Toasted Coconut Rice Krispie Treats: A Coconut Lover's Dream

Coconut lovers only please! Because, you need to be obsessed about coconut to love these Coconut Rice Krispie Treats!

These Rice Krispie treats are loaded and packed with coconut flavor, coconut texture, and coconut love…which is why these Toasted Coconut Rice Krispie Treats are a must for anyone who loves coconut.

Why these Toasted Coconut Rice Krispie Treats work

I've found there are two types of people in this world. People who love coconut or people who don't.

You clicked on this post because I know you love coconut. You will absolutely love these treats. And when you pair coconut with your beloved childhood treat such as Rice Krispie Treats, it's a match made in heaven.

This recipe works because the toasted coconuts stands up over non-toasted coconut. Which is why I included both, to give you a nuttier coconut flavor of toasted coconut flakes paired with the traditional sweetness of sweetened coconut flakes. Along with add some coconut extract to make the coconut flavor pop just a tad more to make coconut the showstopper of a traditional Rice Krispie recipe.

The different layering of the 3 different coconut flavors makes this recipe a well-rounded coconut win! Whether you are making this around the holidays or in the smack middle of summer, coconut is a flavor to be enjoyed year round.

Ingredients for Toasted Coconut Rice Krispie Treats

You'll need to have enough coconut on hand to make flavorful coconut Rice Krispie Treats.

• Butter: I may be saying this baking faux pas out loud but I actually don't care what butter I use in my recipes. I use what I have in my refrigerator. I use 1 stick of salted or unsalted butter.

• Coconut Extract: Coconut is the main star in this recipe so use the full amount of coconut extract to ensure maximum coconut flavor.

• Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract is used to balance the amount of coconut used in this recipe, which is a lot! Plus, you can never have too much vanilla.

• Toasted Coconut Flakes: Toasted coconut will tone down the sweetness inside these Rice Krispie Treats as sweetened coconut is also included. It also creates a nuttier taste to this recipe to enhance the flavor of these treats.

• Sweetened Coconut Flakes: Adding the sweetened coconut flakes gives these Rice Krispie Treats a bit more sweetness and adds the traditional coconut flakes we all love inside.

• Rice Krispies Cereal: Whether you choose to use the name brand or the store brand, you'll need six cups of cereal, which is less than the typical amount of Rice Krispie Treat recipe.

• Mini Marshmallows and Regular Marshmallows: To make gooey treats, you'll need the large 12oz bag of Marshmallows. The addition of mini-marshmallows adds to the overall texture of the recipe.

How to make Toasted Coconut

Toasted Coconut will surely elevate any coconut dessert to the next level. When making toasted coconut, you have to keep an eye out for the coconut before it quickly burns on you. Toasting coconut will take about 15 minutes and if you wait a tad longer, you'll burn most of the batch and have to start over. Trust me, I've experienced this more times than I'd like to admit. Click here to learn how to make toasted coconut.

Instructions for Toasted Coconut Rice Krispie Treats

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 16-20 treats

1. Prepare your workspace: Line an 8x8 or 9x13 baking pan with parchment paper or spray thoroughly with cooking spray. Spray your mixing utensils with cooking spray as well.

2. Toast the coconut: If you haven't already, toast your coconut flakes in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly until golden brown. Set aside to cool.

3. Melt the marshmallows: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot over low heat, melt the butter completely. Add the regular marshmallows and stir continuously until fully melted and smooth.

4. Add extracts: Remove from heat and immediately stir in the coconut extract and vanilla extract until well combined.

5. Add the cereal and coconut: Quickly add the Rice Krispies cereal, toasted coconut flakes, and sweetened coconut flakes. Stir rapidly but gently until everything is evenly coated with the marshmallow mixture.

6. Add mini marshmallows: Fold in the mini marshmallows while the mixture is still warm, allowing them to slightly soften but not completely melt.

7. Press into pan: Using your sprayed spatula or the butter wrapper, gently press the mixture into your prepared pan. Don't press too hard - you want to maintain that fluffy texture.

8. Cool completely: Allow the treats to cool at room temperature for at least 2 hours before cutting into squares.

Tips for the Best Rice Krispie Treats

• Prepare all of your ingredients before you begin to make your Toasted Coconut Rice Krispie Treats. This recipe moves fast and you must have everything ready to go to avoid burning or the mixture cooling before you complete.

• Spray all of your tools with a non-stick spray to prevent unnecessary sticking. Spraying your spatulas or wooden spoons makes the stirring process so much easier.

• Use a large baking pot, preferably a heavy bottomed pot if you have one. A large pot ensures everything is easily combined because we are adding the different coconuts and mini marshmallows into this recipe. A heavy bottomed pot prevents the butter and marshmallows from easily burning. If you don't have one, no sweat! Keep stirring throughout the entire recipe.

• Spray your 8x8 or 9x13 baking pan with a cooking spray. Or, line your baking pan with parchment paper to easily release and to easily cut after the Toasted Coconut Rice Krispie Treats have cooled.

• Spray a separate spatula to gently press the Rice Krispie Treat mixture into the pan. This helps minimize the sticking and shortens the process to seconds. You can also use the wrapper from the butter to press the mixture to the pan as well.

Storing Rice Krispie Treats

If these last long enough, store these Toasted Coconut Rice Krispie Treats in an air tight container for 4-5 days at room temperature to keep the gooey and soft texture intact.

What Size Baking Pan to Use

Up until last year, I've always made Rice Krispie Treats in a 9 x 13 inch baking pan. Recently, I've used a 8 x 8 for a taller, cleaner Rice Krispie Treat look and makes these treat more like a bar instead of a flat treat. I also enjoy making these in a 9 x 13 baking pan to increase the serving quantities.

Variations to Try

Once you master this basic toasted coconut version, consider these delicious variations:

• Chocolate Coconut: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the cooled treats

• Tropical Twist: Add dried pineapple pieces and a splash of lime zest

• Almond Coconut: Substitute almond extract for vanilla and add sliced almonds

• Coconut Cream: Fold in white chocolate chips for extra richness

Final Thoughts

These Toasted Coconut Rice Krispie Treats are the perfect way to elevate a childhood favorite into something truly special for coconut enthusiasts. The combination of textures from the toasted and sweetened coconut flakes, plus that extra boost from coconut extract, creates layers of coconut flavor that will have you reaching for seconds (and thirds!).

Whether you're bringing these to a potluck, packing them in lunch boxes, or simply treating yourself to a coconut-filled afternoon snack, these treats deliver that perfect balance of nostalgia and gourmet flavor. The best part? They come together in under 30 minutes, so you can satisfy those coconut cravings quickly and easily.

So go ahead, embrace your coconut obsession - these treats are definitely worth it!