Gluten-Free Rice Krispies Treats (Vegan)

Deliciously Easy Treats

If you’ve ever had rice krispies treats when you were a kid, you’ll likely cling onto the tasty, sweet memories of these crispy treats.

What Are Rice Krispies Treats?

Traditional Rice Krispies treats are basically made by binding Kellogg’s Rice Krispies cereal (or some other kind of crispy rice cereal) with a mixture of butter (or margarine) and marshmallows. Often, these no bake desserts are also called “marshmallow treats”, “marshmallow squares” or “Rice Krispies squares”.

These no bake treats were originally homemade, but the Kellogg’s company eventually started producing their own commercial version in 1995.

Are Rice Krispies Gluten-Free?

The only issue is that Kellogg’s Rice Krispies are made with barley malt syrup (which is derived from barley, a gluten-containing grain), and hence they are NOT gluten-free and definitely NOT safe for Celiacs or those with gluten-intolerances.

This means that to make these treats, we need to use another type of rice cereal that is certified gluten-free.

Today’s recipe is a gluten-free version of this childhood favorite.

Why This Recipe Works:

• Simple Ingredients: The ingredients required for these homemade rice krispies treats are easily accessible at the local grocery store.
• Easy to Make: Actual hands-on time for this crispy treat recipe is short and relatively uncomplicated, and most of the process is waiting for the mixture to set.
• Totally Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free and Vegan: The best thing is that these strawberry rice krispies treats are 100% gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan. This means that even those with Celiac disease or gluten or lactose intolerances can enjoy them without issues!

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Here’s a visual overview of the ingredients required for these gluten-free strawberry rice krispies treats.

(For exact measurements, please scroll down to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.)

Recipe Notes + Substitutions

• Vegan Butter: I used vegan butter to keep this recipe dairy-free and vegan. You may also use coconut oil if you prefer. Alternatively, if you are not lactose-intolerant, feel free to use normal butter instead.
• Mini Marshmallows: I used vegan marshmallows to keep this recipe dairy-free and vegan, but you may also use normal marshmallows if you prefer.
• Vanilla Extract: Adding a bit of vanilla extract gives these treats extra flavor, and I highly recommend adding it.
• Gluten-Free Rice Cereal: Since the traditional Kellogg’s Rice Krispies are not gluten-free (they contain malt which has gluten), we are using gluten free crispy rice cereal instead. If you are not Celiac or gluten-intolerant, feel free to use normal Rice Krispies instead.
• Freeze-Dried Strawberries: Using freeze-dried strawberries adds natural color and sweetness to these gluten-free rice krispie treats. Alternatively, you may use other freeze-fried berries if you prefer.
• Dairy-Free White Chocolate Chips: I used dairy-free white chocolate chips to keep this recipe dairy-free and vegan. However, if you are not lactose-intolerant, feel free to use normal white chocolate chips instead.

How to Make Gluten Free Rice Krispies Treats (Step by Step)

1. Line and Grease:

Line a 9″ x 13″ baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease with cooking spray. Set aside.

2. Melt Butter

In a large pot, melt the vegan butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add in the salt and stir.

3. Divide Marshmallows

Separate 1 ½ cups of marshmallows for later.

4. Add Marshmallows to Pot

Pour the rest of the marshmallows into the pot and continue to stir until melted.

5. Add Vanilla Extract

Once melted, remove the pot from the heat and then add in the vanilla extract to the marshmallow mixture and give it a quick stir.

6. Add Rice Cereal and Freeze-Dried Strawberries

Add the rice cereal and freeze dried strawberries and fold to combine.

7. Fold in Remaining Marshmallows

Fold in the remaining marshmallows that were set aside earlier and stir with a wooden spoon until evenly combined.

8. Transfer Mixture to Baking Pan

Pour the cereal mixture into the prepared pan and lightly flatten it out into an even layer with a rubber spatula.

9. Let Cool Until Set

Allow the mixture to cool completely on the counter at room temperature until set (for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour) before slicing.

10. Slice into Squares

After it has cooled, slice into squares and lay out on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

11. Melt Chocolate

Melt the dairy-free white chocolate melting wafers in a microwave-safe bowl. Dip each rice krispies square about ⅓ deep into the melted chocolate.

Lay it out on the parchment paper and then sprinkle with freeze dried-strawberries before it hardens.

12. Let Set Before Serving

Allow the decorated gluten-free rice krispie treats to cool until set on the counter for another 15 minutes, or until the white chocolate has completely hardened before serving.

Dish by Dish Tips/Tricks

• Change the Fruit Flavor: I used freeze-dried strawberries because I like the vibrant red color and the taste they give to these treats. However you can also use freeze-dried blueberries, freeze-dried blackberries, or freeze-dried raspberries if you prefer.
• Use Dark Chocolate Instead of White: If you like, go ahead and use dairy-free semi-sweet dark chocolate chips instead of white chocolate chips.

Recipe FAQs:

Strawberry Recipes to Enjoy:

• Easy Strawberry Crumble Bars (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
• Strawberry Chia Seed Jam (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
• Mixed Berry Crumble (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
• Strawberry Muffins (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
• Chocolate Strawberry Dessert Pizza (Gluten-Free, Vegan)

Other Gluten-Free Sweet Treats to Enjoy: