Easy Rice Krispie Cakes with Golden Syrup

Looking for a simple, no bake dessert that you can whip up in less than 10 minutes?

One that only requires a few basic ingredients, can be customized in many various ways, and is sure to please kids and adults alike?

Give these Golden Syrup Rice Krispie Cakes a try!

Golden Syrup Rice Krispie Cakes 2 Ways

Since they’re so easy to make, I’ve included recipes for two different versions of Golden Syrup Rice Krispie Cakes.

1. The straight up Golden Syrup variety (so gooey and delicious).

2. A Chocolate Golden Syrup version (mmm…chocolate).

Are these Golden Syrup Rice Krispie Cakes like traditional Rice Krispie Treats?

They’re similar to the Rice Krispies treats I loved as a kid – sticky, sweet, crunchy – but not the same.

I really like this Golden Syrup version even better than the marshmallow kind I made in my youth due to the lovely buttery caramel flavor of the Golden Syrup.

The chocolate crispy cakes are perfect for when I want to satisfy my chocolate craving with a light and crunchy treat.

BUT – be warned…they don’t stick together like the marshmallow variety. These are a little more delicate. In my opinion, the flavor more than makes up for it!

These no bake treats are simple and easy to make, and you only need one bowl! They can be made vegan and gluten free (double check that your ingredients are vegan or gluten free) and have no eggs or dairy.

What’s Golden Syrup?

This recipe uses simple ingredients. The one ingredient that you might not be familiar with (depending on where you live) is Golden Syrup, which is frequently used in British desserts and so delicious due to its buttery caramel flavor.

I don’t recommend using a Golden Syrup substitute (e.g., honey) in this recipe because the Golden Syrup is what gives these treats a distinct flavor and acts as the binder. Using honey or another alternative will create a different flavor.

You can make Golden Syrup at home (click here for my easy Golden Syrup recipe) or you can buy a bottle or tin of Lyle’s Golden Syrup on Amazon here.

One of the great things about these crispy cakes are easily customizable! Here are some ideas:

• Add M&Ms
• Add nuts
• Add mini dark, milk or white chocolate or butterscotch chips
• Add mini marshmallows
• Add sprinkles on top
• Drizzle chocolate over the top
• Use cookie cutters to cut them into festive shapes (e.g., for Christmas, Easter or Halloween)
• Shape into Easter nests and fill with chocolate eggs
• Press into a round springform pan so you have one large cake
• Spoon into cupcake liners for easy individual servings
• Add freeze dried strawberries or other freeze dried fruit
• Add chopped pretzels and chocolate chips
• Add peanut butter
• Top with sliced fresh strawberries and a drizzle of dark chocolate
• Add cinnamon
• Add lemon zest (and freeze dried strawberries!)
• Add chopped candy canes
• Add Speculaas spice mix for the holidays

These treats will keep for a few days to a week in an air-tight container. I kept mine in the fridge, as they become more delicate as they warm up.

What You Need to Make these Easy Rice Krispie Cakes

For the original Golden Syrup treats you’ll need:

• Crispy rice cereal (brand name, off brand, doesn’t matter)
• Golden syrup (click here to get the recipe or  buy it here)
• Sugar (I used brown sugar for a bit more flavor but you can use white, raw, etc)
• Butter
• Vanilla extract
• Any mix-ins or topping you want to add
• Saucepan
• Wooden spoon
• Cake or brownie pan (I used a rectangular glass pan)
• Knife to cut into squares

For the Golden Syrup Chocolate treats:

• Crispy rice cereal (or chocolate Rice Krispies cereal)
• Golden syrup (click here to get the recipe or  buy it here)
• Butter
• Dark chocolate
• Any mix-ins or topping you want to add
• Saucepan
• Wooden spoon
• Cupcake liners
• Muffin tin

You’ll find recipes for both varieties below. As you scroll down you’ll see the recipe for Golden Syrup Rice Krispie Cakes first. Keep scrolling and you’ll then find the recipe for Chocolate Golden Syrup Rice Krispie Cakes.

How to Make Rice Krispie Cakes

Variation 1: Rice Krispie Cakes with Golden Syrup

They couldn’t be simpler!

For the original Golden Syrup treats, bring the syrup, sugar, and butter to a boil in a saucepan over medium high to high heat. Boil for one minute.

Take the syrup off the heat, add vanilla extract, and stir.

Add the cereal and stir with a wooden spoon. If you want to add any mix-ins, do it now.

Pour the cereal into a prepared 9×9 or 9×11 pan and press down lightly with the wooden spoon.

Cover and place in the fridge for an hour or until set.

Cut and serve.

Note: these are more fragile than traditional rice crispy treats made with marshmallow but the taste more than makes up for it!

What Else Can You Make With Golden Syrup?

• Golden Syrup Cookies (3 ways!)
• Golden Syrup Chex Mix (perfect for the holidays!)
• Apple Spice Birthday Cake (you’ll love the icing!)
• Mini Treacle Tarts (Harry Potter’s Favorite!)
• Golden Syrup (make this a pantry staple!)

Variation 2. How to Make Chocolate Rice Krispie Cakes

The chocolate treats are prepared in a similar way to the Golden sSrup but there are a couple small differences.

First, melt chocolate, butter, and Golden Syrup in a large double boiler (or place a large heat proof bowl in a saucepan half-filled with water) over medium low heat.

Stir several times to ensure the chocolate and butter have melted.

Take the chocolate off the heat, add vanilla, and stir.

Add the crispy rice cereal and stir until combined. If you want to add in any mix-ins, do it now.

Drop spoonfuls into a muffin tin lined with cupcake liners.

Add toppings (optional), and then cover and place in the fridge for an hour or until set. Enjoy!

Make More Easy No-Bake Recipes

• Canadian Nanaimo Bars
• Estonian Strawberry Cake
• Easy Rice Krispie Cakes with Golden Syrup
• Healthy Mexican Strawberry Ice Pops
• Easy Homemade Vanilla Sugar

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