The Crispy Birthday Treat Alternative Made For Cake Haters

Not everyone gets excited about a traditional birthday cake (I'm not one of them), but for those who prefer something different, Rice Krispies treat cakes step in as a crunchy alternative. The main draw comes down to how they feel and taste, plus how simple they are to put together. These cakes come with a great texture combo — a crispness from the rice cereal held together by a soft chewiness from melted marshmallow. You can change the texture one way or the other, too. To get a little gooier of a bite, you can add extra marshmallows or a scoop of marshmallow fluff. If you're wanting a slightly firmer treat with a fuller flavor, brown the butter first to get a deeper, almost nutty taste.

The base flavor for your homemade Rice Krispies treats is pretty simple, since it's built on marshmallow and the light taste of the crispy rice cereal. Butter and a splash of vanilla extract usually join the party, rounding things out. This nostalgic, almost neutral profile is quite different from the usual birthday cakes, like chocolate or vanilla. 

To make this type of dessert, it's a tad easier than traditional cake. You're mostly melting butter and marshmallows together, maybe stirring in a little sweetened condensed milk for extra-soft Rice Krispies treats (a neat trick we like to use). Then you just stir in the cereal until it's coated, and press the mixture into a pan. Let it cool down, and you're done. There's no oven involved, skipping all the steps like getting batter consistency just right, watching baking times, and waiting for cakes to cool before you can decorate.

Tweaking the flavors of your birthday Rice Krispies cake usually begins right in the marshmallow mix. A little almond extract or even some boxed cake powder (to have a smidge of tradition) can completely change the taste. You can experiment with pudding mixes, like butterscotch, Oreo, or banana cream for different notes. Spreads like peanut butter, strawberry frosting, or cookie butter stirred in adds rich and creamy textures. A bit of cocoa powder can make a chocolatey version, or berry powder for a fruity layer.

Rainbow sprinkles are almost mandatory for a funfetti party feel. Chocolate chips, chopped candy bars, M&Ms, nuts, or pretzels folded into the cereal mix add a crunchy, flavorful bite to the overall cake. Add food coloring to the marshmallow blend — you can make a whole batch one shade, or create layers for a rainbow or ombre look inside the cake. 

Rice Krispies treat cakes stack up nicely, too. A smear of frosting or some melted chocolate between the cooled crispy rice layers hold the stacked treats together nicely. This lets you put different flavors or colors together in one delicious dessert. You can spread frosting over the top, or drizzle melted chocolate and add candy to complement the ones inside. While the frosting or chocolate is still setting, cover it with sprinkles, other types of cereal, or dry roasted peanuts –a simple addition to make classic Rice Krispies treats even better.