Roasted Pandan Rice Krispies Treats

Roasted Pandan Rice Krispies Treats are the most perfect and classic treat with a new twist on this beloved dessert. They are thick and oh-so-chewy with a marshmallow pull and an exotic pandan flavour. Roast them at your next campfire or enjoy as is! This roasting step adds an extra layer of flavour and enhances the overall texture of the treats.

By combining the cherished classic of Rice Krispies treats with the exotic allure of pandan, you’ll be treating yourself to a fusion experience that’s both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re introducing pandan to your friends and family or simply exploring new flavours yourself, these treats are a delightful addition to any dessert repertoire.

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What are Roasted Pandan Rice Krispies Treats?

Roasted Pandan Rice Krispies Treats combine the wholesome goodness of the original recipe with the distinct aroma and taste of pandan. The result is a treat that is not only visually appealing with its vibrant green hue but also a yummy combination of textures and flavours.

Pandan flavour can be described as floral, nutty and slightly reminiscent of vanilla, making it a tasty addition to both sweet and savoury recipes.

Here’s Why You Will Love Roasted Pandan Rice Krispies Treats

• Unforgettable Flavour: Pandan’s unique flavour profile elevates the simple Rice Krispies treat into a memorable experience. The floral and nutty notes add a layer of sophistication to the childhood favourite.
• Aesthetic Appeal: The vibrant green colour of Pandan Rice Krispies Treats adds a visually stunning element to your dessert table, making them the perfect choice for parties and gatherings.
• Cultural Fusion: By incorporating pandan, you’re introducing a popular flavour from Southeast Asian cuisine to a Western dessert, creating a fusion of cultures.
• Easy and Quick: Just like the original recipe, Roasted Pandan Rice Krispies Treats are quick and easy to make, making them a convenient option for busy days or last minute sweet cravings.

Equipment and Tools to Make Roasted Pandan Rice Krispies Treats

Pot

Measuring spoons and cups

Parchment paper

9×9 Baking dish

Knife and cutting board

Campfire or oven (if roasting)

Ingredients

Alright, let’s make our shopping list! To make this recipe, you will need…

1. Butter – use salted butter. If you don’t have any on hand, use unsalted butter with a pinch of salt. Do not use margarine. I brown my butter for a rich, nutty undertone.
2. Marshmallows – make sure it’s fresh! You will need 8 cups of mini marshmallows, reserving 1 cup aside to add in the end.
3. Pandan extract – the Southeast Asian version of vanilla!
4. Rice Krispies cereal – I have tried different brands but Kellogg’s is my favourite brand, just be sure to use a newly opened box.

Roasted Pandan Rice Krispies Treats Options and Substitutions

Want to mix things up with this recipe? Feel free to…

• Use a different type of cereal or mix multiple cereals to create a unique texture and flavour.
• Substitute with Pandan leaves for a more authentic and intense flavour. Roast the leaves in the oven until they are dry and brittle. Grind them into a fine powder and mix with the melted marshmallows.
• Add toasted coconut flakes to the mixture for a tropical twist that complements the Pandan flavour.
• Stir in white chocolate chips at the end or drizzle melted chocolate for a delightful chocolate-Pandan combo.
• Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds. It can add a nutty flavour and a bit of crunch to the treats.
• Add a touch of flaky sea salt on top can balance the sweetness and enhance the overall taste.

How to Make Roasted Pandan Rice Krispies Treats

Let’s make this dish!

Line a 9×9 inch baking dish with parchment paper. Spray paper lightly with cooking spray.

Melt better in a large, heavy bottom pot over low to medium heat. As it melts, it will start to foam. Stir the butter occasionally to ensure even cooking. It will turn from a pale yellow to a golden hue to a deep amber with small browned bits at the bottom of the pot. Be cautious not to let it go too far, as it can quickly turn from browned to burnt.

Add 7 cups of marshmallows and stir, until melted and smooth, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the pandan extract until blended, ensuring an even distribution of the vibrant green colour and fragrant aroma.

Fold in cereal and the last remaining cup of marshmallows to the pot. Stir with rubber spatula until cereal is evenly coated. Transfer to the baking dish. Use a greased spatula to gently spread into an even layer.

Let sit at room temperature until firm, about 1 hour. Cut into 16 squares. If desired, roast squares over campfire until golden or roast in the oven at 300F for 8 minutes, until they develop a slight golden hue. Store treats at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Storage Tips

The Roasted Pandan Rice Krispies Treats keep well in an air tight container for up to three days at room temperature. Use parchment paper or wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Refrigeration: Not recommended as it will lose its crispiness.

Freezing: If you want to extend the shelf life of your treats, you can freeze it up to 6 weeks. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in an airtight container or freezer safe bag. Thaw them at room temperature before consuming.

Make Ahead Options

I prefer to make them fresh as the texture and freshness of Roasted Pandan Rice Krispies Treats might change after freezing and thawing. But they should still be delicious.

Recipe Tips

Start with a small amount of Pandan extract and adjust according to your taste preference.

For a more authentic and intense flavour, you can roast Pandan leaves in the oven until they are dry and brittle. Grind them into a fine powder and mix with the melted marshmallows.

Be cautious not to let the browned butter go too far, as it can quickly turn from browned to burnt.

When combining the melted marshmallows with the cereal, mix gently but thoroughly to ensure the cereal is evenly coated. You want to avoid crushing the cereal too much.

Use a greased spatula to gently spread into an even layer. The harder you pack them, the more difficult to eat them.

Avoid over mixing at the end. You want it to come together and have pockets of goo!

Roast until golden like roasted marshmallows.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do Roasted Pandan Rice Krispies Treats taste like? Pandan, also known as screwpine, is a fragrant tropical plant commonly used in Southeast Asian cuisine. Its distinctive aroma and vibrant green colour are fused in delightful, gooey and crispy squares. It’s a fusion of traditional flavours with a modern twist!

What roast the Rice Krispies Treats? You can enjoy the treats as-is but to elevate these treats even further, consider giving them a roasted touch. This roasting step adds an extra layer of flavour and enhances the overall texture of the treats. I roast mine at a campfire or you can roast in the oven at 300F for 8 minutes, until they develop a slight golden hue. Watch for the marshmallow pull!

Can old marshmallows or old cereal be used to make Roasted Pandan Rice Krispies Treats? Old marshmallows are not recommended. They don’t melt well. Old cereal will result in soggy treats.

Why do my Rice Krispie Treats get hard? Common reasons include: overheating the marshmallow mixture, overmixing the cereal, using stale marshmallows, not allowing sufficient cooling time and storing them in the refrigerator (should be at room temperature).

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Lastly, if you make my Roasted Pandan Rice Krispies Treats be sure to leave a comment or give this recipe a star rating! I love to hear from you guys and respond to each and every comment. Also, don’t forget to tag me @cookwith.chopsticks and #cookwithchopsticks on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you have made makes me sooooo happy! You can also follow along on YouTube, TikTok, Facebook and Pinterest.