If you’re on the hunt for a festive yet comforting treat that combines the cozy flavors of fall with that irresistible crispy, chewy texture, you’ve just found your new favorite: the Vegan Brown Butter Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats Recipe. This recipe brings all the nostalgia of classic rice krispie treats but elevates them with a rich vegan brown butter twist and warm pumpkin spice, creating a snack that feels both indulgent and delightfully seasonal. Whether you’re serving these at a gathering or sneaking bites at home, they’re sure to win hearts and satisfy sweet cravings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Vegan Brown Butter Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats Recipe lies in its simplicity. You only need a handful of ingredients, but each one plays a key role in layering flavor and creating that perfect texture from crispy crunch to soft, chewy marshmallow goodness.
- Rice Krispie Cereal: Provides the essential crispy crunch that makes the treats delightfully fun to eat.
- Vegan Marshmallows: The sticky, gooey binder that melts perfectly when combined with brown butter for an irresistible chew.
- Vegan Butter: The star for browning and bringing that deep, nutty flavor to the treats—key to the “brown butter” part.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle, sweet warmth that balances out the pumpkin spice beautifully.
- Pumpkin Spice: Infuses those cozy fall spices that instantly transform these treats into a seasonal delight.
How to Make Vegan Brown Butter Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Vegan Butter
Start by heating the vegan butter in a large pot over medium heat. Stir or swirl the pan often to ensure your butter cooks evenly and doesn’t burn. Watch carefully for foam and then for little golden flecks—it’s this browning that creates the deep, nutty flavor that takes these treats to another level. When the butter changes from a lemony-yellow to a golden tan and smells wonderfully nutty, you know it’s ready.
Step 2: Melt in the First Batch of Marshmallows
As soon as your butter is browned, add one bag of vegan marshmallows straight away. Stir continuously to combine them with the butter until fully melted and smooth; this sticky, shiny mixture will coat your cereal beautifully.
Step 3: Add Flavorings
Remove the pot from the heat and quickly stir in the vanilla extract and pumpkin spice. If you want a brighter and more vibrant orange color, this is a good time to add a natural food dye. Keep stirring until the color and flavors are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Step 4: Mix in the Cereal and Remaining Marshmallows
Fold the Rice Krispie cereal gently but quickly into the marshmallow mixture, making sure every piece is coated. Then, toss in the remaining half bag of mini whole marshmallows for extra pockets of melty chewiness.
Step 5: Press Into the Pan
Pour the sticky mixture into your prepared pan. Using a spatula or a sheet of parchment paper, lightly press the mixture down to form an even layer. Don’t press too hard or the treats will become overly dense; just a gentle press is perfect for keeping them light and airy yet holding together well.
How to Serve Vegan Brown Butter Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Vegan Brown Butter Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats Recipe presentation, consider sprinkling a bit of crushed toasted pecans or a dusting of cinnamon on top. These simple garnishes add a lovely texture and aroma that perfectly complement the rich brown butter and pumpkin spice flavors.
Side Dishes
These treats stand out as a star snack on their own, but pair them with a warm cup of spiced chai tea or rich pumpkin latte for a cozy autumn afternoon. They also pair well alongside a dairy-free vanilla ice cream scoop if you’re looking for a more decadent dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your treats into bite-sized squares and arrange on a festive platter with small decorative flags or themed picks for parties. You could also sandwich a layer of dairy-free chocolate spread or almond butter between two squares for a fun twist that turns these treats into little handheld desserts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Vegan Brown Butter Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and chewy for up to 3 days, making them perfect for prepping ahead or enjoying a few days later.
Freezing
If you want to make these treats well in advance, they freeze beautifully. Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready, simply thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes—still delicious and just as soft!
Reheating
These treats are best enjoyed fresh or at room temperature, but if you want to warm them slightly, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave will soften them just a touch without melting everything down.
FAQs
Can I use other cereals instead of Rice Krispies?
Absolutely! You can swap in any similar crispy rice cereal or even corn flakes for a different texture, though the classic Rice Krispies give the signature crunch that’s hard to beat in this recipe.
Where can I find vegan marshmallows?
Many health food stores and online retailers now stock popular brands of vegan marshmallows made without gelatin, perfect for this recipe.
What if I don’t have pumpkin spice?
No worries! You can make your own blend using cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. This way you can tailor the spices to your preference and still capture that warm pumpkin pie flavor.
Is brown butter really necessary?
While optional, browning the vegan butter adds a rich, nutty depth that transforms these treats from ordinary to extraordinary. Totally worth the extra minute or two!
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Just ensure your crispy rice cereal is certified gluten-free, and you’re good to go for a gluten-free version of this wonderful Vegan Brown Butter Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats Recipe.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the blend of pumpkin spice, vegan brown butter, and crispy rice cereal in this Vegan Brown Butter Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats Recipe—it’s like a warm hug in snack form. If you’ve been looking for a simple yet show-stopping fall treat to share or savor, this recipe is a must-try. I can’t wait for you to make these and see how quickly they disappear from your kitchen!
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Vegan Brown Butter Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These Vegan Brown Butter Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats combine the nostalgic crunch of classic Rice Krispie squares with a rich, nutty brown butter flavor and warming pumpkin spice. Using vegan butter and marshmallows, this autumn-inspired twist is perfect for cozy fall gatherings and a delightful vegan dessert treat.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 1/2 cups Rice Krispie Cereal
- 1 1/2 bags Vegan Marshmallows (approximately 9 ounces total)
- 8 tbsp vegan butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp pumpkin spice
- Optional: natural colored orange food dye
Instructions
- Brown the Vegan Butter: In a large pot over medium heat, add the vegan butter. Cook it until foamy, about 2-3 minutes, stirring or swirling the pan constantly to cook evenly. Continue cooking and stirring until you see small golden flecks in the butter and it changes from lemony-yellow to a golden-tan color, releasing a nutty aroma.
- Melt the First Batch of Marshmallows: Once browned, immediately add 1 full bag of the vegan marshmallows to the pot. Stir continuously until fully melted and combined with the browned butter.
- Add Flavorings: Remove the pot from heat. Quickly stir in the vanilla extract and pumpkin spice. Add natural orange food dye now if you want a vibrant orange color, and stir until the color is uniform.
- Incorporate Rice Cereal and Remaining Marshmallows: Quickly fold in the Rice Krispie cereal until well coated. Then gently fold in the remaining half bag of whole mini vegan marshmallows to add texture and chewiness.
- Press Into Pan: Pour the mixture into a prepared pan. Using a spatula or a piece of parchment paper, lightly press the mixture into an even layer. Avoid pressing too hard to keep the treats light and not too dense.
Notes
- Make sure to stir constantly while browning the butter to prevent burning.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to help judge when the butter is browned if unsure; it should be around 250°F when you see browned bits forming.
- Add natural orange food dye if you want a classic pumpkin color without altering flavor.
- Light pressing helps keep the treats airy and perfect in texture.
- For easier removal, line your pan with parchment paper before pouring in the mixture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
