Recipe

Healthy Vegan Rice Krispie Treats

By Manon Blackman at Northwestern University

What's a vegan college student to do when a craving for sweet, tasty squares of Rice Krispies hits?Unfortunately, marshmallows contain gelatin, a protein obtained by boiling skin, tendons, ligaments, and/or bones with water. These vegan Rice Krispie treats omit marshmallow and use dates and peanut butter for a sticky sweet treat that does not contain refined sugars, and will please both vegans and non-vegans alike. Bonus: These guys are also gluten-free, for your gluten-free friends.

Healthy Vegan Rice Krispie Treats

  • Prep Time: 1 hr
  • Total Time: 1 hr
  • Servings: 4
Ingredients
  • 1 cup pitted Medjool dates
  • 3/4 cup peanut butter or other nut butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3 cups rice puffs
  • pinch salt
  • water as needed

Sierra Gaw

Step 1

Add dates, nut butter, vanilla and salt into a blender or food processor.

Sierra Gaw

Step 2

Use the blender to mix.

Sierra Gaw

Step 3

Microwave the mixture for 30 seconds to soften.

Leanna Smith

Step 4

Blend the warmed mixture until a sticky, thick paste is formed, stirring as needed. Add water in very small increments, only if needed.

Sierra Gaw

Step 5

Transfer mixture to a bowl, adding the rice puffs.

Sierra Gaw

Step 6

Mix with your hands until the puffs are coated.

Sierra Gaw

Step 7

Press firmly into a baking dish.

Sierra Gaw

Step 8

Refrigerate for 30 minutes or until firm.

Step 9

Slice and enjoy. These are best refrigerated.

Sierra Gaw

The next time a craving for these childhood favorites hit, make a healthier, gluten-free, vegan version using this recipe. Substitute the gelatin for dates and peanut butter for an alternative that doesn't sacrifice taste.