Indulge in the nostalgic delight of rice crispy treats, now with a delicious vegan twist! These chewy, gooey, and utterly irresistible treats are made with simple plant-based ingredients, proving that you don’t need marshmallows or butter to create a memorable dessert.
A colorful array of ingredients for vegan rice crispy treats
The Magic of Vegan Marshmallows
The key to achieving the perfect texture and flavor in these vegan rice crispy treats lies in the magic of vegan marshmallows. These fluffy wonders, made with plant-based gelatin substitutes like agar-agar or aquafaba, melt down beautifully to create a sticky, gooey base that binds the crispy rice cereal together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to recreate this childhood favorite:
- 10 ounces vegan marshmallows
- 6 cups crispy rice cereal
- 1/4 cup vegan butter
- 1/4 cup brown rice syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Let’s Get Cooking!
Follow these simple steps to make the best vegan rice crispy treats:
- Prepare your pan: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with vegan butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
- Melt the marshmallows: In a large saucepan, melt the vegan butter over low heat. Add the marshmallows and brown rice syrup, stirring constantly until completely melted and smooth.
- Infuse the flavor: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
- Combine with cereal: Gently fold in the crispy rice cereal, making sure all the cereal is evenly coated with the marshmallow mixture.
A large bowl filled with crispy rice cereal being gently mixed with melted vegan marshmallows
- Press into the pan: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and use a spatula or your hands to press it down firmly, creating an even layer.
- Cool and cut: Allow the treats to cool completely at room temperature for at least an hour before cutting them into squares.
Tips for the Best Vegan Rice Crispy Treats
“When making vegan rice crispy treats, it’s crucial to use fresh marshmallows for optimal melting and a perfectly gooey texture,” advises Chef Amelia Green, renowned vegan pastry chef and author of “Sweet Vegan Delights.”
Here are a few more tips to ensure your treats turn out perfect every time:
- Don’t overheat the marshmallows: Melting the marshmallows slowly over low heat prevents them from becoming too thick or burning.
- Use a lightly greased spatula or your hands: This will prevent the mixture from sticking to your hands or the spatula when pressing it into the pan.
- Get creative with toppings: Once the treats have cooled, drizzle melted vegan chocolate, sprinkle with colorful sprinkles, or add a pinch of sea salt for a touch of sweetness and crunch.
Delicious squares of vegan rice crispy treats topped with a generous drizzle of melted vegan chocolate
FAQs About Vegan Rice Crispy Treats
Can I use a different type of syrup?
Absolutely! While brown rice syrup provides a lovely caramel-like flavor, you can substitute it with maple syrup, agave nectar, or even golden syrup.
How do I store vegan rice crispy treats?
Store your treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their chewy texture.
Can I freeze vegan rice crispy treats?
Yes, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Can I add other ingredients to my treats?
Get creative! You can fold in vegan chocolate chips, chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even pretzels for added flavor and texture.
Can I make these treats gluten-free?
Certainly! Just make sure to use gluten-free crispy rice cereal.
These vegan rice crispy treats are proof that you can enjoy classic desserts without compromising your ethics or your taste buds. Easy to make and even easier to devour, they’re the perfect sweet treat for any occasion.
Looking for more delicious vegan recipes? Check out our collection of recipes with chickpeas vegan.
