Summertime means impressive tan lines, endless sprinkler sessions, freshly mown grass, grilled everything, and s’mores!
Now I don’t find myself camping all that often.
Although I do love the occasional warm weather car camp er glamp, (complete with flushing toilets, running water, and zero equipment lugging) I don’t normally have access to a real deal campfire.
Soooo I thought I’d just whip up a batch of Rice Krispies Treats and call it a day!
Because carbs, marshmallows, and sugar, you know?
The gooey treats aren’t vegetarian normally (gasp!) thanks to standard marshmallows which contain gelatin aka animal parts.
If you want to go ahead and continue to consume those that’s understandable, but if you don’t (also understandable) there are many vegan varieties available in grocery stores these days. Wahoooo!
My treats came out even better than the originals, if I do say so myself hehe.
The key is to add pure vanilla extract along with pink sea salt!
We’re talking flavor enhancers.
After melting down vegan buttah simply stir in your vegan marshmallow friends until melty too, then add your real deal vanilla plus that fancy pants pretty salt.
Gently fold in the crisp rice cereal, press the gooey mixture into a greased up pan, sit patiently for an hour, then slice into ginorm slabs and serve!
Mmmmm hmm.
If you really want to take home the gold, slather a thick layer of peanut butter over the sliced bars then drizzle on some luscious melted dark chocolate.
Better just got best ever.
P.S. The ingredient amounts don’t have to be scientifically accurate, just add enough of everything to make the texture delectable and the flavor irresistible.
P.P.S. I don’t believe the cereal I picked up from TJ’s is gluten-free but there certainly are gluten-free crispy rice cereals out there!
P.P.P.S. My marshmallows didn’t completely melt into a smooth mixture so it’s okay if your mixture is a little lumpy right before throwing in the remaining ingredients.
Easy Vegan Vanilla Rice Crispy Treats
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons vegan butter (I use Earth Balance Vegan Buttery Sticks)
- 1 10- ounce bag (4 cups) vegan marshmallows (I use Dandies All Natural Vanilla Marshmallows)
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 pinch pink sea salt
- 4 1/2 cups crispy rice cereal (I use Trader Joe's Organic Crisp Rice Cereal)
- Coconut oil cooking spray; for greasing pan
Optional Toppings:
- Salted natural peanut butter (no added oil or sugar)
- Melted dark chocolate
Instructions
- Evenly coat a 8x8 glass baking pan with coconut oil spray to prevent sticking.
- In a medium-large pot, melt the butter over medium-low heat.
- Stir in the marshmallows and continue to stir until melted. My mixture was still a little lumpy.
- Remove from heat, then stir in the vanilla and salt.
- Gently fold in the cereal until evenly coated.
- Press the marshmallow cereal mixture into the greased pan.
- Let the treats set for one hour before slicing.
- Once cooled, wrap tightly with plastic wrap. Best if enjoyed within 3 days.
- Optional peanut butter chocolate topping: Right before serving, spread a layer of peanut butter over the top of the bars, then drizzle with melted chocolate.