Lucky Charms Leprechaun Hat Cake Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cake has everything you could want: it’s whimsical, colorful, and fun! The combination of the soft yellow cake, the sweet marshmallow cereal treat on top, and the vibrant rainbow colors inside creates a show-stopping dessert that will be the highlight of any party. Plus, it’s easy to make with a few simple ingredients.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cereal Treats

• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• 1 bag (10 oz) large marshmallows
• 6 cups Lucky Charms™ cereal

Cake

• 2 boxes Betty Crocker™ Super Moist™ Yellow Cake Mix
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 6 eggs
• Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet food coloring
• 2 ½ tubs (16 oz) Betty Crocker™ Rich & Creamy Vanilla Frosting
• 1 container Betty Crocker™ chocolate decorating cupcake icing
• 5 pretzel sticks

Directions

1. Prepare Cereal Treats: Line a 10-inch round cake pan with plastic wrap, lightly coat with cooking spray. In a large stockpot, melt the butter over low heat, add marshmallows, and stir until melted. Mix in the cereal. Press the mixture into the prepared pan and refrigerate for 2 hours until solid.
2. Bake the Cake: Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare two 8-inch round cake pans by spraying with cooking spray and lightly flouring them. In a large bowl, combine cake mix, water, oil, and eggs. Beat on low until smooth, then beat on medium speed to ensure there are no streaks.
3. Color the Batter: Divide the batter into six bowls and add a different food color to each bowl. Layer the colored batters in the prepared pans, creating a rainbow effect.
4. Bake and Cool: Bake the cakes according to the instructions on the box. Let cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans.
5. Assemble the Cake: Stack the cake layers, spreading frosting between each layer. Top the cake with the prepared Lucky Charms cereal treats. Use chocolate icing and pretzel sticks to create the "leprechaun hat" shape.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12
• Prep Time: 1 hr 30 min
• Total Time: 3 hrs

Variations

• Add green sprinkles or edible glitter for extra sparkle.
• Use different cereal varieties to switch up the flavor or appearance.
• Make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free cake mix.

Storage/Reheating

• Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, serve within 2 days to maintain freshness.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cereal?

Yes, you can swap out Lucky Charms for another cereal, but the fun and color will be different.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cereal treat topping and cake layers a day in advance. Just store them separately and assemble the cake when you’re ready to serve.

Is this cake easy to decorate?

Absolutely! The vibrant colors and fun design make decorating a breeze, even if you're not an experienced baker.

Can I freeze the cake?

You can freeze the cake layers before assembling them. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn.

What if I don’t have the right cake pans?

If you don’t have 8-inch pans, use 9-inch ones instead. The cake may be slightly thinner, but it will still work.

Can I make this without food coloring?

Yes, but it won’t have the rainbow effect. You can leave the batter plain or opt for a single color for the cake.

How long will this cake stay fresh?

This cake can last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. After that, it may start to lose its texture.

Can I use homemade frosting instead of store-bought?

Yes, you can use homemade frosting for a more personalized touch.

How can I make the marshmallow treats less sticky?

Use a little more butter when making the cereal treats, or coat your hands with butter when pressing the mixture into the pan.

Can I use other decorations for the "hat"?

Yes, feel free to get creative with your hat decorations, such as using fondant or additional icing designs.

Conclusion

The Lucky Charms Leprechaun Hat Cake is a showstopper that’s perfect for any festive occasion. It combines delicious cake, a fun cereal topping, and a colorful rainbow inside, making it as fun to make as it is to eat. This recipe will surely bring joy to anyone who sees and tastes it!