Description
Candy Corn Krispie Treats are a festive and colorful twist on the classic Rice Krispies treat. Made with a rich mixture of butter, brown sugar, heavy cream, and peanut butter, these treats are colored with vibrant orange food coloring and generously studded with miniature marshmallows and Rice Krispies cereal. Topped with swirls of milk and white chocolate enhanced with peanut butter, these treats are perfect for holidays or anytime you want a sweet, fun snack.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2/3 cup brown sugar (lightly packed)
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup + 3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter (divided)
- 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups miniature marshmallows
- Orange food coloring (neon)
- 5 cups Rice Krispies cereal
Chocolate Topping
- 3/4 cup milk chocolate chips
- 1/3 cup white chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare Pan: Generously spray a round 9-inch springform pan or an equivalent-sized cake pan with cooking spray. Set aside for pressing the treat mixture later.
- Boil Mixture: In a medium pot over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add the brown sugar and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes until the sugar has dissolved. Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a boil while continuously stirring. Maintain boiling for 1 minute then reduce the heat to low.
- Add Peanut Butter & Color: Stir in 1/3 cup peanut butter along with neon orange food coloring. Mix until fully combined to evenly color the mixture.
- Melt Marshmallows: Add the miniature marshmallows to the pot and stir constantly over low heat until fully melted and smooth.
- Add Cereal & Vanilla: Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and the Rice Krispies cereal until all pieces are well coated with the marshmallow mixture.
- Press Into Pan: Using lightly cooking sprayed hands, gently but firmly press the cereal mixture into the prepared pan, creating an even layer without packing it too densely. This helps maintain a light texture.
- Let Set: Allow the treats to set at room temperature for about one hour until they are firm and easy to handle.
- Cut Treats: Remove the treats from the pan by either releasing the springform sides or inverting the cake pan. Cut the large slab into 8 triangular pieces, similar to pizza slices, then gently pull them apart.
- Melt Chocolate: Place the milk chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons of peanut butter in one microwave-safe bowl; in another, combine white chocolate chips with 1 tablespoon peanut butter. Microwave each bowl in 15-20 second bursts, stirring for 20 seconds between intervals, until the chocolates are completely melted and smooth.
- Decorate: Drizzle or spoon the milk chocolate over the bottoms of the triangles and the white chocolate over the tops. Let the chocolate toppings set at room temperature before serving. For best flavor and texture, enjoy the treats the same day they are made.
Notes
- Note 1: Miniature marshmallows melt more evenly and create a smoother texture compared to large marshmallows.
- Note 2: Use neon orange food coloring to achieve the signature candy corn color.
- Lightly spraying hands when pressing the cereal mixture prevents sticking and helps create a more uniform layer.
- Treats are best served the same day for optimal freshness and chocolate texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American