Rice Crispy Ghost Bars Recipe

If you’re looking for a playful, spooky treat that’s just as fun to make as it is to eat, you’re going to love this Rice Crispy Ghost Bars Recipe. These marshmallow-y, crisped-rice bars get a charming ghostly makeover with a silky white chocolate coating and just the right touch of dark chocolate “eyes.” I’ve made these for gatherings and Halloween parties, and trust me—they disappear fast. Let me walk you through how to get these perfect spooky treats, even if you’re new to working with melted chocolate or gluing “eyes” on ghost shapes!

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Ingredients & Why They Work

I like to keep this recipe straightforward but effective, and all these ingredients work beautifully together without any fuss. When shopping, check that your marshmallows and rice cereal are gluten-free if that matters to you—Dandies marshmallows are my go-to because they’re vegan and melt smoothly.

• Butter: Melting butter helps bind the marshmallows and cereal, giving the bars richness and preventing them from drying out.
• Dandies Marshmallows: These melt perfectly creamy and are vegan-friendly, but regular marshmallows work, too—just watch out for added gelatin if that’s a concern.
• Gluten-Free Rice Crisp Cereal: It adds that classic crunch and light texture; you want a cereal that holds crispness but doesn’t get soggy.
• White Chocolate Chips: Used as a coating, they harden into a smooth, sweet shell that’s perfect for decorating the ghost shapes.
• Dark Chocolate Chips: These little chips make the eyes, adding contrast and a subtle bittersweet note that balances the white chocolate.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking this Rice Crispy Ghost Bars Recipe depending on the occasion or who’s coming over. Sometimes I add a pinch of cinnamon or a drop of vanilla extract to the marshmallow mixture for a little extra warmth. Don’t hesitate to play around and make it your own!

• Variation: One year I swapped the white chocolate coating for a thin layer of colored candy melts to match different party themes, which my niece thought was so cool.
• Dietary swaps: If you want to avoid dairy completely, use vegan butter and check your chocolates for dairy-free labels.
• Seasonal twist: Add orange or green sprinkles to the chocolate coating for more festive flair.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Rice Crispy Ghost Bars Recipe

Step 1: Melt Butter and Marshmallows to Sticky Perfection

Start by melting the butter and marshmallows together in a large microwave-safe bowl. I microwave them for about a minute and a half, stirring halfway through to ensure everything melts smoothly and combines. The marshmallows should be fully melted without scorching—that’s key to a sticky and pliable mixture that holds your bars together.

Step 2: Mix in the Rice Crisp Cereal

Once your marshmallow mixture is ready, fold in the six cups of rice crisp cereal gently but thoroughly. You want every morsel coated, but be careful not to crush the cereal—using a spatula works better than a spoon here. This step is where your bars get that perfect toasted crunch.

Step 3: Press Into a Pan and Chill

Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper and press your mixture evenly into it. Take a little time here to press firmly but not so hard that you compact the cereal too much; you want the bars to stay light and airy. Pop the pan in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let the bars firm up—it helps them slice cleanly later.

Step 4: Melt White Chocolate and Prep for Dipping

While the bars chill, melt your white chocolate in a medium bowl, microwaving for about one minute and stirring at the 30-second mark to avoid burning. Keep your dipping station ready with parchment paper-lined sheet pans to catch drips and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 5: Cut, Dip, and Add the Ghostly Eyes

Slice the chilled rice crispy slab into 12 rectangles. Then dip each bar halfway into the white chocolate and allow the excess to drip off before placing it on the prepared parchment paper. Quickly press two dark chocolate chips on each bar to create those cute ghost eyes—this part always gets me smiling!

Step 6: Let Your Ghosts Set and Serve

Let the coated bars sit for at least 10 minutes so the chocolate hardens. Then they’re ready to haunt your plate or party spread. If you find the white chocolate is thickening too much during dipping, just pop it back in the microwave for a few seconds.

How to Serve Rice Crispy Ghost Bars Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with just the dark chocolate chip eyes—the contrast gives the ghosts personality without overwhelming the snack. But for an extra touch, you could sprinkle a few edible glitter flakes or use mini candy corn around the edges for a pop of color and Halloween fun.

Side Dishes

These bars are sweet and light, so I like pairing them with hot apple cider or a creamy pumpkin spice latte if serving at a fall gathering. They also work great alongside fresh fruit or even some simple popcorn for a fun, balanced party spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For Halloween parties, I’ve served these on black slate platters with little “boo” and ghost signs. Another time, I arranged them on tiered trays with some mini pumpkins and cobweb decorations—the spooky vibe really gets a laugh and makes the bars the star of the table!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover Rice Crispy Ghost Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Just be sure they’re out of direct sunlight and warm spots so that the white chocolate doesn’t soften or melt prematurely.

Freezing

If you want to freeze them, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag. They freeze well, and when you thaw them at room temperature, they taste almost as fresh—just let them come fully to room temp before serving.

Reheating

Reheating isn’t really necessary, but if you prefer your bars softer, a few seconds in the microwave (about 5-10 seconds) does the trick—just watch closely so they don’t melt the chocolate coating too much.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Rice Crispy Ghost Bars Recipe is one of my all-time favorite festive treats because it blends nostalgia and holiday spirit in a way that’s totally accessible. I hope you have as much fun making (and eating!) these ghosts as I do each year. Whether you’re crafting them with kids, prepping for a party, or just craving a sweet snack, these bars never disappoint. So, grab your marshmallows and chocolate, and let’s get ghostly!

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