Vegan Hot Cocoa Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

Dreamy Vegan Hot Cocoa Rice Krispie Treats Recipe for Cozy Bliss

Cozy winter nights find their perfect match in vegan hot cocoa rice krispie treats that combine childhood nostalgia with grown-up comfort.

Marshmallow magic meets chocolatey warmth in this delightful dessert.

Sweet memories dance across your palate with each gooey bite.

Rich cocoa notes weave through crispy layers, creating a sensational snack.

Unexpected ingredients elevate this classic treat into something truly special.

Plant-based ingredients ensure everyone can enjoy this decadent creation.

Prepare to experience a delicious twist on a beloved classic that will make you smile with every mouthful.

Krispie Treat Ingredient Guide

Base Ingredients:
  • Cocoa Rice Cereal: A chocolatey version of classic rice cereal that provides crunch and rich chocolate flavor.
  • Vegan Marshmallows: Soft, sweet marshmallows that help bind the treats together and create a gooey texture.
  • Vegan Butter: A dairy-free alternative that helps melt the marshmallows and adds richness to the treats.
Chocolate Topping:
  • Vegan Chocolate Chips: Dairy-free chocolate that adds an extra layer of decadent chocolate flavor when melted and drizzled on top.
Optional Add-Ins:
  • Non-Stick Spray: A helpful tool for greasing the baking pan to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the treats.

Making Vegan Krispie Treats Simple

Step 1: Prepare Baking Pan

Grab your trusty 8×8-inch pan and give it a generous coating of non-stick spray or vegan butter.

This will ensure your treats slide out like a dream.

Step 2: Melt Marshmallow Magic

Fire up a large pot and set it to medium-low heat.

Gently melt vegan butter, then toss in marshmallows.

Stir constantly with love until they transform into a silky, gooey wonderland.

Ingredients:
  • Vegan butter
  • Marshmallows

Step 3: Create Chocolatey Crunch

Pour your cocoa rice cereal into the marshmallow mixture.

Stir with enthusiasm until every single piece is coated in sweet, chocolatey goodness.

Step 4: Add Marshmallow Surprise

Sprinkle in extra marshmallows for unexpected pockets of gooey delight.

This secret weapon adds texture and excitement to each bite.

Step 5: Shape Your Treats

Gently press the mixture into your prepared pan.

Use soft, even pressure to create a smooth, inviting surface.

Step 6: Drizzle Chocolate Decadence

Melt vegan chocolate chips and create beautiful drizzles across the top.

Let your inner artist run wild with chocolate patterns.

Step 7: Slice And Savor

Allow treats to cool completely.

Slice into squares and indulge in your vegan chocolatey creation.

Share with friends or keep them all to yourself – we won’t judge!

Tricks For The Best Vegan Krispie Treats

  • Use parchment paper for easy removal and cleaner cutting of treats.
  • Stir constantly and keep heat low to prevent burning or sticking.
  • Sprinkle extra cocoa powder into marshmallow mixture for deeper chocolate taste.
  • Let treats cool completely before cutting to ensure clean, crisp edges.
  • Place pan in refrigerator for 15 minutes to set chocolate drizzle faster.

Change Up Vegan Krispie Treats With These Ideas

  • Gluten-Free Cocoa Crunch: Replace rice cereal with gluten-free rice puffs or corn-based crispy cereal for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Protein-Packed Marshmallow Bars: Add a scoop of vegan chocolate protein powder to the marshmallow mixture for extra nutrition and protein boost.
  • Nutty Chocolate Drizzle: Sprinkle chopped almonds or crushed pecans on top of the chocolate drizzle for added crunch and nutty flavor.
  • Coconut Chocolate Fusion: Mix shredded coconut into the marshmallow mixture and use coconut-based vegan chocolate for a tropical-inspired treat.

Sweet Ways To Serve Krispie Treats

  • Sweet Party Platter: Create a festive dessert board with these vegan hot cocoa Rice Krispie treats, surrounding them with fresh berries, coconut flakes, and extra chocolate drizzle for a stunning presentation.
  • Cozy Afternoon Snack: Pair these treats with a warm mug of plant-based hot chocolate or almond milk for a comforting, indulgent break during chilly afternoons.
  • Gift-Worthy Goodness: Wrap individual treats in parchment paper with a cute ribbon, making them perfect homemade gifts for friends, family, or holiday care packages.
  • Movie Night Munchies: Serve these chocolatey squares during movie night as a delightful vegan dessert that everyone can enjoy, creating a nostalgic and fun snacking experience.

How To Keep Vegan Krispie Treats Fresh

  • Store treats in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and preventing sticking.
  • Wrap individual treats tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months, preserving texture and flavor.
  • Keep treats covered at room temperature in a sealed container for 2-3 days, maintaining their soft and chewy consistency.
  • Warm briefly in microwave for 5-10 seconds on low power to restore softness, being careful not to overheat and lose texture.

FAQs

  • Are these treats gluten-free?

The cocoa rice cereal used might contain gluten, so check the packaging carefully. Some brands offer gluten-free options that would work perfectly for this recipe.

  • Can I make these treats without chocolate drizzle?

Absolutely! The chocolate drizzle is optional. The treats will still be delicious and gooey without the extra chocolate topping.

  • How do I prevent the marshmallow mixture from sticking to my spatula?

Lightly grease your spatula with non-stick spray or vegan butter before mixing. This will help the mixture slide off easily and make stirring smoother.

  • What can I do if my marshmallows aren't melting smoothly?

Keep the heat low and stir constantly. If they’re not melting evenly, add a small splash of non-dairy milk to help create a smoother consistency.

Reasons To Try Vegan Cocoa Krispie Treats

  • Quicken Dessert Prep: Whip up these vegan hot cocoa Rice Krispie treats in just a few simple steps, making it a super fast and stress-free recipe for sweet cravings.
  • Boost Kid-Friendly Fun: Chocolate and marshmallow combine to create a playful treat that children will absolutely love, perfect for after-school snacks or weekend treats.
  • Customize Chocolate Delight: Drizzle extra melted vegan chocolate on top for a decadent touch, allowing easy personalization and making each batch unique and exciting.
  • Plant-Based Comfort Treat: Enjoy a nostalgic dessert that's completely vegan-friendly, proving that plant-based treats can be just as delicious and indulgent as traditional versions.
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Vegan Hot Cocoa Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

Vegan Hot Cocoa Rice Krispie Treats Recipe


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4.8 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Nostalgic vegan hot cocoa rice krispie treats blend childhood comfort with modern plant-based magic, creating a sweet marshmallow marvel that delights dessert enthusiasts. Rich chocolate notes and crispy texture invite you to savor each delightful bite of this cozy winter indulgence.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 7 cups cocoa rice cereal
  • 3 cups vegan marshmallows (plus 1 cup reserved)

Binding Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) vegan butter

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) vegan chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Prepare a clean 8×8-inch baking pan by coating it generously with vegan butter, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
  2. Place vegan butter in a large pot and melt over medium-low heat until completely liquefied and smooth.
  3. Add 3 cups of vegan marshmallows to the melted butter, stirring continuously for 5-7 minutes until the marshmallows transform into a silky, uniform mixture.
  4. Pour cocoa rice cereal into the marshmallow mixture, gently folding and mixing until every crispy piece is evenly coated with the marshmallow blend.
  5. Incorporate the remaining 1 cup of marshmallows, creating pockets of gooey texture throughout the treat mixture.
  6. Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan, using a spatula or dampened hands to press and distribute evenly, creating a uniform layer.
  7. Gently melt vegan chocolate chips using a double boiler or microwave, ensuring a smooth, glossy consistency.
  8. Drizzle the melted chocolate across the surface of the Rice Krispie treats in an artistic pattern.
  9. Allow the treats to cool and set at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes until the chocolate hardens and the treats stabilize.
  10. Using a sharp knife, slice into square portions and serve immediately for optimal texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Grease pan thoroughly to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of treats.
  • Use a silicone spatula when mixing marshmallows and cereal to keep mixture from burning and distribute ingredients evenly.
  • For extra decadence, sprinkle sea salt or crushed nuts on top of melted chocolate drizzle to enhance flavor complexity.
  • Create gluten-free version by selecting certified gluten-free rice cereal and checking marshmallow ingredients for potential gluten contamination.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 201
  • Sugar: 11 g
  • Sodium: 70 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Michael Reyes

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
  • Developing easy single-serving recipes
  • Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.

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