Treats?
Use a large knife, pizza cutter, or cookie cutters coated with nonstick spray. This helps prevent sticking and gives cleaner edges.
If stacking the treats for storage, place wax paper between the layers.
Can I Make Rice Krispie Treats the Night Before?
Yes, you can make Rice Krispie treats the night before. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
For the best texture, enjoy them within 2 to 3 days.
How Long Should You Wait Before Eating Rice Krispie Treats?
Allow about 2 hours for Rice Krispie treats to cool and set at room temperature.
If you are short on time, place the pan in the refrigerator for 45 to 60 minutes. Do not store the treats in the refrigerator long term, because they can dry out.
How Do You Clean Up After Making Rice Krispie Treats?
Hot water is the easiest way to clean sticky marshmallow residue. It helps dissolve the sugar from bowls, utensils, pans, and hands.
Soap can be used as well, but hot water does most of the work.
Can You Put Rice Krispie Treats in the Freezer?
Yes, Rice Krispie treats can be frozen. Wrap individual pieces in wax paper, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
Thaw before eating, or warm a piece briefly in the microwave for a softer texture.
Recipe Pro Tips
- This recipe can be scaled up or down depending on how many treats you need.
- Fresh Lucky Charms Rice Krispie treats are best within 2 to 3 days.
- Store the treats covered at room temperature. Do not refrigerate them after they have set, because the refrigerator can make them dry.
- Use a greased knife for squares, or use cookie cutters for festive shapes such as shamrocks.
- Press the mixture gently into the pan. Packing it too firmly can make the bars dense instead of soft and chewy.
More Easy Microwave Sweets
Easy Homemade Microwave Chocolate Sauce
Microwave Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Easy Microwave Peppermint Bark
How to Make Tanghulu in the Microwave
Bird’s Nest Treats
Microwave Lemon Mug Cake
Final Thoughts
These Lucky Charms Rice Krispie treats are colorful, chewy, crunchy, and incredibly easy to make in the microwave. The recipe comes together quickly, then all you need to do is let the pan cool before slicing the bars into squares.
They are a fun choice for St. Patrick’s Day, school parties, potlucks, family desserts, or a quick weekend treat. You can also customize the cereal and decorations to match other holidays or celebrations throughout the year.
Because the method is simple and the ingredients are easy to find, this is a great recipe to keep on hand whenever you need a sweet, no-bake dessert. No special baking skills are required, and no luck is needed to make these microwave Lucky Charms Rice Krispie treats turn out delicious.
Katie’s Tip
For another kid-friendly festive dessert, use white, green, and gold colors to create a fun candy bark-style treat.
Easy Lucky Charms Rice Krispie Treats Microwave Recipe
Equipment
- Microwave
- Large microwave-safe bowl
- 13×9 pan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spoon or spatula for mixing
- Nonstick spray, parchment, or nonstick foil
Ingredients
- 5 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 4 cups Lucky Charms cereal
- 16 ounces mini marshmallows
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 tablespoon green sanding sugar optional
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
-
Grease a 13×9 pan, or line it with parchment paper or nonstick foil.
-
Add the butter to a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 30 seconds, until it begins to melt.
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Add the vanilla extract and marshmallows to the bowl with the butter.
-
Microwave on high for 60 seconds, then stir. Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals, stirring each time, until smooth and melted.
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Add both cereals and the sanding sugar. Stir until the cereal is fully coated.
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Spread the mixture into the prepared pan and press gently into an even layer.
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Add extra toppings if desired.
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Cool completely, then cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- Use fresh marshmallows for the best melt and texture.
- If using unsalted butter, add ½ teaspoon salt.
- Do not press the cereal mixture too firmly into the pan, or the treats may become dense.
- Store covered at room temperature and enjoy within 2 to 3 days.
- Freeze leftovers individually wrapped in wax paper for easier serving later.
- Nutritional values will vary based on brands, toppings, and serving size.
Nutrition
Calories: 251kcal |
Carbohydrates: 50g |
Protein: 3g |
Fat: 4.7g
Nutritional values are general guidelines for one serving using the listed ingredients. Actual values may vary depending on brands, optional toppings, and portion size.
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