Ube Purple Rice Krispie Treats

The first time I brought these purple squares to a potluck, someone asked if I'd dyed them with food coloring. When I explained about ube, that earthy sweet purple yam that gives Filipino desserts their signature color, suddenly everyone wanted seconds. Now they're the most requested treat at every gathering.

Last summer my niece asked to help make them and declared the purple marshmallow mixture looked like something from a fairy tale. We pressed the cereal into the pan together, her small hands covered in sticky purple sweetness. Now every time she visits she asks if we're making the magic purple bars.

Ingredients

• 6 cups crispy rice cereal: Use fresh cereal for the best crunch stale cereal makes these sad and tough
• 4 cups mini marshmallows: Mini ones melt faster and more evenly than the big ones
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter: Low and slow is key here burning butter ruins everything
• 1/3 cup ube halaya: This purple yam jam is the soul of the recipe warm it slightly so it incorporates smoothly
• 1/2 teaspoon ube extract: Optional but worth hunting down it deepens both color and that floral vanilla flavor
• White chocolate chips and toasted coconut: The drizzle and topping make these look fancy but they are perfect plain too

Instructions

Prep your pan first:

Butter a 9x9 inch pan thoroughly I learned the hard way that missing corners means stuck on treats later

Melt with patience:

Butter goes in the saucepan over low heat then add marshmallows and stir until completely smooth rushing this leaves you with grainy marshmallow blobs

Make it purple:

Stir in the ube halaya and extract until the mixture turns this gorgeous vibrant purple color

Fold in the cereal:

Remove from heat then gently fold in the cereal until every piece is coated treat it like folding in egg whites gentle keeps the cereal from crushing

Press it in:

Transfer to your prepared pan and press firmly with a greased spatula I put wax paper between my hands and the mixture to avoid the sticky mess

Finish if you want:

Drizzle with melted white chocolate and coconut while still warm so it sticks then let it cool completely

Pin It

My mom still texts me every time she makes them saying hers never turn out quite as purple as mine. I think it's the extra splash of ube extract but honestly I think she just likes having an excuse to call and talk about dessert.

Finding Ube Ingredients

Asian grocery stores usually stock both ube halaya and extract in the same aisle. Filipino markets are even better and the employees always know exactly which brands work best for baking versus spreading on toast.

Getting The Perfect Texture

Press too firmly and these become dense bricks. Press too gently and they fall apart when you cut them. Medium firm pressure is what you want just enough so they hold their shape but still melt in your mouth.

Making Them Your Own

These treats are incredibly forgiving once you understand the basic method. The purple cereal base is just waiting for your personal touch.

• Try drizzling with dark chocolate instead of white for contrast
• Sprinkle with crushed toasted pinipig for extra crunch
• Press extra ube halaya ribbons on top for swirled purple patterns

Pin It

Hope these purple treats bring as much joy to your kitchen as they have to mine.

Recipe FAQs

→ What does ube taste like?

Ube has a subtly sweet, nutty flavor with hints of vanilla. It's often compared to a cross between sweet potato and pistachio, with a delicate earthiness that pairs beautifully with sweet ingredients like marshmallows.

→ Where can I buy ube halaya?

Ube halaya (purple yam jam) is available at most Asian grocery stores, Filipino markets, or online retailers. Look in the international aisle or ask store staff if you need help locating it.

→ Can I make these vegan?

Yes! Simply substitute vegan butter and vegan marshmallows (many brands use plant-based gelatin alternatives). Always check your cereal brand to ensure it's vegan-friendly.

→ Why is my mixture too sticky?

If your mixture feels too sticky, it may be due to humidity or over-melting the marshmallows. Try lightly greasing your hands with butter when pressing into the pan, or chill the mixture for 5-10 minutes before pressing.

→ How long do these stay fresh?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap individual squares in plastic and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

→ Can I use ube powder instead of halaya?

While ube powder can work, you'll need to reconstitute it with water and sugar to achieve a similar jam-like consistency. The halaya provides the best flavor and authentic texture.