Rice Crispy Ghost Bars Recipe
If you’re looking for a fun and festive treat that’s as spooky as it is scrumptious, you’re in for a real treat with this Rice Crispy Ghost Bars Recipe. These playful little ghost-shaped bars are perfect for Halloween parties or any time you want a sweet snack with a cute twist. I’ve made these a bunch of times, and trust me, the combination of crispy marshmallow goodness coated in white chocolate with those little dark chocolate eyes is downright addictive. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through every step to make sure your batch turns out amazing!
Why This Recipe Works
- Perfectly chewy texture: The Dandies marshmallows melt down beautifully, binding the crispy rice just right without making it soggy.
- Gluten-free and crowd-pleasing: Using gluten-free rice crisp cereal makes this treat safe for many dietary restrictions without compromising taste.
- Easy, no-fuss ghost look: The simple white chocolate dip and dark chocolate chip eyes give you an instant spooky effect that’s kid-friendly and charming.
- Quick to set and serve: Chilling the bars before and after dipping helps these bars hold their shape perfectly, so no drippy mess!
Ingredients & Why They Work
The ingredients in this Rice Crispy Ghost Bars Recipe are simple but thoughtfully chosen to create that iconic crispy marshmallow bite you love, with a smooth white chocolate finish that’s just dreamy. Picking the right marshmallows and chocolate chips really makes all the difference, especially since you’re aiming for a glossy dip that holds well on the bars.
- Butter: Melts smoothly with marshmallows and helps keep your bars from sticking to the pan.
- Dandies Marshmallows: I prefer these vegan marshmallows because they melt perfectly and create the ideal chewy texture without any weird aftertaste.
- Gluten-free rice crisp cereal: Gives you that light crunch while keeping the recipe allergy-friendly.
- White chocolate chips: They create a creamy, sweet coating that sets nicely after dipping.
- Dark chocolate chips: Used for the ghost eyes — the contrast looks great and adds just a touch of bittersweet flavor.
Tweak to Your Taste
One of the fun things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Over time, I’ve played around with adding little twists here and there, and I encourage you to make it your own — because honestly, who doesn’t love putting their personality into a treat?
- Use different marshmallows: I’ve tried swapping Dandies with classic marshmallows when guests weren’t vegan, and they worked just fine — just watch the melting time for best results.
- Flavor the white chocolate: Adding a pinch of sea salt or a drop of peppermint extract to the melted white chocolate can really elevate the flavor experience.
- Add Halloween sprinkles: Try dusting a few edible black or orange sprinkles on the wet chocolate for extra festive vibes.
- Make mini-bars: If you’re hosting a big crowd, smaller bars work beautifully and let everyone snag a bite without guilt.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Rice Crispy Ghost Bars Recipe
Step 1: Melt the Butter and Marshmallows
Start by microwaving the butter and marshmallows together. I usually do 1 minute and 30 seconds, stirring once at the halfway point to make sure everything melts evenly. You want a silky smooth marshmallow mixture with no lumps — that’s the magic that holds your bars together without turning them gummy.
Step 2: Mix in the Rice Crisp Cereal
Once your marshmallow butter mix is ready, fold in the gluten-free rice crisp cereal. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to combine gently but thoroughly — you want every bit of cereal coated without squashing it.
Step 3: Press Into Pan and Chill
Line your 9×13 inch pan with parchment paper so the bars come out easily. Spread the mixture evenly and press down firmly but not too hard — leaving a little air makes the bars lighter and less dense. Pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes so it sets properly.
Step 4: Prepare White Chocolate Coating
While the bars chill, melt your white chocolate chips. I microwave them in 30-second bursts, stirring well each time to avoid burning. You’re aiming for a silky dip — not thick and gloopy, but not watery either.
Step 5: Cut Bars and Dip Them
Cut the chilled rice crispy slab into 12 rectangles. Place parchment paper on a sheet pan nearby — this is where your ghost bars will rest after dipping. Dip each bar halfway into the melted white chocolate, letting the excess drip off. This creates that perfect ghostly “cape” look.
Step 6: Add the Eyes and Let Set
Quickly press two dark chocolate chips into each dipped end to make the ghost eyes. Set them on the parchment-lined tray and give them at least 10 minutes to firm up. After that, they’re ready to haunt your snack table!
Pro Tips for Making Rice Crispy Ghost Bars Recipe
- Use parchment paper liberally: It saves you from sticky fingers and makes cleanup a breeze when pressing and removing bars.
- Don’t rush the melting: Melt marshmallows slowly in the microwave, stirring often to prevent scorching.
- Chill properly: Make sure both the bars and the white chocolate coating have enough time to set—this stops messiness and keeps that classic bar shape.
- Add the chocolate eyes while warm: Press the dark chocolate chips in immediately so they stick well and don’t slide off the hardened white chocolate.
How to Serve Rice Crispy Ghost Bars Recipe
Garnishes
I like to keep it simple and let the ghostly faces shine, but one time I sprinkled a little edible glitter over the wet white chocolate—my kids went nuts over the sparkle! If you want, you could also add tiny candy bats or pumpkins around the serving platter for an extra festive touch.
Side Dishes
Pair these with a cup of hot cocoa or some spiced apple cider for a cozy autumn snack time. If you’re serving at a party, pumpkin-shaped sugar cookies or candied popcorn also make great companions that keep the Halloween theme alive.
Creative Ways to Present
For a Halloween party, I’ve arranged the ghost bars standing upright leaning against a black tray with fake spiderweb decorations. You could also wrap each bar in a cellophane bag tied with orange ribbon for easy grab-and-go treats. Kids always love the “ghostly” effect when you pop them in clear cups with a little whipped cream “fog” on top!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen is warm, I recommend storing them in the fridge so the white chocolate doesn’t soften too much.
Freezing
Freezing is totally doable here! Just wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and place them all in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to a month. When you’re ready to indulge, thaw at room temp for about 30 minutes.
Reheating
No need to reheat these bars—they’re best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. If your white chocolate looks dull, you can let them sit out a bit to soften the coating, but avoid microwaving or you’ll risk melty eyes and a sticky mess!
FAQs
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Can I use regular marshmallows instead of Dandies?
Yes! Regular marshmallows will work just fine. Just be mindful that Dandies are vegan and tend to melt a bit smoother. When using regular marshmallows, melt them slowly and stir often to avoid burning.
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How do I prevent the white chocolate from seizing when melting?
Microwave the chocolate in short bursts of 20-30 seconds, stirring in between. Avoid any contact with water, even a drop, as moisture causes chocolate to seize. Using good-quality chocolate chips also helps achieve smooth melting.
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Can I make the ghost bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars hold up well and actually taste great when made a day or two ahead. Just store them in an airtight container and add eyes just before serving for the freshest look.
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What if I don’t have gluten-free cereal?
You can use regular rice crispy cereal if gluten isn’t a concern for you. Just double-check the brand to be sure, as some cereals may contain gluten.
Final Thoughts
This Rice Crispy Ghost Bars Recipe has become a favorite in my toolkit for festive treats because it’s easy, fun, and always gets compliments. I love how it brings a little whimsy to a classic snack, and how simple it is to whip up last-minute. I promise if you give this a try, you’ll enjoy the process as much as the sweet, crunchy, chocolaty results. Consider this your go-to for spooky season — or any time you want a smile on everyone’s face!
Print
Rice Crispy Ghost Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delight in these spooky Rice Crispy Ghost Bars, perfect for Halloween or any fun occasion. Made with gluten-free rice crisp cereal and melted marshmallows for a chewy texture, these bars are coated halfway in smooth white chocolate and decorated with dark chocolate chip eyes to bring charming ghostly treats to your table.
Ingredients
Rice Crispy Bars
- 3 tablespoons butter melted
- 10 ounces Dandies marshmallows
- 6 cups gluten-free rice crisp cereal
White Chocolate Coating
- 12 ounces white chocolate chips
- 24 dark chocolate chips (about 1/4 cup)
Instructions
- Melt the Butter and Marshmallows: Microwave butter and marshmallows in a large bowl for one minute and 30 seconds, until fully melted, stirring halfway through to ensure even melting.
- Combine with Cereal: Add the gluten-free rice crisp cereal to the melted marshmallow mixture and mix thoroughly until the cereal is fully coated and combined.
- Shape the Bars: Press the mixture firmly into a parchment paper-lined 9×13 inch pan to form an even layer. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the bars to set completely.
- Melt White Chocolate: In a medium-sized bowl, melt white chocolate chips by microwaving for one minute, stirring at the 30-second mark to prevent burning and ensure smooth texture.
- Cut and Prepare for Dipping: Once set, cut the rice crispy slab into 12 rectangles. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper and keep it near the melted white chocolate bowl for easy access.
- Dip and Decorate: Dip each bar halfway into the melted white chocolate, letting the excess drip off. Place bars on the parchment-lined sheet pan and press two dark chocolate chips onto each bar to create ghost eyes.
- Set and Serve: Allow the chocolate coating to set for at least 10 minutes before serving to ensure the decorations stay intact and the coating firms up.
Notes
- Use gluten-free rice crisp cereal to keep the bars suitable for gluten-free diets.
- Press the mixture firmly into the pan to ensure bars hold together when cut and handled.
- For faster chocolate setting, you can refrigerate the dipped bars until firm.
- If you prefer, substitute white chocolate coating with candy melts for easier melting and dipping.
- Dandies marshmallows are vegan and gluten-free, but you may substitute with regular marshmallows if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
