Quick Gluten Free Rice Krispies

When you’re trying to find treats that everyone can enjoy, dietary restrictions can make things tricky. Between school parties, playdate snacks, and everyday desserts, having a gluten-free option that actually tastes good can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. And let’s be honest – no one wants to be the person bringing the treat that kids politely nibble and secretly toss away.

That’s why these gluten-free rice krispies are such a game-changer: they taste just like the classic version we all grew up with, they’re super easy to make, and best of all, they’re safe for friends and family who need to avoid gluten. Plus, they take just minutes to put together with ingredients you can find at any grocery store.

What Kind of Marshmallows Should I Use?

Regular or mini marshmallows will both work great in this recipe – it’s really just a matter of personal preference. If you’re making these treats for someone with dietary restrictions, make sure to check the label since not all marshmallow brands are gluten-free (some contain wheat starch as an anti-caking agent). Most major brands like Kraft Jet-Puffed marshmallows are naturally gluten-free, but it’s always good to double-check. Fresh marshmallows work best since they melt more smoothly – if yours have been sitting in the pantry for a while and feel hard, they might not give you that perfect gooey texture we’re looking for. Just avoid using marshmallow creme or fluff, as it won’t set up properly in this recipe.

Options for Substitutions

Making these gluten-free treats is pretty straightforward, but here are some helpful swaps if you need them:

• Marshmallows: Regular or mini marshmallows both work great here. If you’re vegan, you can use vegan marshmallows – just know they might melt differently, so heat them slowly and carefully.
• Gluten-free crispy rice cereal: While you must stick with gluten-free cereal for this recipe, you can try different brands like Nature’s Path Crispy Rice or Barbara’s Brown Rice Crisps. Just make sure to check the label for any hidden gluten sources.
• Coconut oil/vegan butter: These can be used interchangeably. Regular butter works too if you don’t need the recipe to be dairy-free. If using coconut oil, refined coconut oil will give less coconut flavor than unrefined.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making

The biggest challenge when making gluten-free rice krispies treats is burning the marshmallows – melt them over low to medium-low heat, stirring constantly, and remove from heat as soon as they’re smooth to prevent a hard, tough texture in your treats.

Getting the right consistency depends heavily on measuring your ingredients accurately – too many marshmallows will make the treats too dense and chewy, while too much cereal will make them fall apart, so stick to the exact measurements provided.

A common mistake is pressing the mixture too firmly into the pan – use gentle pressure with greased hands or a spatula, as excessive compression will result in dense, hard treats instead of the light, chewy texture we’re after.

For the best results, let the treats cool at room temperature rather than in the refrigerator, as cold temperatures can make them too hard and lose their signature gooey texture.

What to Serve With Rice Krispies Treats?

These sweet and chewy treats are perfect for serving alongside other fun snacks at parties or afternoon gatherings. A cold glass of milk (regular or dairy-free) is always a welcome companion to help wash down these sticky-sweet squares. For a casual dessert spread, try pairing them with fresh fruit like strawberries or apple slices to balance out the sweetness. Since these treats are already pretty filling on their own, I like to cut them into smaller squares and serve them as part of a dessert platter with other gluten-free goodies like chocolate chip cookies or brownies.

Storage Instructions

Counter Storage: Keep these gluten-free treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. I like to place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together. They taste best when fresh, so try to enjoy them within the first couple of days!

Freeze: These rice krispie treats freeze surprisingly well! Cut them into squares, wrap individually in plastic wrap, and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 6 weeks. It’s a great way to have a sweet treat ready whenever the craving hits.

Thaw: When you’re ready to enjoy a frozen treat, just let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. They’ll return to their original texture, though they might be slightly less soft than fresh ones. Avoid microwaving as this can make them tough.

Preparation Time	10-15 minutes
Cooking Time	5-10 minutes
Total Time	15-25 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 2200-2400
• Protein: 10-15 g
• Fat: 120-140 g
• Carbohydrates: 280-300 g

Ingredients

• 12 oz marshmallows
• 6 cups gluten-free crispy rice cereal (ensure it’s labeled gf to avoid malt extract)
• 1/2 cup coconut oil or vegan butter (plus additional for greasing the pan)

Step 1: Melt the Coconut Oil and Marshmallows

In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the coconut oil.

Once the oil is fully melted, add the marshmallows to the pan.

Stir continuously until the marshmallows are completely melted and well combined with the coconut oil, forming a smooth mixture.

Step 2: Incorporate the Cereal

Add half of the cereal to the marshmallow mixture in the saucepan.

Stir well to ensure that the cereal is fully coated with the marshmallow mixture.

Once mixed, add the remaining half of the cereal and continue stirring until everything is evenly combined.

Step 3: Transfer and Cool

Pour the sticky cereal mixture into a greased pan.

Use a spatula to spread it out evenly across the pan.

Allow the mixture to cool completely before cutting into squares or bars.

Once cooled, enjoy your homemade treats with friends and family!