Initially I had Goldfish crackers on the brain. I first attempted to recreate that fun treat in shape of bunnies for this upcoming holiday celebration but as we all know so well, sometimes our intentions don’t always work out the way we think they will. In fact, the texture and flavor of what these crackers eventually became I knew it needed an extra “Oompf.” Thus enters the coating of “cheezy” seasoning.
That flippin’ seasoning just makes these crackers special. Thank the kitchen gods above for turning intentions into new formulas because I am in love with this new direction these crackers took. And the bunnies approve too! (and you know what they say about getting the seal of approval from bunnies, don’t you?)…
You don’t? Well, me neither. Please note that these aren’t the same texture as Goldfish, either. These are more delicate in your mouth–they are almost meltable (which only makes you want to eat more–aaah, the best type of food!) Think a flaky pie crust. A cheezy, salty pie crust.
As said in the recipe directions, I buy my vegan cheeze by the block and then thinly grate it. That is how I am able to blend the heck out of it and get it to be obedient without getting too clumpy in the crackers. If you buy the shredded version you can still do the same. It just takes time and patience to show it who’s boss. Or just keep the clumps. Who cares, right? Tastes the same! But for the sake of photographing it, I like it to be as flawless as possible. Read: I am a perfectionist, photographs or not.
Gluten-Free Vegan Cheezy Bunny Crackers
Description
A fun Easter treat to make for the kids in your house (or your inner child). The delicate, melt-in-your mouth crackers are bursting with “cheezy” flavor despite the fact that they are vegan and gluten-free.
Ingredients
For the Crackers
- 1/4 c. superfine brown rice flour
- 1/4 c. sorghum flour
- 1/4 c. potato starch
- 2 tsp. baking powder
- 1/2 tsp. xanthan gum
- 1 c. vegan “cheese,” shredded (my store carries a block of vegan cheese and I thinly grate it).
- 3 Tbsp. vegan butter, softened
- 1–2 Tbsp. ice water
For the “Cheezy” Seasoning
- 2 Tbsp. nutritional yeast
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. onion powder
- 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Line a baking sheet with a piece of parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, beat vegan butter and cheeze together until blended nicely with a hand mixer. (Tip: If you want your vegan cheese to blend completely where minimal clumps are showing in your crackers, make sure it is at room temperature and just beat the crap out of it with your mixer and even the back of a fork. Show it who’s the boss, friends).
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flours, starches, xanthan gum, and baking powder.
- Add the flour mixture into vegan butter/cheeze mix and beat until blended completely.
- Add water and stir in with a wooden spoon. If you need more water for a nice dough to form, add another tablespoon.
- Lightly knead and form two smooth balls. Chill for 15-20 minutes (optional–it just makes it a little easier to work with).
- With two pieces of parchment paper, roll out one of the balls until 1/4″ thick.
- Cut out with cookie cutter of choice (I used a mini bunny cutter that was 1-1 1/2″). Place on the baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly browned along the edges.
- Allow to cool slightly and then dip into seasoning (see instructions below).
- Repeat with the other dough ball.
For the seasoning
- Blend together the ingredients for the seasoning in a small bowl. Dip crackers by the batches in the bowl and lightly coat.
Notes
- This dough is delicate. If you are having troubles with it, it’s best to chill it.
- Makes approx. 2 cups mini bunny crackers.
Need help with gluten-free flour substitutions? Read this post to figure out which flours make great substitutions. Not gluten-free and want to use regular flour? Go for it! Not dairy-free and want to use real cheese? Again, it’s your lucky day!
Happy Bunny Cracker making, friends!
This look really good. I’m hoping to make some star shaped crackers for my daughter’s 4th mermaid themed birthday party. Would these freeze well? or how far ahead could I make them?
too freakin’ cute!! look delish!
You know what else is too freakin’ cute? YOU!
These look adorable! I also love the “cheezy” seasoning too, what a fantastic idea!
Thank you so much Carol! That means a lot coming from you 🙂
Hippy Mom and daughter Kar(just like car) Kar says your crackers look cool, just wanted to say high, we spent the day at the Drs. and while we were their Kar got to view your recipes while she waited for me. Have a good evening…
A big shout out to Kar (HI KAR!!) I love her name–is it short for anything? Kar and Cara…similar enough 🙂 Hope you had fun at the doctor’s 🙂
Kars name is Karinthia…
OMG! These are the cutest little crackers EVER. I have to make these.
You have that adorable bunny cookie cutter too!
Well, if Peter Cottontail is happy the only thing I can do is agree with him. O.K. agree with him and maybe make individual spinach tarts made out of bunny crackers. 🙂
P.S.A. Daiya sells their cheese in large rectangles which I purchase from Azure Standard. I cut them into squares that fit my food processor, shred one and freeze the rest; they last forever this way. xoxox
I love the idea of freezing them–that is a fabulous idea, Laurel! Again, the genius has risen 😉 (and I’m not talking about Jesus)…