Walking into my kitchen, the scent of melting butter and marshmallows brought me right back to my childhood. Today, I’m whipping up a festive batch of Cake Batter Rice Krispie Treats that are as fun to make as they are to eat. This no bake delight is perfect for birthday parties or a simple snack, ensuring smiles all around. With just a few ingredients and a prep time of under 10 minutes, you’ll find that these colorful, gooey treats are not only easy to create but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So, ready to add a sprinkle of joy to your day? Let’s dive into this delightful recipe together!
Why Are These Treats So Irresistible?
No Bake Convenience: Save time and hassle with this effortlessly delicious recipe that requires no baking.
Colorful Fun: With vibrant rainbow sprinkles and cake batter flavor, these treats bring joy to every celebration, making them a hit with kids and adults alike.
Quick Prep: Whip up a batch in under 10 minutes, perfect for unexpected guests or those last-minute party plans—just like my Eggnog Bundt Cake.
Endless Variations: Feel free to customize with different cake mixes and themed sprinkles, ensuring your treats are always unique.
Chewy Goodness: Experience the delightful texture of crispy rice cereal combined with a chewy, gooey base that melts in your mouth. Perfect alongside a glass of milk or fruit for a balanced snack!
Cake Batter Rice Krispie Treats Ingredients
For the Base
• Crispy Rice Cereal – Provides the essential crunch and structure; any brand works great here.
• Marshmallows (10 oz bag) – Creates that signature gooey texture that holds everything together perfectly.
• Salted Butter (6 tbsp) – Adds richness and richnesswhile helping to melt the marshmallows evenly.
For the Flavor
• Dry Cake Mix (⅔ cup) – Infuses a delightful cake flavor; Funfetti, white, or yellow cake mix will amp up the deliciousness.
For the Fun
• Rainbow Sprinkles (1 bottle, 3 oz) – Adds a burst of color and festive flair, mix them in or sprinkle on top for that extra cheer!
• Marshmallow Crème (2-3 tbsp, optional) – Enhances the marshmallow flavor and creaminess for a more indulgent treat.
Now that you have your cake batter Rice Krispie treats ingredients ready to go, let’s get started on creating this fun and delicious no-bake snack!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cake Batter Rice Krispie Treats
Step 1: Melt the Butter and Marshmallows
In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt 6 tablespoons of salted butter. Once melted, add the entire 10-ounce bag of marshmallows, stirring constantly with a rubber spatula for about 5 minutes, until fully melted and smooth. Be careful to keep the heat low to avoid burning; the mixture should look glossy and creamy.
Step 2: Incorporate the Cake Mix
Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately stir in ⅔ cup of dry cake mix until it’s fully blended into the marshmallow mixture. The addition of the cake mix gives your Cake Batter Rice Krispie Treats that delightful flavor. Ensure there are no lumps, as you want a uniform batter texture that’s sweet and rich.
Step 3: Combine Cereal and Sprinkles
In a large mixing bowl, measure out 6 cups of crispy rice cereal. Pour the melted marshmallow and cake mix mixture over the cereal and gently fold it in using a spatula. Add roughly ½ to ¾ of the bottle of rainbow sprinkles. Mix until the cereal is completely coated and the sprinkles are evenly distributed throughout.
Step 4: Press the Mixture into the Dish
Lightly butter a 9×13-inch baking dish or spray it with cooking spray. Pour the sticky rice cereal mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly. Use a spatula to press the mixture down firmly into the corners, achieving a flat surface. It’s helpful to use a spatula that’s been lightly sprayed with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Add More Sprinkles and Cool
Before the mixture sets, sprinkle the remaining rainbow sprinkles evenly over the top. Allow the Cake Batter Rice Krispie Treats to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This cooling time is essential for them to firm up and make cutting easier into delightful squares for serving.
What to Serve with Cake Batter Rice Krispie Treats?
These delightful treats are perfect for any festive gathering, transforming simple moments into sweet celebrations.
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Cold Glass of Milk: The classic pairing with any dessert, milk balances the sweetness and enhances the chewy texture of these treats.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds a burst of color and a fruity contrast, lightening the overall sweetness.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy ice cream complements the crispy and gooey elements of the treats, creating a delightful dessert experience.
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Chocolate Dipping Sauce: For a decadent twist, serve a warm chocolate sauce on the side for dipping, dialling up the richness.
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Sparkling Lemonade: The zesty fizz of sparkling lemonade adds brightness and refreshes the palate between bites of sweet goodness.
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Mini Cupcakes: Serve a variety of mini cupcakes alongside these treats for a fun, colorful dessert table at any celebration.
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Coffee or Latte: A warm coffee or frothy latte can provide a wonderful contrast to the sugary treats, perfect for adult gatherings.
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Nutty Trail Mix: A crunchy trail mix with nuts and dried fruits introduces different textures, balancing the gooeyness of the Rice Krispie treats.
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Chocolate Milkshake: For a fun, indulgent option, a chocolate milkshake makes a creamy and irresistible pairing that is sure to please.
Storage Tips for Cake Batter Rice Krispie Treats
Room Temperature: Store the treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to maintain their freshness and chewiness.
Fridge: If you prefer, you can refrigerate the treats for up to 10 days, but they may become firmer. Allow them to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the Cake Batter Rice Krispie Treats by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil. They can be kept frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating: If desired, you can microwave individual servings for about 10-15 seconds to restore some gooeyness before serving.
Tips for the Best Cake Batter Rice Krispie Treats
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Heat Control: Low and slow: Always melt the marshmallows on low heat to avoid burning. A smooth mixture equals perfect treats!
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Mix Well: No lumps allowed: Thoroughly blend the cake mix with the marshmallows for consistent flavor throughout your Cake Batter Rice Krispie Treats.
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Sprinkle Smart: Reserve some for later: Set aside a portion of the rainbow sprinkles to top your treats after pressing them into the dish for added visual appeal.
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Press Firmly: Even texture: Use a spatula sprayed with cooking spray to press the mixture into the baking dish firmly. This ensures a cohesive, chewy final product.
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Cool Time: Be patient: Allow the treats to cool completely before cutting them, ensuring cleaner edges and better structure when serving.
Make Ahead Options
These Cake Batter Rice Krispie Treats are perfect for meal prep, making them a fantastic choice for busy days or upcoming parties! You can prepare the base mixture—combining the melted butter, marshmallows, and cake mix—up to 24 hours in advance. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness. When you’re ready to finish the treats, just fold in the crispy rice cereal and sprinkles and press the mixture into the baking dish. Allow them to cool at room temperature, and you’ll have delicious party-ready treats that are just as gooey and colorful as when they were freshly made!
Cake Batter Rice Krispie Treat Variations
Feel free to let your imagination run wild as you customize these delightful treats to suit your taste!
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Chocolate Delight: Replace the Funfetti cake mix with chocolate cake mix for an indulgent twist that chocolate lovers will enjoy.
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Nutty Crunch: Add ½ cup of chopped nuts, like almonds or pecans, for a crunchy texture and wholesome flavor that complements the soft marshmallows.
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Fruit Fiesta: Mix in ½ cup of dried fruit, such as cranberries or apricots, for a burst of natural sweetness that will elevate your treats.
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Mini Chocolate Chips: Stir in a handful of mini chocolate chips for melted, gooey goodness—these will provide a rich surprise in every bite!
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Seasonal Sprinkles: Exchange the rainbow sprinkles for themed sprinkles based on the holiday; think pastel colors for Easter or vibrant red and green for Christmas, making your treats festive.
These variations are not just fun; they open up possibilities for your baking repertoire! You might love experimenting with different flavors and themes, just like when making my Limoncello Ricotta Cake. Each twist makes for a new experience, perfect for birthdays, parties, or just a sweet snack any day of the week.
Cake Batter Rice Krispie Treats Recipe FAQs
What should I look for when selecting marshmallows?
Absolutely! When choosing marshmallows, look for ones that are fresh and fluffy without any dark spots or stickiness. Fresh marshmallows should feel soft and puffy since this indicates they’ll melt beautifully for your Cake Batter Rice Krispie Treats.
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How long can I store my Cake Batter Rice Krispie Treats?
Great question! Store the treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week for the best texture and freshness. If they seem a bit firm after that, simply give them a few minutes at room temperature before enjoying.
Can I freeze these treats? If so, how?
Yes, you can indeed freeze your Cake Batter Rice Krispie Treats! To do this, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then again in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. They will stay fresh for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply let them thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to soften.
What if my mixture is too sticky to press into the dish?
Very! If you find that your mixture is overly sticky, don’t worry. Lightly grease your hands with butter or spray them with cooking spray. This will make pressing the mixture into the dish much easier. Alternatively, using a spatula coated in cooking spray can help prevent sticking when you press down the mixture.
Are there any allergy considerations I should keep in mind?
Definitely! Be mindful of any allergies, especially with marshmallows, which may contain gelatin derived from animal products. If you’re making these treats for someone with allergies, consider using vegan marshmallows. Additionally, check the cake mix for any allergens, as some brands may contain gluten or dairy.
Can I make these treats in advance for a party?
You can absolutely make your Cake Batter Rice Krispie Treats the day before the party! They taste their best when enjoyed within the first few days but will hold up well overnight. Make sure to store them properly in an airtight container to keep them fresh and chewy until your celebration!
Delicious Cake Batter Rice Krispie Treats for Every Celebration
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the salted butter. Add the entire bag of marshmallows, stirring constantly for about 5 minutes until fully melted and smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in dry cake mix until fully blended into the marshmallow mixture.
- In a large mixing bowl, measure out the crispy rice cereal. Pour the melted mixture over the cereal and fold it in gently. Add ½ to ¾ of the rainbow sprinkles and mix until coated.
- Lightly butter a 9x13-inch baking dish. Pour the sticky cereal mixture into the dish and press down firmly using a spatula.
- Sprinkle the remaining rainbow sprinkles over the top before the mixture sets. Allow to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
