Fun "Faux-Nuts" for Summer Parties and Holidays!

What's more fun than Donuts?

Faux-Nuts!

And WHY are they more fun than regular donuts?

 

1) No Oily, Greasy mess to make them!

2) Lower in Fat and Healthier!

3) Kids can help make them! No Baking required!

4) They can be customized for Parties and Holidays!

5) They are DELICIOUS!!

 

 

 So how do you make them? 

 

Well, you start with a base that is just like a Rice Krispie Treat, only better. 

 

How is it better? It's SOFT. And CHEWY. And YUM.

 

(And you're about to get addicted. Don't say I didn't warn you.)

 

What makes these different? First of all, the Rice. It's puffed, not crisped, so the texture is completely different in the finished product.

 

Secondly, I use Coconut Oil and Almond Extract...but if you want to go more traditional you can switch them out.  But, the flavor with my recipe...ooh la la!!

 

 

Basic "Chewy Treat" Base:

1/2 cup Coconut Oil (or Butter if you choose)

2/3 package of Marshmallows (or a full 10oz bag)

1 tsp Almond Extract (or vanilla if you'd rather)

6-7 cups Puffed Rice (Regular or Brown)

Food coloring, optional*

 

      Melt coconut oil and marshmallows in microwave on high for 1 minute. Stir to combine, and add extract. Pour over puffed rice (in a large bowl) and stir until combined. Shape as desired.

 

  *Note: If adding food coloring, it’s best to add it when you add the extract if you want an even coloration. Mixing it in after the cereal is added makes for a very mottled appearance, which may be helpful for certain applications. You can also use spray colors or luster dust to add color and definition.

**When shaping, use liberal amounts of cooking spray or coconut oil on your hands, and the spoon when stirring, to assist in the process.

 

 I have a "Baked Donut" pan that makes shaping these a breeze. No baking required, just press in the mixture, press down to form the thickness you want, and remove! 

I found my pan at the thrift store, but I've seen them on Amazon for less than $10.00. If you don't have one, just shape them by hand, or use a combination of glasses to cut the size you want. Frost or glaze with your favorite recipe, and then decorate!

 
I'm making some for Memorial Day in a week or so...I have some Red, White and Blue sprinkles left over from the 4th last year, and I'll be glazing them with an aqua colored glaze. They are going to look amazing and festive and I know that everyone will love them because they really are tasty!
 

Want more ideas for using Puffed Rice to make shaped treats? Check out THIS post!