These fun Frankenstein Rice Krispie Treats are a spooky twist on a classic snack! With green-colored marshmallow goo and cute candy eyes, they make Halloween snacking extra special.
Making these treats is as easy as mixing, molding, and topping! I love watching the kids’ faces light up when they see these silly monsters. Perfect for sharing at any Halloween party! 🎃
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice Krispies Cereal: This is the base of our treats. If you can’t find Rice Krispies, you can use other puffed rice cereals or even cornflakes, but the texture will be different.
Unsalted Butter: I recommend using unsalted butter for better control over the sweetness. If you’re dairy-free, use margarine or a plant-based butter alternative.
Marshmallows: Mini marshmallows melt better, but standard-sized ones will work too. If you’re looking for a vegan option, look for vegan marshmallows. They work just as well!
Green Food Coloring: For a fun twist, use gel food coloring which gives a richer color. You can also replace it with a natural dye like spirulina if you prefer.
Candy Eyeballs: If you can’t find candy eyeballs, use chocolate chips or cut small circles from white fondant with mini chocolate chips for pupils.
How Do I Get My Marshmallows Melty and Smooth?
The key to perfectly melted marshmallows is to heat them gently. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use low-medium heat to prevent burning.
- Stir continuously. This helps them melt evenly without sticking to the pot.
- Remove from heat as soon as they’re melted for a fluffy texture.
Keeping an eye on them will make sure they stay smooth and creamy for mixing with the Rice Krispies!
What’s the Best Way to Shape and Decorate the Treats?
To shape your treats easily, use a spatula or wax paper for pressing them into the pan. Here are some tips:
- Press down firmly to compact the mixture, which helps keep them from falling apart.
- Let them cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before cutting, so they hold their shape well.
- For decorating, melted chocolate is great for adding hair. Use a piping bag for finer details!
Getting the decorations just right adds a lot of fun personality to your Frankenstein treats!
How to Make Frankenstein Rice Krispie Treats!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Treats:
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 10 ounces marshmallows (about 4 cups)
- Green food coloring
For the Decoration:
- Candy eyeballs
- Black licorice strings (for eyebrows and mouth)
- 6 ounces dark chocolate chips or melting chocolate
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (optional, for smoothing chocolate)
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 30 minutes to chill before cutting. Allow for extra time if you want to decorate. So, in total, you’ll need about 1 hour to make and decorate these tasty treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Dish:
Start by greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or rubbing it with butter. Alternatively, you can line the dish with parchment paper, leaving some paper hanging over the edges. This will help you lift the treats out later!
2. Melt the Butter:
In a large pot, set the heat to low-medium and melt the unsalted butter. Make sure to watch it carefully so it doesn’t brown. Once melted, it’s time for the marshmallows!
3. Add the Marshmallows:
Pour the 10 ounces of marshmallows into the melted butter. Stir continuously until everything is melted together and super smooth. You want it to be creamy and gooey!
4. Color the Marshmallow Mixture:
Once your marshmallows are melted, remove the pot from the heat. Quickly add a few drops of green food coloring and stir until the mixture is evenly tinted. It should look like a spooky green goo!
5. Combine with Rice Krispies:
Now it’s time to incorporate the Rice Krispies! Gradually fold the cereal into the green marshmallow mixture, using a spatula. Make sure all the cereal is coated in that delicious goo.
6. Press into the Pan:
Transfer your green mixture into the prepared baking dish. Press it down firmly and evenly with a buttered spatula or a piece of wax paper to create a flat surface. This will help your treats hold their shape.
7. Cool the Treats:
Let the Rice Krispie mixture cool in the pan for about 30 minutes to an hour. The treats should be set but still soft enough to cut easily!
8. Melt the Chocolate:
While the treats cool, melt the dark chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between until it’s completely smooth. If you think it’s too thick, add a little vegetable oil to help thin it out.
9. Cut and Shape the Treats:
Once cooled, cut the Rice Krispie treats into rectangles to resemble Frankenstein’s monster. You can cut them into any size you like, but around 2×3 inches is a good standard size!
10. Add Frankenstein’s Hair:
Use the melted chocolate to pipe or spread a little on the top of each treat to create Frankenstein’s hair. Let it cool and harden before moving on to the eyes.
11. Decorate the Faces:
Now for the fun part! Decorate each treat with candy eyeballs to bring Frankenstein to life. Use pieces of black licorice for eyebrows and mouths to give them personality!
12. Final Touches:
Once you’re done decorating, give the chocolate a little time to harden. Then, you’re ready to serve these spooky treats!
Enjoy your spooky, sweet Frankenstein Rice Krispie Treats, perfect for Halloween parties!
Can I Use Different Types of Cereal?
Yes! While Rice Krispies are the traditional choice, you can substitute with other puffed rice cereals or even cornflakes. Just keep in mind that the texture might change slightly.
How Should I Store Leftover Treats?
Store your leftover Frankenstein Rice Krispie Treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Avoid refrigerating them, as this can make them hard.
Can I Make These Treats Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the Rice Krispie treats a day in advance. Just wait until they are fully cooled and then decorate them closer to the time you plan to serve them for the best presentation!
What If I Don’t Have Black Licorice for Decoration?
No worries! If you don’t have black licorice, you can use chocolate or black icing for the eyebrows and mouth, or even cut small pieces from dark chocolate candies. Get creative with what you have on hand!
