Name: The Best Gluten-free Rice Krispie Treats
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 7 C Gluten-free Rice Cereal (I use Natures Path Organic); 10 Oz Bag of Mini Marshmallows (I use My Dandies brand); 4 TBS Butter (or dairy-free alternative like spectrum); 1/4 TSP Salt; 1 TSP Vanilla

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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 required.

gluten free rice krispie treats in a stack sitting on a marble counter.

I don't think there is a more iconic and classic treat quite like a Rice Krispie treat. I mean, really, who hasn't enjoyed one of these delightful little squares more than a few times in their lifetime? Of course, you might be surprised to know these treats made from rice cereal are not actually gluten-free.

How is that possible? It's because the classic Rice Krispie cereal contains malt, which if you're gluten-free, you know that's not. Don't worry, though, because I am going to 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 on enjoying these delicious little squares whenever you want to.

How to Tell If Your Rice Cereal is Gluten-free

Like I said, Rice Krispies (the cereal brand) are NOT gluten-free because they have malt, which is derived from barley. Don't worry; there are tons of other brands that do not contain MALT, which actually are gluten-free.

Some of the ones that I know of are:

Malt O Meal
Wegmans
Nature's Path Organic (my favorite)
Back to Nature

Just like with anything else, be sure to read the labels on the boxes that 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.

Ingredients That Make the Best Rice Krispie Treats

Gluten-free Rice Cereal
Mini Marshmallows
Butter or Dairy-free Alternative
Salt
Vanilla

gluten free rice krispie treat ingredients laid out and ready to be made

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Let's Make Some Rice Krispie Treats

Lightly grease your dish and set it aside.
Melt the butter and the marshmallows.
Add the salt and vanilla.
Stir in the rice cereal.
Press the mixture into the dish.
Let it cool for the marshmallows to solidify again.
Cut into desired shapes and enjoy!

gluten free rice krispies started with the butter and marshmallows being combined and about to be melted, sitting next to the salt, vanilla and rice cereal

Tips and Tricks

Don't overcook the marshmallows - I prefer to melt them over a double boiler, but you can just as easily do this in the microwave. Just cook them on high for 30 seconds at a time and stir. Continue until the marshmallows are puffy, and they blend when they are stirred.

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.

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.

Dairy-free Rice Krispie Treats

Just 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. You want something fairly solid at room temperature for the best results.

Make These Even More Special!

When I am feeling like being that extra mom, I will make these with my Homemade Marshmallows. I just make the marshmallow and add the cereal before they set, and they are even more delicious.

Note: My Homemade Marshmallow recipe does make a lot, so either half the recipe or separate. You could also just use two boxes of cereal and make an extra-large batch. I don't think anyone would complain.

Fun Additions

Color the marshmallows for a fun holiday treat.
Add in sprinkles, chocolate, or even peanut butter (or another nut butter) for a fun little twist of flavor.
Cut them into fun shapes and decorate; the possibilities are endless.

More Sweet Treats to Love

Cut-out Sugar Cookies

Chewy Fudge Brownies

Chocolate Cake

tower of gluten-free rice krispies ready to be eaten

The Best Gluten-free Rice Krispie Treats

These are simply the best semi-homemade Rice Krispie Treats. They come together with only a few ingredients and no oven required.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 mins

Cook Time 5 mins

Resting 30 mins

Total Time 40 mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Calories 152 kcal

Ingredients

7 C Gluten-free Rice Cereal I use Natures Path Organic
10 Oz Bag of Mini Marshmallows I use My Dandies brand
4 TBS Butter or dairy-free alternative like spectrum
¼ teaspoon Salt
1 teaspoon Vanilla

Instructions

Melt the butter over a double boiler.
Add the marshmallows and stir until they puff up and start to soften. (It will look lumpy still not like marshmallow fluff)
Add the vanilla and salt.
Stir in the 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

Make sure the rice cereal you are using is gluten-free. I use the Nature's Path Organic Crispy Rice cereal that is certified gluten-free.

Not all marshmallows are created equal. Make sure the ones you chose are gluten-free. Alternatively, you can use my Homemade Marshmallow recipe, which is totally grain-free. For one box of cereal (7 cups), I would use half a batch of marshmallows. Just fold in the cereal before they set.

Keeping these dairy-free check to make sure your marshmallows are dairy-free. Also, be sure to sub in a dairy-free alternative to the butter. I would stick to something like a spectrum stick as anything softer might not allow these to set up fully.

Keyword cereal, dairy free, dessert, frozen treats, kids, marshmallows, no bake, rice cereal, snacks

If you make this recipe, please let me know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo #grainfreetable or @grainfreetable on Instagram. I’d love to see what you come up with!