I love quick and sweet treats that take minutes to make and make kids smile. These Easy Rice Krispie Baskets are one of those treats. They use simple ingredients you probably already have. You can make them for a party, a snack, or a fun dessert with kids. The baskets look like nests and are quick to shape. They hold candy, jelly beans, or melted chocolate. This article will show you how to make them, how to store them, and fun ways to change the recipe. If you like cozy drinks with treats, try a warm recipe like the easy homemade peppermint mocha for a sweet pairing.
INTRODUCTION
Easy Rice Krispie Baskets are a fast, fun, and sweet treat. You make them with melted marshmallows and Rice Krispies cereal. The mix forms a sticky dough you press into muffin tins to make small baskets. Once they cool, you can fill them with candy or chocolate. The recipe is simple and does not need baking. Kids can help shape the baskets and add candy. These nests are a good choice for easter, spring parties, or school treats. They stay good for a day or two in a sealed container, but they taste best the same day you make them.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love this recipe because it is very easy and fast. It needs just a few items and little skill. The baskets are light and sweet. They have a soft chew from the marshmallows and a light crunch from the cereal. You can make many baskets in a short time. Children enjoy filling them and picking the colors. You can change the candy to fit any holiday or event. The recipe also pairs well with simple drinks, such as a warm cup of coffee or a sweet mocha, like the delicious raspberry mocha, to make a nice snack time combo.
HOW TO MAKE Easy Rice Krispie Baskets
This recipe uses simple steps and low heat. You will melt butter and marshmallows, stir in cereal, and press into muffin pans. Work while the mix is warm so it shapes easily. You can make deep baskets or shallow ones. Add colored coconut or candy for fun. For a quick drink to enjoy with these baskets, try a simple brew like the 7-brew coffee to keep your work steady and cozy while you shape treats.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Large saucepan
- Wooden spoon or heat-safe spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Muffin pan (standard size)
- Butter or cooking spray
- Small bowls for candy and coconut
- Plate for coloring coconut (if using)
- Microwave-safe bowl (optional, for melting chocolate)
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
HOW TO SERVE Easy Rice Krispie Baskets
Serve the baskets at room temperature. Place them on a simple tray or a plate. If you fill them with chocolate, let the chocolate set before stacking baskets. For parties, put different fillings in small bowls and let guests choose. You can also serve the baskets on a dessert table next to a cup of warm drink. A small saucer with a napkin works well for each guest. These treats are easy to pick up and eat with fingers, so they are a good snack for children and adults.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Easy Rice Krispie Baskets
Store the baskets in an airtight container at room temperature. They keep best for one to two days. After that, they may lose some crispness and become slightly chewy. If you filled them with chocolate, store in a cool place to keep the chocolate from melting. Do not refrigerate if they contain marshmallow, as the fridge can make them firm and sticky. Freezing is not recommended because the texture can change when thawed. If you must save them longer, freeze the plain baskets (no fresh candy) in a sealed bag for up to one month. Thaw at room temperature and refill before serving.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Pair with a warm drink like a flavored latte or mocha for a cozy snack. Try an easy caramel latte recipe if you like sweet coffee drinks, such as this easy caramel latte.
- Arrange baskets on a platter with pastel candies for a spring or easter look.
- Serve with fresh fruit on the side to add a fresh taste and color.
- Make a dessert board with cupcakes, cookies, and nests for variety.
- For parties, offer small paper cups so guests can fill and eat easily.
VARIATIONS
- Chocolate Rice Krispie Baskets: Add a few tablespoons of cocoa to the melted marshmallows or dip each basket in melted chocolate.
- Nutty Baskets: Stir in a small handful of chopped nuts with the cereal for a crunchy twist.
- Fruit Topped: Fill nests with a dollop of yogurt and top with fresh berries just before serving.
- Coconut Color: Color the shredded coconut with food coloring and use it as grass in the nests.
- Syrup Twist: Add a small amount of caramel syrup to the chocolate fill for a sweet ribbon of flavor. Try using a simple caramel syrup recipe like this easy caramel syrup to make a nice sauce for drizzling over the baskets.
FAQs
Q: Can I use other cereals instead of Rice Krispies?
A: Yes. You can use similar puffed rice cereals. The texture will change, but the baskets will still hold.
Q: How do I stop marshmallows from sticking to my hands?
A: Lightly butter your hands or wear food-safe gloves before shaping. You can also spray the muffin pan so the mix releases easier.
Q: Can I make these without a muffin pan?
A: Yes. You can shape the mix by hand on wax paper to form small nests. The muffin pan makes it easier to get a round shape.
Q: How long do these baskets last?
A: Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days for best taste. Filled with fresh fruit, serve same day.
Q: Can I color the marshmallow mix?
A: It is easier to color shredded coconut than the marshmallow mix. If you do color the marshmallows, add a few drops of gel food color when the marshmallows melt and stir quickly.
Q: Can I make them gluten-free?
A: Yes, if you use a certified gluten-free puffed rice cereal and check all candy labels for gluten-free status.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Easy Rice Krispie Baskets
Make the plain baskets a day ahead and store them in an airtight container. Wait to fill them with delicate candy or fruit until the time you serve. If you plan to add melted chocolate, you can melt the chocolate briefly in a microwave before serving and spoon it into the nests. For parties, pre-fill a few and leave extra plain baskets for guests to fill themselves. If you need to prepare for a large group, make batches of the mix and press into muffin pans as you go to keep the mix warm and easy to shape.
Enjoy making these simple, fun, and sweet Rice Krispie Baskets. With a few simple tools and a short time, you can make a colorful and tasty treat for any gathering.
Easy Rice Krispie Baskets
Ingredients
Method
- Get out and measure your ingredients.
- Prepare a muffin pan with butter or cooking spray. Set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over low heat.
- Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted, maintaining low heat.
- Remove from heat and gently stir in Rice Krispies cereal until well coated.
- Divide and press the mixture into individual muffin cups to create baskets.
- Cool and remove from muffin pans.
- Fill the cooled nests with colored shredded coconut, melted chocolate, jelly beans, or chocolate eggs.
- Enjoy every bite!