Introduction

Glow in the Dark Rice Krispies Treats are a fun and spooky twist on the classic snack, perfect for parties and special occasions. Using tonic water with quinine, these treats light up under a blacklight, making them a delightful surprise for kids and adults alike.

The image shows five small cube-shaped desserts placed on a white plate with an ornate design. Each cube is covered in small shiny bubbles and glows with bright neon colors that shift from purple, pink, and yellow in the front cubes to green and blue in the back cubes, creating a colorful gradient effect. The cubes have a translucent, gel-like texture with a slightly rough surface from the bubbles. The lighting is low and moody, highlighting the vibrant neon colors of the cubes against a dark blurred background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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, use silicone molds in fun shapes like stars or pumpkins. Set aside.
Step 2: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the mini marshmallows and stir continuously until fully melted and smooth.
Step 3: Remove the saucepan from heat. Quickly pour in the tonic water and stir vigorously. The mixture may become frothy—this is normal and activates the glow.
Step 4: (Optional) Divide the mixture into bowls and add neon food coloring. Stir until color is evenly distributed for a vibrant glow effect.
Step 5: Add the Rice Krispies cereal to the marshmallow mixture and stir gently but thoroughly until every piece is coated. Repeat if using multiple colors.
Step 6: Spoon the coated cereal mixture into the prepared pan or molds. Press firmly and evenly using greased parchment paper or a buttered spatula to set the shape.
Step 7: Let the treats cool at room temperature for 1–2 hours. Once firm, cut into squares or remove from molds. Turn off the lights and switch on a blacklight to see the glow.

Tips & Variations

Use silicone molds or cookie cutters shaped like ghosts, pumpkins, or bats for Halloween-themed treats.
Create a galaxy effect by swirling different neon colors together before pressing into the pan.
Layer multiple colors in the pan to achieve a rainbow or candy corn appearance.
Add glow-themed sprinkles, popping candy, or colorful cereal like Fruity Pebbles for extra crunch and fun.
For an adult version, substitute tonic water with citrus-flavored sparkling water and add a drop of lemon or orange extract (note: this will not glow).
Grease your hands and utensils to prevent sticking when pressing the mixture.
Keep the heat low and stir constantly when melting marshmallows to avoid burning or hardening.

Storage

Store the treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them fresh and chewy. Avoid refrigeration as it can make them hard. Reheat gently in the microwave for a few seconds if they become too firm.

How to Serve

Five square-shaped desserts with a bumpy, bubble-like texture are arranged on a white plate with detailed patterns. The cubes glow in bright neon colors, including purple, pink, blue, green, and yellow, with each piece showing a mix of colors blending softly. The background is dark, making the glowing colors stand out vividly. The plate rests on a white marbled surface, adding contrast to the bright cubes. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Why do these treats glow in the dark?

The glow comes from quinine in the tonic water, which fluoresces under a blacklight. Without a blacklight, the treats won’t naturally glow in the dark.

Can I use regular sparkling water instead of tonic water?

Only tonic water containing quinine will create the glow effect. Regular sparkling water lacks quinine and won’t make the treats glow.