safari themed rice krispie treats

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Copycat Disney Rice Krispie Treats

Last Updated: Apr 13, 2024

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Growing up in Central Florida means you go to Disney. A lot . In elementary school, we went to Epcot on field trips. I've been an annual passholder for over 10 years. I've even worked at Disney. And anytime any family visits, you will find yourself in one of the four theme parks of Walt Disney World. Which means you’re gonna eat some snacks. 😛 This recipe is a copycat of my favorite Walt Disney World snack: Rice Krispie treats.

If you want to take these crispy rice treats to the next level, try making them with some whipped brown butter . If you want your treats to taste exactly like they do on Main Street though, be sure to follow the recipe. There are two secret ingredients which are not in most other crispy rice treat recipes, and that is what makes the difference in these copycat Disney world rice krispie treats!

2023 Update : Cast Members have confirmed that since the pandemic, these treats are no longer being made onsite at the Main Street Confectionary. 😭 They are now being made in a separate facility, which means this recipe is the closest you'll get to pre-pandemic treats!

🛒 ingredients

🍳 instructions, ♻️ substitutions & variations, 🧰 equipment & storage, 💡 tips and tricks for getting it right.

• crispy rice cereal - use whatever brand you like, but I've had the best success with Rice Krispies. This is also the exact cereal that they use in Disney World. This is confirmed firsthand by my walks through the tunnels of Magic Kingdom when I was a Cast Member. 😏
• marshmallows - I know it seems crazy to say you MUST use a specific brand, but Jet Puft marshmallows just taste better, and they melt better, too. Opt for the jumbo variety, if possible.
• unsalted butter - use a good quality unsalted butter. Since there are so few ingredients, the best quality will mean the best flavor!
• vanilla extract - vanilla is an ingredient you don’t find in most homemade rice krispie recipes, but it helps elevate the flavor of the marshmallows. If you don’t have it on hand, you can omit this, but I recommend it!
• white chocolate - this is the secret ingredient! A small amount of white chocolate chips is what makes this recipe a Disney rice krispie treat copycat! The ingredient labels on the now-discontinued giant Mickey head crispy rice treats included white chocolate, even on the plain ones! Turns out, a little bit of white chocolate adds a bit of cocoa butter which keeps the treats soft and chewy!
• kosher salt - I use and recommend Diamond brand kosher salt. If you can only find Morton’s salt, be sure to cut the amount of salt in half if measuring in teaspoons (or weigh your ingredients to keep the grams the same!) because the crystals of Morton’s are larger than Diamond brand kosher salt.

See the recipe card for quantities.

Start by lining a 9 x 9-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang so you can lift the bars out of the pan later.

Step 1: Melt the butter over medium-low heat, then add in the marshmallows and allow them to slowly melt.

Step 2: Once the marshmallows are almost fully melted, add in the white chocolate, vanilla extract, and kosher salt. Stir until melted and incorporated, then remove the pan from the heat.

Step 3: Add in the crisp rice cereal, and mix thoroughly to combine. It may seem like you don’t have enough marshmallow mixture at first, but keep stirring until the cereal is evenly coated!

Step 4: Scoop the mix into your prepared pan lined with parchment paper. Using a clean silicone spatula , press the mix down into the pan. Don't pack it in too firmly, or your treats will be very dense and tough to take a bite out of.

Hint : using medium-low heat may take a little longer, but you’ll be sure not to scorch the marshmallows, butter, or white chocolate. Low-n-slow is the key! 😉

♻️ substitutions

• brown crisp rice cereal - if you want to use whole grain cereal, brown rice crisp cereal can be a nice substitute in this recipe.
• salted butter - if you only have salted butter on hand, you can substitute that. Just omit the added salt in the recipe to offset the salt in your butter.

🎛️ variations

Try these variations, or comment below with your own!

• brown butter - use browned butter instead of regular butter for a deep, nutty, toasted flavor.
• chocolate chips - want a cocoa flavor? Add regular chocolate chips in place of white chocolate chips for a chocolaty spin on this recipe. You can also drizzle extra chocolate on top!
• Mickey shaped - you can use a Mickey cookie cutter to cut these into the classic mouse head shape if you like! I never have the patience, so I go for the classic rectangle!

🧰 tools needed

One of the greatest things about making these copycat Disney rice krispie treats is that you don't need super fancy equipment to make them. The most specialized thing you'll need is parchment paper.

• large stock pot or saucepan - having a large enough pan or bowl is super helpful in making rice krispie treats without making a huge mess. I use an 8-quart stock pot, but you can use a smaller saucepan to melt the butter and marshmallows and then pour that mixture over the crisped rice cereal in a large bowl to mix. This set of glass bowls from Duralex is one of my favorite kitchen purchases ever.
• 9 x 9-inch pan - I love these pans by USA pan because they are sturdy and non-stick. Using an 9 x 9-inch pan means you’ll get thicker treats, so if you prefer a thinner rice krispie treat, you can use a 9 x 13-inch pan for thinner treats, or an 8 x 8-inch pan for even thicker treats.
• parchment paper - these pre-cut parchment paper liners make the job of lining the pan with parchment so much easier.
• silicone spatula - these spatulas are guaranteed to make your life so much better. GIR is my favorite brand of silicone tools ! I love using the flip-turner spatula for pressing these crispy rice treats down into the pan because it has a larger surface area. 🤓

🫙how to store your rice krispie treats

Slice into bars just before serving to keep them fresher for longer. Store any uneaten bars in an airtight container or zip-top storage bag for up to 5 days.

🍽️ serving tips

Use a sharp knife to cut these treats because they are super sticky! You may need to clean your knife between cuts.

ℹ️ troubleshooting tips

Rice krispie treats are simple to make, but certain things can go wrong, leading you to have less than optimal treats! Try these troubleshooting tips to get it right, the first time!

• too hard - Do NOT turn the temperature higher than medium-low when melting the butter and marshmallows. Higher temperatures can lead the sugars in the marshmallow to crystallize and cause the gelatin to break down. This means rock hard rice krispie treats. Cook low and slow for soft and chewy treats.
• too soggy - When your mix has too many marshmallows, the butter and marshmallow mixture will seep to the bottom of the pan as the treats are cooling, leaving you with soggy-bottomed treats.

⚖️ scaling tips

You can scale these up or down, but if you do scale them up, you'll need a very large pot! For that reason, it's best to make these treats in batches.

Lining the pan with parchment paper makes for quick and easy release without the need for cooking spray!

Why are my rice krispie treats hard?

Heating the mixture to high temperatures can cause the sugars in the marshmallows to reach the "hard crack" stage of sugar melting, which means...yup...your treats will be brittle like once they cool. Be sure to melt your marshmallows at a medium-low temperature and remove them from heat once they are almost all melted.

How long does it take for the rice krispie treats to cool?

It takes about an hour for these treats to fully cool. While it may be tempting to cut into them sooner, they will be stickier and harder to cut if they are warm at all. As long as you don't mind eating them in a sticky, lumpy pile, you're good. 🤣

Do I need to refrigerate my rice krispie treats?

Nope! You can store any uneaten treats right on the countertop for up to 5 days without them getting stale. Putting them in the fridge actually leads to them drying out faster.

Why are my rice krispie treats soggy?

You may have used too much butter or not enough crisped rice cereal. When your mix has too many marshmallows, the butter and marshmallow mixture will seep to the bottom of the pan as the treats are cooling, leaving you with soggy-bottomed treats. Additionally, make sure you cover them tightly with plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container so that the treats don't take on moisture from the surrounding air. This is especially important in a high-humidity area like Florida!

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, you can! Just omit the additional salt from the recipe and substitute in salted butter.

If you make this recipe, please leave a review in the comments and a star rating ! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I read every single comment! I also love connecting on social media, so snap a pic and hashtag it #myrecipeforfun and tag me on Instagram , TikTok , or pin this recipe on Pinterest !

• 1 large stockpot or pan
• 1 9 x 9-inch non-stick square pan
• 1 silicone spatula

Ingredients

• 57 grams butter unsalted, 4 TBSP
• 283 grams jumbo marshmallows 1 large bag
• 50 grams white chocolate chips ¼ cup
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 175 grams crisped rice cereal 6 cups

Instructions

• Line a 9 x 9-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang to lift the crisped rice squares out of the pan.
• Place the stockpot or large saucepan over medium-low heat, and melt 57 grams (4 tablespoons) of butter.
• Once the butter is melted, add in 283 grams of jumbo marshmallows (one large bag) and melt slowly over medium-low heat.
• Add 50 grams (¼ cup) of white chocolate chips and stir just until melted. Remove the pan from the heat.
• Pour in 175 grams (6 cups) of crisped rice cereal and stir until combined using a silicone spatula.
• Pour the mixture into the prepared parchment lined pan, and spread out using a clean silicone spatula to reduce stickiness.
• Allow to cool for at least one hour before lifting the rice krispies out of the pan and slicing. Store in a zip top bag for up to 5 days.

More Sweets, Treats, and Desserts

About Lindsey Neumayer

Lindsey Neumayer is a culinary content creator at A Recipe For Fun based in Central Florida. She is a classically trained baking and pastry student from Valencia College who also has over 14 years of experience in the fields of education, training, & development. She uses her expertise in education and the culinary arts to share easy-to-follow recipes that you can recreate with confidence at home!

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Birthday Rice Krispie Treats

T his Birthday Rice Krispie Treats recipe is the best! Funfetti rice krispie treats with sprinkles and delicious cake batter flavor! If you're looking for rice krispie treat cake ideas for a birthday party, or you just love cake batter and funfetti, you're in the right place!

*This post contains affiliate links — as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please see my  disclosure  for details*.

And for more sweet treats for a celebration, try my Gluten-Free Blondies with White Chocolate Chunks , my M&M Rice Krispie Treats , and my Peach Mango Pie !

Birthday Cake Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

Now, you might be asking yourself, "Why Rice Krispie Treats for a birthday?" And honestly, I totally get it. But birthdays are all about indulgence, right? So why not go all out with something as sweet and satisfying as Rice Krispie Treats?

First things first, let's talk simplicity. Like my Rice Krispie Treats with Chocolate Chips , these classic treats are a breeze to whip up. I'm talking minimal ingredients, minimal fuss, and maximum flavor explosion – basically, party planning on easy mode.

Plus, these easy treats are like a blank canvas just waiting for your creative genius to shine. Want to add a pop of color to your cake batter rice krispie treats? Go for it! Craving some crunchy toppings? The world (or at least your kitchen) is your oyster!

Funfetti Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

The best part about this Funfetti Rice Krispie Treats recipe is the amazing cake batter flavor that comes from Funfetti cake mix mixed right in! We'll heat treat the cake mix to make sure it's safe to add in, and it gives these treats such amazing festive flavor!

Ingredients

Ready to get started? Here's what you'll need:

• butter - I like to use salted butter to help bring out the flavors in these birthday cake rice krispie treats! You can also use browned butter for even more flavor!
• marshmallows - you'll need mini marshmallows to get that gooey texture! Save some to add in later to have gooey marshmallows showing when you cut individual treats!
• cake mix - for the funfetti look and birthday cake flavor, you can use white cake mix with sprinkles added, or funfetti cake mix (we'll quickly heat treat the cake mix to make sure – see the recipe card below for instructions)
• vanilla - even when making classic rice krispie treats, I always use a high-quality  pure vanilla extract . Or better yet, check out my post on  how to make vanilla extract  at home with just 2 ingredients!
• Rice Krispie cereal - forms the base of our rice krispie treats! Be sure to measure out your crispy rice cereal ahead of time so you can easily add it in!
• rainbow sprinkles - in the recipe card below I say use ⅓ cup, but measure with your heart! Plus, you'll need extra to add on top!
• frosting - and what's cake without a layer of frosting? I like to make this rice krispies treats recipe super easy and use store-bought frosting to spread on top of the bars, but you can always make a double or triple batch of the frosting from my Mini Vanilla Cake !

See recipe card below for ingredient measurements.

First, you'll need a large bowl to mix everything in, and a sheet pan or a small bowl for heat-treating your cake mix. You'll also want a rubber spatula to mix everything up!

Once it's mixed, you'll put everything into an 8x8 baking pan to cool. You can also use a round cake pan ! Check below for more tips to make this no bake dessert even more festive!

Instructions

Scroll down to the recipe card below for full instructions, but here are the basic steps for this birthday rice krispie treats recipe:

Melt butter in microwave in a large mixing bowl. Add most of marshmallows (save about a cup) and cake mix and heat again in microwave to melt.

Stir melted marshmallows mixture until smooth, then add remaining marshmallows, sprinkles, and cereal.

Press cereal mixture into a buttered 8x8 cake pan (or one that has been lined with plastic wrap for easy clean-up).

Let cool completely to firm up, then spread frosting on top and add lots of sprinkles!

Hint : Let your birthday rice krispie treats cool completely at room temperature, uncovered. This will allow any moisture to evaporate to prevent soggy treats.

Rice Krispie Treat Cake Ideas

How can you make this birthday cake rice krispie treats recipe even more party perfect? Here are some ideas:

• Round cake pan - use an 8-inch round cake pan instead of a square pan to make
• Layer cake - split this cake into two cake pans and layer frosting in between and on top to make it into a delicious layered birthday cake!
• Chocolate covered - Top it with melted chocolate or chocolate ganache (equal parts chocolate and heavy cream) instead of frosting!
• Color options - Add colorful frosting, or switch out the sprinkles for different colors depending on your preference, or the season!
• Candles - don't forget the birthday candles !

And check out my Confetti Cheesecake Bar Recipe for another fun birthday party treat!

Heat Treating your Cake Mix for Birthday Rice Krispie Treats

It's important to note that cake mix is NOT safe to eat straight from the box. It's a common misconception that wheat flours (and cake mixes containing flour) are safe from germs because they don't contain raw eggs. On the contrary, "germs are only killed when flour is baked or cooked" ( CDC ).

So to make these delicious birthday cake rice krispie treats as safe as possible, we'll heat treat our cake mix! Simply measure out the cake mix you'll need for this recipe (½ cup) and add it to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 30 seconds, stir, and measure the temperature with a food thermometer . If it hasn't reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit, heat it for another 30 seconds, repeating the process in 30 second intervals until the temperature reads 165 degrees.

For the best results, I would recommend enjoying these treats the day you make them. But if you do store them for later, be sure to let your rice krispie treats cool completely so any excess liquid can evaporate before storing.  

They should be good at room temperature for up to 3 days in an airtight container, or they can be frozen, well wrapped in plastic wrap or parchment paper, for up to 2 months.

Don't forget to heat treat your cake batter! Whether you microwave it or heat it in the oven, use a food thermometer to check that it has reached at least 165 degrees F before mixing it in.

Frequently Asked Questions

In my experience, it's much more affordable to make your own -- you can make several batches from one box of crispy rice cereal, and with only three base ingredients, it definitely won't break the bank!

But more importantly, the taste and texture difference is off the charts! I can't imagine buying packaged rice krispie treats when it's this easy to make them myself and they're SO much better!

I would make this birthday cake rice krispie treats recipe no more than 2 days before you plan to enjoy them!

It's every year on September 18th! Definitely one of my favorite food holidays because it's so easy to celebrate! Try my Fancy Rice Krispie Treats with Brown Butter and White Chocolate Ganache for an even more decadent treat!

Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

• Lemon Dump Cake
• Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats
• Spiced Banana Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

These are my favorite dishes to serve with [this recipe]:

• Shrimp Macaroni Salad With Cajun Spices
• Key Lime Pound Cake
• Pillsbury Cinnamon Roll Donuts
• Peach Turnovers with Smoked Sugar

If you try this recipe, I would love it if you could  leave a star review rating and comment below ! It’s so wonderful hearing your feedback! And don’t forget to share your creations with me by tagging  @chenee_today on Instagram !

Birthday Rice Krispie Treats - Cake Batter Recipe

• measuring cups and spoons
• mixing bowls
• rubber spatula
• 8x8 baking dish
• instant-read thermometer
• ½ cup white or funfetti cake mix heat treated – see note
• 6 tablespoon salted butter
• 10 oz mini marshmallows one 10-oz bag, divided
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 5 cups crispy rice cereal
• ⅓ cup rainbow sprinkles plus more for topping. If using a white cake mix, you'll need to mix in an extra teaspoon of rainbow sprinkles
• ⅔ cup storebought frosting optional
• Heat treat cake mix: Add cake mix to a small microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 30 seconds, stir, and measure the temperature with a food thermometer . ½ cup white or funfetti cake mix
• If it hasn't reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit, heat it for another 30 seconds, repeating the process until the temperature reads 165 degrees. Set aside.
• In a large bowl, melt butter in microwave in 30-second increments. 6 tablespoon salted butter
• Add most of the marshmallows, reserving about ⅔ cup to add in later, followed by heat-treated cake mix. 10 oz mini marshmallows
• Return bowl to microwave for another 30 seconds. Remove and stir to finish melting the marshmallows. Stir in vanilla. ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Immediately add cereal and sprinkles and stir to coat cereal completely with m marshmallow mixture. 5 cups crispy rice cereal, ⅓ cup rainbow sprinkles
• Press mixture gently into a greased 8x8 baking pan (or 8-inch round pan). Let sit, uncovered, a room temperature to cool completely.
• Spread frosting (if using) over top of cooled treats and top with more sprinkles. Store at room temperature in an airtight container until ready to serve. ⅔ cup storebought frosting

Food Safety

Don't eat raw cake mix! Cooking the cake mix to at least 165 degrees F will kill any bacteria and make sure it's ready to eat.

See more guidelines at USDA.gov .

Last Updated on April 25, 2024 by Chenée Lewis

The post Birthday Rice Krispie Treats appeared first on Chenée Today .

The Original Rice Krispies Treats™ Recipe

This classic, delicious snack has been making memories for kids and parents alike for generations.

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 package (10 oz., about 40) JET-PUFFED Marshmallows
• 5-1/2 cups JET-PUFFED Miniature Marshmallows
• 6 cups Kellogg's® Rice Krispies® cereal

1. In large saucepan melt butter over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat.

2. Add KELLOGG'S® RICE KRISPIES® cereal. Stir until well coated.

3. Using buttered spatula or wax paper evenly press mixture into 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan coated with cooking spray. Cool. Cut into 2-inch squares. Best if served the same day.

MICROWAVE DIRECTIONS:

In microwave-safe bowl heat butter and marshmallows on HIGH for 3 minutes, stirring after 2 minutes. Stir until smooth. Follow steps 2 and 3 above. Microwave cooking times may vary.

- For best results, use fresh marshmallows.

- 1 jar (7 oz.) marshmallow crème can be substituted for marshmallows.

- Diet, reduced calorie or tub margarine is not recommended.

- Store no more than two days at room temperature in airtight container.

- To freeze, place in layers separated by wax paper in airtight container. Freeze for up to 6 weeks. Let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.

This recipe uses:

Kellogg's® Rice Krispies® cereal

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Thanksgiving Rice Krispie Treats

Published: Oct 26, '23 · Modified: Oct 26, '23 · By: Meaghan Mountford · Commission earned on paid or sponsored links.

Add some fun, clever (and EASY) Rice Krispie Treats to your Thanksgiving desserts! Check out these kid-friendly ideas to celebrate.

Have some fun this Thanksgiving with 10 clever, no-bake Thanksgiving Rice Krispie Treats! Perfect for the kids' table, (and the grown-ups' table), school parties, or just to have fun in the kitchen, these themed Rice Krispie Treats are always a hit.

tips for perfect Rice Krispie Treats

Be sure to check out our  FAQ cereal treat page   for all of your troubleshooting. And marshmallows matter! Different brands have different densities, so make sure you read our handy  marshmallow conversions   so your treats aren't too sticky or too hard. 

These Rice Krispie Treat "turkey legs" are hilarious!

Enjoy the flavors of the season with these pumpkin spice Rice Krispie Treats .

Gobble gobble! Turn our popular chocolate Rice Krispie Treats into turkeys .

My favorite for Thanksgiving: Rice Crispy Treat "pumpkin pie. "

Adorable! Craft Rice Krispie Treat pumpkins .

One for the chocolate lovers: Chocolate dipped turkey Rice Krispie Treats .

Make a whole Rice Krispie Treat turkey ! With stuffing and all, at The Food Network.

These Fall tree Rice Krispie Treats are perfect for the season.

Add some Fall Leaves Rice Krispie Treats for a colorful addition.

Even if you don't love the real thing, you'll love candy corn Rice Krispie Treats !

Colored Rice Krispie Treats

Want to make your own Thanksgiving Rice Krispie Treats ideas come to life? Get started with these fall-themed Rice Krispie Treat colors.

• Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats for a brown base.
• Red Rice Krispie Treats .
• Orange Rice Krispie Treats .
• Yellow Rice Krispie Treats .
• Green Rice Krispie Treats .

More fun party treats

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