INTRODUCTION
Easy Rice Krispie Baskets are a fun and simple treat. You can make them with just a few pantry items. Kids love to help. Adults love how fast they come together. These baskets look pretty and taste sweet. They are perfect for holidays, parties, or a quick dessert. If you like quick no-bake treats, you will enjoy making and eating these. For another simple meal idea to make on a busy day, try this chicken and sweet potato rice bowl which uses common ingredients and cooks fast.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love this recipe because it is quick and forgiving. It needs only a short time on the stove and no oven. The texture is light and crunchy. You can shape the cereal into baskets that hold candy or jam. The recipe lets you be creative with colors and sweets. It is great for kids’ parties. It is also easy to double or halve. You can finish it in under 30 minutes. If you are looking for a warm and creamy slow cooker dinner to serve alongside simple sweets, see this slow cooker creamy Cajun chicken pasta for an easy dinner idea.
HOW TO MAKE Easy Rice Krispie Baskets
This recipe uses classic ingredients and clear steps. You melt butter and marshmallows, then stir in Rice Krispies. Press the mix into muffin cups to form baskets. Let them cool, then fill them with candy or coconut. The method is quick and safe if you keep the heat low. Below you will find the tools and the exact steps to follow. If you want to add a small fruit spread inside some baskets, you can look at a simple homemade jam guide like this blueberry jam recipe for ideas on flavors to pair with your baskets.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Large saucepan
- Wooden spoon or heat-safe spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Muffin pan (standard size)
- Butter or cooking spray for muffin pan
- Bowl or plate for colored coconut (if using)
- Small microwave-safe bowl for melting chocolate (optional)
- Parchment paper or cooling rack
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 these baskets at room temperature. Place them on a small platter or a cake stand. For a bright look, use colored coconut as grass and add jelly beans or candy eggs on top. You can also put a small spoon of fruit jam in the center for a different flavor. Arrange the baskets in a circle on the plate for a pretty display. If you want to pair them with a main dish for a family meal, a simple option is this glazed chicken meal prep that stores well and lets you focus on dessert.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Easy Rice Krispie Baskets
Storage:
- Store finished baskets in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Keep them away from heat and humidity to prevent sogginess.
- They stay fresh for 2 to 3 days at room temperature.
Freezing:
- You can freeze plain baskets without candy or coconut filling.
- Wrap each basket in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag.
- Freeze up to 1 month.
- Thaw at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes before filling.
Tips:
- If you fill baskets with chocolate, do not freeze final filled baskets. The candy can change texture when frozen.
- If humidity is high, store in an airtight container with a paper towel to absorb moisture.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Make a dessert table with several flavors: coconut, chocolate, and jelly.
- Use small candies like chocolate eggs or jelly beans to fill the baskets.
- Add a drizzle of melted chocolate for extra flavor and a pretty look.
- Serve alongside simple drinks such as milk, hot cocoa, or a light tea for adults.
- If you want a richer filling, spoon a bit of chocolate ganache into the basket center and chill until set.
For a sweet pairing that is also easy to make and looks like a treat, try the chocolate raspberry tart recipe for a small tart to share with your guests: easy chocolate raspberry tart.
VARIATIONS
- Coconut Grass: Add a few drops of food coloring to shredded coconut and stir. Use the colored coconut as grass before adding eggs.
- Chocolate Cups: Press Krispie mix shallow and pour a little melted chocolate before it cools, then add candy on top. Chill until set.
- Peanut Butter Twist: Mix 1/3 cup peanut butter with the melted marshmallow before adding cereal. Press into cups and add a chocolate-covered peanut on top.
- Fruity Center: Spoon a small amount of jam into each cooled nest for a fruity bite.
- Mini Nests: Use a mini muffin pan to make bite-size nests for parties or snack trays.
If you want more meal ideas to plan a party menu, look at this glazed chicken meal prep again for a main dish idea, or try the tart link above for dessert pairing.
FAQs
Q: How do I make the coconut color look even?
A: Put the coconut in a small bowl. Add 2-4 drops of food coloring. Add 1/4 tsp water. Stir with a fork. Spread on a plate to dry for a few minutes. The color will set.
Q: Can I use different cereal instead of Rice Krispies?
A: Yes, you can try other puffed rice cereals. Keep in mind that texture and taste may change. Crisp rice gives the classic texture.
Q: How do I stop the mixture from sticking to my hands?
A: Lightly wet your hands or spray them with cooking spray. Press the mixture gently into the muffin pan.
Q: Can I make this without marshmallows?
A: Marshmallows act as the binder. You can use marshmallow creme as a substitute. If you remove marshmallows, you need another sticky binder like melted marshmallow or a sweet syrup mixed with butter.
Q: How deep should I press the cereal into the muffin pan?
A: Press to the depth you like. Deeper baskets hold more filling. Shallow nests make bite-size treats.
Q: Are there nut-free versions?
A: Yes. Use only the cereal, marshmallow, butter, and safe candy. Check labels to avoid cross-contact if you need nut-free treats.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Easy Rice Krispie Baskets
- Make the plain baskets a day ahead. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Keep fillings separate until just before serving. This keeps candy from softening or color from bleeding.
- If you plan to color coconut, do that a few hours before serving so it can dry.
- If you want to save time on the day of the party, press the nests the night before and arrange the candy on the morning of the event.
- For events with many guests, make two batches. Store one batch in an airtight box to keep it fresh while you fill and serve the other.
CONCLUSION
Easy Rice Krispie Baskets are quick to make and fun to serve. You only need a few items and simple steps. They work well for parties, school treats, and quick snacks. You can change the look and flavor with different fillings and colors. Try making a batch today and enjoy a bright, crunchy dessert that everyone will love.
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, keeping the heat low, and stir until completely melted.
- Remove from heat.
- Add Rice Krispies cereal and gently stir until well coated.
- Divide and press the mixture into individual muffin cups to create baskets.
- Cool and remove from muffin pans.
- Fill cooled baskets with colored, shredded coconut.
- Fill baskets with melted chocolate, jelly beans, or chocolate eggs.
- These taste best if served the same day but will store in an airtight container.