Dessert

Valentine’s Day Rice Krispie Treat Cupcakes Recipe

ByThomas Greene January 13, 2026January 13, 2026

Introduction

These Valentine’s Day Rice Krispie Treat Cupcakes are a fun and festive twist on the classic marshmallow treat. Flavored with strawberry cake mix and topped with creamy icing and candy hearts, they make a delightful sweet snack perfect for celebrations or sharing with loved ones.

The image shows three small treats shaped like cupcakes, made with light pink puffed rice cereal pressed tightly to form the base. On top of each base is a thick swirl of creamy white frosting with smooth, soft texture. Each swirl is crowned with a small red heart-shaped candy covered in sugar crystals, adding a bright pop of color. The treats sit on square pieces of white parchment paper, resting on a pink napkin over a brown textured mat. In the background, there is a white cake stand holding more of these treats, with a cloth tied around it that has red and white patterns. The whole scene is on a white marbled surface, and the lighting highlights the sugary coatings and the delicate frosting details. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 tablespoons butter
10 oz bag marshmallows
1/2 cup dry strawberry (or other flavor) cake mix
5–6 cups Rice Krispie cereal
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup shortening
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1–2 teaspoons water
Gummy candy hearts

Instructions

Step 1: Grease a cupcake pan lightly to prevent the Rice Krispies from sticking.
Step 2: Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a large pot over low heat.
Step 3: Add the marshmallows and stir constantly until they are fully melted and smooth.
Step 4: Stir in the dry cake mix, then remove the pot from the heat.
Step 5: Add the Rice Krispie cereal and stir until every piece is well coated with the marshmallow mixture.
Step 6: Spoon the mixture into the cupcake pan, pressing lightly to fill each cup without compacting too firmly, to keep the treats soft.
Step 7: Allow the treats to cool completely before removing from the pan.
Step 8: To make the icing, combine 1/4 cup butter and 1/4 cup shortening and beat until smooth.
Step 9: Gradually add powdered sugar and continue mixing until the icing is smooth.
Step 10: Stir in vanilla extract and add 1 to 2 teaspoons of water until you reach a spreadable consistency.
Step 11: Frost each Rice Krispie treat cupcake with icing and top with a gummy candy heart for decoration.

Tips & Variations

Try using different flavored cake mixes like chocolate or lemon for a unique twist on the treat.
For extra color, add a few drops of food coloring to the icing before frosting.
Press the mixture gently into the pan to keep cupcakes soft and chewy instead of hard.

Storage

Store these Rice Krispie Treat Cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keep them away from heat and humidity to maintain their texture. If refrigerated, allow them to come to room temperature before serving to soften. They are best enjoyed fresh but can be frozen for up to one month wrapped tightly.

How to Serve

Four small round treats made of pinkish rice cereal form the bottom layer, each topped with a smooth swirl of white frosting. On top of the frosting, there is a bright red heart-shaped candy, slightly shiny and sugar-coated. These treats sit on a white cake stand wrapped with a white ribbon printed with red and pink love words and hearts. The cake stand is placed on a red cloth over a rough textured brown fabric, all set against a dark blurred background. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cereal instead of Rice Krispies?

Yes, you can substitute with similar crisp rice cereals or puffed rice, but avoid cereals that are too dense or crunchy to maintain the classic texture.

How do I prevent the treats from becoming too hard?

Press the mixture gently into the pan without compacting it tightly. Over-pressing can make the treats hard. Also, serving them soon after cooling helps keep them soft and chewy.