When the leaves start to turn and there’s a chill in the air, the kitchen becomes my coziest corner. Fall brings with it the perfect excuse to bake especially whimsical, seasonal treats that light up kids’ faces. And every October, one of our most requested recipes returns: Frankenstein Rice Krispie Treats.
These spooky-cute bars are a hit at Halloween parties, classroom celebrations, or just weekend fun with your kids. With their green marshmallow bodies, chocolate-dipped “hair,” and goofy candy eyes, they’re scary-sweet in the best way. Plus, they come together in under 30 minutes no baking required.
Frankenstein Rice Krispie Treats
Equipment
- large pot
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- parchment paper
- spatula or spoon
- Microwave or double boiler
- Small bowl (for chocolate)
Ingredients
- 6 cups crisp rice cereal
- 1 bag (10 oz) mini marshmallows
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Green gel food coloring (5–6 drops or to desired color)
- 1 cup dairy-free dark chocolate chips
- Candy eyeballs
- Black gel icing (for scars and smiles)
- Mini pretzel sticks (for neck bolts)
- 1 teaspoon neutral oil or coconut oil (optional, for melting chocolate)
- Parchment paper (for lining pan)
Instructions
- Line a 9×13-inch dish with parchment paper. Lightly grease with oil to prevent sticking.
- In a large pot over medium-low heat, melt butter. Add marshmallows and stir until smooth and glossy. Remove from heat.
- Stir in green gel food coloring until evenly combined.
- Pour in the rice cereal and stir until completely coated.
- Spread the mixture into the prepared pan. Use parchment or greased spatula to press evenly. Let cool for 20 minutes.
- Cut into rectangles to form Frankenstein heads.
- Melt chocolate chips (add oil if needed) in microwave or double boiler. Dip tops of each bar for the “hair.”
- Stick on candy eyeballs just below the hairline.
- Use black gel icing to draw mouth, stitches, and eyebrows.
- Insert mini pretzel sticks into sides for bolts.
Notes
Nutrition
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need simple pantry staples to make these chewy, festive treats:
- 6 cups crisp rice cereal
- 1 bag (10 oz) mini marshmallows
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Green gel food coloring (start with 5–6 drops)
- 1 cup dairy-free dark chocolate chips
- Candy eyeballs (look for edible decorations)
- Black gel icing (for scars and smiles)
- Mini pretzel sticks (for neck bolts)
- Coconut oil or neutral oil (optional, for melting chocolate)
- Parchment paper
Tip: Choose high-quality halal marshmallows and chocolate chips if needed. These are readily available and melt beautifully without altering the flavor or consistency.
How to Make Frankenstein Rice Krispie Treats
These are so beginner-friendly that even little ones can help with decorating. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Prepare Your Pan
Line a 9×13-inch dish with parchment paper. Lightly grease with oil to prevent sticking.
2. Melt Butter & Marshmallows
In a large pot over medium-low heat, melt butter. Add the marshmallows and stir until smooth and glossy. Remove from heat.
3. Add Color
Stir in green gel food coloring until the color is evenly distributed.
4. Combine With Cereal
Pour in the rice cereal and stir until completely coated. It should be sticky and green just like our favorite monster.
5. Press & Cool
Spread the mixture into the pan. Use another piece of parchment or a greased spatula to press it down evenly. Let cool for 20 minutes.
6. Slice Into Bars
Cut into rectangles these are Frankenstein’s “heads.”
7. Decorate
- Melt the chocolate chips (with a teaspoon of oil if needed) in a microwave or double boiler.
- Dip the tops of each bar into the chocolate for “hair.”
- Stick on candy eyes just below the hairline.
- Use black icing to draw a mouth, stitches, or eyebrows.
- Gently press a pretzel stick into each side as neck bolts.
You’ll end up with a tray of friendly monsters perfect for a Halloween dessert table.
Tips for Success
Making Frankenstein Rice Krispie Treats is straightforward, but these tips help ensure perfect results:
- Use fresh marshmallows: Stale ones won’t melt as smoothly.
- Stick with gel food coloring: It gives vibrant color without thinning the marshmallow.
- Don’t overpack the mix: Press just enough to shape the bars, not make them dense.
- Decorate quickly: The chocolate sets fast, so apply eyes and icing while it’s still soft.
Looking for more ideas like this? Try these easy gluten-free cupcakes with buttercream frosting or no-fail gluten-free brownies both crowd favorites for kids’ parties.
Fun Variations to Try
Want to make these treats suit different diets or themes? Here are a few playful tweaks:
Gluten-Free Frankenstein Treats
This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free crisp rice cereal. Always double-check labels, especially for the cereal and marshmallows.
Monster Variety
Add purple or orange food coloring for a batch of colorful “monsters.” You could even make Dracula, mummies, or zombies by switching up the face designs.
Spooky Cake Pop Style
Stick them onto lollipop sticks and wrap in clear bags tied with ribbon. They’re perfect for Halloween handouts or bake sales.
Dipped & Drizzled
Want extra texture? After dipping in chocolate, sprinkle with crushed gluten-free chocolate chip cookies or Halloween sprinkles before the chocolate sets.
For more fun no-bake treats, don’t miss these 10-minute chocolate mousse or gluten-free shortbread cookies great projects for baking with kids.
How to Store Them
Frankenstein Rice Krispie Treats keep well for a few days if they last that long!
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Lasts up to a week, but bring to room temp before serving for best texture.
- Freezer (Optional): You can freeze undecorated bars. Wrap in parchment and seal in a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Add decorations after thawing.
Pair them with your favorite gluten-free blueberry coffee cake for a sweet weekend spread.
Final Thoughts
Frankenstein Rice Krispie Treats are more than just a recipe they’re a tradition, a kitchen activity, and a way to build spooky-season memories with your little ones. Their cheerful faces and gooey texture make them a guaranteed hit, and the decorating possibilities are endless.
Whether you’re hosting a Halloween bash or just looking for an afternoon project, you’ll love having these monsters in your kitchen.
For more gluten-free Halloween-ready treats, visit our gluten-free dessert recipes hub your one-stop shop for fun, easy ideas.