Description
Celebrate any special occasion with these delightful Birthday Rice Krispie Treats made with a funfetti cake batter twist. Soft mini marshmallows, crispy rice cereal, and colorful rainbow sprinkles come together to create a sweet, nostalgic treat that’s perfect for birthdays. The cake mix is heat-treated for food safety, resulting in a deliciously safe and flavorful dessert. Optional frosting and extra sprinkles add an extra festive touch.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- ½ cup white or funfetti cake mix (heat treated – see instructions)
- 6 tbsp salted butter
- 10 oz mini marshmallows (one 10-oz bag, divided)
- ½ tsp pure vanilla extract
- 5 cups crispy rice cereal
- 1/3 cup rainbow sprinkles
Optional Topping
- 2/3 cup storebought frosting
Instructions
- Heat Treat Cake Mix: Place the cake mix into a small microwave-safe bowl and heat on high for 30 seconds. Stir and use a food thermometer to check the temperature. Repeat heating in 30-second intervals until the mixture reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure food safety. Set aside.
- Melt Butter: In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the salted butter by heating it in 30-second increments until fully melted.
- Add Marshmallows and Cake Mix: Add most of the mini marshmallows to the melted butter, reserving about 2/3 cup for later. Then stir in the heat-treated cake mix.
- Melt Marshmallow Mixture: Return the bowl to the microwave and heat for another 30 seconds. Remove and stir thoroughly until the marshmallows are fully melted and the mixture is smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Cereal and Sprinkles: Immediately add the crispy rice cereal and rainbow sprinkles to the marshmallow mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly, ensuring every piece of cereal is coated evenly.
- Press into Pan: Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or an 8-inch round pan. Transfer the mixture into the pan and press it gently but firmly to form an even layer.
- Cool: Allow the mixture to sit uncovered at room temperature until completely cool and set.
- Add Frosting and Final Sprinkles: If using, spread the storebought frosting over the cooled treats. Top with additional rainbow sprinkles for a festive finish.
- Store: Store the finished treats in an airtight container at room temperature until ready to serve.
Notes
- Heat treating the cake mix is important to eliminate any risk from raw flour or eggs contained in the mix.
- You can substitute funfetti cake mix for white cake mix to add even more colorful sprinkles inside the treats.
- Press the mixture gently into the pan to avoid compacting the treats too densely, which can make them tougher.
- For a gluten-free option, make sure to use a gluten-free cake mix and certified gluten-free rice cereal.
- These treats are best consumed within 2-3 days for optimal freshness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Microwaving
- Cuisine: American