A fun twist on a classic treat, Rice Krispie treats meets red velvet cake. Who doesn’t love a dessert that comes together in minutes and can be simplified for an everyday snack or dressed up for a party 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.
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!
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’.
What You Need for the Best 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.
- butter
- mini marshmallows
- vanilla extract
- red velvet cake mix
- Cocoa Rice Krispies cereal
- white chocolate chips
Red Rice Krispie Treats - How to Make Them Like a Pro
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. (Cream cheese frosting seemed like overkill – though, let’s be honest, I would do it in a heartbeat.)
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.
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. It 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.
Pro Tip: Grease he back of a big spoon to help you press the treats into a baking sheet quickly without making a sticky mess!
How to Store Your Treats
No one likes it when these treats get 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.
How to Refresh Them
If they do get too hard, 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!
Obsessed with Red Velvet Cake like me? Check out these other totally amazing recipes!
- Red Velvet Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
- Red Velvet Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Red Velvet Cake Ice Cream
- Raspberry Chambord Red Velvet Indulgence
Red Velvet Krispie Treats
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
- ¾ cup red velvet cake mix
- 6 cups Cocoa Rice Krispies cereal
- 4 ounces white chocolate chips, melted
Instructions
- Line a 9x13-inch pan with wax or parchment paper and grease well.
- Heat a large skillet or saucepan over low heat. Add the marshmallows, cake mix, and vanilla.
- 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.
- 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.
- Allow the krispie treats to set, at least 15 minutes before cutting and serving.
- Drizzle white chocolate over the top, if desired.
Notes
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
24Serving Size:
1Amount 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.
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!!!
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!
easyfoodsmith says
What a beautiful treat and the colour so festive. Great post 🙂
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.
Curt says
I love Cocoa Krispies, and the bars look awesome. But I think I'll pass on the mascara! 🙂
Belinda @zomppa says
Oh, these are delightful! Love the red velvetness....
Tara @ Chip Chip Hooray says
Aahh these look so awesome! I love rice krispie treats of all flavors and designs, but these are perfect for all the holiday parties coming up. So festive! Except for I might want to eat them all myself...
Laurie {Simply Scratch} says
I'm a total L'Oreal mascara kinda of gal... but some things {like OPI nail polish}, I just can't live with out. PS... these rice krispie treats are beautiful!
Danielle @ Runs With Spatulas says
Ah, they look so pretty! You most definitely have to make another batch and try them out!!
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.
Erin says
Mmmm red velvet krispies!? Loving it. And I'm interested to see which mascara you like best. I am in love with diorshow.
Erin @ The Spiffy Cookie says
In case you haven't had the chance to make these again, I made them yesterday and they were kick ass. Definitely think the use of the cocoa rice krispies helped.
Grubarazzi (@Grubarazzi) says
These are sooo awesome. I love this idea! Mascara and krispy all in one post? It's definitely the holidays. Time for playing dress up and eating! 🙂
jennifurla says
these are so darn pretty
Katrina @ In Katrina's Kitchen says
These look so good they make me want to curse.
Kiri W. says
Oh wow, what a stunning dessert! 🙂 I've never seen cake mix used in rice krispie treats, very interesting!
Liz says
Mmmmmmm.....you're SO creative, Kita, and these look amazing!!!
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.
Jess says
Woah! I didn't even know you could do that to rice krispies! Totally trying this 😀 Thanks!
claire @ the realistic nutritionist says
HOLY FREAKIN' KITA. I want to date these bars. YUM!!!!!!!!
kitchenarian says
I have a weakness for red velvet anything - these look divine!
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!
Pate a Chew says
What a great idea! These look delicious, I'd love to have one right now. Great post!
Erin @ Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts says
I am so clueless when it comes to make up! Always love a good review!
Red Velvet rice krispie treats....now those I can understand. And they are red - so what better treat for Christmas 🙂
Happy When Not Hungry says
Wow these look delicious! Love the red velvet cake batter in there too. YUM!
Linda says
just when I thought nothing else could be done to a rice krispie treat!! wow those look amazing!! great job 🙂
The Mom Chef ~ Taking on Magazines One Recipe at a Time says
Using coco krispies. What an epiphany. You're amazing. I've never seen a rice krispie treat look so elegant.
I'm sorry about the mascara and the whole fairy thing. Mascara's one of the things I don't mess with or change up, ever. I like why I buy so I stick with it. If the brand ever goes under, I'm in trouble. 🙂
Stephanie @ Eat. Drink. Love. says
I love rice krispie treats and I love red velvet so this looks flipping amazing!
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 😉
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.
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!
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
Andrea (questfordelish) says
these looks so delish
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!
Lauren at Keep It Sweet says
These need to be in my life very soon! So creative and so fun!
Lora says
These are just beautiful RKTs and so festive!
RavieNomNoms says
What a great idea Kita! It looks so yummy! I can honestly say I never would have thought of this. So creative!
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!
Jenny @ Savour the Senses says
I feel like I am so behind too! I love anything red velvet and we know we all love rice krispies treats! Yum!
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!
Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga says
I try to bake with cocoa krispies, too, when I have the choice between cocoa and plain...you just get an extra oomph of flavor with the cocoa.
I am a huge RKTreats fan and these look amazing!
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. 🙂
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!
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!
Becky says
Oooooh never mind, I just clicked through to the original recipe and found it. Hooray! Can't wait to try these!
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!
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?
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.
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.
Kita says
Sorry to hear about your results. They worked for me. You add the butter when melting the marshmallows.