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    Home » Desserts

    Vegan rice crispy treats (Just 3 ingredients!)

    Published: Apr 14, 2021 · Modified: Mar 29, 2023 by Cadry Nelson
    This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Text overlay: Vegan rice crispy treats. Overhead platter of rice crispy treats on table by marshmallows.

    Vegan rice crispy treats are a crowd pleaser at any gathering. They’re loved by kids and adults alike.

    They use only 3 ingredients and come together in minutes. Plus, they’re both vegan & gluten free.

    Overhead vegan rice crispy treats on platter.

    Sweet & sticky rice crispy treats are a childhood dessert staple.

    They’re so easy a kid can make them. And they never fail to please.

    Rice krispie treats are a favorite at classroom parties and holidays, as well as a weekday afternoon snack.

    They couldn’t be easier to prepare – especially when you make them in the microwave.

    Just melt marshmallows with vegan butter, stir in rice cereal, and carefully press into a buttered baking dish.

    So simple!

    (If you prefer, I give stovetop directions too.)

    While most rice krispy treats aren’t vegan, they’re incredibly easy to veganize.

    In this post:

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Step by step instructions
    • Make them your own
    • Storage instructions
    • 📖 Recipe

    Ingredients

    Here are the ingredients you will need to make this recipe.

    Labeled ingredients for vegan rice crispy treats.

    Non-dairy butter: Any type of vegan butter you enjoy will work here like Earth Balance or Miyoko’s Creamery.

    Crisp rice cereal: To make sure this dessert is vegan-friendly, use rice crisp cereal that doesn’t include vitamin D3 (which comes from animal sources like sheep’s wool.)

    I use Trader Joe’s rice cereal. Nature’s Path is also good. Skip the krispies with the cartoon elf mascots.

    Vegan marshmallows: Standard marshmallows include gelatin, which is made from animal ligaments. So be sure to look for vegan marshmallows like Dandies.

    Dandies is a popular brand of vegan marshmallows that is found in most natural grocery stores. Trader Joe’s also sells vegan marshmallows as a seasonal item in the summer.

    I use full-size marshmallows. But if you’d prefer to use an equal amount of mini ones, that works too.

    Equipment: You’ll need a microwave-safe bowl (if microwaving), a square baking dish, and a pot (if doing the stovetop method).

    Step by step instructions

    Here’s how to make this recipe at a glance. For complete ingredient amounts & instructions, keep scrolling to the recipe card below.

    Start by greasing your baking dish with non-dairy butter or oil.

    A neutral flavored oil like canola works for this. Or you can use coconut oil if you like its coconutty flavor.

    Marshmallows cut in quarters in glass bowl.

    For easiest & even melting, I like to divide full-sized marshmallows into quarters.

    You can use kitchen shears or simply pull them apart with your fingers.

    To make rice crispy treats in the microwave:

    • Put 3 Tablespoons of vegan butter into a large glass bowl, along with the quartered marshmallows.
    • Microwave for about 80 seconds, stopping every 30 seconds or so to stir for even melting.
    • You’ll know the marshmallows are ready when they soften, look somewhat wet, and lose most of their shape.

    To make rice crispy treats on the stovetop:

    • Bring a large pot to a low heat with non-dairy butter.
    • Once the butter melts, add the quartered marshmallows.
    • Stir until the marshmallows become warm & softened.
    • Remove from heat.
    Melted marshmallows stirred with cereal in glass bowl.

    Stir 4 cups of crispy rice cereal into the bowl or pot.

    To fully incorporate the cereal, you’ll need to use your hands.

    Be careful as the marshmallows (and pot, if using) will be quite hot.

    If necessary, you can oil your spoon and/or hands, so that the marshmallows don’t stick to them.

    Marshmallow and rice cereal mixture pressed into glass baking dish.

    Press the marshmallow & cereal mixture into the buttered dish.

    Allow the treats to cool for easiest cutting.

    (Although, they’re extra gooey & delicious when they’re still slightly warm.)

    Make them your own

    Rice crispy treat square on plate by platter.

    You can make these vegan treats your own with these add-ons:

    When melting the marshmallows, stir in ¼ teaspoon of vanilla extract for an extra bump of flavor.

    When stirring in the cereal, incorporate your favorite add-ins like crushed vegan sandwich cookies, nuts, or chocolate chips.

    Melt chocolate chips in the microwave (like in my chocolate covered oranges recipe). And finish the bars with a drizzle of chocolate or dunk the sliced squares into it.

    Storage instructions

    Hands pulling apart vegan rice krispie treat.

    Store leftovers on the counter in a covered container or resealable freezer bag.

    They will keep for about 3 days.

    Overhead platter of crispy rice treats.

    📖 Recipe

    Stack of vegan rice crispy treats on plate.

    Vegan rice crispy treats

    Author: Cadry Nelson
    5 from 8 votes
    That childhood classic just got better! Vegan rice crispy treats come together in only minutes. Plus, they can be made in the microwave or stovetop.
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 3 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 8 minutes minutes
    Servings: 12 people
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American, Vegan
    Keyword: gluten free, holidays, kid friendly
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    • 3 Tablespoons non-dairy butter plus extra for buttering dish
    • 10 ounces vegan marshmallows
    • 4 cups crisp rice cereal

    Instructions

    • Lightly butter an 8 x 8 or 9 x 9 square baking dish. Set aside. (If you'd rather, you can oil the dish with canola or coconut oil.)
    • For easiest melting, it's best to cut or tear full-sized marshmallows into quarters. You can use kitchen shears or your fingers.
    • TO MICROWAVE: In a large glass mixing bowl, put in 3 Tablespoons of non-dairy butter and quartered marshmallows from a 10 ounce bag. Microwave for about 80 seconds, stopping every 30 seconds to stir for even melting. You'll know the marshmallows are ready when they soften, lose a lot of their shape, and look somewhat wet.
      Stir in 4 cups of crisp rice cereal. To fully incorporate the cereal, you’ll need to use your hands. Be careful as the marshmallows will be quite hot.
      Press the marshmallow & cereal mixture into the buttered dish. Allow the treats to cool for easiest cutting. (Although, they’re extra gooey & delicious when they’re still slightly warm.) Cut into squares & serve.
    • TO MAKE ON STOVETOP: Bring a large pot to a low heat with non-dairy butter. Once the butter melts, add the quartered marshmallows. Stir until the marshmallows become warm and softened. Remove from heat.
      Stir 4 cups of crisp rice cereal into the pot. To fully incorporate the cereal, you’ll need to use your hands. Be careful as the marshmallows and pot will be quite hot.
      Press the marshmallow & cereal mixture into the buttered dish. Allow the treats to cool for easiest cutting. (Although, they’re extra gooey & delicious when they’re still slightly warm.) Cut into squares & serve.

    Notes

    I recommend Dandies or Trader Joe’s vegan marshmallows. For the cereal, be sure to use one that doesn’t include vitamin D3.
    Leftovers will keep in a resealable covered container on the counter for about 3 days.
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    Nutrition

    Calories: 124kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 42mg | Potassium: 9mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 14g | Calcium: 1mg | Iron: 1mg

    Content updated March 29, 2023. Originally posted October 23, 2012.

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    1. David

      April 27, 2021 at 10:16 am

      5 stars
      These were sooooo good, it was difficult not to just keep eating them until they were gone!

      Reply
      • Cadry

        April 28, 2021 at 10:06 am

        I know the feeling. So glad you enjoyed them!

        Reply
    2. Somer

      October 26, 2012 at 4:05 pm

      I still haven’t bought vegan marshmallows, I really ought to, I’m sure my kids would love them. I’ve been making chocolate rice crispy treats instead which use almond butter to hold them together. It’s time to go traditional!

      Reply
      • Cadry

        October 27, 2012 at 4:19 pm

        Yes, I saw that on your blog! Those sound mighty tasty too!

        Reply
    3. Kristy

      October 25, 2012 at 6:30 pm

      5 stars
      I have never heard of that May Day tradition! That’s so interesting.

      These baskets looks so cute and yummy. I’ve been wanting to try Sweet & Sara’s marshmallows for awhile- I think I need to order them and some soy curls and try a bunch of new things at once!

      Reply
      • Cadry

        October 26, 2012 at 9:16 am

        David had never heard of May Day baskets either until he met me. It seems like it’s not a terribly widespread holiday.

        This was my first time trying Sweet & Sara marshmallows too. In the past I’ve always gotten Dandies, but they don’t sell those locally. The Sweet & Sara ones are a good size and have a nice vanilla flavor to them. I saw that they also sell strawberry ones, which would be cool to sample. Absolutely try out Soy Curls! I’m kind of particular about the ways that I enjoy them. I don’t like it if they’re just rehydrated in a soup and kind of spongey, but when they have all of their liquid squeezed out and they’re somewhat crisp, I really enjoy them. I recommend starting with the Smoky Soy Curls from Vegan Diner & the courico tacos from Vegan Brunch.

        Reply
        • Kristy

          October 30, 2012 at 2:31 pm

          Just ordered both! 🙂

          Reply
          • Cadry

            October 30, 2012 at 2:44 pm

            Yay! I look forward to hearing about what you make! This must be the day for making MoFo-fueled purchases… Today I ordered sumac and amchur powder from the Spice Station (and my favorite smoked salt while I was placing an order anyway)!

            Reply
    4. Richa

      October 24, 2012 at 7:06 pm

      i want some of these cute rice baskets! my mom used to make rice balls and other shapes with puffed rice and jaggery syrup for our sweet tooth.

      Reply
      • Cadry

        October 24, 2012 at 9:37 pm

        Oh, that sounds good too!

        Reply
    5. cookeasyvegan

      October 24, 2012 at 12:45 pm

      5 stars
      Flowers in paper baskets are nice — even avocados in baskets are nice. But crispy rice baskets are the best yet. That’s the kind of basket I want!

      Reply
      • Cadry

        October 24, 2012 at 3:18 pm

        I’ll keep that in mind for May! 🙂

        Reply
    6. Caitlin

      October 24, 2012 at 5:59 am

      what a lovely story! i never knew what may day was until just now. i love these baskets and the fact that they can carry little goodies. i’m now scheming for ways to utilize these little cuties.

      Reply
      • Cadry

        October 24, 2012 at 11:31 am

        When I was looking into it, May Day is celebrated in a variety of ways. Some of them are more political, similar to Labor Day, and it honors the people who worked to make 8 hour days standard. For other people, celebrating May Day is more lighthearted with May baskets and dances around the May pole. (When I was in kindergarten, the end of the school year was celebrated with a big May pole dance.) Good luck with your basket schemes! I’m sure whatever you choose will be delicious! 🙂

        Reply
    7. Bobbie {the vegan crew}

      October 23, 2012 at 10:07 pm

      5 stars
      I think the world would be a nicer place if more people celebrated May Day 🙂 Rice krispy treats used to be one of my favorite treats, and the baskets are adorable!

      Reply
      • Cadry

        October 24, 2012 at 11:27 am

        I think you’re right! Unlike so many overly commercialized holidays, May Day just involves some construction paper, a few candies, or a handful of flowers. For the most part, it’s just about giving someone else a nice, unexpected surprise!

        Reply
    8. GiGi

      October 23, 2012 at 6:57 pm

      5 stars
      What a cute story. I’ve never celebrated May Day, but I think we should celebrate marshmallow basket day.

      Reply
      • Cadry

        October 24, 2012 at 11:25 am

        Absolutely! The world needs more marshmallow basket holidays! 😉

        Reply
    9. Maggie Muggins

      October 23, 2012 at 5:51 pm

      5 stars
      I’m not familiar with May Day baskets, it sounds like fun! I would love to receive a little basket of goodies on my doorstep. I can’t remember the last time I had rice krispie treats, they look so yummy!

      Reply
      • Cadry

        October 24, 2012 at 11:19 am

        It had been such a long time since I’d made them too. In fact, I think the last time I made them I wasn’t even vegetarian yet!

        Reply
    10. ameyfm

      October 23, 2012 at 4:53 pm

      I’ve never ever heard of may day baskets! what a fun idea. Also, I love rice krispie treats so much, it’s crazy!

      Reply
      • Cadry

        October 24, 2012 at 11:18 am

        I love rice crispy treats too much, I’ve discovered! I hadn’t made them in a million years, and I had to send David off to work with them today! They were somewhat oddly shaped because of their former basket selves, but still tasty!

        Reply

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