Vegan Funfetti Birthday Cake Rice Krispie Treats

Vegan Funfetti Birthday Cake Rice Krispie Treats

Today we are making Vegan Funfetti Birthday Cake Rice Krispie Treats! Who says birthdays are only for cake? With these treats, you can enjoy all the classic flavors of a celebratory slice in a fun, handheld treat. These gooey squares combine everything that’s nostalgic and playful about childhood Rice Krispie treats with the added joy of funfetti, transforming them into something even more delightful. With each bite, you’ll get the familiar crispy texture, sweet marshmallow coating, and a pop of color from festive sprinkles – all while keeping it entirely vegan.

The magic of this recipe lies in a couple of extra ingredients that elevate it from classic Rice Krispies to a unique dessert worthy of any celebration. The addition of cake batter dry mix infuses each square with a rich vanilla cake flavor, making it taste like a slice of birthday cake, but in Rice Krispie form. Vegan marshmallows and butter keep everything plant-based without sacrificing any of the soft, chewy texture you’d expect from traditional Rice Krispies. And let’s not forget the sprinkles! They’re a simple addition but make every bite feel like a party.

Whether you’re making these for a birthday, a special event, or simply to treat yourself, these treats are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. Perfectly easy to make in under 20 minutes, this no-bake dessert is ideal for whipping up on short notice. They’re also great for those looking to add a vegan twist to classic treats, and the bright, colorful sprinkles will make them a standout addition to any dessert table.

Why You’ll Love These Birthday Cake Rice Krispie Treats

All the Birthday Cake Flavor, None of the Fuss: These treats bring the festive, buttery-sweet taste of a classic birthday cake without needing to bake, frost, or decorate. The cake batter dry mix infuses each square with that familiar rich flavor, while the sprinkles add a pop of color that makes every bite feel like a celebration. It’s like having a slice of birthday cake in a quick, no-bake form!

Fun and Festive for Everyone (Including Non-Vegans!): These treats are so deliciously chewy and full of nostalgic flavors that even non-vegans won’t be able to tell they’re dairy- and gelatin-free. Made with vegan marshmallows and butter, they have all the gooey texture you love without any animal products, making them a perfect dessert that everyone at the party can enjoy.

Substitutions

Cake Mix: For the cake batter flavor, any vanilla or funfetti dry cake mix will work! Just be sure to use a vegan-friendly, gluten-free mix if you’re keeping these treats fully plant-based and gluten-free. The cake mix adds a subtle birthday cake flavor and a slightly denser, richer texture.

Sprinkles: Not all sprinkles are vegan due to the inclusion of animal-derived ingredients. For instance, many sprinkles contain gelatin, which is made from animal bones, skin, and connective tissues, giving them their texture and stability. Additionally, some sprinkles are coated with confectioner’s glaze, derived from shellac, a substance obtained from insect secretions.

Certain colorings used in sprinkles, especially those with red or pink hues, may come from crushed insects like cochineal or carmine. Additionally, dairy products or butter may be used in some specialty or artisanal sprinkles. To ensure sprinkles are vegan, it’s best to check the ingredient list or look for products specifically labeled as vegan.

Vegan Butter: Do not use refined coconut oil or another substitute here. As the butter melts, it gives that rice krispy flavor and aroma when it toasts along with the melted marshmallows! I like using Melt brand of salted dairy-free butter sticks.

Rice Krispies: Use Rice Krispies cereal that’s certified gluten free. Another substitute can be puffed brown rice cereal or another gluten-free rice cereal, but it doesn’t give that same crisp rice cereal crunch. If you don’t need them to be 100% gluten-free, you can use regular Kellogg’s Rice Krispies cereal.

Vegan Marshmallows: Regular marshmallows are not vegan (or even vegetarian) because they contain gelatin. Gelatin is an animal-based food ingredient because it is a protein that is extracted by boiling animal parts (normally from cows or pigs) with water. Agar agar is a common vegan substitute that is used in replacement of vegan gelatin.

However, this amazing brand called Dandies makes the BEST vegan marshmallows. Their taste and texture is just like their commonly-used gelatin counterpart. They even melt just like regular marshmallows do on the stovetop in Rice Krispies recipes!

I buy their regular-sized vegan marshmallows, which are available at the grocery stores in my area. You can also buy them online. Alternatively, you can use the equivalent number of cups of the mini marshmallows version that this brand sells. The mini ones are way easier to melt and measure too.

Birthday Cake Rice Krispie Treats Recipe Notes

• Once your marshmallows and cake mix are fully melted and combined, stir in the Rice Krispies right away, as the mixture can harden quickly. Grease a spatula or your hands lightly with vegan butter to help press the mixture into the pan evenly without sticking.

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If you make these Vegan Funfetti Birthday Cake Rice Krispie Treats, then leave a comment and star rating! Don’t forget to tag your photos @peanut_palate on Instagram. Enjoy!