Dairy Free Rice Krispie Treats
These Dairy-Free Rice Krispie Treats are a remake of the fast, easy, classic dessert so many of us grew up with. They’re perfect all year round, but since they don’t require an oven, I love to make them in the summer. Easy to “dress up” for the holidays, they’re also fun to make for Halloween, Christmas and Easter.
What You Will Love About Dairy-Free Rice Krispie Treats
- Fast and easy. Just a few simple steps, less than 10 minutes of work and then let them cool.
- Only a few simple ingredients. Dairy-free butter, marshmallows, crispy rice cereal, a dash of vanilla and pinch of salt! That’s all you need.
- No bake! Only a stovetop is needed.
- Easy for kids to help with or make. With no oven required, it’s fun for kids to help make these. It’s one of the first things my mom ever let me make on my own as a tween. 🙂
Recipe Ingredients and Substitution Notes
- Dairy-free “butter.” I use Earth Balance vegan buttery sticks, but you can use any brand. This recipe calls for 4 Tbsp because we like our Rice Krispie Treats softer and a little gooey. If you don’t, you can cut that back to 3 Tbsp.
- Marshmallows. You’ll need one 10-ounce bag of miniature marshmallows.
- Rice Cereal. I use Rice Krispies, but you can use any brand. Choose a gluten-free one to easily make this recipe g-f.
- Vanilla extract. Just 1/2 tsp adds an extra depth of flavor.
- Pinch of salt. You can leave this out if you prefer, but it’s just a pinch and adds a subtle bit of balance to the sweetness.
How to Make These Marshmallow Treats: Step-by-Step
Note: This post has a printable recipe card at the end.
PREPARATION
- Spray a 9×9 inch dish with cooking oil or grease lightly with some dairy-free butter
- A large pot
- A mixing spoon and/or nonstick rubber scraper.
STEP 1: On your stove, gently melt the dairy-free butter in a large pot on low heat, then add in the marshmallows and stir until blended well.
STEP 2: Turn off the heat, add the crispy rice cereal to your marshmallow mixture and stir well.
STEP 3: Using a buttered or greased rubber scraper, spatula or large spoon, gently press the mixture into a greased 9×9 pan and allow to cool.
Step 4: Once cool, cut to your desired size, serve and enjoy.
If, like me, you like to enjoy a sticky, gooey one right out of the pan while warm, go ahead and indulge!
FAQs, Ingredient Substitutions and Recipe Variations
Can I Make Gluten Free Rice Krispie Treats?
Yes! Simply use a gluten-free crispy rice cereal. The traditional cereal – Rice Krispies – are NOT gluten-free (because they contain malted barley), but similar gluten-free puffed rice options are available.
Are rice krispie treats dairy-free?
Yes, as long as you use dairy-free or vegan butter.
Can I freeze these rice crispy treats?
Yes, these dairy-free rice krispie squares freeze nicely. After they have cooled, set and been cut, place wax or parchment paper between layers in an airtight container or freezer bag, and freeze for up to 8 weeks. Thaw at room temperature when ready to eat.
Other Dairy-Free Dessert Recipes You’ll Love
- Dairy-Free Banana Bundt Cake
- Chocolate Chip Mocha Muffins
- Rice Krispie Easter Nests
- Dairy-Free Pumpkin Pie
- Chewy Apple Oatmeal Cookies
- Strawberry Banana Nut Muffins
- Dairy-Free Almond Butter Cookies
Dairy-Free Rice Krispie Treats
Equipment
- 1 9×9 dish
- 1 Rubber scraper and/or large spoon
- 1 large pot
Ingredients
- 4 Tbsp dairy-free butter
- 5 1/2 cups miniature marshmallows (one 10 oz. bag)
- 6 cups crispy rice cereal
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
- cooking oil spray (to lightly coat dish)
Instructions
- On your stovetop, gently melt the dairy-free butter in a large pot on low heat, then add in the marshmallows and continue to stir until blended well and the marshmallows melt.
- Turn off the heat, add the crispy rice cereal and stir well.
- Using a buttered or greased rubber scraper, spatula or large spoon, gently press the mixture into a greased 9×9 pan and allow to cool.
- Once cool, cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- To avoid hard, tough treats, don’t use high heat and press your rice mixture gently into your dish.
- When you serve, place your squares slightly apart and avoid stacking them, unless you put a piece of wax paper or parchment between them. They look cute stacked, but they can quickly start sticking to each other (as you can see in my photo above). 🙂
