Prepare a 9x13 inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper so you can lift everything out cleanly. Melt half the marshmallows with 1 tablespoon of butter in a large bowl over low heat, stirring constantly until it's smooth and combined. Add 2 cups of rice cereal and mix until every piece gets coated with that marshmallow mixture.

Press the first layer firmly into your prepared pan using a greased spatula—this is your white base layer. Make sure it's compact but not rock-hard, then set it aside. This bottom layer gives you a nice neutral foundation for your patriotic rice krispie treats.

Melt the remaining 5 oz marshmallows with 1 tablespoon butter in the same bowl, stirring until totally smooth. Add the cranberries and mix them throughout so you get red throughout the mixture, then fold in 2 cups rice cereal gently. Press this layer on top of your white layer, making sure it's even and snug.

Heat your white chocolate chips with the remaining 1 tablespoon butter in a double boiler or microwave in 30-second intervals. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt, keeping the mixture smooth and pourable. Add food coloring drop by drop if you want a deeper color, then mix in the final 2 cups rice cereal.

Spread this white chocolate layer over your red layer while it's still warm and spreadable. You want it thick enough to hold but still distribution evenly—don't over-work it or you'll break up the crispies. Let everything cool completely at room temperature, which usually takes about 10 minutes.

Once cooled, combine your whipped cream, lemon juice, powdered sugar, and blue sanding sugar in a small bowl. Drizzle this blue topping across the top in thin lines using a fork or squeeze bottle to complete your patriotic rice krispie treats. The contrast against the white layer looks absolutely stunning.

Cut into 12 even squares using a greased knife—wiping between cuts keeps things neat and prevents dragging. Serve immediately or store them in an airtight container, and watch everyone grab these treats first at your party.