Satisfy your inner cravings with our lightened-up chocolate rice cake rocky road bars - an easy, no-bake dessert recipe. Imagine taking a bite of crispy rice crackers, chewy vegan marshmallows, crunchy mixed seeds, and dried fruits, all enveloped in the richness of dark chocolate. These must try sweet treats are rich and dreamy!
Gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan, each bite is a decadent delight without added sweeteners. Finish the rice cake dessert with festive sprinkles for the ultimate holiday treat and Christmas gift idea.
Jump to:
- What is a Rice Cake Cracker?
- What do Rice Cakes Taste Like?
- Puffed Rice Cake Crackers in Vegan Rocky Road Bars
- Ingredients & Creative Variations
- How to Make: A Quick Guide
- Recipe Tips and Hacks
- Mastering the Art of Chocolate Melting
- Perfect Companions: What to Serve
- How to store?
- Perfect Gift Idea
- Frequent Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
- More Sweet Treats
- Chocolate Rice Cake Rocky Road Bars
What is a Rice Cake Cracker?
The American puffed rice cake is created by applying heat and pressure to brown rice grains, causing them to expand and burst. Light, airy, and shaped into 4-inch (10cm) round disks, they serve as a fantastic alternative to bread, especially for those with gluten intolerances. While you may recall them from fad diets in the mid 1980’s to 1990s, today they offer a versatile solution.
What do Rice Cakes Taste Like?
Puffed rice cakes boast a toasty and nutty flavor profile but tend to be quite dry. To elevate their taste, we've discovered the perfect solution!
Puffed Rice Cake Crackers in Vegan Rocky Road Bars
Ever wondered what to do with those extra puffed rice cake crackers? Here's a delicious answer. While we adore topping rice cakes with hummus or using crushed crackers in unexpected recipes like salmon patties, their real magic unfolds in our Vegan Rocky Road Bars. Providing a gluten-free, sugar-free, and zero-fat alternative to traditional digestive biscuits or cookies, these rice cake snacks elevate the crunch factor.
Forget the viral giant peanut butter cups—our rocky road candy stays crispy, thanks to a genius layering technique. The chocolate fully envelops the rice cake clusters, ensuring a lasting, delightful crispiness, unlike peanut butter-soaked alternatives. This is one of our many rice cake ideas you need to try today.
Ingredients & Creative Variations
To craft these delectable vegan rocky road bars, gather the essentials:
1. Plain Rice Cake Crackers:
- American puffed rice disks, each around 9 grams and 4 inches in diameter.
- Important: Not to be confused with sticky rice cakes made from glutinous rice flour.
- Choose lightly salted or no-added salt versions; off-brand options often deliver quality at half the price.
2. Dark Chocolate Chips (Vegan):
- Choose vegan dark chocolate chips for a rich, dairy-free experience.
- We recommend Enjoy Life Baking Dark Chocolate Morsels for their nut-free, soy-free, gluten-free and dairy-free composition.
- Feel free to experiment with regular dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips or a mix of milk and dark for non-vegan options.
3. Coconut Oil or Light Oil:
- Enhance chocolate melting with silky smoothness by adding coconut oil or a light oil. The coconut oil works it magic allowing you to bypass the tempering process but it makes it glossy for chocolate covered frozen fruit and gluten free rocky road.
4. Marshmallows:
- Choose mini marshmallows for optimal chewiness or slice full size marshmallows into small pieces.
- Our pick: Dandies all-natural mini vanilla marshmallows—certified gluten-free and vegan.
- Get creative with colored fruit marshmallows for a playful twist.
5. Crunchy Seeds, Nuts, and Dried Fruits:
- We used a trail mix blend featuring dried cranberries, roasted pepitas, sunflower seeds, and walnuts.
- Explore alternatives like chewy goji berries, dried mango, coconut, or even freeze-dried fruits.
- If making for a school party, we avoid adding peanuts or any tree nuts due to allergies.
6. Sprinkles:
- Embrace the festive spirit with seasonal sprinkles; think red, green, and gold for the holidays.
- Customize this rice cake snack for various occasions—pastels for spring, red, and pink for Valentine's Day, or any fun combination that suits your mood.
- Let the joy of creativity shine in every sprinkle!
How to Make: A Quick Guide
- Add coconut oil or light flavored oil to the dark chocolate chips and stir.
- Microwave the chocolate chips in 20 to 30 second burst and stir in between until almost all the way melted. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Mix broken rice cake crackers, mini marshmallows, dried fruits, nuts, and seeds or a combination of add ins as desired. Drizzle over the melted chocolate.
- Stir well and then add to a parchment lined baking dish.
- Top chocolate rice cake rocky road bars with sprinkles.
- Refrigerate until set. Exercise patience or give in to temptation for an early taste test—your call!
Recipe Tips and Hacks
Try these tips to ensure your gluten-free chocolate rice cake rocky road bars reach the pinnacle of flavor and texture.
- Mind the Chocolate Ratio: Achieving the right balance of chocolate is key. Ensure you have enough to generously coat all the delectable mix-ins and provide that perfect crunch.
- Marshmallow Measurement Hack: When measuring marshmallows, pack them into the cup to ensure you get the right amount of chewy goodness in every bite.
- Crunchy Rice Cracker Technique: Break rice crackers into small, bite-sized pieces for an optimal texture. The goal is a harmonious blend of crispy, chewy, and crunchy in every mouthful.
Mastering the Art of Chocolate Melting
Unlock the secrets to perfectly melted chocolate, whether for this recipe for rocky road candy or elegant treats like chocolate matcha truffles and French Eclairs. Follow these essential tips:
- Microwave Safe Essentials: Choose a microwave-safe bowl, keeping in mind that glass retains heat, continuing to affect the chocolate even after microwaving.
- Uniform Chocolate Pieces: Use chocolate chips, melting wafers, or finely chopped chocolate of the same size for even melting.
- Clean & Dry Tools: Ensure both the bowl and spoon used for stirring are clean and dry. Any water meeting the melting chocolate can cause it to seize into a gritty paste.
- Mind the Power: Microwave on half power rather than full power to prevent burning. Stir the chocolate after each short burst of heating to distribute the heat evenly.
- Timing Matters: Stop microwaving just before vegan dark chocolate chips are completely melted; the residual heat from the bowl will finish the job.
- Alternative Method - Double Boiler: If no microwave is available, use a double boiler on the stovetop. Be cautious not to introduce any water into the chocolate, as it can cause seizing.
Perfect Companions: What to Serve
Savor the chocolate rice cake bars by pairing them with a steaming cup of tea or robust coffee for a delightful temperature contrast. Deck out your cookie tray with the spiciness of gingerbread or explore an international cookie assortment for a diverse flavor experience. Elevate your dessert spread by serving the rice cake rocky road with a scoop of matcha nice cream or add a touch of freshness with berries or sliced seasonal fruit.
If you are anything like us, we love something a little salty with sweet. Try our low carb rosemary party nuts – always a hit around the holidays. The possibilities are endless, making Rocky Road Bars a versatile treat for any occasion.
How to store?
Rocky road candy bars are not only a delight for your taste buds but also a breeze to store. Without any perishable ingredients, they make a perfect make-ahead treat for sharing or gifting. Once crafted and set, simply keep them in a sealed container in a cool place for up to 7 days. In warmer climates, it is best to refrigerate to maintain freshness for an additional 7 days.
Extend the joy by freezing these gluten-free bars. Wrap them in plastic, followed by foil, and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They stay freezer-fresh for up to 3 months, though truth be told, they rarely last that long.
To thaw, place them in the refrigerator, let them sit in a cool spot overnight, or at room temperature for about 15 minutes. Your Rocky Road Bars are then ready to be savored whenever you crave a delicious indulgence.
Perfect Gift Idea
Spread joy with these decadent Chocolate Rice Cake Rocky Road Bars—an ideal gift to brighten someone's day. Elevate your presentation with these charming options:
- Parchment-Wrapped Slices: Wrap individual slices in parchment paper before placing them in a decorative box for an elegant and tidy presentation.
- Plastic Wrap and Ribbon: Take a slice of Rocky Road, wrap it in a small piece of plastic, roll it up, twist the sides, and tie it with a festive ribbon or string for a personal touch.
- Tin Delight: Create a festive display by setting little candy or cupcake liners in a holiday tin, placing a Rocky Road Bar into each liner, and covering the tin for a delightful arrangement.
- Gift Bags with a Ribbon Seal: Choose little food-safe gift bags. Place the chocolate rice cake treats inside, seal them with a ribbon, and present a tasty package.
Whichever option you choose, the recipient is sure to appreciate the thoughtful and delicious gesture. These rocky road candy bars make for a perfect edible gift for any occasion.
Frequent Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
1. Allow the chilled Rocky Road to reach room temperature for approximately 20 to 30 minutes.
2. Choose a sharp, flat-edged or serrated knife.
3. To prevent breakage, gently score the top without cutting all the way through. Then, cut into long slices and further into smaller sections.
If your chocolate seizes due to accidental moisture, add a teaspoon of boiling water at a time, stirring vigorously until it regains a smooth consistency.
Sometimes, accidentally overheating your chocolate can cause clumping and grittiness. Remedy it by adding a few more chocolate chips and stirring vigorously until smooth.
More Sweet Treats
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Chocolate Rice Cake Rocky Road Bars
Equipment
- baking pan 8 inch x 8 inch (20cm x 20cm)
- parchment paper (baking paper)
Ingredients
- 16 ounces dark chocolate chips vegan and gluten free (2 and ¾ cups)
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil or light oil
- 1 and ¾ cups mini marshmallows vegan and gluten free (if all you have is large marshmallows cut them into small pieces
- 3 whole puffed rice cake crackers approximately 2 and ¼ heaping cups lightly salted or plain broken into little bite sized pieces. Each puffed rice cake cracker is 9 grams and 4 inches in diameter.
- ½ cup trail mix (dried fruits, seeds and/ or nuts) - ours had dried cranberries, dried pepitas, sunflower seeds and walnuts.
- sprinkles optional
Instructions
- Line a 8 x 8 inch (20cm x 20cm) baking dish with parchment paper (baking paper) with the edges a little taller than the sides of the dish.
- Pour the vegan dark chocolate chips into a clean and dry microwave safe bowl. Stir in the coconut oil or light oil and stir to coat.
- Microwave the chocolate chips on "half power" uncovered in 20 to 30 second bursts and stir in between. Remove the chocolate chips from the microwave BEFORE they are almost all the way melted. The remaining heat in the bowl will usually melt it the rest of the way. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in the puffed rice cake pieces, marshmallows and ½ cup trail mix (or your favorite add ins like dried fruits, seeds, nuts, freeze dried fruit, etc.) into the melted dark chocolate.
- Pour the rocky road mixture into the prepared baking sheet. Spread it out evenly with a spatula.
- Top with sprinkles, if desired, while the chocolate is still soft.
- Refrigerate for 3 hours or until set.
- Remove the chilled rocky road pan from the refrigerator. Use the parchment paper to left the rocky road out of the pan. Allow this chocolate dessert to set at room temperature for 30 minutes before slicing. Use a sharp knife to score 4 even lines and then cut into 12 slices.
- Enjoy or share as gifts!
Hannah says
What a brilliant glow-up for the humble rice cake! I love everything about this idea, including how versatile and adaptable it is.
Heidi | The Frugal Girls says
I love how this recipe only requires 5 ingredients and can be made using just the microwave. This is the perfect holiday treat, especially for days when the oven is already in use!
Judee Gluten Free A-Z Blog says
Being gluten-free, I'm loving this idea! What a great "allergy" friendly snack. I always have rice cakes in the house but never would have imagined they would make such a great dessert. Thanks for the recipe.
HWC Magazine says
Thank you Judee! We always have rice cakes in our house too. It's amazing the things that you can create in the kitchen with things you already have around in the pantry. You are going to love that crunch factor.
Jayne says
I've seen Nigella making this on video! It's so gorgeous. We call it "biskut batik" here in Malaysia, without the marshmallows because the biscuit and chocolate layers into a pattern that resembles batik. Thumbs up!
Healthy World Cuisine says
Thanks Jayne for stopping by and look forward to keeping in touch. I am very interested in learning more Malaysian cuisine as it is so diverse and I have access to many of the ingredients living here in HK. Take care, BAM
createengwp says
It's one of those dishes where every bite is just as good and/or gets better than the first one. Simply irresistible!
Healthy World Cuisine says
Indeed! It really is addictive and hard to avoid those middle of the night adventures to have a little taste. Take care, BAM
Nami | Just One Cookbook says
Never heard of this kind of delicious dessert but now I'm glad to find it and it's made by microwave? Wow, great recipe Bam!
Healthy World Cuisine says
You have to love Nigella Lawson. I just simplified her recipe by making it all in the microwave and a few other adaptations. Take care, BAM
dianeskitchentable says
These are definitely 'the bomb'!!! I have to give you credit for coming up with something for those boys without a working stove - is there any hope for it? You really should do something about that sleep walking problem though 😉
Hopefully I can make these without any explosions in my microwave - wish me luck.
Healthy World Cuisine says
Ohh Diane you are so funny. I think you will be alright as there is not any coconut to explode in your microwave but then you never can be too sure... My oven and stove top are now fixed. It took about 5 or 6 visits and ended up be an electronic issue that they just could not figure out. So bring on the holiday baking! Woo Hoo!
dianeskitchentable says
Wow, only 5 or 6 visits. I think at that point I would have given up & turned it into storage or maybe a terrarium. I thought most appliances nowadays are just a matter of replacing panels (at least that was the deal w/my washer), but then again I'm not Mr. Maytag. Your boys must be thrilled.
Healthy World Cuisine says
Diane, this is just part of the excitement of living in China. "Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you are going to get." The holiday baking starts this weekend and my boys are beyond thrilled. Have a super weekend! BAM
Lisa says
These snowy chocolate bombs are literally the bomb! Talk about the perfect, decadent holiday treat! Coookies and marshmallows..yum! (and I try not touse that word, but it's so apropos here!) Sorry I haven't been around.,..a lot going on after the storm..plus work and other things. I have so much catching up to do!
ioanna aggelidaki says
OMG they look soooooo good..............
dragonlife says
Dear Friend!
If people were only using such bombs!
Thank you so much for that message of sheer happy gastronomy!
Best regards,
Robert-Gilels
Healthy World Cuisine says
Bonjour Robert, thanks so much for stopping by. Looking forward to keeping in touch. Take care, BAM
ChopinandMysaucepan says
Dear BAM,
Love the name snowy chocolate bombs and they do look very addictive too! I have also never attempted to cook anything major with the microwave and would prefer conventional cooking on a cooktop, grill or oven 🙂
Healthy World Cuisine says
Thanks and I also feel that using the microwave is so retro almost like TV dinners.... However in a pinch they work like a charm. Take Care, BAM
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise says
My mum used to make something very similar for us when we were kids but with digestive only, no marshmellow...My daughter "who is in love with marshmellow" will be over the moon if I made these!
Healthy World Cuisine says
I am so glad. This is a dessert that the kids can help you out with in the kitchen. It is a pretty kid friendly friendly recipe. Take care and sending some positive thoughts your way. BAM
Marina@Picnic at Marina says
That's how I feel now: my kitchen is so little that I am quickly becoming one of creative cooks... 🙂 Those bombs would definitely fascinate my teenager too! 🙂
Healthy World Cuisine says
Thank you Marina. Keeping our teenagers full and happy is becoming a full time job for me. They are bottomless pits.
Heather @ SugarDish(Me) says
This is why I hide the cook books from my boys. I'd never escape the kitchen!!! These look amazing. I'm excited to try these!
Healthy World Cuisine says
Good thinking! Hide the evidence and claim that you can't find the ingredients in the continent we are living on. However, my boys still wont let me out of the kitchen... Take Care, BAM
Hannah (BitterSweet) says
You're unstoppable, Bam! Even with a full kitchen on the fritz, you managed to pull of some seriously delicious treats. These look like they would make the perfect addition to any holiday cookie platter.
Healthy World Cuisine says
Thanks Hannah. I heard that maybe this week that my appliances might get fixed but I am not holding my breath. Take Care, BAM