These extra-gooey Vegan Rice Krispie Treats (also known as vegan rice krispie squares in some parts of Canada) are made with vegan marshmallows and plant-based butter. No-bake, 10 minutes on the stove, and they set up perfectly every time.
These yummy treats are kid approved - great for a school snack, potluck dessert or just a nostalgic treat!
If you love simple vegan desserts like my Oatmeal Mug Cake or Healthy Chocolate Banana Brownies, you’ll want to bookmark this one.
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Why You’ll Love These Vegan Rice Krispie Treats
- Just 4–5 ingredients, no oven needed
- Chewy, buttery, and slice-clean
- 100% kid-approved and Vegan
- Prep in 10 minutes, set in ~1 hour
Ingredients for Vegan Rice Krispie Treats
Here’s what you’ll need (see recipe card below for quantities):
- Vegan butter (or refined coconut oil)
- Vegan marshmallows (I've found Dandies or Trader Joe’s melt reliably)
- Vanilla extract. You can also use maple extract or almond extract to get a slightly nutty flavor to these.
- Crisp rice cereal (check label; Kellogg’s Rice Krispies are not vegan because they use non-vegan D3, so choose a vegan brand like Nature's Path Organic or the Whole Foods 365 brand)
- Optional: mini dairy-free chocolate chips. See variations section down below to spruce these up!
How to Make Vegan Rice Krispie Treats (aka Vegan Rice Krispie Squares)
Prep your pan: Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment.
Melt the butter: Over low heat, melt vegan butter in a large pot.
Marshmallows: Add marshmallows; stir constantly until just smooth.
Flavor: Stir in vanilla; remove from heat.
Cereal: Fold in cereal until evenly coated. (If adding chips, cool 1–2 min first so they don’t melt.)
Press & set: Press into pan with a greased spatula. Should be firm but not compacted. Cool 1 hour (or ~20 min in fridge). Slice.
Make sure you press firmly but don’t compact too much, or the bars will turn hard once cooled.
Top Tip
Low heat = soft bars. Overheating makes them tough.
Don’t over-pack. Light pressure keeps treats chewy.
Brand matters. Vegan marshmallows vary; Dandies/Trader Joe’s give consistent melt.
Substitutions
- Butter: Refined coconut oil for a neutral flavor.
- No Marshmallows: ½ cup nut butter (I like to use almond or cashew butter) + ½ cup maple syrup (adjust quantities based on the consistency of the filling).
- Cereal Swap: Brown rice puffs for a less-sweet, whole-grain vibe.
Variations
- Chocolate Drizzle: Melt dark chocolate and drizzle after pressing.
- Peanut Butter: Whisk 2 tablespoon natural PB into the melted marshmallows.
- Coconut Crunch: Fold in ¼ cup toasted shredded coconut.
- Holiday Sprinkles: Use seasonal vegan sprinkles on top.
FAQs About Vegan Rice Krispie Treats
You can use ½ cup nut butter and ½ maple syrup instead, but texture will be denser.
High heat melts sugar too fast. Keep the stove low and stir constantly.
Yes, mix in 1–2 tablespoons before adding the cereal. Add a bit more marshmallow if the mixture gets too dry. Orgain Organic Powder is a vegan protein powder that you can use.
Start with a small amount and then mix in more depending on how taste and consistency forms.
About 1 hour at room temperature, or 20 minutes in the fridge if you’re in a hurry.
Other Easy No-Bake Desserts You Will Enjoy
Recipe Card
Equipment
- 1 Large pot or saucepan
- 1 Mixing spoon or spatula
- 1 9×13-inch pan
- 1 Parchment paper or cooking spray
Ingredients
- ¼ cup vegan butter or refined coconut oil
- 10 oz Vegan marshmallows 1 packet of Dandies or Trader Joes
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 6 cups crispy rice cereal
- ¼ cup chocolate chips mini, dairy free - optional to add
Instructions
- Step 1. Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Step 2. Melt vegan butter or coconut oil in a large pot over low heat.
- Step 3. Add vegan marshmallows. Stir constantly until melted and smooth. Low heat keeps them soft and stretchy.
- Step 4. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Step 5. Remove from heat. Add crispy rice cereal in small batches, stirring until evenly coated.
- Step 6. If using chocolate chips, fold them in while the mixture is warm (not hot) so they hold their shape.
- Step 7. Transfer mixture to your prepared pan. Use a spatula greased with vegan butter or oil to press it down firmly and evenly.
- Step 8. Let cool completely for 1 hour. Slice into squares and enjoy.
Notes
- Use low heat when melting vegan marshmallows. High heat can cause the sugar to harden, resulting in tough bars.
- If the mixture feels dry, melt a few extra marshmallows or add 1 tablespoon of vegan butter.
- Add almond extract or maple extract for a hint of nuttiness to the Rice Krispie treats!
Nutrition
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