I am so excited to share today's Peppermint Bark Rice Krispie Treats with you guys! Rice Krispie Treats have always been one of my favorites, so I am so excited to bring you a plant based alternative to the classic. These Vegan Rice Krispie Treats are the perfect quick, easy, and festive treat that everyone is sure to love!
Ingredients For These Peppermint Bark Rice Krispie Treats:
- Rice Crisps - It's super important to choose the right type of rice crisps for this recipe. Traditional rice crisps are highly processed and full of added sugars and artificial flavors. I am a huge fan of this brand, and use their products all the time! They're refined sugar-free, and made with simple whole foods plant based ingredients. It's also important to note that traditional rice krispies are most likely not vegan because of the added Vitamin D, so try to look for a certified vegan option.
- Vegan Marshmallows - There are quite a few brands of vegan marshmallows out there, and they truly are all wonderful. if you're looking for the best tasting, and the one I used for these Peppermint Bark Rice Krispies, get these ones. If you're looking for the healthiest, get these ones. They're definitely pricier, and will result in a different texture, but they will work.
- Plant Based Butter - Choosing the right butter for this recipe is extremely important. Many vegan butters are full of canola oil and flavorings. I rarely use vegan butter in my recipes, but when I do it is always Miyoko's Creamery.
- Vanilla Extract - Helps to tie all the flavors together. If you're a big fan of peppermint, you can use pure peppermint extract in place of the vanilla for a stronger flavor.
- Plant Based Dark Chocolate - Any plant based chocolate will work perfectly for this recipe. I recommend using chocolate chips, because they don't get as hard when dry. It's important to look for a chocolate that is made with whole foods plant based ingredients. I linked my go-to!
- Plant Based Candy Canes - Make sure to use candy canes that are naturally colored. Red food dye is one of the worst artificial food dyes you can eat. Luckily there are plenty of options for healthy alternatives!
How To Make These Peppermint Bark Rice Krispie Treats:
These Peppermint Bark Rice Krispie Treats are the perfect quick and easy vegan Christmas treat to make. All you need is a large bowl, a large pot, and a 9 X 13 baking dish.
Begin by measuring out the crispy rice and adding to the large bowl. Once you start cooking the marshmallows, you will need to work fast. Therefore it's best to have everything prepped and ready to go.
Add the butter to the large pot and turn to high. Once the butter has melted completely, add the marshmallows. Stir continuously until the marshmallows have all melted and you have one solid gooey mixture. Add the vanilla extract and continue stirring until combined.
Add the mixture to the crispy rice and mix quickly. Continue mixing until all of the crispy rice is coated and forms one solid block.
Press the rice krispie mixture into the 9x13 (it helps to grease is with a little oil to prevent any sticking). Covered and allow to chill on the counter for 3 hours.
Once the mixture has hardened, cut into squares. Add the candy canes to a bag and crush into small pieces. Melt the plant based chocolate. Add to a piping bag, or zip lock bag and cut a small hole in the corner. Drizzle the chocolate over the treats. Sprinkle the crushed candy canes over the chocolate immediately while the chocolate is still wet. Wait for the chocolate to harden, then serve and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions:
How Long Do These Peppermint Bark Rice Krispie Treats Keep?
These Peppermint Bark Rice Krispie Treats are the perfect holiday treat to make early on in the season, because they keep super well! Since they're vegan and made with plant based ingredients, they keep longer than the non vegan alternative.
I recommend storing these treats in an air-tight container on the countertop. If you refrigerate them, they will dry out a bit. You can store them in the refrigerator ( I don't recommend), but it's extra important to store them in air-tight containers, or vacuum sealed bags. If stored properly these can store on the counter for 2-3 weeks.
Are Puffed Rice And Crispy Rice The Same Thing?
When I was first testing this recipe the first thing I grabbed off the shelf was puffed rice. I did this, because puffed rice is a single ingredient food, and I thought it would be the best and healthiest way to create this recipe.
However I quickly realized that puffed rice was not going to work for these Peppermint Bark Rice Krispie Treats. Puffed rice does not have the same crisp that crispy rice has (obviously), and the grains are way too thick. This makes it hard for them all to stick together and make a perfect square treat.
It is technically possible to use puffed rice, but I wouldn't recommend it. The crispy rice I have linked is a whole foods plant based option that I absolutely love using.
What Makes These Rice Krispie Treats Healthy?
Although this recipe may not be one of my healthiest recipes, I can guarantee that it is much healthier than other rice krispie treat recipes. First and foremost, this recipe is vegan. That means that there are no animal products (such as gelatin) used in this recipe. This helps to lower the saturated fat, and calorie density of the treats.
This recipe is also higher in fiber thanks to the vegan and plant based ingredients. Having more fiber in desserts help them to not spike your blood sugar as much, and keep you fuller longer. I always try to make sure that all the main ingredients contain fiber.
Related Vegan Recipes With Mint:
- Best Mint Chocolate Brownies
- Vegan Candy Cane Cookies
- Mint Chocolate Chip Popsicles
- Peppermint Overnight Oats
Peppermint Bark Rice Krispie Treats
Equipment
- 1 large pot
- 1 9x13
Ingredients
- 2 10 oz bags vegan marshmallows
- ¾ cup plant based butter I recommend Miyoko's Creamery
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 7 ½ cups crispy rice about 2 boxes of the one I linked
- ⅔ cups plant based chocolate chips
- ¼ cup crushed candy canes
Instructions
- Begin by measuring out the crispy rice and adding to the large bowl. Once you start cooking the marshmallows, you will need to work fast. Therefore it's best to have everything prepped and ready to go.
- Add the butter to the large pot and turn to high. Once the butter has melted completely, add the marshmallows. Stir continuously until the marshmallows have all melted and you have one solid gooey mixture. Add the vanilla extract and continue stirring until combined.
- Add the mixture to the crispy rice and mix quickly. Continue mixing until all of the crispy rice is coated and forms one solid block.
- Press the rice krispie mixture into the 9x13 (it helps to grease is with a little oil to prevent any sticking). Covered and allow to chill on the counter for 3 hours.
- Once the mixture has hardened, cut into squares. Add the candy canes to a bag and crush into small pieces. Melt the plant based chocolate. Add to a piping bag, or zip lock bag and cut a small hole in the corner. Drizzle the chocolate over the treats. Sprinkle the crushed candy canes over the chocolate immediately while the chocolate is still wet. Wait for the chocolate to harden, then serve and enjoy!
Shelby
Ohh love the peppermint chocolate flavor twist on a classic, so tasty!
Jess
So tasty and perfect for the holidays
Jacqui
These are so fun and festive!
Elena
We had lots of fun making them and they turned out just delicious. Great recipe!
Sage
Since marshmallows are a no-go for alpha gals (darn gelatin), I'm excited to try the vegan marshmallows you recommend. I've been craving Rice Krispie treats, and these sound especially festive for this time of year! Can't wait to give them a try!
Melissa
Thank you, this will be a great holiday treat!
Andrea
such a fun treat!!!
Tianna
So great for Christmas trays thank you