I gave classic rice krispie treats a bright, chewy twist with sweet orange and tart dried cranberries. One bite and this nostalgic no-bake favorite suddenly feels brand new.

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I’m obsessed with these Cranberry Orange Rice Krispie Treats because they hit that sweet, chewy, citrusy thing I can never resist. I love how the dried cranberries cut through the sweetness with little tart pops, and the orange zest makes every bite taste bright instead of basic.

But the best part is the texture: crisp, gooey, sticky, and totally snackable. No fork, no fuss.

I grab one and suddenly I’m back for another. And another.

I adore treats that feel familiar but still surprise me, and these do exactly that with a punchy orange-cranberry twist I crave constantly all week.

Ingredients

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Butter gives that rich, cozy base.
It’s the reason these taste homemade.
Marshmallows melt into the sticky glue that holds every crunchy bite together.
Rice Krispies bring the snap and crunch.
Basically, the whole fun part.
Dried cranberries add chewy little tart pops, so it’s not just sweet on sweet.
Orange zest tastes bright and fresh, like you actually tried a little.
Orange extract boosts the citrus flavor without making the treats wet or weird.
Salt keeps everything balanced.
Plus, it makes the sweetness taste way better.

Ingredient Quantities

4 tablespoons unsalted butter (1/4 cup)

10 ounces marshmallows (about 40 large or 4 cups mini)

6 cups Rice Krispies cereal

1 cup dried cranberries

1 tablespoon finely grated orange zest (from 1 large orange)

1 teaspoon pure orange extract

1/2 teaspoon fine salt

How to Make this

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1. Lightly butter a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment and set aside.

2. In a large heavy saucepan over low heat, melt 4 tablespoons unsalted butter until foaming.

3. Add 10 ounces marshmallows and stir constantly until fully melted and smooth.

4. Remove the pan from heat and stir in 1 tablespoon finely grated orange zest, 1 teaspoon pure orange extract, and 1/2 teaspoon fine salt until evenly combined.

5. Immediately add 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal and 1 cup dried cranberries to the melted marshmallow mixture. Fold gently but thoroughly until the cereal and cranberries are evenly coated.

6. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Using a buttered spatula or lightly buttered hands, press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan.

7. Let the treats cool completely at room temperature, about 30 to 60 minutes, until set.

8. Once set, lift from the pan using the parchment or turn out onto a cutting board and slice into squares.

9. Store airtight at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Equipment Needed

1. 9×13 inch baking pan
2. Parchment paper or stick of butter for greasing
3. Large heavy saucepan
4. Heatproof spatula or wooden spoon
5. Measuring cups and spoons
6. Microplane or fine grater for orange zest
7. Large mixing bowl (optional for folding)
8. Cutting board and sharp knife for slicing

FAQ

Can I make these ahead and how should I store them?

Yes. Cool completely, then store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

How do I keep the treats soft and not rock hard?

Do not overcook the marshmallow mixture. Remove from heat as soon as marshmallows are fully melted, press the mixture into the pan gently with a lightly buttered spatula, and cover with parchment while pressing if you need extra smoothness.

Can I substitute dried cranberries or use other mix ins?

Yes. Swap with chopped dried cherries or raisins, or add 1/2 cup chopped toasted nuts for crunch. If using fresh fruit, be aware moisture will make the treats soggy.

Is orange extract necessary and can I use fresh orange juice instead?

Orange extract intensifies flavor without extra moisture. You can use 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice plus 1 teaspoon finely grated zest, but reduce any other liquid and press mixture quickly to avoid sogginess.

How do I prevent the cereal from getting soggy while mixing?

Fold the cereal in quickly and gently using a spatula to coat pieces evenly without crushing. Work while the marshmallow is still warm so coating is efficient and sets fast.

Can I make these vegan?

Yes. Use vegan butter and vegan marshmallows. Check that your cereal is vegan friendly. Flavor will be similar but texture can be slightly chewier depending on the marshmallow brand.

Cranberry Orange Rice Krispie Treats Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Unsalted butter: use equal amount refined coconut oil for a hint of coconut, or light olive oil for a milder flavor; if dairy free, use vegan buttery spread (same volume).
Marshmallows: replace with 1 1/3 cups marshmallow creme plus 2 tablespoons butter to help bind, or make a batch of homemade marshmallows (10 ounces finished) for best texture.
Rice Krispies cereal: swap with 6 cups puffed brown rice for a nuttier flavor, or 6 cups gluten free puffed rice to keep it gluten free.
Dried cranberries: use chopped dried cherries or chopped golden raisins for different sweetness and color; toasted chopped pistachios add crunch and a savory contrast instead of extra fruit.

Pro Tips

1. Warm the marshmallows slowly over low heat and keep stirring. Fast or high heat makes them grainy and hard to work with, so patience gives you glossy, stretchy marshmallow that binds everything beautifully.

2. Stir the orange zest and extract in off the heat while the mixture is still very warm. That preserves the fresh citrus aroma without cooking off the volatile flavors.

3. Toss the dried cranberries with a teaspoon of hot water or a splash of orange liqueur for a few minutes before adding. It plumps them slightly so they stay juicy in each bite and don’t steal moisture from the marshmallow.

4. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan using buttered hands or a buttered spatula. Firm packing keeps the bars from crumbling but avoid overpacking so they stay tender.

5. Let the pan sit undisturbed until fully set, then chill briefly for cleaner cuts. Cutting warm bars makes them sticky and ragged; a short chill firms them up and gives neat squares.

Cranberry Orange Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

Recipe by Tina Bueller

0.0 from 0 votes

I gave classic rice krispie treats a bright, chewy twist with sweet orange and tart dried cranberries. One bite and this nostalgic no-bake favorite suddenly feels brand new.

Servings

servings

Calories

193

kcal

Equipment: 1. 9×13 inch baking pan
2. Parchment paper or stick of butter for greasing
3. Large heavy saucepan
4. Heatproof spatula or wooden spoon
5. Measuring cups and spoons
6. Microplane or fine grater for orange zest
7. Large mixing bowl (optional for folding)
8. Cutting board and sharp knife for slicing

Ingredients

4 tablespoons unsalted butter (1/4 cup)
10 ounces marshmallows (about 40 large or 4 cups mini)
6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
1 cup dried cranberries
1 tablespoon finely grated orange zest (from 1 large orange)
1 teaspoon pure orange extract
1/2 teaspoon fine salt

Directions

Lightly butter a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment and set aside.
In a large heavy saucepan over low heat, melt 4 tablespoons unsalted butter until foaming.
Add 10 ounces marshmallows and stir constantly until fully melted and smooth.
Remove the pan from heat and stir in 1 tablespoon finely grated orange zest, 1 teaspoon pure orange extract, and 1/2 teaspoon fine salt until evenly combined.
Immediately add 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal and 1 cup dried cranberries to the melted marshmallow mixture. Fold gently but thoroughly until the cereal and cranberries are evenly coated.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Using a buttered spatula or lightly buttered hands, press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan.
Let the treats cool completely at room temperature, about 30 to 60 minutes, until set.
Once set, lift from the pan using the parchment or turn out onto a cutting board and slice into squares.
Store airtight at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Notes

Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.