Rice Krispie Treats Recipe With Vegan Marshmallows

The Best Rice Krispie Treats Recipe with Vegan Marshmallows

Rice krispie treats always bring me back to moments of simple happiness in the kitchen. That gooey, chewy bite mixed with a light crunch has a way of making any day feel a bit more special. When I started following a plant-based diet, finding a way to enjoy this classic treat with vegan marshmallows became important to me. I experimented with a few versions, making small tweaks to land on a recipe that feels just like the original. Completely dairy and gelatin free, these vegan treats are perfect for anyone wanting that nostalgic bite without the usual ingredients.

What I like most about vegan rice krispie treats is how straightforward they are to prepare. The ingredient list is short, and you probably already have most of what you need in the pantry. If you’re new to vegan substitutes or making treats for those with dietary restrictions, this recipe is a great place to start. Plus, the result is a sweet, chewy treat that everyone at the table can enjoy, regardless of their lifestyle.

Why I Love These Vegan Rice Krispie Treats

• No baking required. Just melt, mix, and press everything into a pan. It couldn’t be easier.
• Simple pantry staples. You only need a handful of plantbased ingredients that are easy to find at most grocery stores.
• Allergy friendly. By using vegan butter and certified gluten free crisped rice, this recipe fits into many different diets and needs.
• Keeps that classic taste and texture. The fluffy, chewy marshmallow bite is still there. No one will guess these are vegan.

What You’ll Need for Vegan Rice Krispie Treats

Here’s my goto list for making a batch of these easy treats. The ingredients are as simple as they come:

• 6 cups crisped rice cereal (check for a gluten-free option if needed)
• 10 ounces vegan marshmallows (preferably a brand made without gelatin, like Dandies)
• 3 tablespoons vegan butter (any nondairy butter or margarine you like)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt (optional, but it brings out the flavor)

Most big supermarkets carry vegan marshmallows and butter, but the best selection is usually at health food stores or online. Always double check the ingredient list for animalbased additives if you have concerns. And if you want to mix in even more flavor, keep your favorite vegan-friendly chocolate or dried fruit on hand to toss in at the end.

StepbyStep Instructions for Perfect Vegan Rice Krispie Treats

1. Prepare Your Pan

I use an 8×8inch or 9×9inch square baking pan, lined with parchment paper or lightly greased with vegan butter. This makes it easy to lift out the finished treats for even cutting.

2. Melt the Vegan Butter and Marshmallows

In a large pot, melt the vegan butter over low heat. Add the vegan marshmallows, stirring regularly so that nothing sticks or burns. Vegan marshmallows take a bit longer to melt than regular ones, and they don’t always melt perfectly smooth. Just keep stirring until most lumps disappear and the texture is mostly gooey and sticky.

3. Add the Flavor

Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Do this while the mixture is still warm, allowing the flavor to blend in evenly throughout the sticky marshmallow base.

4. Mix in the Cereal

Quickly pour in the crisped rice cereal. Gently but swiftly fold the cereal into the marshmallow mixture, making sure all the pieces get coated. Because vegan marshmallows stiffen faster than regular ones, the quicker you work, the better the entire mix will come together. If things seem too sticky, sprinkle in another spoonful of cereal.

5. Press into the Pan

With clean, slightly damp hands or a spatula greased with a little vegan butter, press the mixture into the prepared pan. Don’t pack it down too firmly. This helps keep the treats light and chewy rather than tough or crunchy. Smooth the surface, leaving just a bit of texture for that classic look.

6. Set and Slice

Let your rice krispie treats cool for at least 30 minutes at room temperature. Once they’re firm, lift the slab using the parchment paper edges and cut into even squares. If you’re in a hurry, pop the pan in the fridge for a few minutes, but avoid letting them get too cold, as this could make them a touch harder.

Troubleshooting and Tips

• If the marshmallow mixture seems too sticky when you stir in the cereal, adding another small handful of cereal can help make the mix easier to handle.
• Some brands of vegan marshmallows are denser or drier than others. Weighing out your marshmallows for accuracy is best, but if you don’t have a kitchen scale, a 10ounce bag is usually perfect for this recipe.
• If you want thicker, chunky squares, use a smaller pan or double up the recipe to make a larger batch at once.
• Store in an airtight container to keep your treats soft and chewy for up to three days. Leaving them uncovered will dry them out much more quickly.
• Try adding vegan chocolate chips, colorful vegan sprinkles, or even a swirl of peanut butter for a new twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use regular rice cereal, or are there hidden animal ingredients?

A: Many rice cereal brands use vitamin D3 sourced from lanolin, which is sheep-based. Always check the packaging for gluten free and vegan certification. Brands like One Degree and Nature’s Path offer safe vegan options. Checking the nutrition label is always a good habit if you’re unsure.

Q: Are vegan marshmallows really different from regular ones?

A: Vegan marshmallows skip the gelatin and use plantbased thickeners like agar agar or carrageenan. They sometimes melt a little differently and might taste a bit less stickysweet, but the finished treats are just as delicious as the originals. The difference is subtle when mixed into the squares.

Q: Can I make these treats without any marshmallows?

A: Marshmallows create the classic sticky, chewy texture, but some people use a mix of nut butter and maple syrup as a base instead. This changes the flavor and texture quite a bit, so if you want that classic bite, vegan marshmallows are the way to go. For an entirely different but tasty treat, the nut butter option can work too!

Q: How do I keep my treats from becoming too hard?

A: Pressing the mixture too firmly in the pan or adding a bit too much cereal can make your squares tough. I always gently pat down the mix, making sure there’s still some airiness. Also, don’t let the melted marshmallow mixture sit too long before mixing in the cereal.

Ways to Customize Your Vegan Rice Krispie Treats

• Fold in a handful of dairyfree chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or vegan sprinkles for extra flavor and color.
• For that sweet and salty combo, sprinkle a small pinch of flaky salt over the top while the treats are still warm.
• Pour a layer of melted vegan chocolate over the cooled bars for an impressive dessert or bake sale treat.
• Add a hint of cinnamon or a spoonful of nut butter for extra richness and a new flavor twist.

Getting Kids Involved

Making vegan rice krispie treats is a fun, safe project for kids who want to get involved in the kitchen. Kids can pour in the cereal, stir (with adult supervision for the hot mixture), and help press the finished mix into the pan. Decorate cooled treats with mini vegan chocolate chips or sparkling sugar for even more creativity. This recipe is quick, easy, and offers a great way to get everyone’s hands in the mix—plus, there’s not much waiting before you can dig in!

Share Your Perfect Vegan Rice Krispie Treat Square!

When I make this recipe to bring to parties, picnics, or potlucks, someone always asks what makes these treats so good. The secret is simply swapping in vegan marshmallows, opening up the fun for everyone to enjoy, whether they eat plant-based or not. If you give this recipe a try, let me know how yours turn out. I’d love to hear what flavor twists or fun mix-ins you used. Sharing the sweetness with friends and family brings back the best kind of nostalgia—one delicious, chewy bite at a time.