Halloween just got a little sweeter—and a lot spookier—with these Frankenstein Rice Krispie Treats. A twist on the classic marshmallow-cereal bar, this fun dessert gets a monster makeover using green food coloring, candy eyes, chocolate “hair,” and Tootsie Roll bolts. They’re quick, quirky, and an absolute crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how these Frankenstein Rice Krispie Treats manage to be both festive and effortless. They require only a few extra steps beyond the traditional Rice Krispies recipe, but the result is a treat that steals the show at Halloween parties. Whether I’m making them for a classroom event, a bake sale, or just a night of spooky movies, they’re always a hit. And honestly, even when they come out a little wonky, it just adds to the Frankenstein charm.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Large or mini marshmallows
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Rice Krispies cereal
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Unsalted butter
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Marshmallow fluff
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Green food coloring (gel dye works best)
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Dark chocolate chips
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Vegetable oil
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Large candy eyes
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Tootsie Rolls
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Black or brown icing
Directions
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In a large skillet, I melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s fully melted, I stir in the marshmallows and marshmallow fluff until smooth and gooey.
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I add a few drops of green food coloring and mix until the color is evenly distributed.
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Quickly, I combine the green marshmallow mixture with the Rice Krispies cereal in a large bowl. It gets thick fast, so I work quickly—sometimes even using buttered hands to mix it well.
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I press the mixture evenly into a greased 9×13 baking dish and chill it in the fridge for at least 15 minutes.
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Once firm, I cut the treats into rectangles, about 3 x 4 inches each.
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I melt the chocolate chips with vegetable oil in the microwave in short intervals, stirring each time until smooth.
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I dip the top inch of each treat into the melted chocolate to create Frankenstein’s “hair” and let it set.
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I use icing to attach the candy eyes and draw a mouth beneath them.
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I cut Tootsie Rolls in half and use more icing to stick them to the sides of the treats as bolts.
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Once everything is set, they’re ready to serve.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes 9 Frankenstein Rice Krispie Treats.
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Prep time: 15 minutes
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Cook time: 15 minutes
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Chill time: 15 minutes
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Total time: 45 minutes
Variations
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I’ve swapped out the dark chocolate for white chocolate dyed black with food coloring for a different look.
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For an allergy-friendly version, I’ve used gluten-free cereal and vegan marshmallows.
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Miniature chocolate chips can be used instead of icing for eyes if I’m out of candy eyes.
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I’ve added green or purple sprinkles to the chocolate “hair” for extra texture and flair.
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Sometimes I skip the tootsie roll bolts if I want a simpler version for younger kids.
Storage/Reheating
I store these in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If I need to make them in advance, I freeze them individually wrapped in parchment and placed in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. I always let them thaw at room temperature before serving. I avoid reheating them since the chocolate and marshmallows will melt.
FAQs
Can I use food coloring drops instead of gel?
Yes, I’ve used both. Gel gives a more vibrant green with less product, but liquid drops work fine—just expect a lighter shade.
Can I use microwave to melt the marshmallows?
Definitely. I microwave the marshmallows, butter, and fluff together in a large bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted.
Why is my chocolate not melting smoothly?
If chocolate is overheated or mixed with water, it seizes up. I always melt it slowly with oil and stir frequently to keep it smooth and shiny.
Can I skip the marshmallow fluff?
Yes, but I find the fluff adds an extra gooey texture that I really enjoy. If I don’t have any, I just increase the marshmallow amount a bit.
Can I make this with a different cereal?
I’ve tried it with Cocoa Pebbles and Fruity Pebbles—it works! The flavor and color change, but the monster fun stays the same.
Conclusion
Frankenstein Rice Krispie Treats are everything I want in a Halloween dessert—easy, festive, and irresistibly tasty. Whether I’m whipping them up for a party, handing them out as school treats, or just indulging my inner child, they never disappoint. They’re spooky, sweet, and delightfully simple—perfect for bringing a little monster magic to the season.
PrintFrankenstein Rice Krispie Treats
A spooky twist on classic marshmallow cereal bars, these Frankenstein Rice Krispie Treats are dyed green, dipped in chocolate for hair, and decorated with candy eyes and Tootsie Roll bolts. A fun, festive Halloween dessert that’s quick to make and always a crowd favorite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 9 treats
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 10 oz large or mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup marshmallow fluff
- Green food coloring (gel preferred)
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 tsp vegetable oil
- 18 large candy eyes
- 5 Tootsie Rolls, cut in half
- Black or brown icing (for mouth and attaching details)
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir in marshmallows and fluff until smooth.
- Add green food coloring and mix until evenly tinted.
- Quickly stir in Rice Krispies cereal until coated. Press mixture into a greased 9×13-inch pan. Chill 15 minutes.
- Cut into 9 rectangles (about 3×4 inches each).
- Melt chocolate chips with vegetable oil in the microwave, stirring until smooth.
- Dip tops of treats into melted chocolate to create Frankenstein’s hair. Let set.
- Attach candy eyes with icing and draw mouths underneath.
- Stick halved Tootsie Rolls to sides with icing to make bolts. Let everything set before serving.
Notes
- Use gluten-free cereal and vegan marshmallows for an allergy-friendly version.
- Swap dark chocolate with white chocolate dyed black for a different look.
- Mini chocolate chips can replace candy eyes if needed.
- Add sprinkles to the chocolate hair for extra flair.
- Skip the bolts for a simpler kid-friendly version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 treat
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg