Easter Inspired Rice Krispie Treats
Easter Inspired Rice Krispie Treats
Each holiday season at the daycare brings a flurry of delightful treats, most of which contain ingredients that Hammie must avoid.
As the holiday season rolls in, it’s a time of excitement and joy, especially for the little ones. However, for parents like me, whose children have dietary restrictions, each festive occasion comes with its unique set of challenges. My son, Hammie, has a dairy allergy, which means I’m always on a quest to create something special and safe for him to enjoy. This pursuit of inclusivity has become a tradition in its own right, ensuring that no one feels left out during celebrations. This Easter at Hammie’s daycare, I decided to whip up a batch of dairy-free Rice Krispie treats, a simple yet beloved classic that I knew every child could enjoy.
The Inspiration
Each holiday season at the daycare brings a flurry of delightful treats, most of which contain ingredients that Hammie must avoid. Watching him on the sidelines, unable to partake in the joy of shared goodies, tugged at my heartstrings. I made it my mission to ensure he, and any child with dietary restrictions, could dive into the festivities with the same enthusiasm as their peers. It’s not just about the food; it’s about the shared experience, the laughter, and the memories made around the snack table.
The Journey
Transforming traditional recipes into allergy-friendly versions has been both a challenge and a joy. It’s a balancing act between maintaining the essence of the treat and ensuring it’s safe for everyone. The key? Creativity, patience, and a lot of love. The internet, with its vast expanse of resources, and the community of allergy-aware parents have been invaluable in this journey. Each holiday has been a stepping stone, a chance to refine my approach and broaden my repertoire of safe, delicious treats.
The Dairy-Free Rice Krispie Treats
This Easter, I settled on Rice Krispie treats, a universally adored snack that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Making them dairy-free was surprisingly straightforward. With a simple swap for dairy-free butter. If you’re looking for a vegan version, try swapping for vegan marshmallows. With these easy substitutes, I was able to recreate this classic without compromising on taste or texture.
Ingredients:
4 cups Rice Krispie cereal
1/4 cup plant based butter
10 ounces marshmallows (can sub with vegan kind)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of salt
Optional toppings: Festive Easter candy decorations and/or sprinkles!
In a large pot, melt the dairy-free butter over low heat. Once melted, add the marshmallows to the pot. Stir continuously until the marshmallows have completely melted into a smooth mixture. If using, stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt at this stage.
Remove the pot from the heat. Add the Rice Krispie cereal to the marshmallow mixture. Gently fold the cereal into the marshmallow mixture until the cereal is evenly coated.
Pour the mixture into parchment lined baking dish. Using a spatula, press the mixture down evenly into the pan. Be gentle; pressing too hard can lead to hard treats.
Cool and Set: Allow the treats to cool and set at room temperature for about 1 hour. For quicker setting, you can place them in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
Cut and Serve: Once set, decorate with sprinkles and cut into squares or desired shapes and serve. Enjoy your dairy-free Rice Krispie treats!
Happy Holidays, and may your celebrations be filled with joy and delicious treats for everyone to enjoy!
xx,
mc & hammie
