Description
These Elf Rice Krispies Treats are a colorful, fun twist on the classic marshmallow cereal snack. Featuring layered green and yellow sections with vibrant food coloring, these treats are formed into a festive ring shape and decorated with red buttercream frosting leaves. Perfect for any holiday gathering or whimsical dessert table, this recipe uses simple ingredients and microwave preparation for quick and easy assembly.
Ingredients
Green Outer Layer
- 2 ½ cups mini marshmallows
- 2 tablespoons butter
- big pinch of salt
- 5 drops green food gel
- 2 ¼ cups crisp rice cereal
Yellow Layer
- 1 ¾ cups mini marshmallows
- 2 tablespoons butter
- big pinch of salt
- 5 drops yellow food gel
- 1 ¼ cups + 2 tablespoons crisp rice cereal
Green Center Layer
- ¾ cup mini marshmallows
- 1 tablespoon butter
- big pinch of salt
- ¾ cup crisp rice cereal
- 3 drops green food gel
Frosting Decoration
- 3/4 cup buttercream frosting*
- 4 drops red food gel
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Spray an 8-inch cake pan with cooking spray or grease it generously with extra butter to prevent sticking during assembly.
- Make the Outer Green Layer: In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine 2 ½ cups mini marshmallows, 2 tablespoons butter, and a big pinch of salt. Microwave on HIGH for 30 seconds, then stir until melted. If not completely smooth, microwave for an additional 15 seconds. Whisk in 5 drops green food gel, then fold in 2 ¼ cups crisp rice cereal until evenly mixed.
- Form the Outer Ring: Using buttered hands, press the green mixture firmly around the edges of the prepared pan to create a ring. Pack it tightly against the pan’s sides for stability.
- Make the Yellow Layer: In a clean microwave-safe bowl, mix 1 ¾ cups mini marshmallows, 2 tablespoons butter, and a big pinch of salt. Microwave on HIGH for 30 seconds, stirring until smooth. If needed, microwave an additional 15 seconds. Stir in 5 drops yellow food gel, then fold in 1 ¼ cups plus 2 tablespoons crisp rice cereal thoroughly.
- Form the Yellow Layer: Press the yellow mixture evenly inside the green ring layer in the cake pan, packing gently but firmly.
- Make the Center Green Layer: In another clean bowl, combine ¾ cup mini marshmallows, 1 tablespoon butter, and a big pinch of salt. Microwave on HIGH for 30 seconds, stirring until melted. Add 3 drops green food gel and stir well, then fold in ¾ cup crisp rice cereal.
- Form the Center: Press the smaller green mixture into the center of the cake pan, inside the yellow layer, creating a layered circular pattern.
- Cool Completely: Allow the assembled layers to cool and set at room temperature for at least 2 hours, facilitating easier slicing.
- Prepare Frosting Decoration: Just before serving, mix 3/4 cup buttercream frosting with 4 drops red food gel until evenly colored. Spoon the frosting into a piping bag fitted with a Wilton #70 leaf tip. Practice making leaf shapes by holding the tip flat, squeezing consistently, and pulling upward quickly to create feathered tips.
- Decorate Treats: Pipe red frosting leaves onto the set Rice Krispies treats to complete the elf-inspired look. Slice into 8 triangles and serve.
Notes
- Butter your hands before pressing the marshmallow mixtures into the pan to prevent sticking.
- If mini marshmallows are unavailable, regular marshmallows can be chopped into smaller pieces as a substitute.
- Letting the treats cool completely before slicing helps maintain clean edges.
- Use gel food coloring to avoid altering the consistency of the marshmallow mixture.
- Buttercream frosting can be store-bought or homemade for decorating.
