Last Updated on February 7, 2025 by Karen
Cocoa Pebbles Rice Krispie Treats is a fun twist on a classic snack that both kids and adults will love. Try switching it up with Fruity Pebbles for a yummy rainbow colored treat!
Rice Krispie Treats have long been a favorite snack for both kids and adults. Their sweet, gooey goodness has made them a go-to for everything from bake sales to family gatherings. But have you ever thought about switching things up with Cocoa Pebbles or Fruity Pebbles? These colorful and flavorful cereals add a fun twist, giving the treats a chocolatey crunch or fruity pop that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, this recipe is a quick and simple way to make your snack time even more delicious.
In this post, we’ll show you how to make Cocoa Pebbles Rice Krispie Treats with step-by-step instructions, plus ideas for fun variations and tips on storage. So grab your ingredients and get ready to create the perfect treat!
Ingredients You’ll Need to Make This Cocoa Pebbles Rice Krispie Treat Recipe (or Fruity Pebbles)
Here’s what you’ll need to make your Cocoa Pebbles Rice Krispie Treats:
Cocoa Pebbles
The Cocoa Pebbles (or Fruity Pebbles) are the base of the treat, giving it that signature sweet crunch. They not only provide flavor but also make the treat more vibrant and fun. These Post cereals are packed with a variety of vitamins and minerals like vitamin A palmitate, vitamin D, vitamin B, thiamin mononitrate, and folic acid that contribute to the treat’s nutritional content. They bring that nostalgic “Yabba Dabba Doo” vibe to the recipe, especially if you’re a fan of Barney Rubble and related characters from TM Hanna-Barbera. Whether you’re adding Cocoa Pebbles cereal or trying out its sister cereal, Fruity Pebbles, you’ll find that both offer a delightful crunch and taste for your taste buds to enjoy.
Unsalted Butter
The butter used in this recipe is essential for binding everything together. It helps create the perfect chewy texture in the Rice Krispies while also enhancing the overall flavor. It gives the treats a rich and creamy feel that balances the sweetness of the marshmallows and cereal. If you have dietary preferences, you can substitute regular butter with plant-based butter or margarine. Butter also adds a slight amount of vitamin A palmitate and vitamin D, though the key here is its ability to hold the mixture together while also contributing to the golden, crispy exterior.
Marshmallows
Marshmallows are the magic ingredient that makes Rice Krispie Treats ooey, gooey, and delicious. As the primary ingredient responsible for binding the cereal together, marshmallows give the treats that signature soft, chewy texture. They also add sweetness and help the treat set without crumbling apart. While traditional marshmallows are used here, you could swap them out with mini marshmallows or even use marshmallow fluff for a different texture. These marshmallows contain sugar and corn syrup, but they’re also free of artificial flavor, making them a classic favorite for both kids and adults. However, check the ingredient line information on packaging if you are looking for marshmallows that meet specific dietary needs.
Vanilla Extract
Adding vanilla extract enhances the flavor profile of your Cocoa Pebbles Rice Krispie Treats. It brings a subtle depth to the sweetness of the marshmallows and cereal. Vanilla extract is a pantry staple in many desserts and can be replaced with almond extract for a different twist, or even omitted entirely if you prefer a purer cereal flavor. It’s a simple touch that elevates the overall taste, especially if you plan on serving your treats for special occasions like a family gathering or a fun bake sale.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Cocoa Pebbles Rice Krispie Treat Recipe (or Fruity Pebbles)
Prepare the Pan: Start by greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. If you want to avoid sticking and make cleanup easier, you can also line the dish with parchment paper. This will help you lift the treats out easily once they’ve cooled. Make sure the entire bottom and sides of the pan are covered to prevent any sticking.
Melt Butter and Marshmallows: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Stir occasionally to ensure it doesn’t burn. Once the butter is fully melted, add in the marshmallows and continue stirring until they are completely melted and smooth. For an extra boost of flavor, stir in the vanilla extract.
Combine with Cereal: Remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately add the Cocoa Pebbles (or Fruity Pebbles). Stir quickly to ensure the cereal is evenly coated with the melted marshmallow mixture. Be gentle but thorough to avoid crushing the cereal too much. If you want extra crunch or flavor, this is the point where you can add chocolate chips or a handful of sprinkles.
Press and Set: Pour the cereal mixture into the prepared baking dish and gently press it into an even layer using a spatula or wax paper. Be careful not to press too hard, as that can make the treats too compact and less chewy. Allow the treats to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or until they are firm and fully set. Once they’re cool, cut into squares or rectangles and enjoy your colorful, crispy treats!
Fun Variations to Try
What are some variations to this Cocoa Pebbles Rice Krispie Treat Recipe? You can easily make this recipe your own!
- Add chocolate chips for a richer flavor
- Mix in some peanut butter for an extra layer of sweetness
- For those who like a bit of crunch, add mini marshmallows or sprinkles.
- You could also drizzle some melted chocolate or caramel on top for a decadent twist.
- If you want to keep things lighter, try swapping the butter for a plant-based alternative or experimenting with other cereal options from Post Cereal’s variety of delicious cereals.
How Do I Store Cocoa Pebbles Rice Krispie Treat Recipe?
If you’ve made a big batch of Cocoa Pebbles Rice Krispie Treats, you’ll want to store them properly to keep them fresh. Keep your treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, you can store them in the fridge for up to a week. Just be sure to allow them to cool completely before storing to prevent them from becoming soggy.
Can I Freeze Cocoa Pebbles Rice Krispie Treat Recipe?
Yes, you can freeze these treats! Simply wrap them individually in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to eat them, just let them thaw at room temperature for about 10–15 minutes. Freezing helps preserve the freshness for about a month.
Can This Recipe Be Made Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Cocoa Pebbles Rice Krispie Treats can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored properly. This makes them perfect for busy weekends, holiday preparations, or a make-ahead treat for your next event.
Is This Rice Krispie Treat Recipe Vegan?
This Cocoa Pebbles Rice Krispie Treat recipe is not vegan as written. The ingredients include butter and marshmallows, which typically contain dairy and gelatin, respectively. To make this recipe vegan, here are a few substitutions you can make:
- Butter: Swap the regular butter with a plant-based butter or margarine. There are plenty of vegan butter options available in grocery stores, which will work just as well for this recipe.
- Marshmallows: Most traditional marshmallows contain gelatin, which is derived from animal products. Look for vegan marshmallows (such as Dandies or other plant-based brands) that use agar-agar or other plant-based gelling agents instead of gelatin.
With these substitutions, you can easily make the recipe vegan while still enjoying that classic marshmallowy goodness!
Making Cocoa Pebbles Rice Krispie Treats is a fun, quick, and delicious way to enjoy a snack that’s both nostalgic and new. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a treat that will impress friends and family alike. Plus, the variations you can try—like adding chocolate chips, sprinkles, or drizzles of caramel—make this recipe endlessly customizable. Try it out, share with loved ones, and enjoy the sweet crunch of these fun treats!
What’s your favorite variation of this recipe? Have you tried mixing in other cereals, or added any fun toppings? Share your creations with us in the comments or tag us on social media for a chance to be featured!
Cocoa Pebbles Rice Krispie Treat Recipe (or Fruity Pebbles)
Ingredients
- 6 cups Cocoa Pebbles or Fruity Pebbles
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 package 10 oz marshmallows or about 40 large marshmallows
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, add the marshmallows and stir until completely melted and smooth. Mix in vanilla extract.
- Remove the saucepan from heat. Quickly stir in the Cocoa Pebbles (or Fruity Pebbles) until the cereal is evenly coated with the marshmallow mixture.
- Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Using a spatula or wax paper, gently press it down into an even layer. Be careful not to press too hard, or it might become too compact.
- Allow the treats to cool for about 30 minutes, or until they are firm and set. Once cooled, cut them into squares or rectangles. Enjoy!
