Strawberry Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats

I totally have a thing for Rice Krispie Treats. I just love the combination of crunchy cereal with gooey marshmallows. Even though I adore marshmallows, I stopped eating them years ago because they aren't vegetarian (insert sad face). When I discovered Dandies Marshmallows (which are vegetarian/vegan) my sweets/baking world became full again. I can enjoy s'mores and Rice Krispies now (and I won't lie, I indulge often). Dandies are a little slower to melt than regular marshmallows, but they get there eventually....and I would bet that most people cannot even tell the difference in texture and flavor. So if you are vegan or vegetarian check Dandies out! You can easily find them at Whole Foods and other health food stores. Enjoy this fun take on a Rice Krispie treat! 

Ingredients:

1 stick of vegan butter OR regular butter

2 - 10oz packages of Dandie's Vegan Marshmallows (you can use regular marshmallows if you eat animal products)

1/2 cup sweetened condensed coconut OR sweetened condensed oat milk (you can use regular milk if not vegan)

1 tsp vanilla extract

9 cups of Rice Krispies or puffed brown rice cereal of your choice

1.2 oz package of freeze dried strawberries (I find these easily at Trader Joe's. It is roughly 1 1/3 cup - you don't have to be precise on these), slightly crushed 

3/4 cup vegan chocolate chips, melted 

Directions: 

Line a 9×13-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.  Leave some of the paper hanging over the edges. 

In a large pot, melt the butter over low heat. Add marshmallows, then stir together just until the marshmallows are melted through. Vegan marshmallows melt more slowly than regular marshmallows, so be patient and take your time....it seems at first like they won't melt and come together, but they will, I promise.

Once the marshmallows are melted and smooth, remove from heat.  Stir in the sweetened condensed coconut milk, and vanilla extract. Add rice krispie cereal to the pot - just add a couple cups at a time. Gently fold together, making sure the cereal is evenly coated.  Add 1 cup lightly crushed freeze-dried strawberries and stir together until combined.

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.  I like to take a square of parchment and use it to smooth the Krispies down so they are flat and even. Give this a try - it works really well for me. 

In a small bowl, add chocolate chips. Microwave for one minute. Remove from microwave and stir. If the chips are melted, go for another 30 seconds. Again, remove and stir. You want the chips to be totally smooth. If they still are not at this point, try another 15 seconds. Drizzle the melted chocolate on top of the rice krispie treats. Sprinkle remaining 1/3 cup freeze-dried strawberries on top.

Set aside to cool for one hour or so. I like to put mine in the refrigerator to set the chocolate more quickly. Also, when they are slightly cold it makes them easier to cut into squares. Enjoy!! YUM!