Coconut Rice Krispie Treats

Featured in Desserts That Transform Moments.

Combine melted butter and marshmallows, then fold in crisp rice cereal along with extra marshmallows and shredded coconut for added richness. Spread the mixture in a lined pan and gently smooth without pressing firmly, preserving their light texture. Finished with a sprinkle of coconut, these bars cool quickly and are best enjoyed within a few days. Store airtight for ultimate freshness. Sweet, toasty coconut mingles with gooey marshmallow and crispy grains, delivering nostalgic flavor in every bite—perfect for gatherings, lunches, or whenever a chewy, homemade confection is desired.

Sarah
Updated on Mon, 19 May 2025 17:57:52 GMT
Marshmallows on a stick. Pin it
Marshmallows on a stick. | chefmiarecipes.com

Coconut Rice Krispie Treats are a chewy sweet snack with a tropical twist that combines classic nostalgic flavor and coconutty goodness in every bite. This recipe was a hit at my last family movie night and the pan disappeared before the credits rolled.

I remember the first time I added coconut to regular Rice Krispie treats I was amazed at how much extra flavor it gave and now I cannot imagine making them without it

Ingredients

  • Butter: brings creaminess choose a good quality unsalted butter for flavor
  • Miniature marshmallows: create gooey chewiness I love using fresh marshmallows because they melt smoothly
  • Crisp rice cereal: forms the base look for cereal that is fresh and crunchy
  • More mini marshmallows: for extra gooey bites stir these in at the end for soft pockets
  • Sweetened shredded coconut: gives texture and sweetness make sure it is fresh for the best chewy experience

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Pan:
Line your baking sheet or pan with parchment paper This keeps the treats from sticking and makes for easy removal
Melt the Butter and Marshmallows:
Place butter in a large pot on medium heat Stir until melted Add in the 8 cups of marshmallows and continue stirring until they are completely melted into a smooth silky mixture Take care not to burn the mixture use medium heat
Combine Cereal and Mix-ins:
Take the pot off the heat Add in the crisp rice cereal Stir until all the cereal is glossy and coated by the melted marshmallow
Add in Extra Marshmallows and Coconut:
Gently stir in the extra marshmallows and shredded coconut The coconut will add chewiness and a gentle crunch while the unstirred marshmallow bites stay nice and soft
Transfer to Pan and Press:
Scoop the mixture onto your prepared pan Use a spatula lightly coated with butter to gently press out the mixture so it fills the pan evenly Press lightly so the treats stay airy and soft
Cool and Slice:
Let the treats cool at room temperature for at least fifteen minutes Slice into squares while they are still a little warm for clean edges
Marshmallows on top of a cake. Pin it
Marshmallows on top of a cake. | chefmiarecipes.com

You Must Know

  • Great to make ahead for parties stays soft for days
  • A fun gluten free treat as long as you use gluten free cereal

My favorite part is biting into a square and hitting a big gooey marshmallow bite It reminds me of making these with my niece for the first time she could not stop giggling at the sticky fingers

Storage Tips

Store these treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days To keep them super soft add a slice of white bread to the container Overnight chill in the fridge if your kitchen is super hot but let them warm to room temperature before eating for best texture

Ingredient Substitutions

Use vegan marshmallows and coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy free version If you love chocolate try adding mini chocolate chips with the coconut Toasting the coconut beforehand gives an extra nutty flavor

Serving Suggestions

Perfect for after school snacks parties lunchboxes or as a sweet treat while watching your favorite show For a fancy touch dip half the squares in melted chocolate and let them cool

A plate of marshmallows. Pin it
A plate of marshmallows. | chefmiarecipes.com

Cultural Context

Rice Krispie treats are a beloved American classic often made during holidays and school events The coconut version is inspired by tropical desserts and brings a fun twist to the nostalgic squares

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I prevent the bars from sticking to the pan?

Line the pan with parchment paper or well-greased foil, making for easy removal and cleanup.

→ Why stir in some marshmallows at the end?

Adding extra unmelted marshmallows gives pockets of gooey, chewy texture in each bite.

→ Can I toast the coconut before adding?

Lightly toasting the coconut enhances aroma and adds a golden, nutty crunch to the bars.

→ How should these treats be stored?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for several days to maintain freshness.

→ What’s the best way to slice the bars?

Allow the bars to cool, then use a lightly buttered knife for clean, neat slices.

Coconut Rice Krispie Treats

Soft, chewy bars feature toasted coconut, gooey marshmallow, and crisp cereal for a crowd-pleasing treat.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
5 Minutes
Total Time
15 Minutes

Category: Sweet Comfort

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 16 squares

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 6 tablespoons butter
02 8 cups miniature marshmallows
03 6 cups crisp rice cereal
04 2 cups marshmallows, do not melt with butter
05 1½ cups sweetened shredded coconut
06 ¼ cup sweetened shredded coconut, for topping

Instructions

Step 01

Line a large baking sheet or a 9×13 pan with parchment paper and set aside. If using foil, grease it well with butter to prevent sticking.

Step 02

Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add 8 cups of miniature marshmallows and stir until completely melted.

Step 03

Remove the pot from heat. Add crisp rice cereal and stir until fully combined. Stir in the additional 2 cups of marshmallows and 1½ cups of shredded coconut.

Step 04

Scoop the sticky cereal mixture onto the prepared pan. Use a lightly buttered spatula or spoon to gently press the mixture across the pan, ensuring not to press too firmly.

Step 05

Let the mixture cool for a few minutes before slicing. Store in an airtight container for several days.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pot
  • 9×13 pan or large baking sheet
  • Parchment paper or foil
  • Spatula or spoon

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (butter)
  • Contains gluten (depending on rice cereal brand)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 150
  • Total Fat: 5 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 25 g
  • Protein: 1 g