When autumn rolls around and you want to celebrate all the warm, vibrant flavors of the season, nothing hits the spot quite like the Fall Confetti Treats Recipe. These colorful, chewy squares bring together the comforting crunch of rice cereal with the sweet, fruity bursts of apricots, cherries, and coconut, all nestled in a gooey marshmallow embrace. Perfect for a cozy afternoon snack or a festive party treat, this recipe captures the joyful spirit of fall in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be intimidated by the colorful mix in this recipe—each ingredient is simple, familiar, and plays a unique role. From the buttery richness that helps bind everything to the chewy fruits that add a pop of zest, each element contributes to both texture and flavor, creating that irresistible “confetti” effect.
- 6 Cups Rice Cereal: The crunchy base that gives these treats their iconic crispy texture.
- 16 oz Marshmallows (small): The gooey binder that makes these treats irresistibly chewy and sweet.
- 1 Tsp Milk: Helps smooth the marshmallow mixture as it melts, ensuring even consistency.
- 1/3 Cup Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps everything melt together smoothly.
- 1/3 Cup Apricots (dried, chopped): Provides a juicy, tangy pop that complements the sweet marshmallows.
- 1/3 Cup Pecans (chopped): Brings a toasty crunch and a subtle nutty depth.
- 1/3 Cup Maraschino Cherries (baking type, rinsed, dried, chopped): Bursts of bright color and sweetness that make these treats festive.
- ¼ Cup Coconut (Rainbow, shredded): Adds tropical flair and a chewy texture for variety in every bite.
- Baking Spray: To prep your pan and ensure easy removal of your treats.
How to Make Fall Confetti Treats Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Begin by selecting a 7×11 inch baking pan for thicker, hearty squares, or a 9×13 inch pan if you prefer them thinner and lighter. Give your pan a generous spray with baking spray to make sure your treats come out easily without sticking.
Step 2: Melt the Butter
Place a large pot on low heat and melt your 1/3 cup of butter slowly. This step is key because the butter adds that luscious richness and helps the marshmallows melt evenly later on.
Step 3: Melt Marshmallows with Milk
Add the entire bag of small marshmallows to the melted butter. Stir gently but continuously over low heat, allowing the marshmallows to soften and melt gradually. Halfway through melting, pour in the teaspoon of milk—this keeps the mixture nice and smooth as it blends together.
Step 4: Mix in Cereal and Fruit
The moment your marshmallow mixture is silky and fully melted, quickly fold in the rice cereal, chopped apricots, pecans, chopped maraschino cherries, and shredded rainbow coconut. Speed is important here to incorporate everything evenly before the mix starts to set.
Step 5: Transfer and Press into Pan
Pour your colorful mixture straight into the sprayed pan. Wet your hands slightly—this simple trick stops the sticky marshmallows from clinging—and press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan, making sure it reaches all corners.
Step 6: Chill and Set
Place the pan in the refrigerator to cool and set for at least 30 minutes. Once firm, you can slice your Fall Confetti Treats into delightful squares ready for serving and sharing.
How to Serve Fall Confetti Treats Recipe
Garnishes
While these treats are naturally festive, sprinkling a few extra chopped pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon on top before chilling can add a touch of rustic charm. A few stray shreds of rainbow coconut on the plate enhance their whimsical appeal.
Side Dishes
Fall Confetti Treats pair beautifully with a warm cup of spiced apple cider or a creamy chai latte. For a more substantial snack, try them alongside a fresh fruit platter or a bowl of roasted pumpkin seeds.
Creative Ways to Present
These treats shine as party favors when wrapped individually in clear bags tied with ribbon in autumn colors. You can also cut them with cookie cutters into fun seasonal shapes like leaves or pumpkins for a playful twist at gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cut, keep your Fall Confetti Treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keeping them sealed prevents them from drying out and preserves their chewy texture.
Freezing
You can freeze these treats for longer storage. Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
If your treats become a little firm straight from the fridge or freezer, let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes, or warm gently in the microwave for 7–10 seconds to recapture their gooey charm.
FAQs
Can I substitute different nuts in the Fall Confetti Treats Recipe?
Absolutely! Pecans offer a lovely flavor, but you can swap in walnuts, almonds, or even pumpkin seeds depending on what you have on hand or your taste preferences.
Do I need to rinse the maraschino cherries?
Yes, rinsing and drying the maraschino cherries removes excess syrup that might make your treats too sticky or overly sweet, helping to balance the flavors.
What if I don’t have rainbow shredded coconut?
No worries—plain shredded coconut works wonderfully too. You can even toast it lightly for added depth, or omit it if coconut isn’t your thing, though it does add that festive touch.
Can this recipe be made vegan?
To make a vegan version, use plant-based butter and marshmallows without gelatin. Just ensure the marshmallows melt similarly—some vegan brands melt better than others.
Is it okay to use mini marshmallows instead of small marshmallows?
Yes, mini marshmallows work perfectly here and will melt just as well, making them a convenient option for this fun Fall Confetti Treats Recipe.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly joyful about making and sharing the Fall Confetti Treats Recipe. Its vibrant colors and mix of textures are sure to brighten up any fall gathering or cozy moment at home. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and give it a try—you might just find your new seasonal favorite!
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Fall Confetti Treats Recipe
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
Description
Fall Confetti Treats are a festive, chewy dessert combining classic rice cereal and marshmallows with colorful dried apricots, pecans, maraschino cherries, and rainbow shredded coconut. These treats are easy to make in under 20 minutes and perfect for autumn celebrations or a delicious snack.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 Cups Rice Cereal
- 16 oz Marshmallows (small)
- 1 Tsp Milk
- 1/3 Cup Butter
Add-ins
- 1/3 Cup Dried Apricots, chopped
- 1/3 Cup Pecans, chopped
- 1/3 Cup Maraschino Cherries (baking type, rinsed, dried, chopped)
- 1/4 Cup Rainbow Shredded Coconut
Other
- Baking spray for greasing pan (7×11 or 9×13)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Spray a 7×11 inch baking pan for thicker squares or a 9×13 inch pan for thinner squares with baking spray to ensure easy release of the treats.
- Melt Butter: In a large pot, melt the butter over low heat to ensure even heating without burning.
- Melt Marshmallows: Add the entire bag of marshmallows to the melted butter. Over low heat, slowly melt the marshmallows while continuously stirring to prevent sticking or burning. Halfway through the melting process, add 1 teaspoon of milk to achieve smooth consistency.
- Combine Ingredients: Once the marshmallow mixture is completely melted, quickly add the rice cereal, chopped dried apricots, pecans, maraschino cherries, and shredded coconut. Stir rapidly to thoroughly incorporate all ingredients evenly.
- Shape the Mixture: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared pan. Wet your hands with water to prevent sticking, then press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan, smoothing it into the corners for uniform thickness.
- Chill: Place the pan in the refrigerator to cool and set. Let it chill until firm, typically about 1 hour before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Use baking-type maraschino cherries, not jarred, for best texture and flavor. Rinse and dry them before chopping.
- Adjust the size of the baking pan for desired thickness of treats.
- Wet your hands before pressing the mixture to avoid sticking.
- Store treats in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for longer freshness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American

