What can you use instead of marshmallows for Rice Krispie Treats?

Rice Krispie treats are a classic snack made by melting marshmallows and butter and mixing them with crisped rice cereal. The gooey marshmallows act as a binder to hold the crunchy cereal together. But what if you want to make Rice Krispie treats and you don’t have any marshmallows? Luckily, there are a number of substitutes you can use in place of marshmallows to make tasty homemade Rice Krispie treats.

Quick Answer

Some quick substitutes for marshmallows in Rice Krispie treats include marshmallow creme, marshmallow fluff, white chocolate, nut butter, sweetened condensed milk, frosting, and candy melts.

Marshmallow Creme/Fluff

Marshmallow creme (such as Fluff) is an excellent substitute for marshmallows in Rice Krispie treats. It has the same sweet marshmallow flavor and provides the sticky texture needed to hold the rice cereal together. Simply combine butter and marshmallow creme over low heat until melted and smooth, then stir in the rice cereal. Marshmallow creme may need a bit more cereal stirred in to achieve the right consistency compared to melted marshmallows.

White Chocolate

White chocolate makes a tasty substitution for marshmallows in Rice Krispie treats. Melt the white chocolate with the butter, then mix in the crisped rice cereal. The white chocolate provides sweetness and a binding texture without being overly rich. Chopped white chocolate can also be mixed into the traditional marshmallow Rice Krispie treats recipe for extra flavor and texture.

Nut Butter

For a twist on the classic recipe, swap marshmallows for nut butter, such as almond butter, peanut butter or sunflower seed butter. Simply melt the nut butter with the butter until smooth and fluid, then fold in the rice cereal. Nut butter provides nutty flavor and helps bind the ingredients together. You may need to add a bit of honey or maple syrup to balance out the nuttiness and achieve the desired sweetness.

Sweetened Condensed Milk

Sweetened condensed milk is an easy substitution for marshmallows, giving a creamy and sweet flavor. Melt the sweetened condensed milk with the butter, then mix in the crisped rice cereal until fully coated. The smooth, thick condensed milk acts as the glue to hold the rice cereal together. You can use full-fat or low-fat sweetened condensed milk in this recipe.

Frosting

Frosting or icing can be used in place of marshmallows in Rice Krispie treats. Stir the frosting and melted butter together until smooth, then fold in the rice cereal. Frosting provides quick binding power and delicious flavor to the snack. Cream cheese frosting, vanilla frosting, chocolate frosting or peanut butter frosting would all taste great in this recipe.

Candy Melts

For a chocolatey twist, substitute marshmallows with candy melts or chocolate. Melt the candy melts or chocolate with the butter, mix in the rice cereal, then press into a pan and allow to set up. The candy coating gives a nice chocolate flavor and helps hold the crisped rice cereal together. Break into chunks or slices when cool and hardened.

Other Creative Substitutions

If you don’t have typical pantry baking ingredients on hand, get creative with these substitutions for marshmallows in Rice Krispie treats:

  • Jam or jelly – Any flavor jam or jelly can provide sweetness and binding power. Heat it with the butter before mixing in the cereal.
  • Applesauce – Substitute marshmallows with equal parts applesauce to act as the glue for the crisped rice. Spice it up with cinnamon applesauce for extra flavor.
  • Banana – Mash ripe bananas with the melted butter, then mix in the cereal. Bananas act as a natural binder.
  • Nutella – For a chocolate-hazelnut flavor, use Nutella in place of marshmallows in the recipe.
  • Honey – Honey provides sweetness and a slight chewy texture. Heat with the butter before adding rice cereal.
  • Maple syrup – Maple syrup gives a delicious flavor and helps hold the rice cereal together when substituted for marshmallows.
  • Ice cream – Let ice cream melt and stir it with butter before mixing in the crisped rice for a cool, creamy treat.

Tips for Perfect Results

When substituting for marshmallows in Rice Krispie treats, there are some helpful tips to ensure you achieve the perfect texture and flavor:

  • Use butter – Always melt a few tablespoons of butter with your marshmallow substitute to help bind the ingredients together.
  • Undercook slightly – It’s better to remove the Rice Krispie treats from heat slightly underdone, as they will continue to set up as they cool.
  • Avoid soggy cereal – Use just enough marshmallow substitute to coat the cereal without making it soggy.
  • Chill before cutting – Allow Rice Krispie treats to fully cool and set in the refrigerator before slicing for cleaner cuts.
  • Work quickly – Stir in the cereal and press into the pan swiftly before the marshmallow substitute has a chance to fully set.
  • Watch heat carefully – Low, gentle heat prevents scorching when melting substitutes like chocolate, jam or frosting.

Substitution Ratio

As a general guideline, use about 1 1/2 cups of your marshmallow substitute for every 3 cups of rice cereal. However, you may need to adjust the ratio depending on the thickness of the substitute ingredient. Test the consistency and add more cereal or substitute as needed to achieve the right texture.

Recipe Ideas

Get creative with these recipe ideas using marshmallow substitute ingredients:

  • Chocolate Hazelnut Rice Krispie Treats – Use Nutella instead of marshmallows
  • S’mores Rice Krispie Treats – Substitute marshmallow creme and add graham cracker crumbs
  • Cookie Dough Rice Krispie Treats – Use frosting and add cookie dough chunks
  • Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats – Use peanut butter as the substitute
  • Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats – Substitute with pumpkin butter and add pumpkin pie spice
  • Sweet & Salty Rice Krispie Treats – Use sweetened condensed milk and add potato chips

Storing and Serving

Store homemade Rice Krispie treats made with marshmallow substitutes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months. Allow refrigerated or frozen treats to come to room temperature before serving.

Rice Krispie treats made without marshmallows make a great snack served on their own or paired with fruits like strawberries or bananas. They can also be incorporated into all kinds of dessert recipes like ice cream sandwiches, layered trifles and decorated rice cereal treats bars.

With a variety of easy ingredient swaps, you don’t have to miss out on homemade Rice Krispie treats just because you don’t have marshmallows. Give one of these marshmallow substitute ideas a try for a fresh new twist on the classic crispy, chewy treat!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you make Rice Krispie treats without marshmallows?

Yes, you can absolutely make Rice Krispie treats without marshmallows! There are many substituted ingredients that can act as a stand-in for marshmallows, providing sweetness and a binding texture to hold the crisped rice cereal together. Some popular options include marshmallow creme, chocolate, nut butters, sweetened condensed milk, frosting, and more.

What is the best marshmallow substitute?

The best substitute for marshmallows will provide a similar sticky, gooey texture to bind the rice cereal. Marshmallow creme or marshmallow fluff are the most similar replacements in terms of flavor and texture. White chocolate, sweetened condensed milk, frosting, and candy melts also work very well in place of marshmallows.

Do you really need butter to make Rice Krispie treats?

Butter is highly recommended for making great Rice Krispie treats, even when using a marshmallow substitute. The butter helps the marshmallow substitute melt evenly and creates an adhesion to hold the cereal together. Typically 1-3 tablespoons of butter is all you need for 3 cups of rice cereal.

Can I use coconut oil instead of butter?

Yes, you can substitute butter with coconut oil when making Rice Krispie treats. Simply use the same amount of coconut oil as the butter called for in the recipe (usually 1-3 tablespoons). The coconut oil will melt and bind with the marshmallow substitute in the same way as regular butter.

What makes Rice Krispie treats sticky?

The stickiness of Rice Krispie treats comes from heating and melting the marshmallows or marshmallow substitute ingredient. When marshmallows melt, they provide a viscous, glue-like texture that coats and adheres to the rice cereal. Butter helps facilitate an even distribution of the melted marshmallow or substitute for ultimate stickiness and binding power.

Conclusion

Rice Krispie treats don’t have to be boring or only made one way. With a simple marshmallow substitute, you can give this classic snack a tasty twist. Whether you use nut butter, chocolate, sweetened condensed milk or other creative ingredients, you can craft homemade Rice Krispie treats even without marshmallows on hand. Just remember to use a little butter for binding power and allow the treats to fully set before slicing and serving. So next time you get a craving for crispy, chewy rice cereal treats, don’t let a lack of marshmallows stop you from enjoying this favorite snack!

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