Easy Rice Krispie Baskets

INTRODUCTION

Easy Rice Krispie Baskets are a small treat you can make fast. They use simple pantry items and a muffin pan to form little nests. Kids can help press the mix into cups and fill them with bright candies. These baskets look nice and taste sweet. They are great for a snack, a party, or a quick dessert.

If you like fun Rice Krispie ideas, you might also enjoy the fun take on Halloween treats like Frankenstein Rice Krispie treats, which show how playful this base can be.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

This recipe is quick. You melt marshmallows and butter, add cereal, and shape baskets. You do not need baking time. The steps stay simple and clear. You can make many at once. Kids love to help and to pick the candy that goes inside.

The base is soft and chewy. The baskets hold candy and small eggs well. You can make them for any season. You can color the coconut for spring or leave it white for winter. For a full meal idea, try a simple side that pairs well with sweet snacks like chipotle cilantro lime rice for a balanced spread.

HOW TO MAKE Easy Rice Krispie Baskets

This recipe uses melted marshmallows and butter to bind Rice Krispies. You press the mix into a muffin pan to make nests. You can make them deep or shallow. Fill them with coconut, candy, jelly beans, or melted chocolate. Serve soon after filling for best taste and texture.

If you want to try other dessert ideas for busy nights, check this easy fruit bake that is warm and simple like an easy apple crumble recipe.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

• Large saucepan
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Muffin pan
• Butter or cooking spray
• Bowl for colored coconut (if using)
• Microwave-safe bowl (if melting chocolate)
• Pie plate or shallow dish for coloring coconut

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Ingredients You’ll Need :

6 cups Rice Krispies cereal, 5 cups marshmallows, 4 tblsp butter, jelly beans, chocolate eggs, candy coated chocolate eggs, 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut (optional), 2-4 drops food coloring (optional), 1/4 tsp water

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :

Get out and measure your ingredients.
Prepare a muffin pan with butter or cooking spray. Set aside.
In large saucepan melt butter over LOW heat.
Add marshmallows, staying at low heat, stir until completely melted.
Remove from heat.
Add Rice Krispies cereal. Gently stir until well coated.
Divide and press mixture into individual muffin cups creating baskets, as deep or shallow as you want.
Cool and remove from muffin pans.
Fill cooled nests with colored, shredded coconut.
Fill cooled nests with melted chocolate, jelly beans or chocolate eggs. These taste best if served the same day but will easily store in an airtight container.
Enjoy every bite.
Coloring Shredded Coconut, Pie Plate

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HOW TO SERVE Easy Rice Krispie Baskets

Serve the baskets on a simple plate. Place a small pile of extra candy on the side for refills. You can stack a few baskets on a tiered tray for a party. They look bright if you use colored coconut or candy. For a brunch spread, pair them with a light breakfast dish like banana chia overnight oats so people can pick sweet or healthy options.

Keep the baskets on the counter for short events. If you use melted chocolate inside, set them in a cool spot to keep the chocolate firm.

STORAGE & FREEZING : Easy Rice Krispie Baskets

Store the baskets in an airtight container. They keep at room temperature for 2-3 days and stay chewy and fresh. If your home is warm, place them in a cool room or the fridge briefly so fillings like chocolate do not melt.

You can freeze the plain baskets (no soft fillings) for up to 1 month. Wrap each one in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature when you want to use them. Once you thaw, fill with candy or coconut and serve the same day.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

• For a spring party, use pastel-colored coconut and small chocolate eggs.
• For a kid’s table, add jelly beans and candy coated chocolate for bright color.
• For a more adult twist, add a small spoon of chocolate ganache and a sprinkle of sea salt.
• Serve with simple drinks like milk, tea, or a fresh fruit smoothie.

You can also build a small dessert board with a mix of warm and cool treats, like pancakes or a baked fruit, for a full spread. Try pairing them with a warm brunch bake like blueberry pancake casserole to offer hot and cold options.

VARIATIONS

• Coconut nests: Mix shredded coconut into the Rice Krispie mix for more flavor.
• Chocolate base: Add a few tablespoons of cocoa powder to the melted marshmallow for a chocolate shell.
• Peanut butter: Stir 2 tablespoons of peanut butter into the marshmallow before adding cereal for a nutty taste.
• No-bake candy cups: Spoon melted chocolate into the nests and top with nuts or sea salt.
• Holiday themes: Change the mix-ins to match the holiday — use red and green candies for Christmas or orange and black for Halloween. For another fun Rice Krispie twist, see creative shapes in this fun treat Frankenstein Rice Krispie treats for ideas on how to make shapes and colors.

Make sure each variation keeps the same pressure when you press the mix into the pan so the nests stay intact.

FAQs (minimum 4 FAQ)

Q: Can I use a different cereal instead of Rice Krispies?
A: Yes. You can use a similar puffed rice cereal. The texture will change slightly. Use the same amount and press gently.

Q: How long do the baskets take to cool?
A: They cool in about 20 to 30 minutes at room temperature. If you place them in the fridge, they firm up faster, about 10 to 15 minutes.

Q: Can I make these without marshmallows?
A: Not easily. Marshmallows act as the glue. You could try a mixture of melted chocolate and butter, but the result will differ.

Q: How do I color the coconut?
A: Put coconut in a plastic bag. Add 2-4 drops of food coloring and 1/4 tsp water. Shake until the color spreads. Spread on a pie plate to dry.

Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: Yes, if you use gluten-free puffed rice cereal and check that other candies are gluten-free.

Q: Will the nests get hard if I keep them too long?
A: They can dry out and get firmer after a few days. Store in an airtight container to keep them soft.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Easy Rice Krispie Baskets

Make the plain nests one day ahead and keep them in an airtight container. Do not fill them with any moist or melted fillings until you are ready to serve. This keeps the baskets from getting soggy.

If you plan to color coconut, do that the day before and let it dry on a pie plate. Store the dry colored coconut in a sealed bag.

If you want to save time on the day of a party, make the nests and set out bowls of fillings like jelly beans, chocolate eggs, and shredded coconut. Let guests fill their own baskets for a fun and easy activity.

Enjoy these simple baskets. They are quick to make, fun to fill, and easy to share.

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