Monster Eye Rice Krispie Treats
25 min
|
easy
Recipe by Eunice
Introduction
Monster Eye Rice Krispie Treats are a spooky spin on the classic, extra gooey from marshmallow creme, kissed with vanilla, and dyed ghoul-green with candy eyeballs that stare back.
No-bake and fast, they are clutch for Halloween parties or school snacks, make-ahead friendly, and yes, the adults will fight the kids for them.
Ingredients (18 servings)
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Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp unsalted butter unsalted butter 1.5 oz
- 1 package (10 oz) mini marshmallows mini marshmallows 1 package (10 oz)
- ½ tsp pure vanilla extract pure vanilla extract 0.5 tsp
- ½ cup marshmallow creme marshmallow creme 1.7 oz
- ⅛ tsp salt salt
- ¼ tsp green food coloring gel (or to desired shade) green food coloring gel 0.04 oz
- 6 cups Rice Krispies toasted rice cereal Rice Krispies toasted rice cereal 3 oz
- 36 candy eyeballs (2 per ball) candy eyeballs 1.29 oz
- cooking oil spray (for your hands) cooking oil spray 0.4 oz
How to Make Monster Eye Rice Krispie Treats
-
Prep your station
Line a baking sheet with parchment and lightly coat a silicone spatula and a 2 tablespoon scoop or spoon with cooking spray so nothing sticks.
Set candy eyeballs within reach because once the cereal goes in you move fast.
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Melt the butter and marshmallows
In a large pot over low heat, melt the butter without browning it to keep the green bright.
Add the mini marshmallows and stir slowly until just melted and glossy with no lumps.
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Flavor and fluff
Stir in the vanilla, marshmallow creme, and salt until smooth and fully combined.
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Tint it monster green
Add the green gel food coloring a little at a time until you hit a slightly darker shade than you want because cereal will lighten it.
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Fold in the cereal
Take the pot off the heat and quickly fold in the Rice Krispies until every piece is coated without crushing the cereal.
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Cool briefly for control
Let the mixture sit 2 to 3 minutes so it is warm and pliable but not so hot that it slides off your hands.
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Portion and shape
Lightly spray your hands and scoop about 2 tablespoons per treat, then roll into tight balls and set on the parchment.
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Add the eyes while warm
Press two candy eyeballs into each ball while the surface is still warm so they adhere firmly.
If needed, dab a touch of marshmallow from the pot as glue for any rebel eyeballs.
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Set and serve
Let the treats stand at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes until set, then plate and watch them stare back.
Substitutions
- Green gel food coloring -> matcha powder or lime gelatin powder
- Matcha gives a natural green with a faint earthy note that plays nicely with vanilla, while a tablespoon of dry lime gelatin powder adds an electric green and a citrusy zing for a fun, candy-shop vibe.
- Marshmallow creme -> extra mini marshmallows + 1 tablespoon light corn syrup or honey
- Using 1 additional cup mini marshmallows with a splash of syrup keeps the mixture glossy and stretchy so the texture stays plush instead of crumbly.
- Unsalted butter -> refined coconut oil or salted butter
- Refined coconut oil makes them dairy-free with a clean finish that lets the green pop, while salted butter is fine if you reduce the added salt and want a slightly richer, rounder flavor.
Tips
- Low heat is law
- Overheating marshmallows makes tough treats, so keep it on low and pull the pot the moment everything is smooth and melted.
- Color one shade deeper
- Tint the marshmallow base a touch darker than your goal because the cereal dilutes the color and you want that bold monster green to read on the plate.
- Do not compact the cereal
- When rolling, apply just enough pressure to shape or you will crush the cereal and lose that signature crispy bite.
- Stick insurance for eyeballs
- If an eyeball pops off, use a dab of warm marshmallow or a dot of melted white chocolate as edible glue and press for 3 seconds.
- Work in two mini batches if solo
- If you are a one-woman show, keep half the cereal out and fold it in after shaping the first half so nothing sets before you can roll.
- Keep hands lightly greased
- A tiny spritz of oil on your palms every few balls controls stickiness without making the surface greasy or shiny.
Nutrition Facts *
| Energy | 67 | kcal |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | 1 | g |
| Total Fat | 2 | g |
| Carbohydrates | 11 | g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0 | g |
* Approximate, per serving.
Data source: USDA FoodData Central.
FAQ
- Why did my treats turn hard instead of chewy?
- The marshmallows were overheated or you added too much cereal, so rewarm the pot gently and fold in a spoonful of butter and a handful of mini marshmallows to loosen the mix before reshaping.
- The mixture is too sticky to shape, what should I do?
- Wait 2 to 3 minutes for a slight cool-down, lightly oil your hands and scoop, and if needed chill the bowl for 1 minute to firm it up just enough to roll.
- My candy eyes keep falling off, how do I make them stay?
- Press eyes into the treats while still warm and tacky, or add a dot of warm marshmallow or melted white chocolate under each eye and hold for a slow three-count.
- Can I make these vegan or gluten free?
- Use vegan marshmallows, plant-based butter, and a gluten free puffed rice cereal, and choose vegan candy eyes or pipe dots with vegan royal icing so every piece stays on theme and inclusive.
- How many treats does this make and how big are they?
- You will get about 18 balls at roughly 2 tablespoons each, which is the sweet spot for two candy eyes and a clean one-bite or two-bite snack.
- Can I press these into bars instead of rolling balls?
- Yes, press the warm mixture into a parchment-lined 9 by 13 inch pan with oiled hands, do not pack too tightly, add eyes on top, and cut once set.
Serving Suggestions
Bold green crunch with a side-eye is a party trick, but a drizzle of white chocolate or a dusting of crushed freeze-dried lime makes the flavor pop and keeps the look sharp.
Serve with cold milk for kids or a citrusy spritz for the adults, and if you are feeling naughty swirl a little browned butter next time for a toasty note that turns the green slightly deeper and delicious.
More pairings:
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