Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re looking for a quick and easy treat that delivers big flavor, Chocolate Covered Rice Cakes are the way to go. The airy texture of the rice cakes perfectly complements the smooth, melty chocolate coating, creating a satisfying crunch with every bite. With only a few ingredients, you can whip up a batch in no time, making them a fantastic option for a homemade snack or a party treat.

Not only are these rice cakes delicious, but they’re also versatile. You can use milk, dark, or white chocolate for the coating and even add toppings like sprinkles, nuts, or sea salt to elevate the flavor. The best part? They’re a lighter alternative to other chocolate-covered snacks, making them perfect for when you want something sweet but not too heavy.

Ingredients

6-8 plain rice cakes (preferably unsalted)
1 cup chocolate chips (milk, dark, or white chocolate)
1 tablespoon coconut oil or butter (optional, for smoother chocolate)
Toppings (optional): chopped nuts, sprinkles, sea salt, or dried fruit

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Rice Cakes:
- Lay the rice cakes on a baking sheet or a large plate, making sure they’re not overlapping.
- If you’d like, you can break the rice cakes into smaller pieces for bite-sized portions.
Melt the Chocolate:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil (or butter). Heat in 20-30 second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
- Alternatively, you can melt the chocolate over a double boiler on the stove. Stir continuously to avoid burning the chocolate.
Coat the Rice Cakes:
- Dip each rice cake into the melted chocolate, using a spoon or tongs to fully coat the top. For a thicker chocolate layer, you can spread the melted chocolate with a spatula.
- Place the chocolate-covered rice cakes back on the baking sheet or plate.
Add Toppings (Optional):
- Before the chocolate sets, sprinkle your choice of toppings, such as chopped nuts, sea salt, sprinkles, or dried fruit, onto the chocolate. Be creative with your toppings to make each rice cake unique.
Let the Chocolate Set:
- Place the coated rice cakes in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chocolate has fully set and hardened.
- If you prefer a quicker option, you can leave them at room temperature, but the chocolate will take longer to harden.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the chocolate has set, your Chocolate Covered Rice Cakes are ready to enjoy. Serve them as a snack or store them in an airtight container for later.

Servings and Timing

Servings: This recipe makes 6-8 chocolate-covered rice cakes, depending on the size of the rice cakes and how much chocolate you use.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Set Time: 15-20 minutes (in the refrigerator)

Variations

Nutty Crunch: Add chopped almonds, peanuts, or hazelnuts on top of the chocolate for extra crunch.
Fruit Toppings: Sprinkle dried fruits like cranberries, cherries, or raisins on top to add a fruity element to the snack.
Flavored Chocolate: Experiment with flavored chocolate, like mint chocolate chips or peanut butter chips, for a unique twist on the classic.
Drizzled Chocolate: Instead of fully coating the rice cakes, you can drizzle the melted chocolate over the rice cakes for a different presentation.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the chocolate-covered rice cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator to prevent the chocolate from softening.
Freezing: These rice cakes can also be frozen. Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or bag, and freeze for up to 1 month. Let them thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of chocolate?

Yes! You can use any type of chocolate you prefer: milk, dark, or white chocolate. You can even use chocolate with added flavors, such as mint or orange, for a unique twist.

2. How can I make the chocolate coating smoother?

To make the chocolate smoother, you can add a tablespoon of coconut oil or butter to the chocolate chips when melting. This will give the chocolate a glossy finish and help it set more evenly.

3. Can I add toppings to the rice cakes?

Absolutely! Toppings like chopped nuts, sea salt, sprinkles, or dried fruit can enhance the flavor and texture of the chocolate-covered rice cakes. Add the toppings while the chocolate is still soft, so they stick properly.

4. How long do chocolate-covered rice cakes last?

Chocolate-covered rice cakes can be stored in an airtight container for up to 1 week at room temperature. If you keep them in the fridge, they will last a bit longer and stay firmer.

5. Can I use flavored rice cakes instead of plain?

Yes, you can experiment with flavored rice cakes such as caramel, chocolate, or cinnamon. The flavor will add an extra layer of taste to your treat.

6. Can I use dairy-free chocolate?

Yes, if you are dairy-free or vegan, you can use dairy-free chocolate chips or cocoa melts for the coating. Be sure to check that the rice cakes are also dairy-free.

7. Why is my chocolate not setting properly?

If your chocolate isn’t setting properly, it might be because it wasn’t heated enough or there’s too much moisture in the chocolate. Make sure to melt the chocolate fully and keep it dry while coating the rice cakes.

8. Can I use a microwave to melt the chocolate?

Yes, you can melt chocolate in the microwave. Just be sure to heat it in short bursts of 20-30 seconds and stir in between to avoid burning the chocolate.

9. Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, Chocolate Covered Rice Cakes can be made ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container, and they will stay fresh for several days.

10. Can I make these for a party?

Absolutely! Chocolate Covered Rice Cakes are great for parties. You can even set up a DIY station where guests can dip their own rice cakes into melted chocolate and add their favorite toppings.

Conclusion

Chocolate Covered Rice Cakes are the perfect combination of light, crunchy rice cakes and rich, smooth chocolate. They’re simple to make, customizable, and an easy snack or dessert to prepare for any occasion. Whether you want to enjoy them as a quick treat or serve them at a party, these chocolate-covered delights are sure to satisfy your sweet cravings!

Chocolate Covered Rice Cakes