Copycat Drizzilicious Pumpkin Spice Rice Cakes Recipe

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The Drizzilicious Pumpkin Spice is a light, crunchy treat that’s bursting with pumpkin-y goodness and drizzled with just the right amount of sweetness.

How to make Drizzilicious Pumpkin Spice

Drizzilicious Pumpkin Spice is a seasonal fall snack made by Drizzilicious, a brand known for its bite-sized rice cakes. These snacks are light and crunchy mini rice cakes infused with pumpkin spice flavor and topped with a sweet drizzle of icing.

Ingredients

For the Rice Cake Base:

• 1 cup puffed rice cereal (unsweetened and lightweight, for that crispy texture)
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds
• 2 tablespoons flax seeds
• 2 tablespoons quinoa pops (optional, but adds a nice crunch)

For the Binding Mixture:

• 1/4 cup almond butter (or peanut butter, for extra creaminess and nuttiness)
• 1/4 cup honey (use maple syrup to keep it vegan! 🚨)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Warm Pumpkin Flavor:

• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon clove (all combined = your DIY pumpkin spice mix! Or use a premade pumpkin spice mix if you’d like.)

For the Drizzle:

• 1/4 cup white chocolate chips (substitute dark chocolate for a less sweet version, or use vegan white chocolate for dietary preferences)
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil

Optional Toppings:

• A sprinkle of sea salt
• A dusting of extra cinnamon for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the puffed rice cereal, chia seeds, flax seeds, and quinoa pops. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.

Step 2: In a microwave-safe bowl or a small saucepan, gently heat the almond butter and honey (or maple syrup) until warm and runny. Stir in the vanilla extract and your pumpkin spice blend (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, and clove).

Step 3: Pour the wet binding mixture over the dry puffed rice and seed mix. Using a spatula (or your hands for a fun, sticky process!), mix until every piece is well-coated. Form the mixture into small, bite-sized discs or balls, about 1–1.5 inches in diameter. Place these on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

Step 4: In a microwave or double boiler, melt your white chocolate chips with the teaspoon of coconut oil until smooth. Using a spoon or piping bag, drizzle the melted chocolate over each rice bite in zigzag patterns. For a festive touch, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or sea salt on top while the drizzle is still wet.

Step 5: Let the bites cool completely. You can speed this up by placing the tray in the fridge for 20–30 minutes. Once the drizzle hardens and all the ingredients are set, your homemade Drizzilicious Pumpkin Spice bites are ready to enjoy!

Tips for Success

Here are some extra tips to make sure your treat turns out absolutely perfect:

• Experiment with sweetness levels: If you prefer a less sweet option, reduce the honey/maple syrup slightly or opt for dark chocolate in the drizzle.
• Storage: Store your bites in an airtight container at room temperature for 3–4 days. For longer freshness, keep them in the fridge.
• Customize your spice blend: Want a stronger pumpkin spice kick? Double the cinnamon! Or if you prefer just a hint, just tone down the clove and nutmeg.
• Go nut-free: Use tahini or sunflower seed butter as a substitute for almond butter if you’re avoiding nuts.
• Make it more festive: Add orange or golden sprinkles in the drizzling step for a fun, seasonal touch!

What to serve with

Drizzilicious Pumpkin Spice is a versatile, bite-sized snack that can be enjoyed on its own, but pairing it with complementary food and drinks can elevate the experience!

Hot Beverages:

• Pumpkin Spice Latte: A classic pairing! The creamy espresso drink perfectly complements the warm, spiced flavor of the bites.
• Chai Tea (or Chai Latte): The spicy undertones of cinnamon, clove, and cardamom in chai mirror the flavors in pumpkin spice amazingly well.
• Hot Apple Cider: The sweet and tangy notes of warm apple cider create a lovely contrast to the crispness of the pumpkin spice bites.
• Hot Cocoa: Rich and velvety hot chocolate works beautifully with the pumpkin spice drizzle, creating a sweet and indulgent combo.

Cold Beverages:

• Iced Coffee with Cinnamon: If you prefer cold brews, add a dash of cinnamon or pumpkin spice syrup to create harmony with the snack.
• Vanilla or Maple Iced Tea: Light and refreshing iced drinks balance the warm tones of the snack.
• Pumpkin Smoothie: Blend pumpkin puree, banana, almond milk, and cinnamon for a chilled autumn-inspired drink.

Ingredients Substitutes

There’s always a way to customize your Drizzilicious Pumpkin Spice recipe without compromising on flavor. Below is a detailed guide on substitute options for each primary ingredient, helping you tailor the recipe to suit your needs.

1. Puffed Rice Cereal

The foundation of crunchy Drizzilicious Pumpkin Spice is puffed rice. If you don’t have puffed rice or want to experiment, try these substitutes:

• Puffed Quinoa: Similar in texture to puffed rice but adds a nuttier flavor and slightly more protein.
• Rice Cakes: Break plain rice cakes into small pieces for a similar texture.
• Popcorn: Use air-popped popcorn for a fluffy, slightly larger crunch.
• Granola: If you want a heartier bite, replace puffed rice with your favorite granola.

2. Chia Seeds

Chia seeds provide texture, a slight crunch, and added nutritional value. Here are alternative options:

• Flax Seeds: Similar in nutrition and texture, they’re a great substitute. Use whole or ground flax seeds.
• Hemp Seeds: These have a slightly nuttier taste and can be used in the same quantity.
• Sesame Seeds: While smaller, sesame seeds can mimic the crunch of chia seeds.

3. Flax Seeds

Flax seeds provide a subtle nutty flavor. If you need a substitute:

• Chia Seeds: Chia seeds work as an exact replacement in both texture and nutrition.
• Hemp Hearts: Another great option for texture and a boost of omega-3s.
• Sunflower Seeds (chopped): Adds a similar nutty crunch, though larger in size.

4. Quinoa Pops (Optional)

Quinoa pops add an airy crunch, but they’re optional. If you’d like to replace them:

• Rice Krispies: A budget-friendly and readily available alternative.
• Puffed Millet: Millet pops are similar in size and texture to quinoa pops.
• Amaranth Pops: Amaranth is slightly smaller but mimics the airy, crispy texture.

5. Almond Butter

Almond butter binds the ingredients and adds creaminess to the snack. You can substitute it with:

• Peanut Butter: This is an excellent alternative with a nuttier, more prominent flavor.
• Cashew Butter: Cashew butter has a milder flavor and creamy texture, similar to almond butter.
• Sunflower Seed Butter (Nut-Free): For a nut-free recipe, sunflower seed butter works well while adding a slightly earthy flavor.
• Tahini: A savory sesame paste that works as a nut-free substitute, but your bites will have a mild sesame flavor.

6. Honey (or other sweeteners)

Honey adds sweetness and helps bind the ingredients. Here are a few alternatives:

• Maple Syrup: A vegan-friendly alternative that adds a rich, earthy sweetness.
• Agave Syrup: A mild-flavored, vegan option that works as seamlessly as honey.
• Brown Rice Syrup: A stickier option that’s ideal if you need stronger binding power.
• Date Syrup: A wholesome and healthy option with a caramel-like note.
• Coconut Nectar: A low-glycemic sweetener with a subtle coconut flavor.

7. Vanilla Extract

Vanilla extract enhances the sweetness of the bites and adds a subtle depth. If you don’t have it:

• Maple Syrup: Use a small splash in place of vanilla extract to achieve a similar warmth.
• Vanilla Powder: A great alternative if you have it on hand—use just a pinch as it’s potent.
• Almond Extract: Use in smaller quantities (1/4 teaspoon) to avoid overpowering the other flavors.

Final Thoughts

The great thing about Drizzilicious Pumpkin Spice is its versatility—it can be dressed up for a party platter, served as a comforting companion to your morning coffee, or enjoyed on its own as a guilt-free snack.