Dessert

Christmas Rice Krispie Cheesecake Recipe

ByMaya Arden December 26, 2025December 26, 2025

Introduction

This festive Christmas Rice Krispie Cheesecake combines colorful layers of marshmallow-coated cereal with a creamy cheesecake center, perfect for holiday celebrations. It’s both eye-catching and delicious, making it a delightful treat for family and friends.

The image shows a three-layered slice of cake on a white plate with a silver fork resting next to it; the bottom layer is bright red and crumbly, the middle layer is creamy white and smooth, and the top layer is bright green with a textured, rough frosting sprinkled with small, colorful round sprinkles. The full cake is behind the slice, showing the same layers and texture, with a piece missing. The cake is placed on a beige and white checkered cloth on a surface with a white marbled texture. Around the cake and plate are green decorative Christmas tree shapes with white snow-like spots. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 large package Marshmallows
1 12-oz. box Rice Krispies Cereal

3 Tbsp Butter
Food Coloring Gel (Christmas Red, divided)

Food Coloring Gel (Christmas Green)
1/2 cup Heavy Whipping Cream

1 cup Sugar
1 tsp Vanilla
2 8 oz. packages Cream Cheese (softened)

Nonpareils (assorted colors or Christmas mix if desired)

Instructions

Step 1: Cut parchment paper to fit the bottom of a springform pan and line the pan. Set aside.
Step 2: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt half the butter (1 1/2 Tbsp) over medium-high heat.

Step 3: Count out 21 marshmallows and add them to the melted butter. Stir to coat, then reduce heat to low and melt completely.
Step 4: Add several drops of red food coloring gel to the melted marshmallows and stir until bright red. Add more coloring if needed.
Step 5: Measure 3 cups of Rice Krispies cereal and stir into the red marshmallow mixture until fully coated.

Step 6: Press the red Krispies mixture evenly into the bottom of the lined springform pan. Freeze the pan while you prepare the cheesecake layer.
Step 7: In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Turn off the mixer and add sugar, vanilla, and softened cream cheese.
Step 8: Mix until the cheesecake batter is thick, smooth, and creamy. Remove the pan from the freezer and pour the cheesecake mixture over the red Krispies layer.

Step 9: Return the pan to the freezer for at least 4 hours, until the cheesecake is firm to the touch.
Step 10: To make the green top layer, melt the remaining 1 1/2 Tbsp butter in the saucepan over medium-high heat.
Step 11: Count out 22 marshmallows and add to the melted butter. Stir to coat, then reduce heat to low and melt completely.

Step 12: Add green food coloring gel and stir until a bright green color is achieved.
Step 13: Measure 3 cups of Rice Krispies and stir into the green marshmallow mixture until well coated.
Step 14: Spoon the green Krispies mixture onto the set cheesecake layer and spread evenly to the edges of the pan, filling it to the top.

Step 15: Sprinkle generously with nonpareils and place the pan back in the freezer overnight for best results.
Step 16: About 15 minutes before serving, remove the cheesecake from the freezer. Remove the springform and run a sharp knife under hot water, drying it before slicing.
Step 17: Cut into 2 to 3-inch pieces using the warm knife. Serve and enjoy your festive cheesecake!

Tips & Variations

Use gel food coloring for vibrant colors without thinning the marshmallow mixture.
Try using different sprinkle shapes or colors on top to match your holiday theme.
For a chocolate twist, add cocoa powder to the cheesecake batter or mix mini chocolate chips into the layers.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to one week. Let the cheesecake thaw in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving. Reheat slices slightly with a warm knife to get clean cuts.

How to Serve

The image shows a three-layered round cake on a white cake stand with a red rim at the base. The bottom layer is red and has a crunchy texture, the middle layer is smooth and white, and the top layer is green with a bumpy texture, sprinkled with small multicolored round sprinkles. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a regular cake pan instead of a springform pan?

A springform pan works best for easy removal without damaging the delicate layers, but you can use a regular cake pan lined with parchment paper. Just be extra gentle when removing the cheesecake.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, this cheesecake actually benefits from some time in the freezer to set properly. Making it the day before serving and freezing overnight is recommended for the best texture and flavor.