Do you love Rice Krispie treats but want to look for an alternative to the traditional recipe’s use of butter?
We’ll explore options you can try as a substitute for butter in rice krispie treats.
They might be vegan-friendly dairy alternatives or pantry staples but all without sacrificing taste!
So keep reading if you want to learn more about ways to get creative and add a delicious twist to your favorite gooey treat.
What Are Rice Krispie Treats?
Rice Krispie Treats are a confectionery most commonly made by combining Kellogg’s Rice Krispies or another form of crisp rice cereal with melted marshmallows and butter.
The sweet treats are then pressed into a pan or mold, allowing them to cool and set before being cut into squares or shapes.
Rice Krispie Treats can also be made with various flavors and ingredients, such as chocolate, peanut butter, sprinkles, and more.
Rice Krispie Treats are popular among kids and adults alike for their delicious taste and easy-to-make recipe.
They can also be used creatively to make other desserts like cakes or cupcakes.
Substitutes For Butter In Rice Krispie Treats
Rice Krispie Treats are a classic snack for kids and adults alike.
But plenty of options are available if you want to look for an alternative to traditional butter.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a type of fat that comes from the flesh of coconuts.
It has a mild, nutty flavor and is naturally extracted without harsh chemicals or solvents.
Coconut oil is very stable and highly saturated, making it ideal for high-heat cooking such as sautéing, baking, and frying.
It also has a high smoke point, meaning it will not burn or smoke when heated.
When making rice krispie treats, coconut oil binds and holds together the cereal mixture.
Because it is highly saturated and heat-stable, coconut oil can withstand cooking heat without burning.
It also helps give the treats their chewy texture and flavor.
Coconut oil is also a healthier alternative to traditional butter, which makes these treats even more delicious.
Margarine
Margarine is a butter-like spread made from vegetable oils.
It has a similar texture to butter but is much lower in saturated fat and cholesterol.
Margarine is often used in cooking and baking as an alternative to butter, most notably in the classic Rice Krispie Treats.
To make the treats, margarine is melted together with marshmallows and then mixed with the Rice Krispies cereal.
The mixture is spread into a pan and cooled, resulting in delicious treats with a soft, chewy texture.
Margarine works perfectly for this recipe because it easily melts with marshmallows and helps bind the rice krispies together without overpowering its flavor.
It’s also much healthier than butter, so it’s a great choice for anyone looking to make a healthier version of this classic treat.
Applesauce
Applesauce is a puree made from cooking apples and straining the pulp.
Instead of melting butter in a pot, you can combine marshmallows with applesauce on low heat to achieve the same result.
The combination creates an even creamier texture for the final product.
Applesauce can also be a healthier alternative, reducing calories and fat intake.
Additionally, applesauce adds a slight tartness that complements the sweetness of the rice krispie treats.
To make this delicious treat even more flavorful, add various spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
Lastly, applesauce makes excellent rice krispie treats by adding a crisp texture to the final product.
Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is a paste made from ground dry roasted peanuts. It is typically used as a spread or in baking and cooking recipes.
When making traditional rice krispie treats, the butter can be substituted with an equal amount of peanut butter for a nuttier flavor.
The consistency of the melted peanut butter should resemble that of melted butter to bind the puffed rice cereal together successfully.
Adding peanut butter provides a different flavor profile than traditional treats, giving them an interesting twist!
Sweet Cream Butter
Sweet cream butter is produced by churning pasteurized cream or milk until it attains a partially solid texture.
It has a smooth, creamy texture and is often used in baking recipes that call for an extra level of richness.
In the United States, sweet cream butter typically contains about 80 percent butterfat.
While cultured sweet cream butter has a slightly higher fat content (84 percent).
When making rice krispie treats, sweet cream butter provides that special layer of flavor and texture.
It is melted in the pan with the marshmallows until smooth, then added to the cereal mixture before it’s pressed into the baking dish.
This helps bind all ingredients together into that classic chewy and crunchy treat.
Sweet cream butter is often used in other dessert recipes, such as chocolate chip cookies and brownies.
FAQs
Can Rice Krispie Treats Be Made Without Butter?
Yes! You can make Rice Krispie Treats without butter using various alternative ingredients like margarine, peanut butter, or applesauce.
Ensure you use enough to bind the cereal and coat it evenly.
Try substituting honey or maple syrup for some butter for an even healthier treat.
Additionally, vegan-friendly recipes that use nut or seed-based butter are also available.
Can Margarine Replace Butter In Rice Krispie Treats?
Yes, you can use margarine instead of butter in Rice Krispie treats.
Margarine usually has a higher water content than butter, so heat the mixture until it boils for about 1-2 minutes before adding the cereal.
This helps to evaporate the extra water and will help create a firmer rice krispie treat.
Can Oil Replace Butter In Rice Krispie Treats?
Yes, you can use oil instead of butter when making Rice Krispie Treats.
The oil will give the treat a slightly more chewy texture than the butter does.
Mix 1/3 cup vegetable oil with 6 cups of marshmallows for best results and stir until completely melted.
After that, add 5 cups of Rice Krispies cereal to the mix and stir until all of the cereal is evenly coated.
When you are done, transfer the mixture to a pan and leave it to cool before cutting into bars.
Conclusion
Rice Krispie Treats are a classic snack that can be enjoyed by kids and adults alike.
Using substitutes for butter, such as coconut oil, applesauce, margarine, peanut butter, or sweet cream butter, is a great way to add flavor and texture without using traditional ingredients.
These options can also provide health benefits while still keeping the delicious flavor and chewy texture of the classic treat.
With these options, you can make a healthier version of the classic Rice Krispie Treat while still enjoying all its deliciousness!
