Glow in the Dark Rice Krispies Treats Recipe
Introduction
Glow in the Dark Rice Krispies Treats are a fun and eye-catching twist on the classic childhood favorite. By incorporating tonic water and neon food coloring, these treats light up beautifully under blacklight, making them perfect for parties or spooky celebrations.

Ingredients
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 4 cups mini marshmallows
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup tonic water (must contain quinine for the glow effect)
- Neon food coloring (optional, but highly recommended for maximum visual impact)
Instructions
- Step 1: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray. Alternatively, prepare silicone molds if you want shaped treats. Set aside.
- Step 2: In a large saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Add the mini marshmallows and stir continuously until they are completely melted and smooth.
- Step 3: Remove the saucepan from heat and quickly pour in the tonic water. Stir vigorously; the mixture may become frothy, which is normal and enhances the glow.
- Step 4: (Optional) Divide the mixture into bowls and add neon food coloring drops to each. Stir until colors are evenly mixed for vibrant glowing treats.
- Step 5: Add Rice Krispies cereal to each bowl and gently fold until every piece is coated with the sticky mixture. If using colors, work with each bowl separately.
- Step 6: Press the mixture firmly into the prepared pan or molds. Allow to cool and set completely before cutting or removing from molds.
Tips & Variations
- Use silicone molds for fun shapes like stars or pumpkins to let your treats glow in unique ways.
- If you prefer a stronger glow, ensure your tonic water contains quinine and keep the treats under a blacklight to maximize the effect.
- Try mixing in edible glitter to add extra sparkle along with the glow.
Storage
Store the treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Avoid refrigeration as it can make them hard. To refresh, let them sit at room temperature before serving. Keep them away from direct sunlight to preserve colors and glow.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Why is tonic water used in this recipe?
Tonic water contains quinine, which fluoresces under blacklight, giving the treats their glowing effect. Regular water will not produce the same glow.
Can I make these treats without food coloring?
Yes, but neon food coloring enhances the visual glow dramatically under blacklight. Without it, the treats will still glow faintly due to the quinine but won’t be as vibrant.
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Glow in the Dark Rice Krispies Treats Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Glow in the Dark Rice Krispies Treats are a fun and visually stunning twist on the classic marshmallow cereal treat. Infused with tonic water containing quinine and bright neon food coloring, they glow vibrantly under blacklight, making them perfect for parties and special occasions. Crispy, sweet, and a little magical, these treats are easy to prepare and sure to impress guests of all ages.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 4 cups mini marshmallows
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
Glow and Color
- 1/4 cup tonic water (must contain quinine for the glow effect)
- Neon food coloring (optional, for maximum visual impact)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Pan: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray. Alternatively, use silicone molds for shapes like stars or pumpkins. Set aside while preparing the marshmallow mixture.
- Melt Butter and Marshmallows: In a large saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add mini marshmallows and stir continuously until smooth and fully melted.
- Add Tonic Water: Remove the saucepan from heat and quickly stir in the 1/4 cup tonic water vigorously. The mixture may become frothy—this infuses quinine, enabling the glow effect.
- Add Food Coloring (Optional): For added visual appeal, divide the mixture into bowls and add neon food coloring drops. Mix until colors are even. Bright greens, oranges, and blues work best under blacklight.
- Combine with Rice Krispies: Add Rice Krispies cereal to each colored marshmallow mixture bowl and stir gently but thoroughly to coat every piece.
- Set and Cool: Transfer the mixture to your prepared pan or molds, pressing down evenly. Allow to cool and set completely before cutting or removing from molds.
Notes
- Use tonic water with quinine for the glowing effect; regular soda water won’t work.
- Neon food coloring is optional but enhances the glow under blacklight.
- Press the mixture firmly into the pan or molds to prevent crumbling.
- Store treats in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- These treats are best served in a dark room with blacklight to see the glowing effect.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Rice Krispies treats, glow in the dark dessert, tonic water recipes, neon marshmallow treats, party snacks, fun desserts

