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These are simply the best semi-homemade Gluten-free Rice Krispie Treats. They come together with only a few ingredients, and no oven is required.
I do not think there is a more iconic and classic treat quite like a rice krispie treat. Who has not enjoyed one of these delightful little squares more than a few times in their lifetime? These crunchy, chewy little squares can make any day better.
Are rice krispie treats gluten-free?
You might be surprised that most rice krispies are not actually gluten-free. How is that possible? The classic Kellogg's rice krispie cereal and store-bought rice krispies contain malt, or malt syrup, which, if you're gluten-free, you know is not gluten-free.
Don't worry, though, because I will give the ins and outs on how to make the best gluten-free rice Krispie treats you've ever had, and then you can keep enjoying these delicious little squares whenever you want.
Ingredients to make gluten-free rice krispie treats.
- Gluten-free Rice Cereal
- Mini Marshmallows
- Butter or Dairy-free Alternative
- Salt
- Vanilla
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Which brands sell gluten-free rice krispies cereal?
As I said, Rice Krispies (Kellogg's brand) are NOT gluten-free because they have malt, which is derived from barley. Don't worry; tons of other brands do not contain malt and are gluten-free.
Some of the ones that I know of are:
- Malt O Meal - This is sold by Walmart and is the closest to the traditional Kellogg's brand.
- Wegmans
- Nature's Path Organic - This is one I tend to get. It is made from brown rice, so the flavor is slightly different, but it still makes delicious rice krispies.
- Back to Nature
Like with anything else, be sure to read the labels on the boxes you find. If there is no malt listed, it's usually a pretty good sign it's gluten-free but just make sure there are no other hidden ingredients.
If you have a favorite gluten-free rice cereal not listed above, let me know in the comments, I would love to check out more options.
Are marshmallows gluten-free?
Most brands of marshmallows are gluten-free. I tend to use Dandies brand marshmallows, but I have also used Kraft Jet-puff marshmallows and Trader Joe's marshmallows without a problem. It is essential to read the label and make sure the brand you pick is gluten-free.
What marshmallows make the best rice krispie treats?
Because we are melting the marshmallows to make gluten-free rice krispie treats, I find that the mini marshmallows melt the fastest and yield the best results. The best marshmallows for rice krispie treats are ones that do not stick together in the bag. The fresher the marshmallows are, the better.
If you can't find the mini marshmallows, you can still use the larger ones. Just measure them a little differently to ensure you get the right amounts.
1 cup mini marshmallows = about 9 regular-sized marshmallows = 2 ½ of the jumbo-sized marshmallows
How to make gluten-free rice krispie treats?
- Lightly grease and line your dish and set it aside.
- Melt the butter in a large stockpot.
- Stir in the mini marshmallows until they are melted.
- Add the salt and vanilla.
- Stir in the gluten-free rice cereal.
- Transfer the gluten-free rice krispie treats to the baking dish.
- Gently press the mixture into the dish.
- Let it cool for the marshmallows to solidify again.
- Cut into desired shapes and enjoy!
Tips for making the best rice krispie treats.
- Melt the butter completely before adding the marshmallows.
- Don't overcook the marshmallows - You do not want to overcook the marshmallows, making the final gluten-free rice krispies hard.
- Reserve some marshmallows to add with the cereal.
- Use a wooden spoon - It can be a little hard to stir this together with the cereal, so you need something to mix it all together.
- Press gently - I know the urge to press down hard and compact your rice krispie treats into the pan, but the harder you press, the harder they will be once they set.
- Vary the pan - I like my rice Krispie treats thick, so I tend to push them into a smaller pan. If you want them thinner, put them into a bigger pan.
Can you make gluten-free, dairy-free rice krispie treats?
Yes, you can make dairy-free rice krispie treats. Substitute the butter for a dairy-free alternative, and make sure your marshmallows are dairy-free. I have found that something like a spectrum stick works pretty well in this recipe. You want a dairy-free butter that is relatively solid at room temperature for the best results.
Can you make rice krispie treats with homemade marshmallows?
When I feel like being that extra mom, I will make these gluten-free rice krispie treats with my Homemade Marshmallows, which are even more delicious. I just add the gluten-free rice cereal before the marshmallows cool entirely.
Note: My Homemade Marshmallow recipe does make a lot, so either half the recipe, double the gluten-free rice krispie cereal, or separate and make some rice krispie treats and some marshmallows. No matter how you do it, I don't think anyone will complain.
What can you add to rice krispie treats?
- You can color the marshmallows with some food color before adding the rice cereal for a fun holiday treat.
- Adding in sprinkles, melted chocolate, or even peanut butter (or another nut butter) can make for a fun little flavor twist.
- How about cutting them into fun shapes and decorating the tops.
The possibilities are endless!
What is the best way to store rice krispie treats?
I have found that these gluten-free rice krispie treats will stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for about two to three days before they start to get stale.
You can choose to store rice krispies in the fridge for up to a week; just let them come back to room temperature before enjoying them.
Can you freeze rice krispie treats?
Yes, you can freeze these rice krispie treats for up to two months. I will wrap each individual rice krispie in some plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag for storage. When I want to eat one of the frozen rice krispie treats, I let them defrost in the fridge for a few hours until they soft again.
More gluten-free desserts to love.
Gluten-free Frosted Crumbl Sugar Cookies
Gluten-free Double Chocolate Chip Cookies
Gluten-free Cut-out Sugar Cookies
Gluten-free Chewy Fudge Brownies
Grain-free Chocolate Cake
The Best Gluten-free Rice Krispie Treats
Ingredients
- 6 Cups Gluten-free Rice Cereal I use Natures Path Organic
- 2 10 Ounce Bag of Mini Marshmallows I use My Dandies brand
- ¾ Cup Butter or dairy-free alternative like spectrum
- ¼ Teaspoon Salt
- 1 Teaspoon Vanilla
Instructions
- Grease and line a baking dish with parchment paper and set it aside.
- Melt the butter over medium-low heat.¾ Cup Butter
- Add the marshmallows and stir until they puff up and start to soften and melt.2 10 Ounce Bag of Mini Marshmallows
- Add the vanilla and salt.1 Teaspoon Vanilla, ¼ Teaspoon Salt
- Stir in the gluten-free rice cereal.6 Cups Gluten-free Rice Cereal
- Press the mixture into a parchment-lined baking dish (I use an 8x8 because I like them thick).
- Let them rest about an hour at room temperature, uncovered.
- Cut into desired shapes and enjoy!
Notes
- Melt the butter completely before adding the marshmallows.
Don't overcook the marshmallows - You do not want to overcook the marshmallows, this can make the final gluten-free rice krispies hard.
Reserve some marshmallows to add with the cereal.
Use a wooden spoon - It can be a little hard to stir this together with the cereal, which is why you need something to mix it all together.
Press gently - I know the urge to press down hard and compact your rice krispie treats into the pan but the harder you press the harder they will be once they set.
Vary the pan - I like my rice Krispie treats thick, so I tend to push them into a smaller pan. If you like them thinner, put them into a bigger pan.
Let me know what you think or if you have any questions.