Ube Rice Krispie Treats

The first time I brought these purple squares to a potluck, someone jokingly asked if I'd dyed them with food coloring. Their expression when I explained ube was a real yam with this naturally incredible flavor—somewhere between vanilla, pistachio, and sweet potato—was absolutely priceless.

My neighbor's daughter spotted these cooling on my counter through the window and literally knocked on my door five minutes later asking what the 'magical purple food' was. Now she requests them for every birthday, and I've learned to double the batch because they disappear shockingly fast.

Ingredients

• 6 cups crispy rice cereal: The foundation—use fresh cereal for that signature crunch we all love
• 4 cups mini marshmallows: Mini marshmallows melt faster and more evenly than the big ones
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter: I use unsalted so I can control the saltiness myself
• 1/3 cup ube halaya: This purple yam jam is what gives us that gorgeous color and distinct flavor
• 1/2 teaspoon ube extract: Optional, but it kicks up both the purple hue and that vanilla pistachio taste

Instructions

Prep your pan first:

Grease a 9x9-inch pan with butter or nonstick spray—do not skip this step or you'll regret it later when everything sticks

Melt and mix:

Melt the butter over low heat, add marshmallows, stir until completely melted and smooth

Add the purple magic:

Stir in the ube halaya and extract until fully incorporated and the mixture turns this incredible vibrant purple

Combine with cereal:

Remove from heat and immediately fold in the crispy rice cereal—stir gently until every piece is evenly coated

Press into pan:

Transfer to your prepared pan and using a greased spatula or wax paper, press firmly and evenly

Add toppings if desired:

While still warm, drizzle melted white chocolate over the top and sprinkle with toasted coconut flakes

Cool completely:

Let sit at room temperature for at least one hour before cutting into 16 squares

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My mom claims these are the only dessert I've ever made that she actually prefers over bakery versions, which coming from her is basically a five star review. She keeps a stash in her freezer and eats them straight from frozen, which apparently is a thing now.

Finding Ube Ingredients

I've found ube halaya and extract at most Asian grocery stores, usually tucked away in the Filipino section. Some well-stocked international markets carry them too, and online retailers have caught on to the ube craze if you strike out locally.

Making These Vegan

Swap regular butter for a vegan butter substitute and use specifically vegan marshmallows—most standard marshmallows contain gelatin, which isn't vegetarian. Dandies makes excellent vegan marshmallows that melt beautifully for this recipe.

Storage and Making Ahead

These will stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, though I've never had them last that long. You can also wrap individual squares in plastic and freeze them for up to a month.

• If making for a party, cut them the same day you serve for the freshest texture
• Pressing with wax paper prevents your hands from getting that impossible to clean sticky coating
• A warm knife makes cutting through them so much easier and creates cleaner edges

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There's something so joyful about handing someone a neon purple dessert and watching their face light up before they even take a bite. These treats have become my go to for bringing a little unexpected color to ordinary days.

Recipe Q&A

→ What does ube taste like?

Ube has a subtle, nutty flavor with hints of vanilla and a slightly earthy sweetness. It's less sweet than sweet potato and more delicate than taro.

→ Where can I buy ube halaya?

Ube halaya (purple yam jam) is available at most Asian grocery stores, Filipino markets, or online retailers specializing in international ingredients.

→ Can I make these treats vegan?

Yes! Simply substitute regular butter with vegan butter and use vegan marshmallows. Always check your cereal brand for hidden animal-derived ingredients.

→ How should I store these bars?

Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Avoid refrigeration as it can make the treats overly hard and affect their chewy texture.

→ Why is my mixture not turning purple?

The purple color intensity depends on your ube halaya brand. If the color seems faint, add ube extract for deeper hue and enhanced flavor.