These vegan rice krispie treats are a quick, no-bake dessert that delivers all the classic crispy, chewy goodness without any dairy or animal products. Made with simple ingredients, this easy treat is perfect for parties, snacks, or last-minute desserts.
Featured Comment:
I've been looking for a way to make rice krispies without diary as I have recently developed an intolerance. This recipe checks all of my boxes as a rice krispie treat lover! - Zoey
If you're looking for a nostalgic dessert with a modern, vegan twist, this recipe is sure to be a favorite.
Gooey and indulgent, it is revered by children and adults alike for good reason.
I love this recipe so much I have even adapted it into my vegan chocolate peanut butter rice krispie treats and vegan oreo rice krispie treats. You simply cannot go wrong!
Jump to:
- Ingredients You'll Need
- Why You'll Love These Treats
- How to Make Vegan Rice Krispie Treats (step-by-step)
- Recipe Tips
- Do Vegan Marshmallows Work for Rice Krispie Treats?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Recipe Variations
- Storage
- Vegan Rice Krispie Treats
- More Vegan Rice Krispie Treat Recipes
- More Vegan Brownies and Bars
Ingredients You'll Need
- vegan butter: Provides richness and moisture, helping bind the treats together while giving them a classic buttery flavor without using dairy.
- mini vegan marshmallows: Melt to create the sticky, sweet base that holds the cereal together and gives rice krispie treats their signature chewy texture.
- salt: Enhances the sweetness of the marshmallows and balances the overall flavor so the treats don't taste overly sugary.
- vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth of flavor, making the treats taste more rounded and dessert-like.
- crispy rice cereal: Provides the light, crunchy structure that gives rice krispie treats their iconic snap and texture. Off-brand is totally OK to use here!
Have a Specific Food Allergy?
Click the button below to ask ChatGPT to alter it for your diet!
Why You'll Love These Treats
- They're quick and no-bake, perfect for busy days or last-minute desserts.
- Made with simple, plant-based ingredients you can easily find.
- They have the perfect balance of chewy and crispy in every bite.
- Naturally dairy-free and vegan, so everyone can enjoy them.
- Great for kids, parties, and make-ahead snacks. They disappear fast!
How to Make Vegan Rice Krispie Treats (step-by-step)
Please see the recipe card at the bottom of the page for full instructions and ingredient measurements.
Begin by melting the vegan butter in a large pot on the stop. Add in the marshmallows to melt, stirring constantly. Mix in the salt and vanilla.
Remove pot from heat and quickly stir in the crispy rice cereal.
Lightly press the mixture into a 9-inch square pan that has been lined with parchment paper.
Set aside to cool for at least 1 hour before cutting into squares.
Recipe Tips
Here are a few tips to ensure your vegan rice krispie treats turn out perfectly:
- Use fresh vegan marshmallows for the best melt and smoothest texture.
- Melt the butter and marshmallows over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent sticking or burning.
- Lightly grease your spatula or hands to make pressing the mixture into the pan easier.
- Don't pack the treats too tightly. Gentle pressing keeps them soft and chewy.
- Let them cool completely before slicing for clean, even squares.
Do Vegan Marshmallows Work for Rice Krispie Treats?
Yes, vegan marshmallows do work for rice krispie treats! They melt similarly to traditional marshmallows and create the sticky, chewy texture needed to hold the cereal together.
The key is to melt them slowly over low heat and stir constantly, as vegan marshmallows can firm up faster if overheated.
Best Vegan Marshmallow Brands
When making vegan rice krispie treats, choosing the right marshmallow brand makes all the difference.
- Dandies Vegan Marshmallows are the most popular choice. They melt smoothly, taste just like classic marshmallows, and are easy to find in many grocery stores.
- Trader Joe's Vegan Marshmallows are another great option when available, offering a soft texture and mild sweetness that works well in no-bake desserts.
- Smashmallow Vegan Marshmallows add a slightly gourmet flavor twist while still melting nicely for treats.
No matter which brand you choose, look for vegan marshmallows that are fresh and melt them gently over low heat for the best chewy, gooey results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Traditional rice krispie treats are not vegan because they contain marshmallows made with gelatin. Using vegan marshmallows and vegan butter makes them completely plant-based.
They melt slightly differently but work just as well. Vegan marshmallows should be melted slowly over low heat to achieve a smooth, sticky consistency.
Yes! Just be sure to use a certified gluten-free crispy rice cereal.
Absolutely. Chocolate chips, sprinkles, chopped nuts, or dried fruit all make great additions. Just stir them in after removing the mixture from heat.
Didn't Find the Answer You're Looking For?
Ask ChatGPT to answer based on this specific recipe:
Recipe Variations
Here are a few fun ways to dress up your vegan rice krispie treats:
- Chocolate: Stir in ½ cup vegan chocolate chips after removing the mixture from heat for a rich, chocolatey twist.
- Peanut Butter: Add ¼ cup creamy peanut butter (or almond butter) to the melted marshmallow mixture for extra flavor and protein.
- S'mores Style: Fold in crushed vegan graham crackers and mini vegan chocolate chips, then top with a drizzle of melted chocolate.
- Brown Butter-Style: Gently heat the vegan butter until lightly golden before adding marshmallows for a deeper, caramel-like flavor.
- Matcha White Chocolate: Add 1-2 teaspoons matcha powder and vegan white chocolate chips for a fun, earthy-sweet twist.
- Cookies & Cream: Mix in crushed vegan sandwich cookies for extra crunch and contrast.
- Churro-Inspired: Sprinkle the finished treats with a cinnamon-sugar mixture for a warm, dessert-style flavor.
- Strawberry Shortcake: Stir in freeze-dried strawberries and finish with a light vanilla glaze.
- Birthday Cake: Add vanilla bean paste and rainbow sprinkles for a cake-like, celebratory version.
Storage
How to Store Vegan Rice Krispie Treats
- Room Temperature: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft and chewy.
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Let them come to room temperature before serving to restore chewiness.
- Freezer: We do not recommend freezing this recipe.
Tip: Avoid stacking them without parchment paper in between, or they may stick together.
If you make this recipe be sure to tag @censoredbaker on Instagram!
PrintVegan Rice Krispie Treats
Gooey rice krispie treats made without any dairy or animal products.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Setting Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 16 2-inch Treats 1x
- Category: Brownies and Bars
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
⅓ cup vegan butter
10 ounce bag mini vegan marshmallows
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups crispy rice cereal
Instructions
- Prep: Line a 9x9 inch pan with parchment paper and lightly grease with cooking spray. Set aside.
- Melt: Melt butter in a large pot on the stove over medium-low heat. Add marshmallows to the pot and melt down, stirring constantly. Remove from heat immediately after mixture is smooth. Stir in salt and vanilla. Add crispy rice cereal to the pot and stir.
- Set: Scoop mixture into prepared pan using an oiled rubber spatula to prevent sticking. Press down lightly. Set Rice Krispie Treats in an area of your kitchen that won't be disturbed. Let them sit and cool in the pan for at least an hour before cutting.
Notes
*Prepared rice krispie treats will keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. Do not freeze.
*Working quickly is important when making rice krispie treats so be sure to prepare all of your ingredients before you begin.
*If you prefer a thicker treat, use an 8x8 inch square pan instead of the 9x9.
Leave a Reply