Have you ever wondered what to do with all those leftover Halloween candies? Look no further than these Halloween Candy Rice Krispy Treats! In this irresistible recipe, we'll show you how to transform those mini Snickers, M&M's, and Reese's Peanut Butter Cups into delightful Rice Krispy Treats. It's a sweet and crunchy twist that will leave your taste buds begging for more. Get ready to indulge in a treat that's perfect for using up your Halloween candy stash!
Looking for more sweet recipes? Try my Biscoff Tiramisu, Pumpkin Cream Pie, or Mini Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie.
Why You'll Love These Halloween Candy Rice Krispy Treats
- Variety of Candy Flavors: This recipe offers a delightful blend of flavors with a variety of candy options, including chopped Snickers, mini M&M's, and halved Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. Each bite is a burst of sweetness and different textures, making it an exciting treat for candy lovers.
- Easy and Fun to Make: Making these leftover Halloween candy Rice Krispy Treats is a breeze. With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch of these delicious treats in no time. It's a fun activity for both kids and adults, allowing everyone to get creative with their candy combinations.
- Versatile and Customizable: This recipe provides a versatile base for incorporating different types of leftover Halloween candies. You can easily adapt it to suit your preferences by using your favorite candies or experimenting with new combinations. It's a fantastic way to repurpose leftover candy and add a touch of creativity to your treats.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Full list of ingredients with measurements listed below in recipe card.
- Snickers candy bars: Adds a rich and chewy texture to the Rice Krispy Treats. You can also use other caramel or nougat-based candy bars like Milky Way or Twix.
- M&M's: Provides pops of color and a delightful crunch. Feel free to substitute with other colorful coated candies or chocolate chips.
- Reese's Peanut Butter Cups: Adds a creamy and peanut buttery flavor. If desired, replace with other peanut butter-filled candies or peanut butter chips.
- Unsalted butter: Enhances the richness and flavor of the treats. Salted butter can be used instead if you prefer a hint of saltiness.
- Jumbo marshmallows: Provide the necessary stickiness and bind the ingredients together. Regular-sized marshmallows can be used, but adjust the quantity accordingly.
- Pure vanilla extract: Adds a hint of sweetness and enhances the overall flavor. Vanilla essence or other flavored extracts can be substituted if desired.
- Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors. Regular table salt can be used as a substitute.
- Rice Krispies cereal: Forms the crispy base of the treats. If unavailable, you can use other crispy rice cereals or even crushed cornflakes as an alternative.
Equipment Needed
- 9x13-inch baking pan
- Aluminum foil
- Nonstick cooking spray
- Medium-sized mixing bowl
- Large Dutch oven or pot
- Rubber spatula
- Cooling rack
- Knife or scissors for chopping the candy bars
- Measuring cups and spoons
How to Make this Recipe
Full step-by-step instructions listed below in recipe card.
To make the leftover Halloween candy Rice Krispy Treats, begin by spraying a 9x13-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Create an aluminum foil sling by cutting one piece of foil 18 inches long and folding it 8 inches wide. Fit the foil into the length of the pan, pressing it against the sides and corners. Then, cut another piece of foil 14 inches long (or fold a larger piece to fit) and place it perpendicular to the first sheet. Spray both foil pieces with nonstick cooking spray.
Next, in a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the chopped Snickers candy bars, mini M&M's, and halved Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. Mix them well to evenly distribute the candy flavors. Set the candy mixture aside.
In a large Dutch oven or pot, melt the unsalted butter over medium-low heat. Add the jumbo marshmallows, pure vanilla extract, and kosher salt. Stir the mixture with a rubber spatula, ensuring the marshmallows are just melted. This should take about 3 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat.
Now, it's time to incorporate the Rice Krispies cereal and candy mixture. Add the Rice Krispies cereal to the melted marshmallows and stir until well combined. Then, add half of the candy mixture and mix thoroughly to distribute the candy throughout the cereal.
Spray the spatula or your hands with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking, and transfer the mixture into the prepared pan. Press it evenly into the pan, ensuring it covers the entire surface. Sprinkle the remaining candy mixture on top of the mixture in the pan, lightly pressing it into the cereal.
Set the pan with the Rice Krispy Treats on a cooling rack and let them sit for about 1 hour to firm up. After the hour is up, use the foil sling to lift the treats from the pan and return them to the cooling rack to cool completely. Once cooled, use a knife or scissors to cut the treats into 24 equal-sized bars.
Variations
- Chocolate Lovers: Add a layer of melted chocolate on top of the Rice Krispy Treats. Once the treats have cooled, melt some chocolate chips or chocolate bars and spread it over the surface. Allow the chocolate to set before cutting into bars.
- Nutty Delight: Incorporate chopped nuts into the candy mixture for an added crunch and flavor. Peanuts, almonds, or cashews work well with the sweet and crispy texture of the treats.
- S'mores Twist: Replace half of the Rice Krispies cereal with crushed graham crackers to give the treats a s'mores-inspired taste. Add some mini marshmallows to the candy mixture for an extra gooey factor.
- Caramel Bliss: Drizzle caramel sauce or melted caramel candies over the treats before they cool completely. The caramel adds a delightful sweetness and gooeyness to the bars.
- Pretzel Crunch: Crush some pretzels and mix them into the candy mixture for a salty and crunchy twist. The combination of sweet candy and salty pretzels creates a delicious flavor contrast.
- Fruity Burst: Add dried fruits such as chopped dried cranberries, raisins, or diced dried apricots to the candy mixture. The fruity flavors provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of the candy and marshmallows.
- White Chocolate Magic: Substitute white chocolate chips for regular chocolate candies in the recipe. The creamy and sweet white chocolate complements the other candy flavors and adds an elegant touch to the treats.
Wine Pairing
When it comes to pairing wine with sweet treats like the leftover Halloween candy Rice Krispy Treats, there are a few options that can complement the flavors. Here are some wine pairing suggestions:
- Sweet or Dessert Wines: A nice option is to pair the treats with a sweet or dessert wine, such as a Late Harvest Riesling, Moscato d'Asti, or Sauternes. These wines have a natural sweetness that can balance the sweetness of the treats and provide a pleasant contrast.
- Sparkling Wine: Another great pairing is a sparkling wine, like Prosecco or Champagne. The effervescence and acidity of the wine can cut through the sweetness and refresh the palate between bites of the treats.
- Port: A classic choice is to pair the treats with a Port wine, such as Ruby Port or Tawny Port. Ports have rich, sweet flavors that complement the candy and provide a velvety texture on the palate.
- Fruit-forward Red Wines: If you prefer red wine, opt for fruit-forward and slightly sweet red wines like a Zinfandel, Lambrusco, or a red blend with berry notes. These wines can bring out the fruity flavors of the treats and create a harmonious pairing.
Remember, wine pairing is subjective, and personal preferences may vary. It's always a good idea to experiment and find the combination that suits your taste buds best.
FAQ's
Can I use different types of candy in this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is highly customizable, and you can use a variety of different candies based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Feel free to experiment and create your own unique combination.
Can I substitute marshmallows with marshmallow fluff?
While marshmallow fluff can be used as a substitute for marshmallows in some recipes, it may not provide the same texture and binding properties required for Rice Krispy Treats. It's recommended to use jumbo marshmallows or regular marshmallows for the best results.
How long do the Rice Krispy Treats need to cool before cutting into bars?
It's recommended to let the treats cool for at least 1 hour to allow them to firm up. This will make it easier to cut them into neat bars. However, if you're in a hurry, you can place them in the refrigerator for a shorter cooling time.
Can I store the Rice Krispy Treats for later?
Absolutely! Once the treats have completely cooled and been cut into bars, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. This allows you to enjoy them over multiple sittings.
Can I freeze the Rice Krispy Treats?
Yes, you can freeze the treats for longer storage. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator or at room temperature before enjoying.
Can I make this recipe without butter?
Butter plays a crucial role in providing flavor and richness to the treats. However, if you prefer to avoid butter, you can try substituting it with an equal amount of coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture may differ slightly from the original recipe.
Tips
- Prepare all ingredients and equipment in advance: Before starting the recipe, ensure you have all the necessary ingredients measured and prepared. Also, have the baking pan, foil sling, and other equipment ready to streamline the process.
- Use fresh marshmallows: Fresh marshmallows will melt more easily and provide better binding for the treats. Make sure the marshmallows are not stale or hardened.
- Stir continuously when melting the marshmallows: While melting the marshmallows, stir constantly with a rubber spatula to ensure even melting and to prevent them from sticking or burning.
- Don't overcook the marshmallows: Remove the pot from the heat as soon as the marshmallows are melted. Overcooking can result in a stiff and dry texture for the treats.
- Work quickly when mixing the candy and cereal: Once the marshmallow mixture is combined with the Rice Krispies cereal, mix in the candy promptly. The mixture will become more difficult to work with as it cools and sets.
- Spray your hands or spatula with nonstick cooking spray: To prevent sticking, spray your hands or spatula with nonstick cooking spray before pressing the mixture into the pan. This will make it easier to handle and distribute the mixture evenly.
- Press firmly but gently: When pressing the mixture into the pan, apply even pressure to compact it, but avoid pressing too hard, which can result in dense and tough treats.
- Let the treats cool before cutting: Allow the treats to cool and firm up for at least an hour before cutting them into bars. This will make it easier to cut neat and clean bars without them falling apart.
- Customize and experiment: Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite candies or trying different combinations. Let your creativity shine and make the treats uniquely yours.
- Enjoy within a few days: Rice Krispy Treats are best enjoyed within a few days of making them when they are at their freshest and maintain their optimal texture.
Looking for more recipes?
Looking for more sweet recipes? Try my Biscoff Tiramisu, Pumpkin Cream Pie, or Mini Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie.
Did You Make this Recipe?
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Recipe Card
📋 Recipe
Leftover Halloween Candy Rice Crispy Treats
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Ingredients
- 10 mini Snickers candy bars chopped (about 1¼ cups)
- ¾ cup mini M&M's
- ¾ cup mini Reese's Peanut Butter Cups halved
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 stick
- 20 ounces jumbo marshmallows 2 packages
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 10 cups Rice Krispies cereal 283 grams or 10 ounces
Instructions
- Spray a 9x13-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- Create an aluminum foil sling by cutting one piece of foil 18 inches long and folding it 8 inches wide. Fit the foil into the length of the pan, pressing it against the sides and corners. The excess should hang over about 2 inches on the sides.
- Cut another piece of foil 14 inches long (or fold a larger piece to fit) and fit it, perpendicular, over the first sheet. Again, the foil should have an excess of a couple of inches on each end.
- Spray the foil pieces with nonstick cooking spray and spray a rubber spatula with nonstick cooking spray.
- Combine the chopped Snickers candy bars, mini M&M's, and mini Reese's Peanut Butter Cups in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Mix well.
- Melt the butter in a large Dutch oven set over medium-low heat. Add the jumbo marshmallows, vanilla extract, and salt. Cook and stir with the sprayed spatula (re-spraying as needed) until the marshmallows are just melted, about 3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the Rice Krispies cereal and half of the candy mixture. Stir until the candy is fully incorporated.
- Spray the spatula or your hands and pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Press the Rice Krispie/marshmallow mixture evenly into the pan. Top with the remaining candy and lightly press the candy into the cereal mixture.
- Set the Rice Krispie Treats on a cooling rack and let sit for 1 hour to firm. After an hour, lift the treats by the foil sling and return them to the cooling rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, cut into 24 equal-sized bars and enjoy!
Notes
- Be mindful of the melting process: When melting the marshmallows, stir continuously and remove from heat as soon as they are melted. Overcooking can result in a stiff and dry texture.
- Work quickly: Once the marshmallow mixture is combined with the Rice Krispies cereal, mix in the candy promptly. The mixture will become more difficult to work with as it cools and sets.
- Use nonstick cooking spray: To prevent sticking, spray your hands, spatula, and the foil with nonstick cooking spray when handling the mixture and pressing it into the pan.
- Let it cool before cutting: Allow the treats to cool and firm up for at least an hour before cutting them into bars. This will help maintain their shape and prevent crumbling.
- Customize to your taste: Feel free to experiment with different candy combinations and add-ons to suit your preferences. Get creative and make it your own!
- Store properly: Once cooled and cut, store the treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a few days. For longer storage, wrap individual bars tightly and freeze.
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