Gluten Free Chocolate Rice Krispies Treats

Turn the classic all-American favorite treat into an indulgent dessert with these Gluten Free Chocolate, Toffee and Walnut Rice Krispies Treats. All the fun with no fuss.

ME BEFORE THE RECIPE…

Well folks, it’s time to start thinking about those holiday treats. You know, the ones where you lock yourself up in your kitchen for days and frantically bake recipe after recipe to prove to your neighbors how well you can cook??? Yeah, those ones.

Now I’m the first to admit that I like to show off a little when it comes to holiday baking. I’m one to make elaborate cupcakes, fancy cookies, frosting filled cake rolls, hand dipped chocolates, and even mini cheesecakes. I’ve done it all. But this year…I think this is the year for easy.

I’ve already got a few loaves of banana, pumpkin, and zucchini breads stashed away in the freezer that I can just thaw and chuck at some neighbors’ doorsteps…okay, I wouldn’t really do that. Not because it’s rude, but because I wouldn’t want to smash the beautiful loaves that I worked so hard to bake. C’mon, this is all about me now.

Anyway, some families will be receiving these yummy quick breads, and I think I’m going to bust out a few dessert bars for my remaining neighbors and friends. It’s time to try something new. New can be good. Just think of the tagline, “New and Improved!” It works.

Oh, speaking of trying something new…I made my first ever recipe video!!! Can you believe it. Yes, yes I know. I am a woman of many talents. Here’s the crazy part. I’m not even a professional and yet this video turned out quite close to perfect!

Haha!!! Who are you kidding???! I had tons of fun throwing together this spoof recipe video, but hey, as long as there is an actual delicious recipe at the end, I’m sure people will appreciate it. I hope.

HERE COMES THE RECIPE…

These Gluten Free Chocolate, Toffee & Walnut Rice Krispies really are a decadent treat and are totally blog worthy, in my opinion, even if they seem straightforward and easy. They take ordinary Rice Krispies Treats and raise the bar. They raise it so high it gets lost in the sky. You can’t even see that bar anymore. You get my point???

Even if you are making basic marshmallow squares, I advise adding a splash of vanilla and a pinch of salt. It elevates the flavor and gives it somewhat more of a homemade taste…if that makes any sense. And the cinnamon in this chocolate version is spot on. There is something about cinnamon and chocolate that pairs so well. I tend to always add a dash of cinnamon in my chocolate desserts just for that extra layer of flavor.

Once the simple part of microwaving, mixing, and patting the mixture into the pan is done, all you do is throw some chocolate chips on top and shove it in a warm oven long enough for those chocolate chips to become spreadable. Then it’s all about covering those bars in chopped walnuts and toffee bits. You can do both, neither, or either. Guess what??? It’s up to you!

One thing to keep in mind, though, is if you have a gluten allergy or intolerance, make sure the cereal you are using is gluten free. Kellogg’s Rice Krispies and Cocoa Krispies contain malt flavoring which comes from barley and contains gluten. DO NOT use these cereals. Opt for Post’s Cocoa Pebbles or Malt-o-Meal’s Cocoa Dyno-Bites. Malt-o-Meal’s regular Crispy Rice cereal is also gluten free.

I also love the fact that this dessert is completely kid friendly, from making it to eating it. Having my kiddos help me make rice krispies treats is definitely a much easier task than baking cupcakes or dipping chocolates. And it’s hard to make these squares look ugly. The kiddos can assist and you can still pass out decent looking treats. Win, win.

But please, tell me, what goodies do you plan on making and passing out to friends and family? I’d love some more ideas. Let me clarify; I’d love some more SIMPLE and EASY recipe ideas. I may just throw another neighbor treat in the mix.