Vegan Rice Krispie Treats

Is there a person on planet Earth who doesn't love a Rice Krispie? I don't think so and I promise these Vegan Rice Krispie Treats will produce the same reaction. They taste EXACTLY the same as the original recipe on the back of the box but do not require any dairy or gelatin. Loved by adults and children alike, you now have a recipe you can make to share on any occasion.

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Plain Jane Rice Krispies

Before I started to work on this recipe I heavily debated whether or not it would be too boring. Surly everyone knows how to make rice krispie treats? I ultimately came to the conclusion that it would be nice to start with a benchmark or a classic recipe that I or you can later build on. If you want to add something exciting to these treats like sprinkles or Oreos, go for it! This plain Jane recipe is incredibly versatile and will suit everyone from the staunch traditionalist to the out-of-the-box chameleon.

Vegan Rice Krispie Treats Ingredients

• Vegan Butter: Vegan butter is a simple alternative to dairy butter. Non-dairy butter is made up of different vegetable oils and is solid at room temperature. The flavors are nearly identical to normal butter. 
• Mini Vegan Marshmallows: Contrary to popular belief, marshmallows aren't vegan. While they don't have any dairy, they do possess a small amount of gelatin. Gelatin is derived from animal-based sources. I'll spare you the details. That said, there are plenty of vegan brands out there now. Trader Joe's has decent mallows and Dandies is another favorite.
• Sea Salt: Salt is a known flavor enhancer and rice krispies are no exception. As the crispy rice cereal isn't flavor-packed, salt helps to bring out the buttery and vanilla-y flavors.
• Vanilla Extract: Vanilla is a great addition to rice krispie treats! Vanilla extract chemically adds more flavor without being overbearing.
• Crispy Rice Cereal: You are more than welcome to go the traditional route and purchase Kellogg's Rice Krispies. That said, I chose to purchase an off-brand cereal as it was WAY cheaper. I am of the mind that most crispy rice cereals are created equal but you do you.

Steps for Making Vegan Rice Krispie Treats

1. Prep: Line a 9x9 inch pan with parchment paper and lightly grease with cooking spray. Set aside.
2. Make the Rice Krispie Filling: Melt butter in a large pot on the stove over medium heat. Add marshmallows to the pot and melt, stirring constantly. Remove from heat immediately after all marshmallows are melted. Stir in sea salt and vanilla. Add crispy rice cereal to pot and stir until well-combined.
3. Set: Dump mixture into prepared pan and press down evenly. Set Rice Krispie Treats in an area of your kitchen that won’t be disturbed. Let them sit and cool in the pan for at least an hour before cutting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are regular Rice Krispies cereal vegan?

Most original Rice Krispies cereal is not considered vegan because traditional marshmallows contain gelatin, which is derived from animals. To make vegan rice krispie treats, look for vegan marshmallows and use dairy-free butter.

What can I use instead of butter in vegan rice krispie treats?

You can use a variety of vegan alternatives to replace butter, such as vegan butter or margarine. Coconut oil is another option. Just make sure the vegan butter or oil you choose is in a solid state at room temperature.

Do I need to make any adjustments to the recipe when using vegan marshmallows?

If you're using vegan marshmallows, no major adjustments are necessary. Follow the recipe as usual, but be aware that vegan marshmallows may take a bit longer to melt than traditional marshmallows.

Can I make gluten-free vegan rice krispie treats?

Yes, you can make gluten-free vegan rice krispie treats by using a certified gluten-free rice cereal and ensuring all your other ingredients are gluten-free.

Can I add mix-ins like vegan chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the treats?

Absolutely! You can customize your vegan rice krispie treats by adding mix-ins like vegan chocolate chips, dried fruit, or chopped nuts. Stir them into the cereal mixture before pressing it into the pan.

Tips For Making Vegan Rice Krispie Treats

1. To make great Rice Krispie Treats it is important to move quickly. Move too slow and your ingredients could burn, or they could cool to a point that they solidify and are impossible to stir. Before you begin preparing the treats, make sure all of your ingredients are measured out and your pan is prepared.
2. When you are melting your marshmallows, only leave them on the heat until they are just melted. You want to try and keep your mixture as cool as possible so you don't burn your hands when you are pressing the cereal down into the pan.
3. If you do not want to use your hands to press down on the rice krispie treats, lightly grease a small square of parchment paper and use that instead. This will ensure that the mixture does not stick to your hands and make a mess. It will also help you get a very even layer.

Please remember if you make this recipe to snap a pic and share with @censoredbaker on instagram!

How to Serve/Store Vegan Rice Krispie Treats

Serving Vegan Rice Krispie Treats

Vegan rice krispie treats are a classic, sweet, and crunchy snack. Here's how to serve them:

1. Cut into Squares: After the rice krispie mixture has set and cooled in the pan, use a sharp knife to cut it into squares or rectangles. Make the pieces as large or small as you prefer.
2. Serve on a Platter: Arrange the cut vegan rice krispie treats on a serving platter or a decorative plate for a delightful presentation.
3. Garnish (Optional): If you want to add an extra touch of flavor and presentation, consider drizzling melted vegan chocolate over the top of the treats or sprinkling some vegan rainbow or chocolate chips.
4. Add Lollipop Sticks: To make vegan rice krispie treat pops, insert lollipop sticks into each square. This creates a fun and portable snack, perfect for parties.
5. Package for Gifting: If you plan to give vegan rice krispie treats as gifts, wrap each square in plastic wrap or parchment paper and tie with a ribbon. Place them in a decorative box or tin for a thoughtful and delicious gift.
6. Variations: You can add creativity to your presentation by using different cereals, flavored marshmallows, or mix-ins like vegan chocolate chips, dried fruit, or crushed cookies. These variations can cater to different preferences and occasions.
7. Pair with Coffee or Tea: Vegan rice krispie treats go well with a cup of coffee or tea. Consider serving them alongside your favorite hot beverage for a delightful pairing.
8. Add a Scoop of Vegan Ice Cream: For a delectable and indulgent dessert, serve a square of vegan rice krispie treat with a scoop of your favorite vegan ice cream. The warm and cold combination is heavenly.

Storing Vegan Rice Krispie Treats

Storing vegan rice krispie treats is essential to maintain their freshness and prevent them from becoming stale. Here's how to store them properly:

1. Airtight Container: Place the rice krispie treats in an airtight container. This is the most important step to prevent air and moisture from affecting the texture and flavor of the treats.
2. Separate Layers: If you're stacking multiple layers of treats in the container, consider placing parchment paper or wax paper between the layers so as to prevent them from sticking together. This makes it easier to retrieve individual treats.
3. Label and Date: To keep track of their freshness, label the container with the date you made the vegan rice krispie treats. They are best when consumed within a few days of making.
4. Room Temperature: Rice krispie treats can be stored at room temperature for up to a week, but make sure they are in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.
5. Refrigeration: If you live in a warm or humid climate, or if you prefer a firmer texture, you can also refrigerate the treats in the airtight container. This will extend their shelf life and prevent them from becoming too soft.
6. Avoid Freezing: I don't recommend freezing rice krispie treats, as freezing can alter their texture and make them too hard.

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More Vegan Brownies and Bars

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• Vegan Blondies
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• Vegan Brownies
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