Life in America today is atypical to say the least. With Independence Day right around the corner, it didn’t feel right to do a patriotic recipe without mentioning the groups of people in America that still live in fear in the “land of the free.” My 4th of July Rice Krispie Treats celebrate not just America but LGBTQ and Black Lives Matter movement.
Even though 4th of July celebrations won’t be as large this year due to the Coronavirus Pandemic that is still thriving in America, if you choose to celebrate and want a yummy snack to make, my 4th of July Rice Krispie Treats are easy and fun to decorate.
INGREDIENTS:
- Rice Krispies
- Mini Marshmallows
- Butter
- Vanilla
- Buttercream Frosting
- Food Coloring Dye
These treats are super simple to make and take no time. I love adding extra mini marshmallows once everything is melted down, right before you at it to the pan. It gives the treats a little extra marshmallow in every bite.
You can use a 9×9 baking pan or a 9×13. If you only have a 9×9 your treats will be very large though. I did these with a 9×9 pan then decided I wanted them slightly thinner so I cut the treats into squares then cut them down the center to create smaller treats.
For the Frosting
I use Betty Crocker Buttercream frosting. Feel free to make your own but if you are wanting an easy recipe, store bought frosting works just great. I separated my frosting into bowls prior and dyed them with food coloring. The color black doesn’t come in most food coloring boxes so you will need to buy separate or use Green, Red, and Blue mixed together. Other colors are self explanatory.
For the Piping
I used a small zip lock bag and flipped it inside out then added the frosting. After flipping the bag back to normal, make sure all the air is out of it then zip it shut and bring it to one corner. Using some kitchen scissors, snip a tiny sliver off the corner of the bag and you should have yourself a nice piping bag for frosting your treats.
Decorating your treats
It’s entirely up to you but I chose to make American, Pride, and Black Lives Matter themed treats.
Pride
Pride month is celebrated in the month of June to commemorate the Stonewall Riots that occurred in the end of June 1969 which was a turning point in the Gay Liberation Movement. Although Independence Day is 4 days later, the LGBTQ community is still fighting to be free today in America. On June 12th, the Trump Administration revoked Transgender Civil Rights by allowing health officials to discriminate against anyone they believe is transgender. No human on this earth should be denied medical help for any reason. The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ people under 25. To put my money where my mouth is, I donated to the Trevor Project. I encourage you to donate or support the LGBTQ community in some way.
Black Lives Matter
Black Lives Matter today and every day. The death of George Floyd gained attention in reminding us of the countless Black lives lost at the hands of police officers in America. Until laws, systems, and our overall culture changes, Black people live in a country that does not treat them fairly. I found the hashtag #BLMBakerCollab on Instagram where bakers decorate cookies and other treats in honor of the Black Lives Matter movement. It inspired me to try and make my own. My decorating skills are nowhere near these. I recommend checking out the hashtag and supporting these bakers using their skills and voice to bring more awareness to the Black Lives Matter Movement.
Along with donating to the Trevor Project, I put my money where my mouth is and donated to The Black Lives Matter organization and hope you can support them in your own unique way.
If you live in the Detroit Area and want to support BLM, I created a list of 40 Black Owned Restaurants in Detroit for you to support today!
I hope you like my 4th of July Rice Krispie Treats and enjoy decorating them as much as I did. Thank you again for reading The Sierra Guide and if you want any more information on The Trevor Project and Black Lives Matter organization check out their websites in the links below.
Enjoy!
– Summer Sierra
4th of July Rice Krispie Treats
Ingredients
- 5 cups Mini Marshmallows
- 5 tbsp Butter
- 1/2 tsp Vanilla
- 5 cups Rice Krispie Cereal
- 2 12 oz Containers Betty Crocker Whipped Butter Cream Frosting You probably won't use all 24 oz, but it's nice to have extra for decorating
- Food Coloring Dye
Instructions
- In a medium pan, melt butter
- Add Marshmallows and melt while you stir gently
- Add vanilla
- Once it's melted to a smooth mixture, add in Rice Krispie Cereal and stir together
- Pour into pan and let sit for 20 minutes.
- Add food coloring to frosting in seperate bowls to create patriotic colors to decorate with.
- Store at room temperature fully covered.
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4th of July Rice Krispie Treats