If there’s one dessert that instantly brings a smile to everyone’s face at a summer party, it’s these Watermelon Rice Krispie Treats. They’re colorful, sweet, shaped like slices of watermelon, and honestly too cute not to share. I’ve made them for pool parties, BBQs, baby showers, and even rainy day kitchen fun with my niece—and they’re always a hit.
These treats aren’t just about the looks (though they definitely win in that department)—they’re gooey, marshmallowy, and perfectly nostalgic. If you love traditional Rice Krispie Treats but want something a little more festive, this recipe is for you.
Why I Keep Making These Watermelon Treats
Besides being ridiculously fun to make and serve, these treats are:
- No-bake and super simple to put together
- Great for summer parties and themed gatherings
- Customizable with flavors, colors, and chocolate chips for “seeds”
- Kid-friendly from start to finish (and yes, adults love them too)
It’s like classic Rice Krispies got dressed up for summer—and I’m here for it.
What You’ll Need
(Makes 12–16 wedges | Prep Time: 20 minutes | Chill Time: 30 minutes)
Ingredients:
- 6 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 9 cups mini marshmallows (divided)
- 9 cups Rice Krispies cereal (divided)
- Red and green food coloring
- Mini chocolate chips (for seeds)
- 9-inch round cake pan (or two if you want to make both colors at once)
- Nonstick spray or butter (for greasing)
How I Make Watermelon Rice Krispie Treats (Step-by-Step)
1. Make the Green “Rind” Layer
I start by melting 2 tablespoons of butter in a large saucepan over low heat. Once melted, I stir in 3 cups of mini marshmallows until completely smooth. Then I add a few drops of green food coloring and mix well. Off the heat, I stir in 3 cups of cereal until fully coated.
I press this green mixture around the outer edge of a greased 9-inch round cake pan, forming a ring to look like a watermelon rind. I use a buttered spatula or wax paper to press it evenly and avoid sticking.
2. Make the Pink “Watermelon” Center
Next, I melt another 2 tablespoons of butter with 3 more cups of marshmallows. Once smooth, I stir in red or pink food coloring to get that watermelon flesh color. Then I add 3 cups of cereal and mix until combined.
I press this mixture into the center of the pan, filling in the green ring completely. Again, a little wax paper makes pressing it smooth and even a lot easier.
3. Add the Chocolate Chip “Seeds”
While the treats are still warm, I gently press mini chocolate chips into the red center to look like seeds. I usually sprinkle them randomly, but you can get creative with the pattern.
4. Let It Set
I let the whole pan cool and firm up for about 30 minutes at room temp. You can pop it in the fridge to speed things up, but don’t leave it too long or it’ll get too hard.
5. Slice Into Wedges
Once it’s set, I remove the treat from the pan and slice it like a pie into 12–16 wedges. The end result? A perfect watermelon slice made entirely of Rice Krispie treats.
My Tips for Picture-Perfect Watermelon Treats
- Use gel food coloring for more vibrant colors with less liquid
- Don’t overheat the marshmallows—low and slow makes the best texture
- Grease everything—your hands, your spatula, your pan
- Chill briefly before slicing for clean, even cuts
- Use mini chocolate chips for the best “seed” look (and flavor balance)
Fun Variations to Try
Once I nailed the classic watermelon design, I started playing with fun upgrades:
- Add watermelon flavoring to the red layer with a drop of extract
- Use flavored cereal like Fruity Pebbles for a twist on the base
- Skip the chocolate chips for a nut-free or cleaner look
- Make mini versions in muffin tins for individual slices
- Double the batch and make two rounds to feed a crowd
These treats are super flexible and just as fun to play with as they are to eat.
When I Serve These Watermelon Rice Krispie Treats
They’ve become a go-to for:
- Fourth of July BBQs
- Summer birthday parties (especially for kids)
- Baby showers or picnics with fruit themes
- School treats or potlucks where I want something easy but festive
- Rainy day boredom busters that don’t require an oven
They travel well, don’t melt, and look adorable on a platter.
FAQs About These Treats
Q: Can I make them ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. I usually make them the night before and store them in an airtight container at room temp.
Q: Can I freeze them?
A: I don’t recommend freezing—they get too hard and lose that soft, chewy texture. Best to make fresh!
Q: What if I don’t have a round pan?
A: Use a square or rectangular pan and shape the colors manually—or cut out wedge shapes from a flat layer.
Q: Do they taste like watermelon?
A: Not unless you add flavoring—they taste like classic Rice Krispie Treats, which honestly is perfect as-is.
Final Thoughts
These Watermelon Rice Krispie Treats are the definition of fun, easy summer baking (well, no-baking). They come together in minutes, look like a total showstopper, and taste just as good as they look. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want to brighten up a boring weekday, these cheerful little wedges of crispy, marshmallowy goodness always do the trick.
Try them once and I guarantee you’ll be making them all summer long.
How I Make These Adorable Watermelon Rice Krispie Treats for Summer Parties
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 package (10 oz) marshmallows
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- Red food coloring
- Green food coloring
- Mini chocolate chips (for seeds)
- Cooking spray (for greasing)
Instructions
- In a large saucepan over low heat, melt the butter.
- Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted.
- Remove from heat and add in the Rice Krispies cereal, mixing until well coated.
- Divide the mixture into two bowls. Use red food coloring in one bowl and green food coloring in the other, mixing until the colors are well incorporated.
- Press the red mixture into a greased watermelon slice mold, filling it about halfway.
- Add mini chocolate chips into the red mixture to resemble seeds.
- Top with the green mixture, pressing it down to create a watermelon slice shape.
- Allow to cool completely before removing from the mold.
- Slice and serve at your summer party!
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