These Cake Batter Rice Krispie Treats are a nostalgic twist on a classic favorite, blending the creamy sweetness of cake batter with the satisfying crunch of crispy rice. In just 20 minutes, you can whip up a batch of these irresistible squares that are perfect for parties, snacks, or a sweet pick-me-up. The soft, chewy texture pairs beautifully with the rich, buttery flavor, while the colorful sprinkles add a playful touch that’s sure to delight both kids and adults alike.
Each bite is a burst of joy, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and crunch that’s hard to resist. With only 251 calories per square, you can indulge guilt-free in this treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving something sweet, these treats are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone asking for the recipe.
Ingredients for Cake Batter Rice Krispie Treats
- For the Rice Krispie Treats:
- ½ cup (113 g) salted butter, cut into pieces (plus additional for greasing pan)
- ¼ cup (78 g) condensed milk (see note for substitutions)
- 10 oz (283 g) marshmallows
- 1 cup (135 g) white cake mix, heat treated (see note for safety)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 8 cups (233 g) crisped rice cereal
- ¼ cup (40 g) colored sprinkles
- For the Cake Batter Frosting:
- 1 ½ cups (226 g) white chocolate chips
- 1 cup (312 g) condensed milk (see note for substitutions)
- ½ cup (130 g) white cake mix, heat treated
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup (40 g) colored sprinkles
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Lightly grease a 13×9″ baking pan with butter and set aside.
- Melt Butter and Condensed Milk: In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, combine ½ cup butter and ¼ cup condensed milk. Stir until the butter is completely melted.
- Add Marshmallows and Cake Mix: Add 10 oz marshmallows to the saucepan. Once they begin to melt, stir in 1 cup of heat-treated white cake mix.
- Incorporate Vanilla: Reduce the heat to very low and stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.
- Mix in Cereal: Add 8 cups of crisped rice cereal and stir until well combined.
- Add Sprinkles: Remove the pan from heat, scatter in ¼ cup of colored sprinkles, and stir until evenly distributed. Spread the mixture into the prepared pan.
- Prepare the Frosting: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine 1 ½ cups white chocolate chips and 1 cup condensed milk. Stir frequently until the chocolate chips are completely melted.
- Incorporate Cake Mix and Vanilla: Gradually stir in ½ cup of heat-treated white cake mix and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until the cake mix is dissolved.
- Spread Frosting: Remove the frosting from heat and immediately spread it over the rice krispie treats.
- Add Final Sprinkles: Sprinkle ¼ cup of colored sprinkles over the frosting.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the treats to cool for at least 30 minutes before cutting and serving.
Fun Variations to Try
Switch up the flavor by using chocolate cake mix instead of white for a rich twist. For a fruity version, add freeze-dried strawberries or crushed pineapple to the mix. If you’re feeling adventurous, swap the sprinkles for mini chocolate chips or crushed cookies for added texture.
Perfect Serving Suggestions
These treats are perfect for parties—cut them into bite-sized squares for easy sharing. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. For a festive touch, serve them alongside a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot cocoa.
Storage Tips for Freshness
Store your treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving to maintain their chewy texture.
Time-Saving Hacks
To speed up prep, use a microwave-safe bowl to melt the butter, marshmallows, and condensed milk in 30-second intervals. Pre-measure your ingredients and heat-treat the cake mix ahead of time to streamline the process. A non-stick spatula will make spreading the mixture into the pan a breeze.
Common Questions Answered
Can I use unsalted butter?
Yes, but add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
What’s heat-treated cake mix?
It’s cake mix baked at 350°F for 5 minutes to kill any bacteria—essential for raw consumption.
Can I skip the frosting?
Absolutely! The treats are delicious on their own, but the frosting adds an extra layer of fun.
Cake Batter Rice Krispie Treats
Ingredients
Rice Krispie Treats
- ½ cup salted butter, cut into pieces, plus additional for greasing pan
- ¼ cup condensed milk see note
- 10 oz marshmallows
- 1 cup white cake mix, heat treated see note
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 8 cup crisped rice cereal
- ¼ cup colored sprinkles
Cake Batter Frosting
- 1 ½ cup white chocolate chips
- 1 cup condensed milk see note
- ½ cup white cake mix, heat treated see note
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup colored sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare a 13×9″ baking pan by lightly greasing with butter. Set aside.
- In large saucepan over medium-low heat, combine butter and condensed milk and stir until butter is completely melted.
- Add marshmallows, once they begin to melt stir in cake mix.
- Reduce heat to very low and stir in vanilla extract.
- Stir in cereal and stir.
- Remove pan from heat, scatter in sprinkles and stir until they are distributed through mixture. Spread into prepared pan.
- Prepare the frosting by combining white chocolate chips and condensed milk in small saucepan over low heat. Stir frequently until chocolate chips are completely melted.
- Gradually stir in cake mix and vanilla extract until cake mix is dissolved.
- Remove from heat and immediately spread over rice krispie treats.
- Sprinkle with ¼ cup colored sprinkles.
- Allow to cool at least 30 minutes before cutting and serving.