Tropical Dream Rice Krispie Treats
Medically reviewed by Christiana George Updated Date: December 17, 2022
And the craziness continues. We finally found a buyer for our house, that meant we had to go look for a new home. Last weekend, my mom watched the kids as my husband and I drove fourteen hours down south to look at houses. We must have looked at about thirty houses the first day and that was all in six hours. After already owning two houses, we know what we want and what we don’t. Our realtor was awesome, he was patient and understanding. We were supposed to spend two days looking at house, but since we saw most of our list the first day, we ended up finding “the one” that day. Now it’s time to start packing!
In the meantime, Oh! Nuts sent me an email asking if I wanted samples of their product to try in my recipes. Who am I to say no to dried fruits and nuts. They had so many options to choose from. Just check it out for yourselves here. I ended up choosing dried guava slices and dried pineapple tidbits. I was in a tropical mood.
Of course, we had to do some taste testing first. I had no doubt my daughter would like them, she eats anything. Her brother, Mister Picky, is finicky about what goes in his mouth. I was surprised that he even wanted to try the guava and pineapple. And I was even more surprised when he asked for more. I don’t blame him, they are pretty good.
Since I was in a tropical mood, I thought some tropical Rice Krispie treats were in order. I chopped up the quava slice and the pineapple tidbits into smaller pieces and added them to the treats along with some macadamia nuts, white chocolate and a little coconut flavor to round it out.
I had never thought to buy coconut extract before, but boy does it smell delightful. Most of the dried fruit I cut up did end up in the recipe. I may have lost a piece or two when I turned my back on the minions. They sure are sneaky.
Now comes the topping. I wanted something light, fluffy, and coco-nutty. On my Lime Coconut Rice Krispie Treats with Tequila, I just used shredded coconut and marshmallow fluff, but this time I wanted to use to coconut cream and some toasted coconut.
I toasted up some sweetened coconut flakes in a pan until it was to my liking. Then I whipped up some marshmallow fluff, cream of coconut, and vegetable shortening together to make the fluffy frosting.
I was really looking for coconut cream, but didn’t find it. I was grocery shopping with the two little minions and they didn’t have the patience to look up and down every aisle. So cream of coconut it was. It is already sweetened and it is used mostly for drinks, but it works in a pinch. The cream of coconut still has a lot of liquid, but if you put the can overnight in the fridge, the fat will come to the top and you just scoop out what you need for the frosting. Or you can throw it in the freezer for a bit. Just try to get as much of the thick fatty part into the frosting as possible, so you have a fluffier frosting.
Then just spread on the coconut frosting and sprinkle it with the toasted coconut. Pop the whole thing in the fridge for an hour or two and it is ready to be sliced and eaten.
It really does taste like a tropical dream. Lots of coconut, pineapple, and guava flavor. Thanks Oh! Nuts for the inspiration. Now I need to get back to packing. I guess all that free time that I thought I was going to have after becoming a stay at home mom at the beginning of this month is not going to be so free anymore. But it is all for the better. I can’t wait to bake in my new kitchen!
Tropical Dream Rice Krispie Treats
by The Sweet Chick
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Keywords: no bake dessert snack coconut pineapple guava marshmallow fluff bars rice krispie treats American summer
Ingredients (24 bars)
For the treats
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 5 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 teaspoon coconut extract
- 6 cups Rice Krispie (or generic) cereal
- 1/2 cup chopped, Oh! Nuts dried guava slices (about 4 slices)
- 1/2 cup chopped, Oh! Nuts dried pineapple tidbits
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/3 cup chopped, macadamia nuts
For the frosting
- 1/2 cup vegetable shortening
- 1 cup marshmallow fluff
- 1 1/4 cup cream of coconut
For the topping
- 1/2 cup sweetened coconut flakes
Instructions
For the treats
In a large sauce pan, melt butter and marshmallows over low heat. Stir until completely melted.
Remove from heat and add coconut extract. Stir until completely mixed.
Then add the cereal, pineapple, guava, chocolate chips, and nuts. Mix until all is well incorporated.
Then pour the mixture into a greased 9 x 13 pan or a cookie sheet and spread it evenly with a piece of waxed paper.
Place in fridge to cool and set.
For the frosting
In a stand mixer with a whisk attachment, whisk together the shortening, fluff and cream of coconut on medium speed, slowly increasing to fast speed until frosting is light and fluffy like a meringue.
Spread frosting evenly over the treats.
For the topping
Place coconut flakes in a medium frying pan and cook over medium heat on the stove top until flakes are a golden brown. About five minutes. Stir occasionally so that the flakes don’t burn.
Sprinkle the toasted flakes over the frosting and place the treats back in the fridge for an hour or two for the frosting to set.
Then cut into squares and take a bite!
Disclaimer: Oh! Nuts did provide me with some of the products used to make this recipe, but I was under no obligation to develop a recipe for them nor provide a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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Are Pumpkin Puree Safe for Acid Reflux?
Pumpkin puree, made from cooked and blended pumpkin, is a versatile ingredient often used in soups, desserts, and savory dishes. Its naturally sweet and creamy texture makes it a popular choice for healthy recipes. But if you suffer from acid reflux or GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), you might be asking: “Is pumpkin puree safe for acid reflux?”
The good news is that pumpkin puree is generally safe for acid reflux sufferers. With its mild, low-acid nature, high fiber content, and rich nutritional profile, pumpkin puree can actually help soothe digestion and reduce reflux symptoms. However, portion size, preparation methods, and accompanying ingredients can all influence how well it works in a reflux-friendly diet.
In this article, we’ll explore why pumpkin puree is considered safe for acid reflux, its nutritional benefits, and tips for incorporating it into your meals without triggering symptoms.
Is Pumpkin Puree Acidic or Alkaline?
Pumpkin puree is considered a low-acid food, with a pH level ranging between 4.9 and 5.2. While this places it in the mildly acidic category, its overall effect on digestion is gentle, making it a safe option for most people with acid reflux.
Additionally, pumpkin puree has alkalizing properties when metabolized in the body, helping to neutralize stomach acid and reduce irritation in the esophagus. Compared to other acidic foods like tomatoes or citrus fruits, pumpkin puree is far less likely to trigger reflux symptoms.
Author Tip: Is Pumpkin Puree Acidic?
Nutritional Profile of Pumpkin Puree
Pumpkin puree is packed with essential nutrients that promote overall health and support digestion. Here’s what makes it a nutrient-dense, reflux-friendly food:
1. High in Fiber
- One cup of pumpkin puree contains about 7 grams of fiber, which supports healthy digestion, reduces bloating, and prevents overeating—one of the common triggers of acid reflux.
2. Low in Calories and Fat
- With only 80 calories per cup and virtually no fat, pumpkin puree is light and easy to digest, making it a perfect option for those managing reflux symptoms.
3. Rich in Vitamins
- Vitamin A: Promotes healthy mucous membranes, including those in the digestive tract, helping to protect the esophagus from stomach acid.
- Vitamin C: Reduces inflammation and promotes healing.
- Vitamin E: A powerful antioxidant that soothes and protects the digestive lining.
4. Contains Essential Minerals
- Potassium: Helps maintain electrolyte balance and supports muscle function, including the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which prevents stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus.
- Magnesium: Relaxes the digestive muscles and helps reduce reflux episodes.
5. High Water Content
- Pumpkin puree is about 90% water, which helps hydrate the body and dilute stomach acid, reducing reflux symptoms.
Also Read: Is Pumpkin Soup Acidic?
Why Pumpkin Puree is Good for Acid Reflux?
Research suggests that Pumpkin puree offers a range of benefits that make it suitable for acid reflux sufferers. Here’s why:
1. Gentle on the Stomach
- Pumpkin puree’s low acidity and smooth texture make it soothing for the stomach and esophagus, reducing the risk of irritation.
2. Aids in Digestion
- The fiber content in pumpkin puree helps regulate bowel movements, prevent constipation, and reduce bloating—key factors in managing acid reflux.
3. Prevents Overeating
- Its fiber and water content promote a feeling of fullness, preventing overeating, which is a common reflux trigger.
4. Reduces Inflammation
- Pumpkin’s antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds can soothe irritation in the esophagus caused by stomach acid.
5. Supports the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES)
- Minerals like magnesium and potassium help keep the LES functioning properly, preventing stomach acid from traveling back into the esophagus.
Tips for Using Pumpkin Puree in a GERD-Friendly Diet
To ensure pumpkin puree works well in a reflux-friendly diet, follow these tips:
1. Choose Unsweetened Pumpkin Puree
- Opt for pure, unsweetened pumpkin puree. Avoid canned pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars, spices, and preservatives that may trigger reflux symptoms.
2. Watch Your Portion Size
- Stick to 1/2 to 1 cup per serving. Even reflux-friendly foods can cause discomfort if consumed in large quantities.
3. Avoid High-Fat Additions
- Skip heavy creams, butter, or fried preparations when using pumpkin puree. Pair it with low-fat or non-fat ingredients instead.
4. Pair with Alkaline Foods
- Combine pumpkin puree with reflux-friendly ingredients like oats, bananas, or lean proteins to create balanced meals.
5. Avoid Spicy or Acidic Additions
- Refrain from adding spicy seasonings or acidic ingredients like vinegar or citrus to pumpkin puree dishes, as these can irritate the stomach and esophagus.
Related to Read: Are Pumpkin Seeds Safe for Acid Reflux?
Reflux-Friendly Pumpkin Puree Recipes
1. Pumpkin Oatmeal
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup oats
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook oats in almond milk as directed.
- Stir in pumpkin puree, cinnamon, and honey.
- Serve warm as a hearty, reflux-friendly breakfast.
2. Pumpkin and Banana Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 small banana
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Blend all ingredients until smooth.
- Serve as a refreshing, acid reflux-friendly snack.
3. Pumpkin Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
- A pinch of salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Heat pumpkin puree and vegetable broth in a pot over medium heat.
- Stir in almond milk and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve warm with a slice of whole-grain bread.
More Pumpkin Recipes: Pumpkin, Banana, & Apple Yogurt Smoothie
Pumpkin Dulce de Leche Chocolate Chip Cookies
Pumpkin Spice Crepes with a Cinnamon Mascarpone Filling
Frequently Asked Questions About Pumpkin Puree and Acid Reflux
1. Is pumpkin puree acidic?
Pumpkin puree is mildly acidic but has alkalizing effects when metabolized in the body, making it safe for acid reflux sufferers.
2. Can pumpkin puree trigger acid reflux?
Pumpkin puree is unlikely to trigger reflux. However, consuming it in large quantities or pairing it with fatty or spicy ingredients may cause discomfort.
3. Is canned pumpkin puree safe for GERD?
Yes, plain canned pumpkin puree is safe for GERD, but avoid sweetened or spiced varieties like pumpkin pie filling.
4. How much pumpkin puree can I eat if I have acid reflux?
Stick to 1/2 to 1 cup per serving to avoid overeating, which can put pressure on the stomach and trigger reflux symptoms.
5. What are other reflux-friendly vegetables?
Other reflux-friendly vegetables include zucchini, carrots, spinach, cucumbers, and sweet potatoes.
Final Thoughts
Pumpkin puree is a nutrient-dense, low-acid food that is generally safe and beneficial for individuals with acid reflux or GERD. Its high fiber and water content, along with its soothing properties, make it a great addition to a reflux-friendly diet.
Whether enjoyed in oatmeal, smoothies, or soups, pumpkin puree can help improve digestion, reduce inflammation, and prevent reflux symptoms when consumed in moderation. Just be sure to avoid high-fat or overly spiced preparations to get the most out of this versatile and healthy ingredient.
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