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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:

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Ingredients
Step by step instructions
Make them your own
Storage instructions
📖 Recipe

Ingredients

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

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.

📖 Recipe