There’s something so nostalgic about the snap of a perfectly made Rice Krispie treat. That delicate crunch followed by the gooey, chewy sweetness always takes me back to childhood afternoons spent devouring these sticky bars with friends. When I went vegan, I honestly thought those days were behind me—after all, traditional Rice Krispie treats are packed with marshmallows that aren’t exactly plant-based. But I was determined to bring that joy back, and after some experimenting, I found the perfect vegan version. Now, I can confidently say these treats are every bit as delicious as the ones I grew up with.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to make these vegan Rice Krispie treats at home. Whether you’re making them for your kids, a party, or just because you’re craving something sweet and crunchy, this recipe has you covered. Plus, I’ll share a few fun twists and variations I’ve tried along the way!

Ingredients for Vegan Rice Krispie Treats

You don’t need anything fancy to whip up these tasty treats—just a handful of simple ingredients. I like to keep things easy, so you probably already have most of these in your pantry.

Puffed Rice Cereal: This is the heart of your treats. I usually go for a gluten-free version just to keep things inclusive for everyone.
Vegan Marshmallows: Since regular marshmallows contain gelatin, I opt for vegan ones. My go-to brand is Dandies—they melt beautifully and taste just like the real thing.
Vegan Butter or Coconut Oil: Either works great! I alternate between the two, depending on what’s available. If you like a hint of coconut flavor, go with coconut oil. Otherwise, vegan butter gives a classic buttery taste.
Optional Add-ins: Sometimes I like to mix things up with a splash of vanilla extract or a drizzle of brown rice syrup for extra sweetness.

My Tips:

Always melt the marshmallows on low heat. Trust me, I’ve learned the hard way—high heat can quickly turn them into a sticky mess.
A non-stick spatula is your best friend here. It makes stirring and spreading so much easier!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Vegan Rice Krispie Treats

This recipe is super simple, but a few small tips can make a big difference. Here’s how I do it:

Melt the Vegan Butter and Marshmallows

Grab a large saucepan and melt your vegan butter or coconut oil over low heat. Once it’s melted, toss in the vegan marshmallows and keep stirring. You want them fully melted and smooth—this part smells amazing, by the way!

Mix in the Puffed Rice Cereal

When the marshmallows have fully melted, take the pan off the heat and quickly mix in the puffed rice cereal. Make sure you work fast here—you want every bit of cereal coated before it cools down.

Transfer the mixture to a Pan:

Grease a pan or line it with parchment paper (less cleanup—yay!). Pour the mixture in and press it down tightly. I usually grease my hands a little and press it down gently.

Cool and Slice:

Allow the treats to cool on the counter for around 30 minutes. Once they’re set, slice them into squares or bars.

My Tips:

Don’t press down too hard—you want them to stay light and airy.
Work quickly when mixing the cereal to avoid clumps.

Variations on Vegan Rice Krispie Treats

Here’s where things get fun! I love experimenting with different flavors and add-ins. Here are some of my favorite variations:

Chocolate Drizzle

Melt some dairy-free chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled treats. It adds a rich, chocolatey kick that’s hard to resist.

Peanut Butter

Mix a few tablespoons of peanut butter into the warm, melted marshmallow blend. It gives the treats a delicious nutty flavor—perfect for peanut butter lovers like me!

Dried Fruits and Nuts

I’ve tried adding chopped dried fruits and nuts, and it’s a game-changer. You get little bursts of flavor and crunch in every bite.

Sprinkles

If I’m making these for a party or just want something colorful, I add vegan sprinkles. It makes them look super festive.

My Tips:

Make sure any add-ins are evenly distributed so every bite is delicious.
If you’re adding chocolate, let the treats cool completely before drizzling.

Storage Tips for Vegan Rice Krispie Treats

I usually make a big batch and store them for snacking throughout the week. Here’s how to keep them fresh:

At Room Temperature

To keep them fresh, store them in a sealed container for up to 3 days. Layer parchment paper between them if you’re stacking to prevent sticking.

In the Refrigerator

To keep them fresh for longer, store them in the fridge, and they’ll stay good for up to a week. Just know they might get a bit firmer.

Freezing

These treats freeze really well! I wrap each bar in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag for storage. They’ll keep for up to a month—just thaw at room temperature before eating.

My Tips:

Make sure to let them cool to room temperature before serving. They taste best that way!
Use parchment paper between layers if you’re storing a lot.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes things don’t go as planned, but don’t worry—I’ve got you covered with these common problems and solutions:

Treats Too Hard

This usually happens if you overheat the marshmallows. Keep the heat low and stir constantly.

Too Sticky to Handle

If your treats are too sticky, they might not have cooled long enough. Give them more time to set.

Crumbly Texture

If they’re falling apart, it might be because you didn’t press the mixture down firmly enough. Next time, try using a spatula or lightly greased hands to press it down firmly.

Uneven Coating

Make sure you’re stirring quickly and thoroughly when you add the cereal. This helps prevent clumps and ensures even coating.

My Tips:

Patience is key—let them cool completely before slicing.
Use a large pot so you have plenty of room to mix everything.

FAQ Section About Vegan Rice Krispie Treats

Are Rice Krispie treats vegan-friendly?

Traditional ones aren’t because they contain gelatin-based marshmallows and dairy butter. But with vegan marshmallows and plant-based butter, they’re totally vegan!

Where can I find vegan marshmallows?

I usually get mine from health food stores or online. Dandies and Trader Joe’s are my favorite brands.

How do I keep my vegan Rice Krispie treats from getting too hard?

Melt the marshmallows slowly over low heat and don’t press the mixture too firmly into the pan.

Can I use coconut oil instead of vegan butter?

Absolutely! Coconut oil works great and adds a subtle coconut flavor.

Can I make gluten-free vegan Rice Krispie treats?

Yep! Just use a gluten-free puffed rice cereal, and you’re good to go.

Conclusion Vegan Rice Krispie Treats

And there you have it—delicious vegan Rice Krispie treats that are just as good (if not better!) than the ones you remember from your childhood. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try out one of the fun variations, these treats are sure to be a hit.

If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Feel free to share your thoughts or any creative twists you came up with in the comments below. Happy snacking!

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