If you have a sweet tooth and love a pop of vibrant color in your desserts, then Ube Rice Krispies are destined to become your new favorite treat. This colorful twist on the classic Rice Krispies treats combines the nostalgic crispiness of the cereal with the distinct, enchanting flavor of ube—the purple yam beloved in Filipino desserts. Creamy, subtly sweet, and boasting that beautiful violet hue, these Ube Rice Krispies are perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying as an everyday indulgence. They’re incredibly simple to make and bring a joyous burst of flavor and fun to your dessert table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is your first exciting step towards making these delightful Ube Rice Krispies. Each component plays a vital role, from adding texture and flavor to creating that signature purple color that makes this recipe stand out.

Unsalted butter: Melts smoothly to bind everything together and adds richness without overpowering the ube flavor.
Large or jumbo marshmallows: Provide the gooey, melt-in-your-mouth sweetness that makes the treat irresistibly chewy.

Ube extract: The star ingredient—lends that authentic purple yam flavor and gorgeous color to the marshmallow mixture.
Salt: A tiny pinch enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.

Rice Krispies cereal: The classic cereal base adding that beloved crispiness and light crunch to every bite.
Mini marshmallows: Mixed into the final batch, they add bursts of soft, pillowy texture throughout the treats.

How to Make Ube Rice Krispies

Step 1: Grease Your Baking Dish

Start by thoroughly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This simple step is crucial because it ensures your Ube Rice Krispies come out cleanly and retain their beautiful shape once set. You can use butter, oil, or non-stick spray—whatever you prefer.

Step 2: Melt the Butter

In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt 1/4 cup of unsalted butter by heating it on high for 1 minute. If the butter isn’t fully melted after that, continue heating in 10-second increments, stirring each time until it’s completely liquid and smooth. This gentle melting helps the butter blend beautifully with the marshmallows.

Step 3: Soften the Marshmallows

Add the large or jumbo marshmallows to the melted butter. Microwave on high for 2 minutes, or until the marshmallows puff up and become very soft—almost gooey but not completely melted. Keep an eye on them because marshmallows can go from perfect to overheated quickly. If needed, continue heating in extra 10-second bursts until the right consistency is reached.

Step 4: Incorporate Ube Extract and Salt

Stir in 1 tablespoon of ube extract and ¼ teaspoon of salt to the softened marshmallows. Mix thoroughly until you have a completely smooth and vivid purple mixture. This step brings the iconic ube flavor front and center, giving your treats both their distinctive taste and magical coloring.

Step 5: Combine with Rice Krispies Cereal

Gradually add the 8 ounces of Rice Krispies cereal, about 2 cups at a time, stirring gently after each addition to ensure it coats evenly. This slow mixing ensures that every crispy bite is packed with that luscious ube marshmallow goodness without crushing the cereal.

Step 6: Add Mini Marshmallows

Once the Rice Krispies are fully coated, stir in 3 ounces of mini marshmallows. These little bursts add a delightful surprise of soft, chewy marshmallow in every bite, giving your Ube Rice Krispies an extra layer of fun texture.

Step 7: Press Into the Dish and Set

Transfer the mixture to your greased baking dish. Using hands lightly coated with oil or butter to prevent sticking, press the mixture down evenly but gently. This sets the treats into a compact, sliceable form. Let it sit on your counter for at least an hour to firm up before slicing into squares.

How to Serve Ube Rice Krispies

Garnishes

Adding a garnish can elevate your Ube Rice Krispies in both flavor and presentation. Consider sprinkling tiny toasted coconut flakes or edible gold dust over the top for a festive feel. You could also drizzle some white chocolate for a creamy contrast that complements the ube flavor beautifully.

Side Dishes

While these treats shine on their own, pairing them with fresh fruit like ripe mango slices or a tangy pineapple salad can enhance the tropical vibe and balance the sweetness. A scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside offers a deliciously cool and creamy complement, especially on warm days.

Creative Ways to Present

Rather than cutting into traditional squares, try using cookie cutters to create fun shapes like stars or hearts—perfect for parties and special occasions. Alternatively, stack them in layers with whipped cream and fresh berries for a colorful, no-bake parfait that wows every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your Ube Rice Krispies have set and been cut, store leftover pieces in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to 3 days, making them a perfect grab-and-go snack or lunchbox delight.

Freezing

If you want to keep them longer, wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze well for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw at room temperature for perfect softness with no sacrifice in flavor or texture.

Reheating

To refresh any slightly stale Ube Rice Krispies, a very brief microwave zap (5 to 10 seconds) can soften the treats and revive their gooey magic. Just be cautious not to overheat or they can become mushy.

FAQs

Can I use regular marshmallows instead of jumbo?

Absolutely! Regular or mini marshmallows work fine; just adjust melting times accordingly since smaller pieces melt quicker. The flavor and texture will still be wonderfully chewy and sweet.

Where can I find ube extract?

Ube extract is typically available online or at Filipino and Asian grocery stores. Look for pure ube extract for best vibrant color and authentic flavor. Avoid artificial alternatives that may lack depth.

Can I substitute Rice Krispies with another cereal?

You can try other puffed rice cereals, but Rice Krispies are ideal for their classic crunch and neutral flavor. Crunchier cereals might alter the texture and softer ones could become soggy.

Is this recipe suitable for kids?

Yes! Ube Rice Krispies are a kid-friendly dessert thanks to their soft, chewy texture and sweet flavor. Plus, the bright purple color is always a hit with little ones.

How can I make these treats more festive?

Add sprinkles, edible glitter, or drizzle colorful icing on top. Incorporate toppers like fresh fruit or candy pieces to match seasonal themes and celebrations.

Final Thoughts

I can’t encourage you enough to try making these Ube Rice Krispies. They are a delightful way to bring something unique and flavorful to a classic favorite. With their vibrant color, irresistible taste, and simple ingredients, these treats definitely deserve a special spot in your dessert repertoire. Once you try them, I’m certain they’ll become a staple whenever you crave a sweet, crunchy, and utterly magical snack.

Ube Rice Krispies Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 6 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x

Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This delightful Ube Rice Krispies recipe transforms the classic treat with the addition of vibrant ube extract, lending a unique purple hue and a subtle, sweet flavor. Perfect for a fun and colorful dessert, these rice krispies are chewy, flavorful, and easy to make, combining the traditional marshmallow base with a hint of ube and extra mini marshmallows for texture.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1/4 cup unsalted butter

1 14-oz bag large or jumbo marshmallows (substitute with regular or mini if desired)
1 tbsp ube extract
1/4 tsp salt

8 oz Rice Krispies cereal (about 9 cups)
3 oz mini marshmallows (about 1½ cups)

Instructions

Grease: Thoroughly grease a 9×13 baking dish with butter or non-stick spray and set aside to prepare for the mixture.

Melt Butter: In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter on high for 1 minute. Continue microwaving in 10-second intervals until fully melted.
Soften Marshmallows: Add the bag of marshmallows to the melted butter and microwave on high for 2 minutes, watching carefully. The marshmallows will puff up and become very soft but not fully melted. If needed, heat in additional 10-second intervals until soft.
Add Flavor and Salt: Stir in the ube extract and salt until the marshmallow mixture is smooth and fully melted.

Mix in Cereal: Gradually add the Rice Krispies cereal, about 2 cups at a time, stirring until evenly coated with the marshmallow mixture.
Combine Mini Marshmallows: Stir in the mini marshmallows to bring extra chewiness and texture to the treat.
Transfer and Press: Transfer the sticky mixture into the prepared baking dish. Using slightly oiled hands, spread the mixture evenly and gently press down to compact the treats.

Set: Allow the mixture to cool and set at room temperature for at least one hour before slicing into squares for serving.

Notes

For best results, use freshly opened marshmallows to ensure they melt smoothly.
If you want a more intense ube flavor, you can increase the ube extract up to 1.5 tablespoons.

Use slightly oiled or buttered hands to avoid sticking when pressing the mixture into the pan.
Store leftover treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days for optimal freshness.
To make it gluten-free, ensure the Rice Krispies cereal used is certified gluten-free.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Dessert

Method: No-Bake, Mix and Set
Cuisine: Filipino-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 square (approx. 2×2 inches)

Calories: 180
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 90mg

Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 3.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g

Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 29g
Fiber: 0.5g

Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: Ube Rice Krispies, ube dessert, Filipino dessert, rice krispie treats, marshmallow treats, no bake dessert, colorful treats