Matcha Rice Crispy Treat Trees Recipe

Magical Matcha Rice Crispy Treat Trees Recipe

Green matcha rice crispy treats revolutionize ordinary desserts into magical forest-inspired creations bursting with vibrant color and unexpected flavor.

These delightful confections blend traditional sweet snacks with a modern twist that surprises and delights.

Japanese-inspired culinary techniques bring a sophisticated edge to childhood favorites, elevating simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Rich, earthy matcha powder infuses these treats with a subtle complexity that dances across your palate.

Crisp and chewy textures interplay beautifully, creating a sensory experience that feels both nostalgic and innovative.

Delicate green hues mimic natural landscapes, making these treats as visually stunning as they are delicious.

You’ll fall in love with this whimsical dessert that bridges comfort and creativity.

Matcha Rice Crispy Trees: Why They’re So Fun

  • Create Festive Holiday Cheer: Transform ordinary rice crispy treats into whimsical matcha-flavored trees that instantly spark joy and holiday spirit with their unique green color and playful design.
  • Elevate Classic Comfort Treat: Blend traditional rice crispy treats with sophisticated matcha powder, upgrading a nostalgic childhood snack into an elegant, grown-up dessert that delights both kids and adults.
  • Quick and Simple Gourmet Delight: Whip up these stunning treats in under an hour with minimal cooking skills, using basic pantry ingredients and easy-to-follow steps that guarantee a delicious and impressive result every time.
  • Customize with Endless Creativity: Decorate your matcha trees with white chocolate drizzles and colorful sprinkles, making each batch a personal artistic expression that can be tailored to any holiday theme or personal style.

Building the Ingredients List for Matcha Treat Trees

Base Ingredients:
  • Rice Crispies Cereal: Crunchy base for the treats, look for fresh and crisp cereal.
  • Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps bind ingredients, choose unsalted for better control of saltiness.
  • Mini Marshmallows: Provides sweetness and creates sticky binding, fresh marshmallows melt smoothly.
Flavor and Binding Ingredients:
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds creamy sweetness and helps create smooth texture.
  • Matcha Powder: Gives distinctive green color and earthy tea flavor, choose high-quality ceremonial grade.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
Decoration Ingredients:
  • White Chocolate, Candy Coating: Creates decorative drizzle, choose high-quality coating for smooth melting.
  • Sprinkles: Adds festive decoration and extra texture, select colorful options that complement matcha green.

How to Shape Your Own Matcha Rice Crispy Trees

Step 1: Prepare Baking Pan

Coat a 13-by-9-inch pan with butter or cooking spray. Line with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Gather Cereal

Pour rice crispy cereal into a large mixing bowl.

Step 3: Create Marshmallow Base

In a medium saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Add:
  • Sweetened condensed milk
  • Salt

Stir until ingredients blend smoothly.

Step 4: Incorporate Marshmallows

Add mini marshmallows to the butter mixture. Stir continuously until marshmallows transform into a silky, glossy mixture.

Step 5: Blend Matcha Magic

Gently sift matcha powder over the marshmallow mixture. Stir until the green powder completely integrates, creating a vibrant emerald-colored base.

Step 6: Combine Mixture

Pour the warm matcha marshmallow mixture over the rice crispy cereal. Using a rubber spatula, fold gently until every crisp is coated evenly.

Step 7: Shape Treats

Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Use a spatula or greased hands to spread evenly. Press lightly to maintain a soft texture.

Step 8: Cool and Cut

Allow treats to cool at room temperature for 30 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board and slice into triangular tree shapes.

Step 9: Decorate Trees

Melt white chocolate using a double boiler or microwave. Transfer to a piping bag or squeeze bottle. Drizzle decorative patterns over the tree-shaped treats. Sprinkle festive decorations on top.

Step 10: Store Forest Treats

Keep treats in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate. Enjoy within five days for maximum freshness.

Matcha Treat-Making Tips Worth Noting

  • Prevent Sticky Situations: Butter your hands or use a greased spatula when pressing the mixture into the pan to keep the treats from sticking to your hands.
  • Matcha Magic Moment: Sift the matcha powder carefully to avoid clumps and ensure an even, smooth green color throughout the treats.
  • Temperature Trick: Let the marshmallow mixture cool slightly before adding to cereal to prevent soggy, dense treats that lose their crispy texture.
  • Cutting Precision: Use a sharp, clean knife and wipe it between cuts to create neat, sharp-edged triangles or tree shapes.
  • Chocolate Drizzle Technique: Melt white chocolate slowly and carefully, stirring frequently to prevent burning and achieve a smooth, glossy finish for decorating.

How to Keep Your Matcha Trees from Going Stale

  • Refrigerator Storage: Place treats in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Seal tightly to maintain freshness and protect from moisture.
  • Room Temperature: Keep treats in a sealed container away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Cover loosely with plastic wrap to preserve soft texture and prevent drying out.
  • Freezing Option: Wrap individual treats in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze up to 2 weeks. Thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before enjoying for best taste and texture.

Snacks and Sips to Go with Matcha Trees

  • Sip Vibrant Green Tea Alongside: Pair these matcha rice crispy treats with a classic hot Japanese green tea to enhance the matcha flavor and create a harmonious taste experience.
  • Complement with Creamy Vanilla Latte: The subtle sweetness of a vanilla latte balances the earthy matcha notes, providing a smooth and comforting contrast to the crispy treat.
  • Match with Light Fruity Dessert Wine: A delicate white dessert wine like Moscato d'Asti brings out the treat's subtle sweetness while offering a refreshing palate cleansing effect.
  • Create Texture Contrast with Crunchy Almond Biscotti: The crisp, nutty biscotti provides a delightful textural companion to the soft, chewy matcha rice crispy trees, elevating the overall dessert experience.

Matcha Rice Crispy Tree Twists to Try Out

  • Festive Forest Flair: Transform the matcha rice crispy treats by cutting them into pine tree shapes, using green-tinted white chocolate drizzles to create texture and depth.
  • Chocolate Matcha Merge: Incorporate melted dark chocolate into the marshmallow mixture for a rich, complementary flavor that enhances the earthy matcha notes.
  • Nutty Green Adventure: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or chopped pistachios over the white chocolate drizzle for added crunch and a complementary green color palette.
  • Holiday Spice Fusion: Mix in a pinch of ground cinnamon or cardamom to the marshmallow base for a warm, seasonal undertone that pairs beautifully with the matcha's green tea essence.
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Matcha Rice Crispy Treat Trees Recipe

Matcha Rice Crispy Treat Trees Recipe


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4.6 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Matcha rice crispy treat trees bring magical winter woodland vibes to holiday dessert tables. Green-tinted marshmallow treats shaped like miniature pine trees offer a playful Japanese-inspired twist on classic crispy delights you’ll want to savor and share.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 6 cups (170 g) rice crispies cereal
  • 10 ounces (283 g) mini marshmallows
  • 2 tablespoons (12 g) matcha, sifted

Binding and Flavor Ingredients:

  • 3 tablespoons (42 g) unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons (58 g) sweetened condensed milk
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt

Decoration Ingredients:

  • 3 ounces (85 g) white chocolate or candy coating, optional
  • Sprinkles

Instructions

  1. Prepare a 13-by-9-inch baking pan by coating it thoroughly with butter or lining with parchment paper to ensure easy treat removal.
  2. Transfer rice crispies cereal into the largest available mixing bowl.
  3. Melt butter in a medium pot over gentle heat, then incorporate sweetened condensed milk and salt, stirring until the mixture is fully combined and warm.
  4. Add mini marshmallows to the pot and continue stirring until they dissolve completely, creating a smooth, glossy mixture.
  5. Carefully sift matcha powder over the melted marshmallow base, stirring meticulously to ensure even distribution of the green tea powder.
  6. Remove the pot from heat and pour the matcha marshmallow mixture over the cereal, gently folding with a wide rubber spatula until every crispy piece is thoroughly coated.
  7. Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan, using a spatula or greased hands to spread it evenly, taking care not to compress the mixture too firmly to maintain a soft texture.
  8. Allow the treats to cool and set at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes.
  9. Once cooled, lift the entire sheet of treats onto a cutting board and slice into festive tree-shaped triangles or desired shapes.
  10. Melt white chocolate or candy coating using a microwave or double boiler, then transfer to a piping bag or squeeze bottle with a small round tip.
  11. Artfully drizzle the melted white chocolate over the cut treats, creating decorative patterns, and sprinkle with festive toppings as desired.
  12. Store the completed matcha rice crispy treats in a loosely covered container at room temperature or refrigerate for up to five days.

Notes

  • Matcha Magic: Elevate classic rice crispy treats with a vibrant green tea twist that adds unique flavor and stunning color.
  • Texture Tip: Gently press the mixture into the pan to maintain a soft, chewy texture without compressing too firmly.
  • Decorating Delight: Use white chocolate drizzle and festive sprinkles to transform simple treats into delightful tree-shaped desserts.
  • Make-Ahead Marvel: Prepare these treats up to five days in advance, storing them at room temperature or in the refrigerator for easy entertaining.
  • Kitchen Hack: Use greased hands or a spatula to spread the mixture evenly without sticking, ensuring perfect presentation every time.
  • Serving Suggestion: Cut into triangular tree shapes for a whimsical holiday-inspired dessert that’s sure to impress both kids and adults.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 156
  • Sugar: 15 g
  • Sodium: 70 mg
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 1.5 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
Liam O'Brien

Liam O’Brien

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Traditional Irish Dishes
  • Farm-to-Table Cooking
  • Recipe Creation
  • Teaching Cooking Skills
  • Sustainable Food Practices

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (now Technological University Dublin)

  • Program: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in cooking techniques, kitchen management, and exploring both Irish and international cuisines.

Ballymaloe Cookery School, County Cork, Ireland

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Farm-to-table cooking, emphasizing the use of fresh, local ingredients and traditional cooking methods.

Liam O’Brien is the co-founder and kitchen soul behind Good Tasting Meals, a chef who believes that cooking shouldn’t feel stressful or complicated.

He earned his culinary stripes at Technological University Dublin and polished his farm-to-table skills at Ballymaloe Cookery School. With over 15 years flipping pans and stirring up stories, Liam has worked in family cafés, bustling bistros, and everything in between.

At Good Tasting Meals, Liam brings you recipes that feel like home: cozy, simple, and full of flavor.

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