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Red Velvet Krispie Treats | Easy Cake Mix Trick

Christmas· Dessert· Holiday· Snacks

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Red velvet krispie treats are a chocolaty version of classic rice Krispies treats with everyone’s fun favorite red cake flavor. Festive enough for the holidays, but delicious enough to eat any time of the year.

Red velvet cake mixes levels up classic rice krispies in this pile of treats on a platter.

Anyone else remember absolutely loving rice krispies as a kid? I mean, I even loved the treat cereal that was loaded with sugar and went so well with cold milk. Then they made them into grab and go packs for my lunch. OMG. And now, with all the things in the world being better every day, they have giant gourmet ones at every bakery counter. Temptation everywhere.

But as far as tempting things go, these aren’t the worst thing you could be snacking on and one often hits the spot just right. When you combine the magical cereal with my other favorite dessert, red velvet cake, things just get too good to be true though. And even I can’t resist just one. Yep, using a little cake mix in my treats is such an easy trick to infusing new flavors!

I took these into my local comic shop and shared with friends. Sadly, I didn’t get a chance to snack on them because they were gone in a blink! But, they did tell me these were the best rice krispies ever, so I took that as a win and made myself another batch.

What I really love about them is that they are so stinkin’ simple to make – just regular cocoa rice cereal and a bit of cake mix. THAT’S IT. I mean, besides the butter and marshmallows. THAT IS IT. Also, it doesn’t take a full box of cake mix to make these, so stock up on the cereal cuz chances are you will be making a second batch. Or these milkshakes. Just sayin’

A pile of individual red velvet rice crispies piled up for snacking with a white chocolate drizzle - so good!

How to make Red Rice Krispie Treats

Just like the classic recipe, you need a pan to press the mix into, and pro-tip, line it with lightly greased wax paper or parchment paper for later, trust me. And then the signature ingredients butter and marshmallows are melted until smooth. For this version, add in a little red velvet cake mix before folding it all in with cocoa rice cereal. Once they are pressed into a pan, drizzle with a little white chocolate if you’re feeling fancy. (because cream cheese frosting seemed like overkill – though, let’s be honest, I would do it in a heartbeat).

Pro Tip: Grease the back of a big spoon to help you press the treats into a baking sheet quickly without making a sticky mess!

Mini Marshmallows Vs Big Marshmallows – Does it Matter?

In short, no, it doesn’t matter what size the marshmallows are. As long as the marshmallows are completely melted, they will coat the cereal and work like the delicious glue that holds them together. However, melting the mini marshmallows just seems to work quicker. Think about it, they just aren’t as big for the heat to get through. But really, whatever you have on hand works, just make sure to stir constantly to avoid any burning as they melt.

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But could I just use marshmallow fluff? That’s like melted marshmallows, right?

Yes, and, No. Despite its similar flavor, Fluff isn’t just melted marshmallows and has a few other ingredients that give it that signature sticky – and oh so perfect for a Ritz cracker and peanut butter flavor. But, it’s that same sticky magic that makes it impossible to use – without – melting it with the butter first! So yes, you could indeed use Fluff to make this! Just stir over low heat with the butter until combined.

Keeping them Fresh!

No one likes it when these treats gets hard or soggy while sitting around waiting to be devoured. So, to keep them fresh, cut them up into portions and store them in a resealable airtight container for up to 3 days.

And, if they do get too hard on you, pop them in the microwave for 15 seconds. It’s not going to bring back the fresh, but it’s a good trick to making them soft again!

A stack of red velvet rice krispie treats - an easy recipe using cake mix to add flavor!

Obsessed with Red Velvet Cake like me? Check out these other totally amazing recipes!

Red Velvet Krispie Treats

Red Velvet Krispie Treats

Yield: 24 treats
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

A simple but gourmet twist on the classic rice cereal treat! These red velvet krispie treats are so simple and are made with only 6 ingredients!

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1 (10.5 ounces) bag mini marshmallows
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup red velvet cake mix
  • 6 cups Cocoa Rice Krispies cereal
  • 4 ounces white chocolate chips, melted
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Instructions

  1. Line a 9x13-inch pan with wax or parchment paper and grease well.
  2. Heat a large skillet or saucepan over low heat. Add the marshmallows, cake mix, and vanilla.
  3. Stir frequently as the marshmallows melt until the mixture is smooth. Quickly fold in the rice krispies to the marshmallow mixture until combined and everything is coated.
  4. Transfer sticky cereal mixture to the prepared pan, pressing down with the back of a greased spoon or your fingers until the top is level.
  5. Allow the krispie treats to set, at least 15 minutes before cutting and serving.
  6. Drizzle white chocolate over the top, if desired.

Notes

inspired by How Sweet It Is

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 24 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 150Total Fat: 7gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 11mgSodium: 43mgCarbohydrates: 18gFiber: 4gSugar: 5gProtein: 5g
Nutrition information provided is an estimate from nutritionix.com. For specific health concerns, please put the recipe into your Dr recommended nutrition calculator.
© Kita Roberts
Cuisine: American / Category: Bars and Brownies

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Comments

  1. Paola says

    So funny you post about this mascara kit, since just a few days back I was at the brim of buying it online! I’ll wait until your reviews to see which one is best!
    Those Red Velvet Treats look divine!!!

    Reply

  2. Blog is the New Black says

    Oh yum! Love this spin on the rice krispie treat!

    I love Sephora and their mascaras! I recommend Benefit Bad Gal Lash or Dior Show mascara… but those are for like, ultra lash glam! 😉 Save it for special occasions!

    Reply

  4. ping says

    What a gorgeous color! (I meant the cookie). Never really liked rice krispies but this … I can do. Looks delicious. I’m imagining the lovely combination of cake and crunch, yum!
    I’m a jeans and t-shirt person myself, owned 3 pairs of high heels for the whole of my existence, in the hope that one day I might learn to walk in them … never did … now totally happy in flatties. Girly, I’ll never be.

    Reply

  10. Parsley Sage says

    If three bristly balls and NOT Priscilla Queen of the Dessert popped out of my fairy drops mascara, I might be tempted to take it back. Shame.

    These krispie treats are fantastic. So holiday. So chic chic and dare I say, girlie!? Love.

    Reply

  17. amanda @ fake ginger says

    Omg, this is brilliant! I neeeeed to make them but I know I would eat the entire batch!

    I’m excited to hear the rest of your reviews. I’m have a serious mascara addiction but I rarely stray from my beloved L’Oreal Voluminous. I need to branch out.

    Reply

  21. Dionne Baldwin says

    If a drag queen popped out I would go buy it now. [sigh] I’m relieved I am not the only one that buys beautiful high heels but never wears skirts. 🙂

    I swear by Dior Iconic mascara. I have zero eyelashes if you look without a magnifying glass and it always seems to go on smooth without clumping or rubbing off.

    Urban Decay Big Fat Lash or whatever disappointed me. I’ll save it for Sunday’s and smear it under my eyes for football effect.

    As I said on Facebook your treats are so beautiful. I’m gonna steal that little treat stand…I just love it!

    Reply

  28. Imwaytoobusy says

    I love reading about your “girly” pursuits. You are a riot. Perhaps you could start a new niche, recipes with beauty product reviews? I love it! …along with your giggles. You are too funny 😉

    Reply

  29. BigFatBaker says

    I am so with you. I am definitely not a girly girl. It’s been about 2 years since I updated my make up collection. I’m looking forward to what you like, seeing as I am in need of suggestions too lol. The red velvet rice crispy treats were a great idea! I love the dark red color.

    Reply

  30. Ann says

    You and I are twins….except I don’t buy the shoes! It was worth the mascara for the terrific review! I chuckled through the whole thing!

    Reply

  31. Terra says

    I love the idea of making rice krispy treat into a red velvet treat, just beautiful! I am so not a girlie girl either, my husband is totally okay with that, LOL:-) Hugs, Terra

    Reply

  33. Anna says

    I would have wanted that magical mascara, but knowing my makeup fascination lasts only as long as how many minutes it takes for water to boil, I am sure it will be a total waste for me. I have a few pieces that work real fine, so I am ok with that. What I have been looking for is a great green-colored eyeshadow (not the gliterry type) that somebody suggested I use to cover my huge eyebags…
    Meantime, I’ll just start working on trying out your red krispie treats that look really great! Yum! Thanks for sharing…I love reading your stories, keep posting!

    Reply

  37. Rachel @ Bakerita says

    Dior Show is definitely my favorite mascara!
    These rice krispies look amazing. I made rice krispies w/ PB and PB M&Ms the other day and they were devoured. So good! I bet these are even better…yum!

    Reply

  39. Alicia says

    My hubby came home today from the comic book store and said that I had to check out your blog and “like” it on Facebook. Comics are not my cup of tea but I agreed. Yeah, totally not a comic book related blog. More like, “OMG I’m going to gain soooo much weight” blog! Loving the look of these treats and can’t wait to make them!

    Reply

  41. Kaitlin says

    So I made these for a potluck yesterday, and the first person to take a bite immediately exclaimed “NO ONE eat the dessert! It’s DISGUSTING!” and proceeded to greedily consume the rest of her bar. I suggested that I should just take the rest home to spare the rest of the guests and she said “NOOOOO!”
    In fact I had to make another batch today. I think you get some kudos here. 🙂

    Reply

  42. katie says

    This recipe was fabulous! I needed a few additional gourmet style rice krispies treats for a tv segment I did yesterday and gave yours a try! This is my new go-to red velvet krispies treat recipe!

    Reply

  43. Becky says

    I feel like a dummy asking, but I just want to make sure I do this right. 🙂 3 tablespoons of butter are listed in the ingredients, but I don’t see where those are used in the recipe. I see that the pan needs to be greased, but I’m thinking 3T of butter is more than you need for that, so I wondered if a step had been missed in the directions. Thanks!

    Reply

    • Becky says

      Oooooh never mind, I just clicked through to the original recipe and found it. Hooray! Can’t wait to try these!

      Reply

      • Kita says

        Im sorry for not getting back to you sooner. We were out today for the holiday and I didn’t have access to a computer. I hope you enjoyed these! Thanks!

        Reply

  44. Nada says

    These look amazing! My sister is in love with anything red velvet (and honestly so am I)…I’m planning ahead for her birthday so these would be amazing but I had two questions: 1) can I use regular rice krispies and add cocoa powder for extra taste? and 2) what would you do with the remaining cake batter?

    Reply

    • Kita says

      Hi Nada, I would give it a go. It’s krispie treats, so even not so great experiments are still yummy treats! I have used the remaining cake batter in various things like milkshakes and what not. But I don’t keep it long. I buy it on the cheap while it’s on sale then don’t feel bad if I don’t end up using all of it.

      Reply

  45. Eli says

    I’m sorry. These were awful. I made them for valentine’s day, and they came out hard as a rock. You can’t, aapparently, just throw unbaled cake mix into the normal recipe for rice krispie treats and hope for the best. Also, you forgot to say when to add the butter.

    Reply

Trackbacks

  3. […] Red Velvet Krispy Treats and a Sephora Mascara – Pass the Sushi I didn't get a chance. I was told these were the best rice krispies ever, sadly there were none left for me to taste test myself. Guess I'll just have to make another batch. icon wink Red Velvet Krispy Treats and a Sephora Mascara . […]

    Reply

  4. […] Remember this post? The post where I proclaim I spent gobs of hard earned cash on make-up. I don’t blame you if you don’t. It’s been a month and post tend to go stale quick, especially during the holidays. But in that post, I promised I was going to review some make-up on here and since then, I forgot to review anything. If I keep up this pace, we will be through the Sephora sample box in a year or so. […]

    Reply

  8. […] In honor of our family being together over Easter, I went a little Pinterest experimenting crazy… I’m totally hooked and if you aren’t, I envy you. My “Bakelicious” and “Foodilicious” boards (https://pinterest.com/amykhaste/) are growing daily, but I am getting better at trying them out. Red velvet seems to be very en vogue in the last 2 years. I can barely recall ever seeing red cake when I was little. Trust me, I would have remembered. I love red. Not only are the Red Velvet Rice Krispie Treats pretty easy to put together, but the color is WONDERFUL! Try these for a quick, no-bake dessert idea. The chocolate is subtle (even with the cocoa krispies) until you get a great bit of white chocolate on the top.  Ingredients: 3 tbsp butter 1 (10.5 ounce) bag of mini marshmallows 1 tsp vanilla extract 3/4 cup red velvet cake mix 6 cups Coca Rice Krispies cereal or regular Rice Krispies 4 ounces white chocolate chips, melted Directions: Start by lining your 9×13-inch pan with wax or parchment paper; coat well with cooking spray. Over low heat, melt the butter in a large saucepan. Add marshmallows, cake mix, and vanilla stirring frequently, until melted and smooth. Fold in the cereal until well combined and coated. This part usually gets a little tricky with rice krispy treats. With the red velvet cake mix, you’ll know if you haven’t coated any of the cereal. Source: Pass the Sushi […]

    Reply

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