Description
Delight in these festive Peppermint Bark Rice Krispies Treats, combining the classic gooey texture of Rice Krispies treats with refreshing peppermint extract and crushed candy canes. Topped with layers of melted dark and white chocolate, these treats are perfect for holiday celebrations and satisfy both chocolate and peppermint cravings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- ½ cup salted butter
- 2 (10-ounce) bags miniature marshmallows
- ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract
- 8 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- ¼ cup crushed candy canes (about 4 candy canes), divided
Chocolate Toppings
- 5 ounces chopped dark chocolate (about ¾ cup)
- 5 ounces chopped white chocolate (about ¾ cup)
Instructions
- Prepare pan and candy canes: Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Unwrap and crush candy canes, setting aside 2 tablespoons for the treats and reserving the rest for garnish.
- Melt butter and marshmallows: In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Reduce heat to low and add most of the marshmallows, reserving 1 cup for later. Stir continuously until marshmallows are completely melted and combined with the butter.
- Mix in flavors and cereal: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the peppermint extract, Rice Krispies cereal, 2 tablespoons of crushed candy canes, and the reserved 1 cup of marshmallows. Combine well to coat the cereal evenly.
- Press mixture into pan: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, pressing gently into an even layer without compacting. Use the empty butter wrapper or buttered hands/spatula to press out the treats smoothly.
- Melt chocolates: In separate microwave-safe bowls, melt the dark and white chocolates by heating in 20-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth and melted.
- Drizzle chocolates and garnish: Drizzle both the melted dark and white chocolates evenly over the Rice Krispies layer. Gently shake the pan to help smooth the chocolate topping. Sprinkle the remaining crushed candy cane pieces over the chocolate.
- Set and serve: Allow the treats to set completely at room temperature before slicing into squares and serving.
Notes
- Store treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days for optimal freshness and chewiness.
- To freeze, wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap and store in a container for up to two months; thaw at room temperature before eating.
- Reheat thawed treats briefly in the microwave to restore gooey texture, but avoid overheating to preserve the chocolate layers.
- These treats can be made up to three days in advance and kept in a sealed container, making them ideal for holiday entertaining.
- Using buttered hands or a butter wrapper helps to prevent sticking while pressing the mixture into the pan.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 110 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
