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Perfect Graduation Cap Rice Krispie Treats with Easy Gold Candy Coating Tutorial

Graduation Cap Rice Krispie Treats - featured image
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These festive Rice Krispie treats are transformed into elegant graduation caps with a shiny gold candy coating, perfect for celebrations and easy to make with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal (or any crisp rice cereal)
  • 4 cups mini marshmallows (Jet-Puffed recommended)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature)
  • 1 cup white candy melts (Wilton brand recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • Edible gold dust or gold luster dust
  • Black licorice strings or thin black fondant strips (for tassel)
  • Mini pretzel sticks or small square-shaped crackers (optional, for mortarboard base reinforcement)
  • Non-stick cooking spray or parchment paper

Instructions

  1. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine 3 tablespoons unsalted butter and 4 cups mini marshmallows. Microwave on high for 1 minute, then stir. Continue heating in 15-second intervals, stirring each time, until smooth and fully melted (about 3-4 minutes total).
  3. Immediately add 6 cups of Rice Krispies cereal to the melted marshmallow mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly until every bit of cereal is coated.
  4. Using a buttered spatula or lightly greased hands, press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Let cool for 20-30 minutes at room temperature.
  5. Once firm but not completely cold, cut the treats into uniform squares about 2.5 inches each.
  6. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup white candy melts with 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between, until smooth and pourable (about 2-3 minutes).
  7. Dip each Rice Krispie square into the candy coating using a fork or dipping tool. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet to set. Alternatively, drizzle the coating partially with a spoon.
  8. While the candy coating is still tacky, lightly brush edible gold dust over the surface with a dry pastry brush. Let dry completely (about 30 minutes).
  9. Attach tassels using thin black licorice strings or fondant strips, securing with a dab of leftover candy coating as glue. Optionally, insert a mini pretzel stick at one corner for mortarboard stem.

Notes

If candy coating hardens before finishing, gently reheat to maintain consistency. Press mixture evenly but not too hard to keep treats light and airy. Use gluten-free cereal and vegan marshmallows/candy melts for dietary adaptations. Store treats in airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days; avoid refrigeration to keep candy coating shiny.

Nutrition

Keywords: Rice Krispie treats, graduation treats, candy coating, gold candy melts, easy dessert, party treats, kids dessert, festive treats

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