Quick Answer
There are several tasty substitutes for marshmallows that can be used to make delicious rice crispy treats. Some popular options include:
– Mini marshmallows
– Marshmallow fluff or marshmallow creme
– White chocolate chips
– Peanut butter chips
– Butterscotch chips
– Toffee bits
– Crushed candy canes
– Chopped nuts like peanuts, almonds, or cashews
The key is to use an ingredient that will melt and bind the crisped rice cereal together. Marshmallows, marshmallow fluff, white chocolate, peanut butter chips, and butterscotch chips will all work well in this regard. You can also mix and match multiple substitutes, like white chocolate chips and chopped nuts.
Why Use Substitutes for Marshmallows in Rice Crispy Treats?
There are a few reasons you may want to use an alternative to marshmallows in rice crispy treats:
– Dietary restrictions – Marshmallows contain gelatin, which some people avoid for religious, vegetarian, or vegan reasons. Substitutes like marshmallow creme, chocolate chips, or nut butters allow you to adapt the recipe.
– Avoid excess sugar – Large marshmallows can make rice crispy treats very sweet. Mini marshmallows, dark chocolate, or peanut butter chips help cut some of that sweetness.
– Change up flavors – Ingredients like peanut butter, butterscotch, or candy canes bring totally new flavors to the classic rice cereal treat. It adds variety to the recipe.
– Marshmallows not on hand – You may be out of regular marshmallows but have mini marshmallows or chocolate chips that can work.
– Make treats gluten-free – Regular marshmallows contain gluten, so using mini marshmallows, marshmallow creme, or chocolate chips makes the recipe gluten-free.
Substitutions for Marshmallows in Rice Crispy Treats
Here is more detail on how to use some popular marshmallow substitutions in rice crispy treats:
Mini Marshmallows
Mini marshmallows work beautifully in place of large marshmallows. Since mini marshmallows are smaller, you typically need about 2 cups of mini marshmallows to replace 1 cup of large marshmallows. The mini marshmallows melt and bind the rice cereal together just like regular sized marshmallows.
Marshmallow Fluff/Creme
Marshmallow fluff or marshmallow creme, like Marshmallow Fluff brand, is a sweet whipped marshmallow spread. It can be swapped in 1:1 for the marshmallows in rice crispy treats. The creamy, melt-able texture integrates perfectly into the rice cereal mixture.
White Chocolate Chips
White chocolate chips add sweetness and moisture to rice crispy treats. Use about 1 cup of white chocolate chips in place of 1 cup of marshmallows. The white chocolate melts during baking or microwaving to bind the ingredients together.
Peanut Butter Chips
For a delicious peanut butter flavor, use 1 cup peanut butter chips instead of 1 cup marshmallows. The peanut butter chips get soft and gooey when heated to stick the rice cereal together.
Butterscotch Chips
Butterscotch chips have a wonderful buttery, brown sugar flavor. Swap 1:1 for marshmallows in the recipe. When melted, butterscotch chips create an amazing sweet and salty taste.
Toffee Bits
For texture and crunch, mix in 1/2 to 1 cup chopped toffee bits. The toffee maintains some crispy texture vs. melting completely like marshmallows.
Candy Canes
Crush up candy canes and stir in as a festive marshmallow replacement. Use about 1 cup crushed candy canes for 1 cup marshmallows. This adds sweet, minty flavor and red and white flecks of color.
Chopped Nuts
Chopped nuts like peanuts, cashews or almonds can provide nutty flavor and crunch. Use 1/2 to 1 cup chopped nuts in addition to or in place of some marshmallows. The nuts don’t entirely replace the binding effect, so also use mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, etc.
Steps for Making Rice Crispy Treats Without Marshmallows
Here is a basic recipe method for rice crispy treats without marshmallows:
Ingredients
– 6 cups rice cereal
– 1-2 cups marshmallow substitute (see options above)
– 1-2 tablespoons butter
– Optional: 1/2 cup mix-ins like sprinkles, chocolate chips, etc.
Instructions
1. Grease an 8×8 inch pan with butter or nonstick spray. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Place the cereal in a large bowl. Melt the butter in a saucepan or microwave safe bowl.
3. Add in your marshmallow substitute(s) to the melted butter. Stir over low heat until fully melted and smooth.
4. Pour the melted marshmallow mixture over the rice cereal. Gently fold together until evenly combined.
5. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan using a spoon or spatula.
6. Allow it to fully cool and set before cutting into squares. Store in an airtight container.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make rice crispy treats without any marshmallows?
It’s challenging to make authentic crispy rice cereal treats with no marshmallow product at all. Something needs to act as the sticky binding agent. Your best bet is to use marshmallow creme, marshmallow fluff, or mini marshmallows to stay close to the classic.
Do I need to use butter if I use marshmallow fluff?
Butter is optional, but recommended, when using marshmallow fluff. The butter helps thin out the fluff and enhances spreading and binding. Start with 1-2 tbsp melted butter.
Do rice crispy treats made with chocolate turn out well?
Yes, chocolate chips or white chocolate make excellent substitutions for marshmallows. The chocolate provides sweetness and melts smoothly to bind the ingredients. Mini marshmallows can also be used along with the chocolate.
How long do rice crispy treats with marshmallow substitutes keep?
Most varieties should keep 5-7 days stored at room temperature in an airtight container. Treats made with chocolate or peanut butter can be stored slightly longer, around 1-2 weeks. Keep an eye out for staleness.
Can I make crispy rice bars gluten-free?
Yes! Choose gluten-free rice cereal and avoid mallow-based marshmallows. Opt for mini marshmallows, marshmallow creme, chocolate chips, peanut butter, etc. Check labels to confirm gluten-free status.
Creative Flavor Combinations
Experiment with these fun rice crispy treat flavor ideas:
– Butterscotch + Sea Salt
– Chocolate Hazelnut
– Cheesecake – with cream cheese and graham crackers
– Neapolitan – chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla
– Pumpkin Spice – with pumpkin puree and fall spices
– Cookie Dough – with cookie dough chunks
– Mint Chocolate Chip – with mint extract and chocolate chips
– Tropical – with coconut and dried pineapple
The possibilities are endless when it comes to rice crispy treat recipes without marshmallows!
Conclusion
With a range of tasty marshmallow substitutes like mini marshmallows, marshmallow creme, chocolate chips, peanut butter, and more, you can easily make incredible rice crispy treats without regular marshmallows. Get creative with different add-in combinations and flavors. Be sure to use an ingredient that will act as the sticky binding agent for the crisped rice cereal. With the right substitution, your rice crispy treats will still come out perfectly chewy and delicious.