If you’re looking for a Halloween dessert that’s both adorable and easy to make, these Candy Corn Rice Krispies are your new go-to recipe. With their festive yellow, orange, and white layers, they look just like real candy corn but taste even better—because who doesn’t love homemade rice krispies treats?
Perfect for Halloween parties, trick-or-treat night, or classroom celebrations, these bars are a creative spin on the classic Krispie treats recipe. They’re soft, chewy, colorful, and full of nostalgic charm. Plus, they’re no-bake and ready in under 30 minutes, making them the ultimate last-minute Halloween treats.
Whether you call them candy corn bars, rice crispy candy corn, or simply Halloween rice krispie treats, they’re bound to become a seasonal staple in your kitchen.
Table of Contents
Why These Treats Are a Halloween Favorite
These candy corn rice krispie treats are more than just cute. They check every box for festive fall dessert fun:
- Kid-friendly and mess-free
- No baking required
- Simple ingredients you likely already have
- Easily adaptable to make monster rice krispie treats Halloween-style
- Budget-friendly and perfect for large batches
You can even pair these treats with savory Halloween snacks like snake charmers pretzels or spooky cockroach cupcakes for a full party spread.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of pantry staples to make these layered beauties. This is a base recipe, and the colors do all the magic.
Base Ingredients:
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 6 cups mini marshmallows, divided
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal, divided
- Orange and yellow food coloring
- Optional: vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon per layer)
- White chocolate chips or candy melts for topping
If you’re making a themed dessert table, these pair perfectly with pumpkin truffles and apple pie dip.
Tools & Supplies
Gather these simple tools before you begin:
- Large saucepan or microwave-safe bowl
- Rubber spatula (greased)
- 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pan
- Nonstick spray or butter for greasing
- Food-safe gloves (optional, for pressing layers)
These tools make shaping and layering the rice krispie treats candy corn style so much easier.
How to Make Candy Corn Rice Krispies
Ready to create your colorful candy corn layers? Follow this simple process.
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Grease your round cake pan generously with butter or nonstick spray. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Yellow Layer
In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over low heat. Add 2 cups of marshmallows and stir until melted. Add yellow food coloring and mix well. Remove from heat and stir in 2 cups of Rice Krispies cereal until evenly coated.
Press this mixture into the outer ring of your cake pan, forming a circle along the outer edge. Use a greased spatula or hands to shape.
Step 3: Make the Orange Layer
Repeat the process using 2 tablespoons of butter, 2 cups of marshmallows, and orange food coloring. Mix in 2 cups of cereal and press it in a circle inside the yellow layer.
Step 4: Make the White Center
Melt the remaining butter and marshmallows, leaving them plain. Add the last 2 cups of cereal and press into the center of the pan.
Step 5: Cool and Slice
Let the treat set for about 15 minutes at room temperature. Flip it out of the pan onto a cutting board and slice into triangle “candy corn” pieces.
Top with melted white chocolate or festive sprinkles if desired.
Want a breakfast that matches the fall theme? Try pumpkin cinnamon rolls to start the day sweetly.
Decoration and Design Tips
If you want your homemade Halloween rice crispy treats to look Pinterest-perfect, keep these tips in mind:
- Use gel food coloring for bold, vibrant layers
- Press each layer down firmly to avoid gaps
- Add candy eyes to make “monster” versions for kids
- Drizzle with sweet chili sauce (yes, really!) for a sweet-and-spicy adult variation
- Wrap individual pieces in cellophane for party favors
For more spooky Halloween treats, don’t miss these mini Halloween pizzas or rice krispie treat ghosts.
Fun Variations
These candy corn bars are fun as-is, but here are a few variations to try:
- Monster Rice Krispie Treats Halloween Edition: Mix in green food coloring and add candy eyeballs.
- Peanut butter twist: Add 1/4 cup peanut butter to each layer for flavor and protein.
- Chocolate dipped: Dip one end in white or dark chocolate for a fancy look.
- Pumpkin spice version: Stir pumpkin pie spice into each layer for autumn vibes.
Looking for a savory Halloween option? Try these crescent roll mummy hot dogs for a balanced menu.
Storing and Make-Ahead Tips
These treats are perfect for prepping ahead of time.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days at room temperature
- Do not refrigerate—they’ll harden
- Can be frozen for up to 1 month, though texture may slightly change
Pro tip: Layer parchment between stacked bars to prevent sticking.
Tips for Success
- Use fresh marshmallows for the best melt and texture
- Grease everything—spoons, spatulas, pans, and hands
- Let each layer set slightly before adding the next to keep layers distinct
- If using gloves, lightly butter them before pressing layers
Want to serve a themed dip with your treats? Try fruit dip for a refreshing pairing or cranberry cream cheese dip for a sweet-tart contrast.
Kid-Friendly Serving Ideas
Make these treats even more fun for the little ones:
- Use cookie cutters to create pumpkin, ghost, or bat shapes
- Add themed picks or toppers
- Pack them in Halloween lunchboxes
- Use as toppings for pumpkin ice cream sundaes
- Build a candy corn dessert board with candy, cookies, and bars
Want more no-bake inspiration? Try these no bake pumpkin pie balls for a quick dessert alternative.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making homemade rice krispies treats seems foolproof—but here are a few mistakes to avoid:
- Overheating the marshmallows: This creates tough bars. Melt gently on low heat.
- Too much cereal: Makes the bars dry and crumbly. Stick to the ratios.
- Not greasing hands/tools: Sticky mess guaranteed.
- Using stale cereal: Always check your Rice Krispies before starting.
For more festive ideas, visit the Halloween dessert section of Lyndy’s Kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use large marshmallows instead of mini?
Yes, but chop them for quicker melting.
Can I use different cereal?
Sure! Try cornflakes, cocoa Krispies, or fruity cereals for variation.
Can I make these vegan?
Use vegan marshmallows and dairy-free butter substitutes.
Do I need to use a round pan?
For candy corn shape, yes. But you can use a square pan for layered bars.
Can I add mix-ins like candy corn or M&Ms?
Absolutely! Stir into the top layer before pressing for extra color and crunch.
Final Thoughts and Call to Action
These Candy Corn Rice Krispies are everything you want in a Halloween dessert: quick, easy, fun, and irresistibly sweet. Whether you’re hosting a party, prepping for a school event, or just feeling festive, these Halloween rice krispie treats will bring smiles all around.
If you loved this recipe, be sure to share it with fellow Halloween lovers, and don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more creative seasonal recipes. From monster eyeball pizza to pumpkin French toast roll-ups, there’s something for every fall craving.
PrintCandy Corn Rice Krispies: A Fun & Easy Halloween Treat
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 squares 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Candy Corn Rice Krispies are the ultimate no-bake Halloween treat—festive, colorful, and irresistibly chewy! With vibrant yellow, orange, and white layers, they look just like the classic candy corn but taste even better. Perfect for parties, bake sales, or family fun in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 6 cups mini marshmallows, divided (2 cups per layer)
- 6 cups crispy rice cereal, divided (2 cups per layer)
- Yellow food coloring
- Orange food coloring
- White candy melts or mini marshmallows (for the white layer)
- Cooking spray or butter (for greasing pan)
Optional Add-Ins:
- Candy eyes
- Halloween sprinkles
- White or dark chocolate drizzle
- Crushed candy corn
Instructions
- Prep pan: Line an 8×8 or 9×9 baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease.
- Yellow layer: Melt 2 tbsp butter and 2 cups marshmallows over low heat. Stir in yellow food coloring, then mix in 2 cups cereal. Press evenly into the pan.
- Orange layer: Repeat with 2 tbsp butter, 2 cups marshmallows, orange food coloring, and 2 cups cereal. Press over yellow layer.
- White layer: Repeat without coloring (or with melted white candy melts). Press on top.
- Cool & slice: Let set for 30–60 minutes. Slice into squares and serve.
Notes
- Use fresh mini marshmallows for best texture.
- Grease spatula and hands before pressing layers.
- Work quickly—each layer sets fast.
- Cool completely before slicing for neat squares.
- Don’t press too firmly or treats can become dense.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Halloween Treats
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Candy Corn Rice Krispies, Halloween Rice Krispie Treats, Candy Corn Bars, Rice Crispy Candy Corn, Halloween Party Treats, No Bake Halloween Desserts