4th of July Brownie Krispie Bars

Published: June 12, 2025

by Alexia

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, making it ideal for bakers of all skill levels.
Festive Appearance: The vibrant colors and layers create a visually stunning dessert perfect for the 4th of July.
Deliciously Indulgent: Combining brownies and Rice Krispies gives you a texture and flavor explosion in every bite.
Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite candies or adjust the colors for other celebrations!
Crowd-Pleaser: With 24 servings, these bars are great for sharing at parties or events.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your 4th of July Brownie Krispie Bars, gather your tools for a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

9×13-inch baking pan
Parchment paper
Medium saucepan
Mixing spoon
Spatula
Microwave-safe bowl

Importance of Each Tool

9×13-inch baking pan: This size ensures even baking and portioning for a large batch.
Parchment paper: It prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
Medium saucepan: Ideal for melting butter and marshmallows evenly without burning.

Ingredients

A festive, multi-layered dessert with rich brownies, gooey marshmallow, crispy cereal, and colorful candy melts—perfect for holiday celebrations!

For the Brownie Layer

1 box family-size brownie mix

For the Marshmallow Layer

7 oz jar Jet Puffed Marshmallow Creme

For the Rice Krispie Layer

5 cups Kellogg’s Rice Krispies Cereal
5 cups mini marshmallows
5 tablespoons butter

For Topping

1 bag Ghirardelli white chocolate melting wafers
Wilton red and royal blue candy melts
4th of July sprinkles

How to Make 4th of July Brownie Krispie Bars

Step 1: Bake Brownie Layer

Prepare and bake the brownies in a 9×13-inch pan lined with parchment paper according to package directions. Allow to cool completely.

Step 2: Add Marshmallow Creme

Spread the marshmallow creme evenly over the cooled brownie layer.

Step 3: Prepare Rice Krispie Layer

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in mini marshmallows until fully melted. Remove from heat and gently fold in Rice Krispies cereal until fully coated.

Step 4: Layer Rice Krispies

Let the mixture cool for about 5 minutes, then press evenly over the marshmallow creme layer in the pan.

Step 5: Add White Chocolate Layer

Melt the white chocolate wafers according to package instructions. Spread the melted chocolate over the Rice Krispie layer.

Step 6: Decorate

Melt red and royal blue candy melts separately. Drizzle over the white chocolate layer. Immediately add 4th of July sprinkles before the chocolate sets.

Step 7: Finish

Allow everything to cool and set. Cut into bars and serve.

How to Serve 4th of July Brownie Krispie Bars

These delightful 4th of July Brownie Krispie Bars are not just tasty but also visually appealing. Here are some fun serving suggestions to make your dessert stand out during your holiday celebrations.

Individual Portions

Use small cupcake liners to create individual servings. This makes it easy for guests to grab a bar without the need for cutting.

Festive Platters

Arrange the bars on a colorful serving platter adorned with 4th of July decorations. This adds a festive touch that matches the holiday spirit.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

Pair these bars with a scoop of vanilla or red, white, and blue ice cream to create delicious ice cream sandwiches. The contrast in textures is irresistible.

Party Favors

Wrap individual bars in clear cellophane tied with ribbons in patriotic colors. These can double as party favors for guests to take home.

Dessert Bar Station

Set up a DIY dessert station where guests can top their brownie krispie bars with additional sprinkles, whipped cream, or chocolate drizzle.

Picnic Treats

Pack these bars in your picnic basket for a sweet treat outdoors. They hold up well and are perfect for sharing!

How to Perfect 4th of July Brownie Krispie Bars

To ensure your 4th of July Brownie Krispie Bars turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

Use parchment paper: Lining your baking pan with parchment paper prevents sticking and makes it easier to lift the bars out once they’ve cooled.
Cool completely: Allow each layer to cool fully before adding the next. This prevents them from melting into one another and maintains distinct layers.
Melt chocolate gently: When melting chocolate wafers or candy melts, do so slowly over low heat or in short bursts in the microwave to avoid burning.
Press firmly: When layering the Rice Krispies over the marshmallow creme, press down firmly but gently for an even texture that holds together well.
Decorate right away: Drizzle the colored candy melts over the white chocolate while it’s still warm so that the two layers adhere perfectly and prevent separation.
Chill before cutting: Refrigerating the finished bars for about 30 minutes will help set all layers and make slicing easier.

Best Side Dishes for 4th of July Brownie Krispie Bars

Pairing side dishes with your festive dessert can enhance your holiday gathering! Here are some great options that complement your 4th of July Brownie Krispie Bars.

Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brushed with butter and sprinkled with seasoning adds a deliciously fresh flavor.
Patriotic Fruit Salad: Mix strawberries, blueberries, and bananas for a colorful, refreshing side that complements any dessert.
Classic Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw provides a nice contrast with its tangy dressing; perfect alongside rich desserts.
Watermelon Slices: Juicy watermelon slices offer a hydrating and sweet option that’s loved by all ages at summer gatherings.
Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad is a traditional favorite that brings comfort food vibes to your picnic table.
Deviled Eggs: These savory bites are always a hit at gatherings; they’re easy to prepare and eat while mingling.
Caprese Skewers: Combine cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and mozzarella balls on skewers for a fresh appetizer that adds color.
BBQ Chicken Wings: Spicy wings are perfect for grilling season and will appeal to guests looking for savory snacks alongside sweets.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making 4th of July Brownie Krispie Bars, it’s easy to overlook some important details. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them.

Skipping the cooling time: Allowing the brownie layer to cool completely is crucial. If you don’t, the marshmallow creme will melt into the brownies and create a gooey mess.
Overheating the marshmallows: When melting mini marshmallows, use medium heat and stir constantly. Overheating them can make them tough instead of gooey.
Not packing the Rice Krispies layer: Ensure that you press the Rice Krispies mixture firmly over the marshmallow layer. If it’s too loose, it won’t hold together when cutting into bars.
Ignoring chocolate melting instructions: Follow the package instructions for melting the white chocolate wafers. Overheating can cause them to seize, ruining your topping.
Using stale ingredients: Check that your Rice Krispies and marshmallows are fresh. Stale ingredients can affect the texture and flavor of your dessert.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
These bars can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing 4th of July Brownie Krispie Bars

Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
They can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating 4th of July Brownie Krispie Bars

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place bars on a baking sheet for about 5–10 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Heat one bar at a time on a microwave-safe plate for about 15-20 seconds for best results.
Stovetop: Place bars in a non-stick skillet over low heat, covering with a lid until warmed, around 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I customize my 4th of July Brownie Krispie Bars?

Yes! You can add different mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor.

How can I make my dessert gluten-free?

To make gluten-free 4th of July Brownie Krispie Bars, use a gluten-free brownie mix and ensure that your Rice Krispies are certified gluten-free.

What if I don’t have candy melts?

You can substitute candy melts with colored icing or melted chocolate for decoration.

Can I use other cereal types?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other crispy cereals like Cornflakes or Fruity Pebbles for unique flavors and textures.

Final Thoughts

These 4th of July Brownie Krispie Bars are not only festive but also versatile and easy to customize. Whether you choose traditional toppings or get creative with flavors, they’re sure to delight your guests at any holiday gathering. Try making these delightful bars today!

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