Coconut Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

If you’re craving a sweet treat that’s practically guaranteed to disappear from the dessert table in minutes, these Coconut Rice Krispie Treats are the answer to your snack dreams. They’re impossibly gooey, loaded with the magical pull of marshmallows, and finished with a generous sprinkle of sweet coconut. This isn’t your average childhood rice krispie square; the coconut addition creates a tropical twist that brings each chewy bite to life. Whether you’re making them for a lunchbox, a bake sale, or a late-night kitchen adventure, these bars are pure joy in every square.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The wonder of Coconut Rice Krispie Treats comes from an unbeatable lineup of familiar, easy-to-find ingredients. Each one plays a starring role in building just the right balance of soft, crispy, and decadently sweet. Here’s what you’ll need—and why you shouldn’t skip a single item:

• Butter: Lends richness and helps everything melt and bind together; use real butter for the best flavor.
• Miniature Marshmallows (8 cups for melting): These are the gooey, sticky backbone that hold your treats together and give them their signature softness.
• Crisp Rice Cereal: The classic crunch! This is the canvas for all the marshmallowy, coconutty flavor to shine.
• Miniature Marshmallows (2 cups, extra): Stirred in at the end for magical pockets of unmelted marshmallow, which makes every bite extra special.
• Sweetened Shredded Coconut (1½ cups plus ¼ cup for topping): Toasty, chewy, and slightly nutty, the coconut defines these treats and brings a taste of the tropics.

How to Make Coconut Rice Krispie Treats

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Line a large baking sheet or a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper for easy lifting and minimal mess. You can use foil if that’s what you have on hand—just remember to generously grease it with butter so your Coconut Rice Krispie Treats don’t stick when you try to pull them out later!

Step 2: Melt the Butter and Marshmallows

Set a large pot over medium heat, drop in the butter, and let it melt completely. Add 8 cups of miniature marshmallows and start stirring—they’ll start to soften, then transform into a glossy, stretchy cloud. Keep stirring until everything is fully melted and smooth, but don’t walk away—the magic happens quickly and you don’t want scorched marshmallows!

Step 3: Combine with Cereal, Extra Marshmallows, and Coconut

Take the pot off the heat and immediately add the crisp rice cereal. Stir until everything is evenly coated and there are no dry patches lurking at the bottom. Fold in the extra 2 cups of miniature marshmallows and 1½ cups of shredded coconut. The unmelted marshmallows become gooey pockets in the finished squares, and the coconut brings delicious chewy bits throughout.

Step 4: Spread Mixture into Pan

Scoop the sticky, glorious mixture onto your prepared pan. Lightly butter a spatula (or your clean hands) and gently press the mixture evenly across the pan. Don’t press too firmly—gentle pressure is the secret to soft, chewy Coconut Rice Krispie Treats that aren’t dense.

Step 5: Garnish and Cool

Sprinkle the reserved ¼ cup of coconut evenly over the top for a lovely finishing touch. Let everything cool for at least 15 minutes so the treats set up a bit, then slice into squares. Now comes the hardest part: waiting patiently before diving in!

How to Serve Coconut Rice Krispie Treats

Garnishes

The finishing coconut sprinkle brings a lovely visual pop and a sweet, toasty contrast, but you can get creative. Try a quick drizzle of dark chocolate, a hint of sea salt, or a few colorful sprinkles if you’re celebrating. Just remember, a touch goes a long way—let the coconut flavor shine!

Side Dishes

While Coconut Rice Krispie Treats are a star solo snack, they play nicely with coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy afternoon treat. For parties, pair them with tropical fruits like pineapple or mango, or alongside a creamy scoop of vanilla ice cream to turn snack time into dessert hour.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, cut your treats into cute shapes with cookie cutters—think hearts, stars, or even palm trees. Try stacking squares with a skewer for a playful dessert kabob, or wrap individual bars in wax paper with a ribbon for a sweet homemade gift. The coconut and marshmallow combination begs to be shown off.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any Coconut Rice Krispie Treats that survive the first hour in an airtight container at room temperature. Layer them with parchment or wax paper to prevent sticking, and they’ll stay chewy and delicious for up to four days.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze these treats! Wrap individual bars or the whole slab tightly in plastic wrap and pop them into a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature for an hour.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat Coconut Rice Krispie Treats, but if you crave a just-made softness, microwave a single bar for 10 seconds. It revives that fresh, gooey marshmallow texture—just watch that you don’t overdo it or you’ll lose the crisp.

FAQs

Can I use unsweetened coconut instead of sweetened?

You can, but sweetened coconut brings both moisture and sweetness that define these treats. Unsweetened will work, but expect a slightly less chewy and less sweet result.

What’s the best way to cut Coconut Rice Krispie Treats without sticking?

Use a sharp knife greased with a little butter or nonstick spray. Wipe the blade between cuts for neat, bakery-perfect squares every time.

Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini?

Miniature marshmallows melt more quickly and evenly, but if large ones are all you have, chop them roughly and measure by weight to ensure they melt down smoothly.

Are Coconut Rice Krispie Treats gluten-free?

Most crisp rice cereals are naturally gluten-free, but some brands use malt syrup. Check the packaging and use a certified gluten-free cereal if you’re serving someone sensitive.

Can I add chocolate to these treats?

Absolutely! Swirl melted chocolate over the top before the treats set, or toss a handful of mini chocolate chips into the mix. Coconut and chocolate are a dream team!

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason Coconut Rice Krispie Treats inspire excitement from kids and grown-ups alike—they’re just too delightfully chewy, nostalgic, and easy to make to resist. Next time you need a quick dessert with big wow-factor, give these bars a try and watch them vanish!

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