If you need clarification about where to find vegan treats, check out the new Vegan Kitkat Recipe. This option offers dairy-free benefits while keeping the classic KitKat taste. In my experience, it’s the best bet for a guilt-free snack.
WHY IT WORKS?
- Uses high-quality vegan chocolate, ensuring a rich and creamy taste.
- Incorporates plant-based milk alternatives, providing the classic KitKat crunch without dairy.
- Crafted with sustainable ingredients, supporting environmental conservation.
- Homemade recipe guarantees no animal products, making it ideal for vegan diets.
- Available widely, making it easy to find ways to enjoy.
Don’t have time to read the full blog post? JUMP TO THE RECIPE HERE!
Have you ever craved a KitKat bar but struggled to find a version that aligns with your vegan lifestyle? You’re not alone. Many vegans miss out on enjoying this classic treat due to its dairy content. However, there’s good news: a homemade vegan KitKat recipe offers a delightful solution.
This recipe is your best bet if you’re worried about missing out on your favorite snacks. It uses accessible vegan ingredients to recreate the iconic wafer and chocolate layers that you love.
This version ensures you don’t compromise on taste or texture. By following this simple guide, you’ll enjoy the benefits of a delicious, cruelty-free treat anytime you like.
What Is Vegan Kitkat?
A vegan KitKat is a plant-based version of the popular KitKat chocolate bar, which traditionally contains dairy products. In the vegan alternative, all ingredients are free from animal products, making it suitable for vegans and those with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance.
It typically features layers of crispy wafers covered in dairy-free chocolate made from alternatives like rice, almond, or cocoa butter. This variation aims to replicate a regular KitKat’s classic taste and texture while adhering to vegan standards. Brands may also use sustainable and ethically sourced ingredients to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.
Fact– Vegan KitKat was launched by Nestlé in 2021, aiming to provide a dairy-free alternative to their popular candy bar, using a rice-based formula to replace milk chocolate.
Recipe Directions
- Line an 8 x 8-inch deep dish or your preferred deep baking tray with parchment paper and set aside.
- Place Rice Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl and set aside.
- In a microwave-safe bowl or on the stovetop, combine the vegan chocolate chips, plant-based milk, and sweetener. Heat until the mixture is fully melted. If using a microwave, this should take about 2-3 minutes. On the stovetop, stir frequently to prevent burning.
- Remove the mixture from heat and whisk until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Pour the wet chocolate mixture over the Rice Chex cereal. Mix thoroughly until all the cereal is evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to the lined baking dish. Spread evenly and press down slightly to compact.
- Refrigerate the mixture until firm, which should take at least one hour.
- Once set, remove from the refrigerator and lift the parchment paper to transfer the set mixture to a cutting board. Cut into bar shapes.
- Your homemade vegan KitKat bars are ready to be enjoyed! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped almonds, walnuts, or pecans on top before the mixture sets for added texture and a nutty flavor.
- Salted Caramel Drizzle: Before they set, drizzle a vegan caramel sauce, lightly sprinkled with sea salt, over the top of the bars. This adds a sweet and salty twist.
- Coconut Delight: Mix shredded coconut into the chocolate mixture or sprinkle it on top for a tropical touch.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper to the chocolate mix for a spicy kick that contrasts with the sweet chocolate.
- Double Chocolate: Layer or marble melted dark chocolate on top of the initial chocolate coating for a richer chocolate experience.
- Berry Topping: Before the bars are set, top them with freeze-dried raspberries or strawberries for a fruity and slightly tart flavor.
- Minty Fresh: Incorporate a few drops of peppermint extract into your chocolate mixture for a refreshing mint chocolate version.
- Espresso Boost: Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the chocolate mix to infuse a subtle coffee flavor, perfect for coffee lovers.
- White Chocolate Drizzle: Once the bars are set and cut, drizzle them with melted vegan white chocolate for a striking visual contrast and creamy taste.
- Orange Zest: Add orange zest to the chocolate for a citrusy note, which pairs beautifully with the flavor.
Vegetable Substitutions
- Zucchini: Finely grated zucchini can be mixed into the melted chocolate. Zucchini is mild in flavor and adds moisture without overpowering the chocolate taste.
- Avocado: Use mashed avocado to replace fat components in the chocolate mixture. Avocado’s creamy texture makes it a perfect substitute that adds heart-healthy fats.
- Sweet Potato: Cooked and pureed sweet potato can be mixed into the chocolate coating for added sweetness and a nutritional boost. This substitution adds vitamins and a creamy texture.
- Carrot: Like zucchini, finely grated carrot can be added to the chocolate mixture. Carrots provide natural sweetness and extra fiber.
- Beets: Pureed beets can be included for their natural deep red color and earthy sweetness, enhancing your vegan KitKat bars’ aesthetic and nutritional value.
- Pumpkin: A small amount of pumpkin puree can blend well with the chocolate, adding a subtle sweetness, seasonal flair, fiber, and vitamin A.
Quick Tip– When adding vegetables to your vegan KitKat recipe, grate or puree them to ensure they blend seamlessly without altering the classic texture.
Best Side Dishes
- Fruit Salad A fresh fruit salad with berries, melon, and citrus contrasts with sweet chocolate.
- Vegan Ice Cream Scoop your favorite vegan ice cream flavor beside a vegan KitKat for a decadent dessert experience.
- Nut Mix A side of roasted nuts like almonds, cashews, or pistachios offers a crunchy, savory balance to the sweet chocolate bars.
- Coffee or Tea Serve your vegan KitKat with a hot cup of coffee or tea. The coffee’s bitterness or the tea’s subtlety complements the sweet chocolate.
- Smoothie Blend a nutritious smoothie with spinach, banana, and almond milk for a healthy side dish that balances a vegan KitKat’s indulgence.
- Vegan Yogurt A bowl of vegan yogurt, especially with a bit of vanilla or berry flavor, pairs well, adding a creamy texture that complements the crisp wafer.
How To Serve?
- Chilled: To serve the vegan KitKat bars chilled, keep them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to eat. This helps maintain their crisp texture.
- With Coffee or Tea: Pair vegan KitKat bars with hot coffee or herbal tea. The warmth of the beverage contrasts nicely with the cool, crisp chocolate.
- Dessert Platter: Arrange vegan KitKat bars on a dessert platter with other vegan sweets like cookies and truffles for a variety. This is perfect for gatherings.
- Ice Cream Topping: Crumble the vegan KitKat bars over vegan ice cream for added crunch and flavor. This works well with flavors like vanilla, chocolate, or coconut.
- As a Gift: Wrap individual bars in decorative paper or place several in a nice box to give as a thoughtful, homemade gift.
- Mini Bites: Cut the bars into smaller pieces and serve them as mini bites, perfect for snacking or as a sweet treat after a meal.
- With Fruit: Serve alongside fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries for a refreshing and slightly tangy contrast to the sweet chocolate.
Quick Tip– To enhance the flavor of your vegan KitKat, store them in the fridge until serving. This keeps the chocolate crisp and the texture perfect for a refreshing treat.
Storage & Make Ahead
- Refrigeration: Store your vegan KitKat bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last up to 2 weeks when kept cool and away from moisture.
- Freezing: Vegan KitKat bars can be frozen for longer storage. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a ziplock bag or airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.
- Room Temperature: If you plan to consume them within a few days, you can keep them at room temperature in a cool, dry place. Ensure they are well-wrapped or in a sealed container to prevent them from getting soft or melting.
- Make Ahead: These bars are ideal for making ahead of time, especially for events or as a snack throughout the week. Since they hold up well in the fridge and freezer, you can make a large batch whenever needed.
Fact– Vegan KitKat bars use alternatives like rice milk chocolate to avoid dairy, making them suitable for vegans and those with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance.
Time-Saving Tips
- Prep Ingredients: Measure out all your ingredients before you start. This ensures everything is ready to go, and you’re not searching for items last minute.
- Microwave Melting: Use a microwave to melt your chocolate mixture. It’s faster and often easier than using a stovetop. Just be sure to stir frequently to avoid burning.
- Batch Preparation: Make larger batches of vegan KitKat bars at once. You can store extras in the fridge or freezer, saving time for future cravings.
- Simple Tools: Use a silicone mold for your bars. They’re easier to fill, and the bars are simpler to remove once set, reducing preparation and cleanup time.
- Refrigerate to Set: Place your filled mold in the freezer for 30 minutes instead of the refrigerator to speed up the setting process. Just be sure they don’t freeze completely.
Vegan Kitkat Recipe – Quick And Easy Guide For Beginners!
Vegan KitKat bars offer a delightful, cruelty-free alternative to the traditional chocolate treat. Made with dairy-free chocolate and crispy wafers, these bars provide the iconic KitKat crunch and flavor, perfect for vegans and those avoiding dairy.
24
servings1
minute3
minutes150
kcal60
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
3 Cups 3 Rice Chex Cereal
1 1/2 Cups 1 1/2 Chocolate Chips
1 Cup 1 Peanut Butter
1/2 Cup 1/2 Maple Syrup
1/4 Cup 1/4 Coconut Oil
Directions
- Prepare Baking Dish
- Line an 8 x 8-inch deep dish or your preferred deep baking tray with parchment paper and set it aside.
- Prepare Cereal
- Place 3 cups of Rice Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl and set it aside.
- Melt Chocolate Mixture
- In a microwave-safe bowl or on the stovetop, combine 1 1/2 cups of vegan chocolate chips, plant-based milk, and 1/2 cup of maple syrup.
- Heat until the mixture is fully melted. If using a microwave, this should take about 2-3 minutes. On the stovetop, stir frequently to prevent burning.
- Mix Ingredients
- Remove the chocolate mixture from heat and whisk until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Combine with Cereal
- Pour the wet chocolate mixture over the Rice Chex cereal in the large mixing bowl. Mix thoroughly until all the cereal is evenly coated.
- Set the Mixture
- Transfer the mixture to the lined baking dish. Spread evenly and press down slightly to compact.
- Refrigerate the mixture until firm, which should take at least one hour.
- Cut into Bars
- Once set, remove from the refrigerator and lift the parchment paper to transfer the set mixture to a cutting board.
- Cut into bar shapes.
- Serve or Store
- Your homemade vegan KitKat bars are ready to be enjoyed! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Equipment- Mixing Bowl
- Microwave-safe Bowl
- Whisk
- Silicone Spatula
- 8 x 8-inch Baking Dish
- Parchment Paper
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Sharp Knife
- Refrigerator
Notes
- Chocolate Selection: Opt for high-quality vegan chocolate chips for the best flavor and texture. If you prefer a less sweet version, consider using dark chocolate.
- Nut Butter Options: While peanut butter is suggested, you can use nut or seed butter like almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter for different flavors and dietary needs.
- Sweetener Substitutions: Maple syrup provides a rich, natural sweetness. However, if desired, you can substitute it with agave syrup or a vegan honey alternative.
- Coconut Oil: This ingredient helps to bind the chocolate mixture and gives a slight coconut flavor. If you’re not a fan of coconut, you can use vegan butter or margarine instead.
- Pressing Down the Mixture: Press the mixture firmly into the pan. This helps the bars hold together better once set.
- Setting Time: The setting time might vary depending on your refrigerator. Check the firmness at one hour, but it might need longer to set completely.
- Cutting Bars: Use a sharp knife to wipe the blade between cuts for clean cuts. If the mixture is too hard to cut, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly.
- Storage: These bars are best stored in the refrigerator, especially in warmer climates, as they can soften and lose shape at room temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Makes KitKat Bars Vegan?
Vegan KitKat bars are made without any animal-derived ingredients. Traditional milk chocolate is replaced with a dairy-free alternative like rice milk or dark chocolate, and all other ingredients are plant-based.
Can I Make Vegan KitKat Bars Gluten-Free?
You can make vegan KitKat bars gluten-free by using gluten-free Chex cereal and ensuring all other ingredients, like chocolate and nut butter, are labeled gluten-free.
How Long Do Vegan KitKat Bars Last?
When stored properly in an airtight container, Vegan KitKat bars can last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator and up to 3 months in the freezer.
Are Vegan KitKat Bars Healthy?
While vegan KitKat bars are a better option for those avoiding dairy, they still contain sugar and should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Can I Use A Different Type Of Sweetener?
Absolutely. While the recipe suggests maple syrup, you can use vegan-friendly sweeteners such as agave syrup, coconut sugar, or artificial sweeteners based on your preference and dietary needs.
