There’s a certain joy that comes from being able to transform simple ingredients into a stunning dessert, isn’t there? That’s exactly what I felt when I first made these Ombré Ube Rice Krispies Treats. Picture this: buttery marshmallows melting into a sweet, pastel purple mixture, with the nostalgic crunch of Rice Krispies tying it all together. It’s a delightful balance of fun and finesse.
I stumbled upon this recipe while experimenting in my kitchen, wanting to breathe new life into the classic Rice Krispies treats. The vibrant hue of ube not only captivates the eye but also brings a uniquely sweet and nutty flavor that’s simply irresistible. These treats have quickly become a crowd favorite at gatherings, and trust me—they’re remarkably easy to whip up!
Whether you’re craving a playful snack, looking to impress your guests, or seeking a way to brighten up your day, these Ombré Ube Rice Krispies Treats are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth like no other. So, let’s dive into this colorful adventure together!
Why are Ombré Ube Rice Krispies Treats irresistible?
Uniqueness: These treats are a colorful twist on a classic, bringing a stunning ombré effect to your dessert table.
Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients and only 10 minutes of cooking, you’ll have a show-stopper dessert ready in no time!
Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The sweet and nutty ube flavor is a delightful surprise that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a party or just a cozy night in, these treats fit any setting beautifully.
Visual Appeal: The vibrant layers not only taste great but look fantastic—perfect for impressing guests or brightening your day!
Elevate your dessert game with these colorful delights and discover all the joy they can bring!
Ombré Ube Rice Krispies Treats Ingredients
For the Base
• Unsalted butter – ½ cup, helps achieve that creamy texture we all love.
• Marshmallows – 10 oz, the classic binding ingredient, creating that gooey goodness.
• Rice Krispies – 6 cups, provides that iconic crunch and body to your treats.
For the Flavor
• Ube extract – ~1 teaspoon, it’s the secret to the delightful purple hue and nutty flavor.
• Ube halaya – 1 cup, adds a decadent layer of lusciousness to elevate your treats.
How to Make Ombré Ube Rice Krispies Treats
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Prep the Dish: Start by evenly splitting the butter, marshmallows, and Rice Krispies into three batches. Grease an 8.25″ W x 5″ D baking dish with a layer of butter to prevent sticking.
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Melt the First Batch: In a pot on low heat, melt 1/3 of the butter. Once melted, add in 1/3 of the marshmallows. Stir until completely melted. Add 3-4 drops of ube extract and mix until the color transforms into a lovely pastel purple.
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Combine with Rice Krispies: Pour in 2 cups of Rice Krispies into the ube-infused mixture, stirring well until everything is evenly coated. Press this mixture firmly into your prepared dish to form the first layer of your treats.
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Create the Second and Third Batches: Repeat the melting process for the second batch using another third of the butter and marshmallows, then add 6 drops of ube extract. Mix in 2 cups of Rice Krispies and press this into the dish. For the third batch, use the remaining butter and marshmallows, adding 10 drops of ube extract and 2 cups of Rice Krispies. Press it in as well, creating distinct layers.
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Set and Serve: Allow the layered treats to cool completely before slicing them into 8 pieces. Top with a generous spread of ube halaya for an extra delicious touch!
Optional: Garnish with sprinkles for a fun touch before serving.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Storage Tips for Ombré Ube Rice Krispies Treats
Room Temperature: Store the treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their chewy texture and vibrant color.
Refrigerator: If you prefer a firmer texture, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just make sure they are well-wrapped to prevent them from drying out.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the treats in an airtight container for up to 2 months. To enjoy, simply let them thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
Reheating: If you want to refresh your Ombré Ube Rice Krispies Treats, briefly microwave them for about 10 seconds. This brings back their gooiness without melting them completely!
Expert Tips for Ombré Ube Rice Krispies Treats
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Temperature Control: Keep your heat low while melting the butter and marshmallows. This prevents burning and ensures a smooth, creamy mixture perfect for your Ombré Ube Rice Krispies Treats.
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Layering Technique: Press each layer down firmly but gently. If not compacted properly, the treats may crumble instead of holding their shape.
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Adjusting Color: Feel free to tweak the amount of ube extract to achieve your desired shade. Starting light and adding until satisfied prevents over-coloring.
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Chilling Time: Let the treats cool completely before slicing. This ensures they set properly and makes cutting easier without falling apart.
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Storage Tips: Store your treats in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps them fresh and chewy for longer, avoiding the dreaded staleness.
Ombré Ube Rice Krispies Treats Variations
Feel free to get creative and make these treats your own by exploring exciting options that’ll tantalize your taste buds!
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Dairy-Free: Substitute the unsalted butter with coconut oil and use vegan marshmallows for a delightful non-dairy treat. It adds a tropical twist!
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Nutty Crunch: Fold in 1 cup of crushed nuts like almonds or macadamias after mixing in the rice krispies for an added layer of texture and flavor. Imagine the delightful crunch!
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Flavor Boost: Mix in a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a hint of almond extract to enrich the taste profile further. These simple drops can elevate your treats to new heights!
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Chocolate Drizzle: Melt dark or white chocolate and drizzle over the cooled treats for an indulgent finish. A little extra sweetness goes a long way!
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Rainbow Layers: Create colorful layers by using different food coloring along with the ube extract. Each slice will unveil a beautiful surprise—perfect for special occasions!
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Sweet & Savory: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of the ube halaya before serving for a delightful sweet-and-salty contrast. This balance brings new dimensions to your treats!
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Infused Heat: For a spicy kick, add a dash of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the ube mixture. The combination of sweet and heat can awaken your palate!
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Over-the-Top Toppings: Top the cooled treats with sprinkles, shredded coconut, or crushed cookies for a playful finish. Toppings can transform the visual appeal and taste into something spectacular!
Make Ahead Options
These Ombré Ube Rice Krispies Treats are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the layered structure of the treats up to 24 hours in advance by following the recipe steps, omitting only the topping of ube halaya. Once your layers are set and cooled completely in the pan, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer them to an airtight container to maintain their freshness and prevent them from becoming stale. When you’re ready to serve, simply spread the ube halaya on top and cut them into pieces for a delightful treat that’s just as delicious as when you first made them, saving you valuable time for play or relaxation!
What to Serve with Ombré Ube Rice Krispies Treats?
Looking to create a memorable experience beyond just these delightful treats? Let’s explore some perfect pairings that will elevate your dessert table!
- Fruity Sorbet: The bright and refreshing flavors of sorbet balance the sweet richness of the ube treats, offering a delicious contrast.
- Iced Coffee: A smooth iced coffee delivers a creamy sweetness that complements the nutty ube flavor, making for a comforting pairing.
- Coconut Milkshake: The tropical notes in a rich coconut milkshake harmonize splendidly with the ube’s unique taste, creating a delightful sensory experience.
- Chocolaty Brownies: Fudgy brownies provide a wonderful textural contrast while their rich flavor enhances the overall sweetness of your treats.
- Chia Seed Pudding: Light and nutritious, chia seed pudding offers a refreshing, creamy element that helps cut through the sweetness of the treats.
- Ube Ice Cream: Go full throttle with ube ice cream for a unified flavor experience. The cool, creamy scoop mirrors the essence of your treats.
- Fresh Fruits: Diced mango or strawberries add a burst of fruity freshness, balancing the rich flavors of the Ombré Ube Rice Krispies Treats beautifully.
- Sparkling Lemonade: A fizzy, citrusy drink provides a refreshing pop that lifts the dessert experience and cleanses the palate in between bites.
- Sweetened Tea: Hot or iced, sweet tea enhances the overall sweetness while adding a comforting, familiar touch to your dessert spread!
Ombré Ube Rice Krispies Treats Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best ube extract?
Absolutely! When choosing ube extract, look for a brand that has a deep purple hue and a natural flavor. Avoid those with artificial colors or flavors, as they may not provide the authentic nutty taste you desire. You can often find good quality ube extract at Asian grocery stores or online.
What’s the best way to store leftover treats?
Very! For optimal freshness, place your Ombré Ube Rice Krispies Treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them for a longer period, refrigerate them for up to a week. Just ensure they are well-wrapped to avoid drying out. I often use parchment paper to separate layers for easy serving!
Can I freeze Ombré Ube Rice Krispies Treats?
Of course! These treats freeze beautifully. To freeze, wrap each piece in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. You can keep them in the freezer for up to 2 months. To enjoy, simply let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes—no need to rush!
What should I do if my treats are too sticky?
Sometimes that can happen! If your Ombré Ube Rice Krispies Treats turn out too sticky, it’s often due to too much melted marshmallow being used. To fix this, you can add a few extra cups of Rice Krispies to the mixture and gently fold them in. This will help balance the stickiness and create a more manageable treat.
Are there any dietary considerations for pets, allergies, or gluten-free options?
Definitely! Keep in mind that while the ingredients are generally safe for humans, the treats are not meant for pets, especially due to the sugar content. If you have allergies to any of the main ingredients—like marshmallows or butter—there are gluten-free Rice Krispies available. You can also experiment with alternatives like dairy-free butter or marshmallows to make it more inclusive for everyone!
How can I enhance the presentation of my treats?
The more the merrier! To make your Ombré Ube Rice Krispies Treats truly eye-catching, consider adding colorful sprinkles on top after spreading the ube halaya. Edible glitter or coconut flakes can also add a fun twist! Just make sure to slice your treats evenly so the beautiful layers shine through when you serve them.
Ombré Ube Rice Krispies Treats That Wow Your Taste Buds
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by evenly splitting the butter, marshmallows, and Rice Krispies into three batches. Grease an 8.25" W x 5" D baking dish with butter.
- In a pot on low heat, melt 1/3 of the butter. Once melted, add in 1/3 of the marshmallows. Stir until completely melted, then add 3-4 drops of ube extract, mixing until pastel purple.
- Pour in 2 cups of Rice Krispies into the ube-infused mixture and stir until evenly coated. Press firmly into the baking dish.
- Repeat the melting process for the second batch using another third of the butter and marshmallows, adding 6 drops of ube extract, then mixing in 2 cups of Rice Krispies. Press into the dish.
- For the third batch, use the remaining butter and marshmallows, adding 10 drops of ube extract and 2 cups of Rice Krispies. Press into the dish, creating distinct layers.
- Allow the layered treats to cool completely before slicing them into 8 pieces. Top with ube halaya for added flavor.