Glow in the Dark Rice Krispies Treats Recipe
Introduction
These Glow in the Dark Rice Krispies Treats add a fun and magical twist to a beloved classic snack. Infused with tonic water containing quinine, they glow brilliantly under a blacklight, making them perfect for parties and special occasions.

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, or prepare silicone molds if you want shaped treats. Set aside.
- Step 2: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the mini marshmallows and stir continuously until completely melted and smooth.
- Step 3: Remove the saucepan from heat. Quickly stir in the tonic water, mixing vigorously until the mixture becomes slightly frothy.
- Step 4: (Optional) Divide the marshmallow mixture into bowls and add neon food coloring to each for a vibrant glow. Stir until evenly colored.
- Step 5: Add Rice Krispies cereal to each bowl of mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly to coat every piece of cereal.
- Step 6: Spoon the coated cereal mixture into the prepared pan or molds. Use greased parchment paper or a buttered spatula to press the mixture evenly and firmly.
- Step 7: Let cool at room temperature for 1–2 hours until firm. Cut into squares or remove from molds. Enjoy under a blacklight for a glowing effect.
Tips & Variations
- Use silicone molds for fun shapes that brighten your party table and make serving easier.
- Try different neon food coloring shades to create a colorful assortment that looks spectacular under blacklight.
- If you prefer a stronger glow, ensure your tonic water has a high quinine content and avoid tonic water brands without it.
Storage
Store the treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Avoid refrigeration as it can make them hard. If they lose some softness, warm briefly in the microwave before serving.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Will the treats still glow without tonic water?
No, tonic water contains quinine, which is responsible for the glowing effect under blacklight. Without it, the treats will look like regular Rice Krispies treats.
Can I use regular food coloring instead of neon?
While regular food coloring will add color, neon food coloring is recommended to achieve the best glow effect under blacklight. Neon colors have brightness that enhances the glow.
PrintGlow in the Dark Rice Krispies Treats Recipe
These Glow in the Dark Rice Krispies Treats add a magical twist to the classic marshmallow snack by incorporating tonic water containing quinine, which makes them glow under a blacklight. Perfect for parties or fun gatherings, these treats are colorful, visually stunning, and easy to make by melting marshmallows with butter, mixing in tonic water and neon food coloring, then combining with Rice Krispies cereal for a glowing, delicious dessert.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Main 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
- Prepare Your Pan: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray. Alternatively, use silicone molds if you want fun shapes like stars or pumpkins. Set aside while you make the marshmallow mixture.
- Melt the Butter and Marshmallows: In a large saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Add the mini marshmallows and stir continuously until they are completely melted and smooth.
- The Magic Step – Add Tonic Water: Remove the saucepan from heat, quickly pour in 1/4 cup tonic water, and stir vigorously. The mixture may become frothy as quinine infuses the marshmallow base to create the glow effect.
- Add Food Coloring (Optional): For vibrant glowing colors, divide the mixture into bowls and add neon food coloring drops. Stir until colors are evenly distributed.
- Combine with Rice Krispies: Add Rice Krispies cereal to each bowl of marshmallow mixture. Stir gently and thoroughly until every piece is coated. Repeat if using multiple colored mixtures.
- Transfer and Press: Spoon the coated cereal mixture into your prepared pan or molds. Use greased parchment paper or a buttered spatula to press the mixture evenly and firmly into place to help the bars set properly.
- Let Them Set: Allow the treats to cool at room temperature for 1–2 hours until firm. Once set, cut into squares or remove from molds. Turn off the lights and shine a blacklight to watch your glowing treats come to life.
Notes
- Use tonic water that contains quinine to achieve the glow effect; regular water will not work.
- Neon food coloring is optional but highly recommended for a more vivid glow under blacklight.
- Press the mixture firmly when transferring to the pan to ensure the treats hold their shape.
- Store in an airtight container to keep the treats fresh and prevent them from drying out.
- These treats are best enjoyed right after setting, as quinine’s glow effect can diminish over time.
Keywords: Glow in the Dark, Rice Krispies Treats, Quinine, Tonic Water, Marshmallow Dessert, Neon Food Coloring, Party Snacks, Blacklight Dessert

