Can I use different types of cereal?

While Rice Krispies are the classic choice, you can experiment with other cereals like Cocoa Krispies or Fruity Pebbles for a different flavor and look.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! These treats can be made 1-2 days in advance. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their freshness.

What if I don't have mini chocolate wafer cookies?

You can use other small, round cookies or even cut out circles from larger cookies to create the 'graduation caps'.

Can I freeze these Rice Krispie treats?

Freezing is not recommended as it can change the texture of the Rice Krispie treats, making them hard and less enjoyable. However, if you're very careful they could last a week or so.

How do I prevent the chocolate from seizing when melting?

Make sure your bowl and utensils are completely dry, and microwave the chocolate in short intervals (30 seconds) while stirring frequently. If it starts to seize, try adding a tiny bit of vegetable oil or shortening.

Can I add food coloring to the melted marshmallows?

Yes, you can add a few drops of food coloring to the melted marshmallow mixture to customize the treats with school colors. Add the food coloring gradually until you reach your desired shade.

homemade graduation cap rice krispie treats

Graduation cakes

Name: Graduation Cake Rice Krispie Treats
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 16
Cuisine: Graduation
Ingredients: 3 tbsp Butter; 10 oz Marshmallows; 6 cups Rice Krispies Cereal; 12 oz Chocolate Candy Coating; 16 Mini Chocolate Wafer Cookies; as needed Pull-and-Peel Licorice or Candy Melts; as needed Sprinkles or Edible Glitter

graduation cake rice krispie treats

By:

GuideMyRecipe

Published:

07 Oct 2025

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Air Fryer Paper Liners

Vegetable Chopper

Magic Bullet Blender

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Graduation season is upon us! And what better way to celebrate those incredible graduates in your life than with a batch of fun, festive treats? That's right, we're talking Graduation Cake Rice Krispie Treats! I know, I know, it sounds kinda basic. But trust me, the simple things in life are often the best, and these are anything but boring. Plus, they're so much easier to make than a full-blown cake, especially when you're already juggling a million other graduation-related tasks. One of my friend's son is graduating this year, and when I asked her what she wanted, she said, 'Keep it simple, keep it fun!' So, Rice Krispie Treats it is!

Think about it: perfectly chewy Rice Krispie squares, dipped in decadent chocolate, and topped with a cute graduation cap made from mini cookies and a candy tassel. Seriously, how adorable is that? They're guaranteed to be a hit with grads of all ages – from kindergarten graduates to those finishing up their master's degrees. (Hey, everyone loves a good Rice Krispie Treat, right?) Plus, they're a fantastic way to get the kids involved in the kitchen. My nephew, bless his heart, absolutely loves helping me dip and decorate these! It's a great way to make lasting memories and celebrate this major milestone together. I still remember my own graduation, and although the day itself is a blur, the feeling of accomplishment, and the support of my loved ones, remains as vibrant today as it was then.

So, are you ready to create some seriously cute and delicious graduation treats? I've got all the insider tips and tricks to make these Graduation Cake Rice Krispie Treats a total success. Let's ditch the stress of complicated desserts and embrace the ease and joy of these classic treats with a graduation twist! Trust me, these are a total game changer! They’re easily customizable, you can use different colored chocolate to match your school colors, or use a different type of cookie for the 'graduation cap.' Make them your own! I know I can't wait to see all of your awesome creations!

Required Equipments

9x13 inch baking pan
Large saucepan (non-stick)
Microwave-safe bowl
Spatula
Parchment paper
Measuring cups and spoons

Graduation Cake Rice Krispie Treats: Frequently Asked Questions

Graduation Cake Rice Krispie Treats

Celebrate graduation with these adorable and easy-to-make Graduation Cake Rice Krispie Treats! Perfect for parties, these treats combine classic Rice Krispie squares with a fun graduation-themed twist.

⏳ Yield & Time

Yield: 16 servings

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

🍽 Ingredients

3 tbsp Butter
10 oz Marshmallows
6 cups Rice Krispies Cereal
12 oz Chocolate Candy Coating
16 Mini Chocolate Wafer Cookies
as needed Pull-and-Peel Licorice or Candy Melts
as needed Sprinkles or Edible Glitter

📖 Instructions

Prep Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients and equipment. This will help make the process smoother. Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray. Trust me, you don't want these sticking!
Melt the Butter: In a large saucepan (non-stick is best!), melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Keep an eye on it; you don't want it to burn!
Add the Marshmallows: Add 10 ounces of marshmallows to the melted butter. Stir constantly until the marshmallows are completely melted and smooth. This part takes a bit of patience.
Incorporate the Rice Krispies: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Pour in 6 cups of Rice Krispies cereal. Gently fold the cereal into the melted marshmallow mixture until everything is evenly coated. Don't overmix; you want to keep the cereal light and airy.
Press into the Pan: Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking pan. Using a spatula or your (lightly buttered) hands, gently press the mixture evenly into the pan. Avoid pressing too hard, or the treats will be dense.
Let Cool: Allow the Rice Krispie treats to cool completely in the pan. This usually takes about 30-45 minutes. Patience is key!
Cut into Squares: Once cooled, cut the Rice Krispie treats into even squares. I usually get about 16-20 squares from a 9x13 inch pan.
Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate candy coating according to package directions. Usually, this involves microwaving in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth. Be careful not to overheat!
Dip the Treats: Dip each Rice Krispie square partially or fully into the melted chocolate. Allow excess chocolate to drip off.
Add the Graduation Caps: While the chocolate is still wet, carefully place a mini chocolate wafer cookie on top of each dipped Rice Krispie treat to resemble a graduation cap.
Make the Tassels: Cut small pieces of pull-and-peel licorice or use melted candy melts to create the tassels. Attach a small piece of licorice or candy melt strand to the center of each 'graduation cap' with a dot of melted chocolate.
Add Finishing Touches: Decorate the graduation caps with sprinkles, edible glitter, or melted candy melts in school colors. Let your creativity shine!
Set the Chocolate: Place the decorated Rice Krispie treats on a parchment-lined baking sheet and allow the chocolate to set completely. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes in the refrigerator.
Serve and Enjoy: Once the chocolate is set, your Graduation Cake Rice Krispie Treats are ready to be served and enjoyed! Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature.