These crunchy, chewy, gooey vegan rice krispie treats bring back childhood memories in every bite! With only four simple ingredients, this dessert is easy to make with the kids, and enjoyed by all!
There’s nothing quite like rice krispie treats! Every time I see them, I think of childhood friends, pot-lucks, and picnics.
I’ve mentioned before that when I was growing up my family had a group of friends that we called the Mother’s Group.
My generation was the first born, and four years later, the moms had their second child. Not planned at all! It just happened that way!
At least a few times a month the Mother’s Group, which was made up of six families, got together for a pot-luck. During warm weather days we’d meet up at the lake, and on cold winter days, the moms would take turns hosting.
While the mom’s got together to chat, the kids ran off to play together. We did everything from composing choreographed dances (our parents begrudgingly endured), to playing hide and go seek in the dark, to simply playing a good old game of Monopoly!
Whenever we got together for pot-lucks, there were always a few staple recipes that made an appearance. One was Marcia’s corn casserole, another was Paul’s famous chocolate chip cookies, and today I’m putting a vegan twist on another classic Mother’s Group recipe! Marcia’s rice krispie treats!
Not that rice krispie treats were Marcia’s recipe alone, she just happened to be the mom who always made them for us!
My mother NEVER made rice krispie treats! So, the only time I got to enjoy them was when Marcia brought them to one of our Mother’s Group pot-lucks.
I just love the combination of crispy cereal and gooey marshmallow. They’re satisfying in every bite! And also super easy to make!
If you’re in need of a family friendly treat, look no further! This vegan version is just as special as the original, only better, in my opinion!
Vegan marshmallows don’t melt down the same way that regular ones do. As a result you end up getting a big blob of marshmallow rather than a smooth and gooey consistency.
However, these big blobs result in extra chewy treats! Who doesn’t love that?
Jump to:
Why This Recipe Works
- A childhood favorite made vegan!
- Crunchy and gooey!
- Only 4 simple ingredients.
- Perfectly sweet.
- An easy recipe to make with the kids.
- Great for pot-lucks, picnics, and after school snacks.
Ingredients and Notes
Vegan Marshmallows: There are a few brands of vegan marshmallows to choose from. You can find them at Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, and other supermarkets. I like the Dandies brand. They remind me the most of regular marshmallows.
Vegan Butter: I used Miyoko’s butter. It doesn’t have a strong flavor when melted. So it goes well with these treats.
Organic Rice Krispie Cereal: When it comes to rice krispies, I recommend using Nature’s Path Organic Crispy Rice Cereal. It is certified vegan, whereas other rice cereals are not.
Tools and Equipment
- Large pot to melt the butter and marshmallows.
- Spatula to stir the butter and marshmallows, and fold in the rice krispie treats.
- 8 x 8 inch pan to hold the rice krispie mixture to set.
- Parchment paper to line the 8 x 8 inch pan to keep the treats from sticking.
Instructions
Step 1: Melt butter in pan on medium-low heat. When butter is completely melted add the marshmallows.
Stir until melted. About 8-10 minutes. When marshmallows are melted, add the vanilla extract. Stir to combine. Note: Vegan marshmallows will not melt the same as regular marshmallows. They will form a large blob of melted marshmallow. So, don’t worry, that’s normal!
Step 2: Remove the pan from the heat. Add the rice cereal. Fold with a spatula until well combined.
Step 3: Line an 8 x 8 inch pan with parchment paper. Pour the rice cereal mixture into the pan. Using a spatula press the mixture evenly in the pan. Another option is to place a piece of parchment paper on top of the rice krispies and use the palm of your hand to press evenly on all sides. Allow the treats to set for one hour.
Step 4: Remove the treats from the pan by gently lifting the parchment paper. Cut into 2 inch squares. Enjoy!
Expert Tips
- Vegan marshmallows will not melt and create a smooth sticky goo. Instead they will be more of a large sticky blob. When combining the rice cereal with the marshmallows, you’ll need to work the cereal into the marshmallows a bit more.
- Don’t increase the heat to melt the marshmallows faster. Heat them on low to medium low. The marshmallows need a low slow heat to melt gently and not burn.
- Using the parchment paper makes it much easier to remove the treats from the pan. I recommend this method over spraying the pan with cooking spray. All you need to do is gently lift the edges to remove.
How to Serve
These treats make a special after school snack, vegan friendly bake sale item, pot-luck or picnic treat!
They taste just like the original! Non-vegan friends and family won’t be able to tell the difference!
How to Store and Keep
These treats are best when eaten and enjoyed the day you make them. The key is that you don’t want them to dry out!
If you have leftovers, store them in an air tight container at room temperature. I also like to individually wrap them in saran wrap or small baggies, so that they make an easy grab and go treat!
These will keep for 2-3 days.
Variations and Substitutions
Peppermint Marshmallows-Dandies makes peppermint vegan marshmallows that create a delicious holiday spin on these rice krispie treats! Just follow the same recipe, only use the peppermint marshmallows instead.
Add vegan chocolate-Melt vegan chocolate chips, pour on top of the treats while in the pan, and allow to set.
Check out these other vegan treats!
- Vegan Shortbread Cookies
- Chocolate Covered Pretzel Rods
- Vegan Blondies
- Vegan Snickerdoodles
- 25 Plant-Based Desserts for Every Occasion
If you’ve tried these vegan rice krispie treats please rate the recipe and let me know how it turned out. You can also follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest for more plant-based family recipes your whole family will enjoy!
Recipe
Vegan Rice Krispie Treats
Ingredients
- 10 oz vegan mini marshmallows I used Dandies
- ¼ cup vegan butter I used Miyokos
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 5 cups rice crispy cereal I used Nature's Path Oraganic Crispy Rice Cereal.
Instructions
- Melt butter in pan on medium-low heat. When butter is completely melted add the marshmallows. Stir until melted. About 8-10 minutes. When marshmallows are melted add the vanilla extract. Stir to combine. Note: Vegan marshmallows will not melt the same as regular marshmallows. It form a large blog of melted marshmallow.
- Remove the pan from the heat. Add the rice cereal. Fold with a spatula until well combined.
- Line an 8 x 8 inch pan with parchment paper. Pour the rice cereal mixture into the pan. Using a spatula press the mixture evenly in the pan. Another option is to place a pieces of parchment paper on top of the rice krispies and use the palm of your hand to press evenly on all sides.
- Allow the treats to set for one hour.
- Remove the treats from the pan by gently lifting the parchment paper. Cut into 2 inch squares. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Vegan marshmallows will not melt and create a smooth sticky goo. Instead it will be more of a large sticky blob. When combining the rice cereal with the marshmallows, you’ll need to work the cereal into the marshmallows a bit more.
- Don’t increase the heat to melt the marshmallows faster. Heat on low to medium low. The marshmallows need a low slow heat to melt gently and not burn.
- Using the parchment paper makes it much easier to remove the treats from the pan. I recommend this method over spraying the pan with cooking spray.
Nutrition
Irina
I was wondering if I could make this rice Krispie treats at home. Yes, I can do this. I feel confident enough to give it a try.
Jere Cassidy
Will definitely share this with my vegan daughter. She loves rice crispies treats and this will fit in with her diet.
Beth
Yum! My family is going to love this recipe! I can’t wait to give this a try! Looks so delicious and tasty!
Cathleen
I am always looking for new vegan recipes to make for my vegan students, so this one looks so good. And so easy too! Thank you so much for this recipe, bookmarked for the next time I see my students 😉
Andrea Metlika
These look and sound like the best rice Krispie treats!