What is a Rice Krispie cake?
A Rice Krispie cake is made from the same ingredients as classic Rice Krispie treats: melted butter, marshmallows and crispy rice cereal. Instead of cutting the mixture into squares, you press it into cake tins (or another mold), stack or shape it, and decorate it like a party cake. It is oven-free and egg-free, which makes it popular for children’s birthdays, bake sales and last-minute celebrations.
Note: in some places “rice cake” or “puffed rice cake” can also mean a different snack made from puffed grain. This article is about the marshmallow cereal cake.
Base recipe and ratio
A common starting point for a single layer in an 8-inch (20 cm) round tin is:
- About 3 tablespoons butter
- About 5 cups (roughly 10 oz) mini marshmallows
- About 5 to 6 cups crispy rice cereal
Recipes vary, so treat these amounts as a guide. For a three-layer cake, make three batches one after another, or follow a recipe written for layers.
- Line the tin with baking paper and lightly grease the sides.
- Melt the butter in a large saucepan over low heat.
- Add the marshmallows and stir until smooth. Keep the heat low, since high heat can make the mixture stiff.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the cereal until it is evenly coated.
- Tip into the tin and press into an even layer with a lightly greased spatula. Press enough to level it, but not so hard that the cake turns dense.
- Let it set, then turn out and decorate.
Use fresh cereal, because stale cereal tastes flat. Work fairly quickly, since the mixture firms up as it cools.
Rice Krispie cake ideas
Rainbow or color-block layers
Divide the butter, marshmallows and cereal into equal portions, then color each portion with gel food coloring while the marshmallow is melted. Gel gives strong color without adding much liquid. The cereal lightens the shade, so make the melted marshmallow slightly brighter than you want the finished layer. White marshmallows give the cleanest colors.
Chocolate Rice Krispie cake
Use chocolate crispy rice cereal, or stir some cocoa-flavored cereal into the mix. You can also drizzle or coat the cake in melted chocolate.
Funfetti cake
Fold rainbow sprinkles into the cooled-slightly mixture. Add them after the cereal, and stir quickly so the sprinkles do not melt into color streaks.
Peanut butter cake
Stir a few spoonfuls of peanut butter into the melted marshmallow, or finish with a peanut butter frosting and chopped peanuts. Avoid this if anyone at the party has a nut allergy; our SunButter dessert recipes show a nut-free alternative.
S’mores cake
Add mini chocolate chips and crushed graham crackers, and top with toasted or fresh mini marshmallows and a chocolate drizzle.
Cookies and cream
Fold crushed chocolate sandwich cookies into the mix, and sandwich layers with a simple vanilla frosting.
One-layer shortcut
If three layers feel like too much work, press the mixture into a single large pan, cut it into a round or square, and decorate the top. It is faster and easier to slice.
Shapes and molds
Press the mixture into a bundt pan, a heart-shaped tin, cupcake liners or cookie cutters. Lightly grease the mold first so it releases well.
Tiered or “naked” frosted cake
For a more cake-like look, frost the stacked layers with buttercream (an orange buttercream frosting is a fun twist). A thin layer of buttercream around the sides and swirls on top turns the cake into a showpiece.
Rice Krispie treat bars
If cake sounds like too much, press into a rectangular pan and cut into bars. Our vanilla pudding parfaits are another easy party option to serve alongside.
Decoration ideas
- Buttercream or marshmallow fluff piped around the top edge
- Melted chocolate drizzled over the top
- Sprinkles, candles, flags or cake toppers
- A simple icing drip
- Sweets or mini marshmallows piled on top
- Fresh fruit for a fresher look. Strawberries are a common choice, and our easy mini strawberry cheesecakes show a fast strawberry topping.
Place heavy decorations near the center rather than at the edges, especially if the cake needs to travel.
Ingredient swaps
- Butter: Salted or unsalted both work. Salted butter gives a slightly more balanced flavor.
- Marshmallows: Mini marshmallows melt fastest. Large marshmallows work if cut into small pieces.
- Cereal: Rice Krispies or any crispy rice cereal works. Chocolate or fruity cereals change both flavor and color.
- Dietary needs: Standard marshmallows often contain gelatin, and some cereals are not gluten-free. Check labels carefully if anyone has dietary restrictions.
Tips and troubleshooting
Why is my cake hard? The marshmallows may have been overheated, or the mixture was pressed too firmly. Keep the heat low and press lightly.
Why are my layers falling apart? There may not have been enough marshmallow or butter, or the layers were not pressed enough to bind. Make sure the cereal is fully coated.
Why do my colors look dull? Gel coloring is more vivid than liquid drops. Use extra, remembering that the cereal will lighten the shade.
The layers are too soft to stack. Chill them for about 10 minutes before stacking.
Storage
Keep the cake covered at room temperature, which helps it stay soft, and eat it within a couple of days for the best texture. Refrigeration can make Rice Krispie treats firmer. If the cake is frosted with perishable fillings, check whether it needs to be chilled.
FAQ
What are some variations of Rice Krispie treats?
Common variations include chocolate, peanut butter, funfetti, s’mores, cookies and cream, browned butter and flavored versions using different cereals or extracts.
What are some creative ideas for desserts using crispy rice cereal?
Besides cake, you can make bars, pops on sticks, cereal “pizzas” with toppings, molded shapes and dipped treats.
Can you give me a recipe for puffed rice cake?
The marshmallow version above is the one most people mean for desserts. Plain puffed rice cakes sold as a snack are made differently, using a machine that puffs the grain.
Can I make it in advance?
Yes. Make the layers a day ahead, wrap them well, and decorate on the day of serving.