Cake Batter Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

If you’re looking for a sweet treat that’s bursting with nostalgia but carries an extra pop of color and flavor, Cake Batter Rice Krispie Treats are guaranteed to become your new obsession. This playful twist on the classic squares amps up the celebration factor with cake mix and vibrant sprinkles—delivering a chewy, gooey, and delightfully festive dessert that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re baking with kids or need a crowd-pleaser for a last-minute gathering, these treats have all the buttery marshmallow goodness you love, plus an irresistibly creamy cake batter frosting that takes them over the top!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Cake Batter Rice Krispie Treats is all about a few reliable ingredients coming together in fabulous harmony. Every piece plays a role—some add gooeyness, others a light crunch, and a few bring a punch of sweet, birthday-cake flavor that nobody can ignore.

• Salted Butter: Gives the base a rich, irresistible flavor and helps everything come together smoothly.
• Condensed Milk: Adds a decadent creaminess and helps the treats stay soft and chewy longer than usual.
• Marshmallows: The gooey backbone that turns crisp cereal into that classic, stretchy treat texture.
• White Cake Mix (heat-treated): Brings in that unmistakable birthday cake flavor and a luscious velvety sweetness; always heat-treat your cake mix for safety!
• Vanilla Extract: Highlights the cake batter vibe and makes everything taste just a little more like a bakery.
• Crisped Rice Cereal: The essential crunch and lightness, soaking up all the buttery, marshmallowy goodness.
• Colored Sprinkles: Not just for looks—these give each square a festive, celebratory charm and a hint of sugary crunch.
• White Chocolate Chips: Melt into the frosting for extra richness and an ultra-creamy topping you’ll want to eat with a spoon.

How to Make Cake Batter Rice Krispie Treats

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Start by grabbing your trusty 13×9-inch baking pan and giving it a light coating of butter. Not only does this prevent sticky mishaps later, but it also adds a touch of extra richness to the very edges of your treats!

Step 2: Melt the Butter and Condensed Milk

In a large saucepan set over medium-low heat, add the sliced butter and condensed milk. Stir gently until the butter has melted completely and the mixture looks gloriously creamy—this is the first step to achieving those ultra-soft, dreamy bars.

Step 3: Add Marshmallows and Cake Mix

Toss in the marshmallows and watch them begin to melt down into a shiny, pillowy mass. When they start to soften, sprinkle in your heat-treated white cake mix and keep stirring. This not only incorporates that signature flavor but also beautifully thickens the mixture.

Step 4: Add Vanilla and Cereal

Turn the heat down low and pour in the vanilla extract. Now, in go your 8 cups of crisped rice cereal. Fold everything gently but thoroughly until every piece of cereal is thickly coated in that sweet, buttery marshmallow sauce.

Step 5: Stir in the Sprinkles

With the pan off the heat, it’s time for the best part—scatter in the sprinkles and stir just enough to spread them out. This keeps the sprinkles bright and prevents melting, so every square looks like a party!

Step 6: Press into the Pan

Immediately scoop your warm, sprinkle-speckled mixture into the greased baking pan. Butter your hands or use wax paper to press it down evenly. This ensures every bite has just the right density and chew.

Cake Batter Rice Krispie Treats Frosting

For the over-the-top topping, melt white chocolate chips and condensed milk together in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir constantly for ultimate creaminess. When smooth, add more cake mix and vanilla extract, blending until silky. While still warm, spread the luscious frosting over the treats, and finish with a flurry of more colored sprinkles for that authentic cake batter look.

Step 7: Cool and Cut

The hardest part—waiting! Let everything cool for at least 30 minutes. This gives both the treats and the frosting time to set perfectly, so they slice into beautiful, bakery-worthy bars.

How to Serve Cake Batter Rice Krispie Treats

Garnishes

Give your Cake Batter Rice Krispie Treats a final touch with a shower of extra sprinkles on top, a few white chocolate shavings, or even a light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant finish. A playful drizzle of melted white chocolate makes them even more festive!

Side Dishes

Pair these treats with cold milk, hot coffee, or a creamy vanilla milkshake for a classic “after school treat” vibe. For parties, set them out with bowls of fresh berries or a platter of fruit to add a burst of freshness alongside their sweet richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the bars into fun shapes using cookie cutters for birthdays or stack them high on a cake stand as an edible centerpiece. Try layering them in jars for a whimsical dessert gift, or skewer mini squares onto sticks for a grab-and-go party treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, Cake Batter Rice Krispie Treats can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. The frosting helps lock in moisture, keeping every bite soft and tasty—perfect for tucking into a lunchbox or sharing all week long.

Freezing

To stash some for later, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and slide them into a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to two months, ready to grab whenever you need a cheerful, sweet pick-me-up.

Reheating

If you love a gooey treat, zap a bar in the microwave for just 5-10 seconds. The marshmallows and chocolate will soften up, making them as melty and delicious as when they were first made!

FAQs

Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?

Absolutely! While classic white cake mix delivers that birthday cake flavor, you can totally swap in funfetti, chocolate, or even lemon cake mix for a different twist on your Cake Batter Rice Krispie Treats.

Is it really necessary to heat-treat the cake mix?

Yes, it’s best to heat-treat cake mix before using it in no-bake desserts like this. This quick step ensures any potential bacteria are killed, making your treats completely safe and worry-free.

What’s the best way to cut these treats cleanly?

For picture-perfect squares, use a large, sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts. If things get sticky, a little butter on the blade works wonders!

Can I make these treats gluten-free?

Definitely! Just choose a gluten-free crisped rice cereal and a certified gluten-free cake mix. Double-check your sprinkles as well, and you’re all set to enjoy gluten-free Cake Batter Rice Krispie Treats.

Can I skip the frosting?

Of course! The treats are delicious even without the frosting, but the extra layer brings extra cake batter flavor and makes them truly special for parties and birthdays.

Final Thoughts

Cake Batter Rice Krispie Treats are pure happiness in dessert form—chewy, buttery, and packed with birthday cake flavor in every bite. Don’t wait for the next party to try them; whip up a batch and turn any day into a celebration!

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