Irresistible Cake Batter Rice Krispie Cupcakes with Fluffy Marshmallow Buttercream: Your Ultimate No-Bake Treat!
Prepare to fall in love with these delightful Cake Batter Rice Krispie Cupcakes!
When I first stumbled upon the concept for these incredible Cake Batter Rice Krispie Cupcakes on Pinterest, I knew instantly that I *had* to try them. The mere thought of combining two childhood favorites – the playful crunch of Rice Krispie treats and the festive flavor of cake batter – seemed like a stroke of genius. And when you top that off with a dreamy, light, and fluffy Marshmallow Buttercream? Well, that’s just a recipe for pure dessert bliss!
This fantastic recipe, originally inspired by Baked from a Box, takes the classic Rice Krispie treat and elevates it to a whole new level. It’s a dessert that perfectly blends nostalgia with novelty, creating an experience that’s both comforting and exciting. I decided to add my signature Marshmallow Buttercream Frosting to these “cupcakes,” and the result was nothing short of YUMM-O! Seriously, the combination is simply irresistible.
These aren’t just any ordinary treats; they are a celebration in every bite. Imagine the delight on anyone’s face, kid or adult, when presented with one of these charming creations. They’re perfect for birthday parties, potlucks, bake sales, or simply as a fun weekend project. The best part? No oven required for the base, making them an ideal dessert for any season.
So, why are these Cake Batter Rice Krispie Cupcakes so special? It’s the unique marriage of textures and flavors. You get the satisfying chewiness and crispness of Rice Krispie treats, infused with the sweet, vanilla-laden essence of yellow cake batter. This cake batter element adds an unexpected depth and a comforting, almost nostalgic taste that’s reminiscent of childhood birthday cakes. Then, the whole thing is crowned with a generous swirl of our homemade Marshmallow Buttercream, which is incredibly light, airy, and adds a delightful sweetness without being overly heavy. Finished with a scattering of colorful sprinkles, these “cupcakes” are as visually appealing as they are delicious!
The Magic Behind These No-Bake Wonders
The beauty of these Cake Batter Rice Krispie Cupcakes lies in their simplicity and the innovative twist on a beloved classic. Traditional Rice Krispie treats are already a household favorite for their ease and deliciousness. By incorporating yellow cake mix directly into the melted marshmallow mixture, we introduce a vibrant flavor and a subtle richness that truly elevates the treat. It’s like having a slice of birthday cake and a Rice Krispie bar all rolled into one delightful bite!
Transforming them into “cupcakes” by pressing them into muffin liners not only makes them incredibly easy to serve but also creates the perfect canvas for our luxurious Marshmallow Buttercream. This frosting is a game-changer – it’s less dense than traditional buttercream and has a wonderful marshmallowy stretch and sweetness that complements the cake batter base perfectly. The contrast between the crisp, chewy base and the smooth, airy frosting is what makes these treats truly irresistible.
Ingredients Spotlight: What Makes Them Shine
Let’s take a closer look at the key ingredients that bring these amazing Cake Batter Rice Krispie Cupcakes to life. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture:
- Butter: The foundation of both the Rice Krispie base and the buttercream. It provides richness, helps bind the Rice Krispies, and gives the frosting its creamy texture. Using good quality butter makes a noticeable difference.
- Mini Marshmallows: The star of any Rice Krispie treat! Mini marshmallows melt more quickly and evenly, ensuring a smooth, sticky binder for the cereal. Fresh marshmallows are key for the best gooey texture.
- Yellow Cake Mix: This is where the “cake batter” magic happens! A dry yellow cake mix infuses the treats with that classic, sweet, vanilla-cake flavor without needing to bake anything. It also adds a nice, fine texture to the base.
- Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla enhances the sweetness and rounds out the flavors in both the base and the frosting, adding a comforting aroma and taste.
- Rice Krispie Cereal: The quintessential crispy component! Ensure your cereal is fresh to maintain its delightful crunch.
- Sprinkles: Not just for decoration, sprinkles add a burst of color and a touch of fun to both the base and the final presentation. Use your favorite colors to match any occasion!
- Marshmallow Creme: This forms the base of our extraordinary buttercream. Its light, airy, and inherently sweet nature makes for a frosting that is truly unique and less cloying than traditional sugar-heavy buttercreams.
- Powdered Sugar: Essential for giving the marshmallow buttercream structure and a smooth, fine texture. It dissolves easily, resulting in a perfectly blended frosting.
Each ingredient contributes to the overall success and deliciousness of these unique treats, making them a standout dessert that everyone will ask you to make again and again!
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Print Recipe
Cake Batter Rice Krispie Cupcakes with Marshmallow Buttercream
Ingredients
For the Cake Batter Rice Krispie Base:
- 3/4 stick of butter (6 tablespoons)
- 1/2 10 oz bag of mini marshmallows (about 5 oz or 2.5 cups)
- 3/4 cup yellow cake mix (dry mix)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups Rice Krispie Cereal
- 1 Tbls sprinkles (plus more for topping)
For the Marshmallow Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 1/2 cups marshmallow creme (e.g., Fluff)
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
- 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
Instructions
For the Cake Batter Rice Krispie Cupcakes:
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Prepare a mini muffin tin by lining each cup with paper liners, or grease them thoroughly if not using liners. This step is crucial for easy removal of your “cupcakes.”
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In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter for about 45 seconds on high power. Add the mini marshmallows to the melted butter and return to the microwave for another 30 seconds. Stir well until the marshmallows are mostly melted and combined with the butter. Continue microwaving in short 10-15 second intervals, stirring after each, until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. Be careful not to overcook the marshmallows, as this can make the treats hard.
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Once the marshmallow mixture is smooth, stir in the dry yellow cake mix and vanilla extract until they are fully incorporated and the mixture is well blended. The cake mix should be evenly distributed, giving the mixture its characteristic cake batter flavor and color.
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Gently fold in the Rice Krispie cereal and 1 tablespoon of sprinkles. Stir until the cereal and sprinkles are evenly coated with the marshmallow-cake batter mixture. Try to work quickly but gently to avoid crushing the cereal.
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Using a greased spoon or lightly buttered hands, press the cereal mixture firmly into each prepared muffin liner. Ensure they are packed down well to form sturdy “cupcake” bases.
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Place the muffin tin in the refrigerator and cool for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time is essential to allow the Rice Krispie treats to set completely, making them firm and easy to handle when frosting.
For the Marshmallow Buttercream Frosting:
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In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until creamy and smooth, about 1-2 minutes.
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Add the marshmallow creme to the butter and continue to beat on medium-high speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined, approximately 2-3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
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Gradually add the powdered sugar, one-third at a time, beating on low speed until combined, then increase to medium-high and beat until fully incorporated and the frosting is light and airy. If the frosting is too thick, you can add a tiny splash of milk (1/2 tsp at a time) until desired consistency is reached. For best results, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature.
Assemble & Enjoy:
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Once the Rice Krispie bases are chilled and firm, remove them from the muffin tin. Use a piping bag fitted with your favorite tip, or simply an offset spatula, to generously frost each “cupcake” with the Marshmallow Buttercream.
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Finish by adding more festive sprinkles on top of the frosting for that extra touch of fun and color.
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Serve immediately and watch them disappear! Enjoy these delightful, easy-to-make Cake Batter Rice Krispie Cupcakes with Marshmallow Buttercream!
Nutrition
Tips for the Perfect Cake Batter Rice Krispie Cupcakes
Achieving perfection with these treats is easy, but a few pointers can ensure your Cake Batter Rice Krispie Cupcakes are absolutely flawless every time:
- Don’t Overcook Marshmallows: This is crucial. Overcooked marshmallows will result in hard, brittle treats rather than chewy ones. Melt them just until smooth and combined.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Especially for marshmallows and Rice Krispie cereal. Stale marshmallows won’t melt as well, and old cereal can lose its crunch.
- Grease Your Tools: Lightly grease your mixing spoon, your hands (if pressing by hand), and even the muffin tin liners before handling the sticky Rice Krispie mixture. This prevents sticking and makes the process much smoother.
- Pack Firmly: When pressing the mixture into the muffin liners, make sure to press down firmly. This creates a dense, stable “cupcake” base that won’t crumble.
- Room Temperature Butter for Frosting: For the marshmallow buttercream, ensure your butter is truly softened to room temperature. This allows it to cream beautifully with the marshmallow creme and powdered sugar, resulting in a smooth, lump-free, and fluffy frosting.
- Don’t Rush Chilling: The 30-minute chilling time is important for the Rice Krispie bases to firm up completely. Resist the urge to frost them too early, as they might lose their shape.
Variations and Customizations
One of the joys of baking (or no-baking!) is the ability to customize. These Cake Batter Rice Krispie Cupcakes are incredibly versatile, offering endless possibilities for creative twists:
- Different Cake Mix Flavors: While yellow cake mix gives that classic birthday cake vibe, feel free to experiment with other dry cake mix flavors! Chocolate, funfetti, strawberry, or even red velvet cake mix could offer exciting new flavor profiles.
- Add-ins to the Base: Stir in mini chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even dried fruit along with the Rice Krispies for extra texture and flavor.
- Frosting Flavors: While our Marshmallow Buttercream is heavenly, you could try a traditional vanilla buttercream, chocolate ganache, or a cream cheese frosting for a different experience. A touch of almond extract in the marshmallow buttercream could also be delightful.
- Themed Sprinkles: Use sprinkles that match a holiday or party theme! Red and green for Christmas, pastels for Easter, or team colors for a sports event.
- Shape It Differently: Instead of cupcakes, press the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch pan and cut into bars. Or use cookie cutters to make fun shapes for children’s parties.
Let your imagination run wild! These treats are designed to be fun and adaptable.
Serving and Storage Suggestions
These Cake Batter Rice Krispie Cupcakes are best served chilled or at room temperature. The marshmallow buttercream holds up well, but if your environment is very warm, keeping them cool will maintain their structure and creaminess.
- Storage: Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If refrigerated, allow them to come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving for the best texture.
- Make Ahead: The Rice Krispie bases can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Prepare the buttercream and frost just before serving for the freshest taste and appearance.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Their individual size makes them perfect for parties, lunchboxes, after-school snacks, or a delightful treat to share with friends and family.
Final Thoughts: A Sweet Success
These Cake Batter Rice Krispie Cupcakes with Marshmallow Buttercream are truly a standout dessert. They combine the ease of no-bake treats with the exciting flavors of cake batter and a cloud-like frosting, making them a hit with everyone. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe is straightforward, fun, and guarantees delicious results. The vibrant colors from the sprinkles, the satisfying crunch of the cereal, and the creamy sweetness of the frosting create a harmonious symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you reaching for another “cupcake.”
So, gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and get ready to create a dessert that’s not only incredibly tasty but also a joy to make and share. Don’t forget to add plenty of sprinkles – they make everything better!
Enjoy every delightful bite!