Dairy-Free Rice Krispie Treats

Whip Up Delicious Dairy-Free Rice Krispie Treats (Easy Recipe!)

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Updated on April 20, 2024

This Dairy-Free Rice Krispie Treats Recipe uses dairy-free ingredients to make a delicious and inclusive dessert for everyone. If you’re craving gooey, marshmallowy rice krispie treats but can’t have dairy, this is the perfect option. Don’t worry; you can still enjoy this traditional treat with an easy dairy-free substitution!

Made with ingredients like coconut oil and vegan marshmallows, this recipe delivers all the fun and flavour of the original without the dairy. So ditch the worry and whip up a batch of these delectable treats – perfect for after-school snacks, birthday parties, or whenever you need a sweet pick-me-up!

We’ll guide you through every step, from choosing the perfect dairy-free substitutes to creating irresistible variations, with everyone begging for more. So, grab your mixing bowl and get ready to whip up a batch of allergy-friendly magic!

Dairy-Free Rice Krispie Treats Recipe Substitutions

Dairy-Free Rice Krispy Treats
Dairy-Free Rice Krispy Treats

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You can create a delightful homage to the classic Rice Krispie Treat with a few key substitutions. But before we dive into mixing, let’s break down each ingredient and explore some fantastic dairy-free substitutions:

Dairy-Free Butter: The Binding Base

Just like in traditional Rice Krispie Treats, dairy-free butter acts as the binding agent that holds everything together. The good news is there are several fantastic options to choose from! Here are two popular choices:

Coconut Oil

This readily available, plant-based oil adds a subtle coconut flavour that complements the marshmallows beautifully. For the best results, opt for virgin coconut oil. 

When using coconut oil, ensure it’s melted liquid before adding the marshmallows. Coconut oil can solidify at cooler room temperatures, so be mindful of this when storing your treats.

Vegan Butter Sticks

Many brands offer vegan butter sticks that perfectly mimic the texture and functionality of dairy butter. This option is great if you prefer a neutral flavour profile and ease of use. Vegan butter sticks typically melt and perform just like regular butter, making them a seamless substitute.

Marshmallows: The Melty Magic

Ah, the marshmallows! These fluffy pillows of sweetness are the heart and soul of any Rice Krispie Treat. The key here is to find marshmallows specifically labelled “dairy-free.” Here are some popular brands to look for:

Dandies Vegan Marshmallows

Dandies, a widely available and trusted brand, offers vegan marshmallows that melt and puff up beautifully. They come in mini and regular sizes, allowing you to customise the texture of your treats.

Enjoy Life Mini Marshmallows

Another great option is Enjoy Life mini marshmallows, which are allergy-friendly and free from dairy, soy, nuts, and gluten. They melt well and deliver that classic marshmallow flavour we all know and love.

Important Tip: When using dairy-free marshmallows, they may take slightly longer to melt than traditional marshmallows. Be patient and stir constantly over low heat to avoid burning.

Rice Krispie Cereal: The Krispie Canvas

The base for all that delicious marshmallow goodness! Here, you can stick with the classic Kellogg’s Rice Krispie cereal or explore some exciting alternatives:

Gluten-Free Rice Krispie Cereal

Many brands offer gluten-free versions of Rice Krispie cereal, perfect for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities. These cereals typically use alternative grains like rice or corn, delivering the same satisfying crunch.

Puffed Quinoa Crisps

Puffed quinoa crisps offer a protein and fibre-rich alternative to traditional rice krispies for a healthier twist. They have a slightly nutty flavour and a delightful puffiness that adds a new dimension to your treats.

Easy Dairy-Free Rice Krispy Treats Recipe

Dairy-Free Rice Krispie Treats
Dairy-Free Rice Krispie Treats

Here’s a delicious Dairy-Free Rice Krispy Treats Recipe that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion:

Ingredients

  • ⅓ cup solid coconut oil
  • 1 (10 ounces) bag of mini marshmallows (dairy-free)
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
  • Pinch of fine sea salt
  • 4 ½ cups Krispy rice cereal

Instructions

  1. Prep the pan: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. Melt the coconut oil: In a large saucepan over low heat, melt the coconut oil.
  3. Marshmallow magic: Add the marshmallows, vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), and sea salt to the melted coconut oil. Stir constantly over low heat until the marshmallows are completely melted and smooth.
  4. Cereal time: Remove the pan from heat and pour in the Krispy rice cereal. Gently fold the cereal into the marshmallow mixture until everything is well coated. Work quickly, as the mixture will start to set as it cools.
  5. Press and set: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and press it down evenly with a greased spatula or wax paper. Let the treats cool completely at room temperature for 1-2 hours or until set.
  6. Slice and enjoy! Cut the cooled rice krispy treats into squares and enjoy!

Tips

  • Use a little less cereal (around 4 cups) for extra gooey treats.
  • Get creative with toppings! Drizzle melted dairy-free chocolate, sprinkle with chopped nuts, or add a layer of peanut butter before pressing the mixture into the pan.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Cooling & Cutting

The melty, gooey goodness is almost within reach, but before diving in, there’s a crucial step: let your treats cool completely. This might seem like torture, but trust us, it’s a necessary evil to ensure perfectly formed and delicious Rice Krispies treats.

The Importance of Cooling

Resist the urge to dig in right away! Hot marshmallow mixture is not only difficult to handle, but it also won’t hold its shape well when cut. Here’s why letting your treats cool completely is essential:

The marshmallows act as the binding agent in these treats. When hot, they’re loose and runny. As they cool, they firm up and solidify, holding the cereal pieces together and creating that signature Rice Krispie Treat texture we all love.

Trying to cut into warm treats will result in a sticky mess. Once the marshmallow mixture cools completely, it hardens and becomes much easier to cut into clean, uniform squares.

Cooling Techniques & Tips

There are a couple of ways to expedite the cooling process and get your hands on those treats faster:

The simplest method is to let your treats cool completely at room temperature. Depending on their thickness, this typically takes about 1-2 hours.

Place your baking dish (uncovered) in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to an hour for a quicker cooldown. The cold air will solidify the marshmallow mixture much faster, allowing you to cut and enjoy your treats sooner.

Once your treats are cool, use a sharp knife for clean cuts. Running the knife under warm water for a few seconds before each cut can also help prevent sticking. Patience is key here, but the reward of perfectly formed, delicious Rice Krispie Treats is absolutely worth the wait!

Variations & Fun Twists

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The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Once you’ve mastered the basic steps, you can unleash your inner treat-making genius and create endless variations to tantalise your taste buds. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Flavorful Twists

The classic combination of marshmallow and rice cereal is fantastic, but why stop there? Here are some exciting ways to add a burst of flavour to your treats:

Chocolate Drizzle

For a decadent touch, melt some dairy-free chocolate chips or vegan chocolate and drizzle it over the top of your cooled treats. You can even get fancy and create a chocolate swirl design using a spoon or piping bag.

Peanut Butter Power

Add a spoonful or two of your favourite nut butter (almond butter, peanut butter, etc.) to the melted marshmallow mixture for a delightful peanut butter twist. You can even top your treats with chopped peanuts for added texture and flavour.

Sprinkle Celebration

Get festive with colourful sprinkles! Add a cup of your favourite sprinkles to the marshmallow mixture before folding in the cereal for a burst of colour and fun. This is a perfect way to customise your treats for holidays or special occasions.

Allergy-Friendly Adaptations

This recipe can easily be adapted to accommodate various allergies. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Nut-Free Treats

If you have a nut allergy, simply choose a nut-free butter alternative like sunflower seed butter or opt for the chocolate drizzle or sprinkle variations.

Soy-Free Delights

Be sure to use dairy-free marshmallows, vegan chocolate chips, or soy-free sprinkles. Many soy-free options are readily available in most grocery stores.

Storage Tips

Now that you’ve mastered the art of creating delectable dairy-free Rice Krispie Treats, you might wonder how to store them for optimal freshness and enjoyment. Fear not, treat-making superhero! Here are some handy storage tips to ensure your creations stay delicious for days to come:

Storing at Room Temperature

For short-term storage, keeping your treats at room temperature is perfectly acceptable. Here’s how to maximise their shelf life:

Once your treats are cool and cut, transfer them to an airtight container. 

This will prevent them from drying out or absorbing any unwanted flavours from the surrounding environment. Look for a container that’s just big enough to hold your treats comfortably, minimising the amount of air space inside.

When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, your dairy-free Rice Krispie Treats will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days.

Long-term storage with Freezing

If you’ve whipped up a large batch or simply want to enjoy your treats over a longer period, freezing is a fantastic option. 

Here’s how to freeze your treats for future enjoyment:

Pre-cut your treats into individual squares or desired serving sizes for optimal freezing. Wrap each square tightly in plastic or parchment paper to prevent freezer burn. You can then place the wrapped squares in a single layer inside a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag.

When stored properly in the freezer, your dairy-free Rice Krispie Treats can maintain their delightful taste and texture for up to 2 months. To enjoy a frozen treat, simply take it out of the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

Conclusion 

Creating delicious dairy-free Rice Krispie Treats is no longer a distant dream! So, grab your favourite dairy-free ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to embark on a delightful journey of treat-making magic. Remember, a little patience during the cooling stage is key to achieving perfectly formed and irresistible Rice Krispie Treats. With this recipe as your guide, you’ll be a rice krispie treat-making pro in no time!

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