If you’re looking for a delightfully nostalgic snack that’s completely plant-based, you’re in for a treat with this Vegan Rice Crispy Treats Recipe. These spongy, sweet squares bring back childhood memories with their irresistible marshmallow fluffiness and crunchy cereal texture, all without any animal products. Whether you’re vegan, allergic to dairy, or simply in the mood for a lighter twist on a classic, this recipe has you covered with simple ingredients and fun options to customize your batch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering quality ingredients is the secret to making perfect vegan rice crispy treats. Each item plays a key role in bringing texture, flavor, and that classic chewy sweetness we love about this snack.
- Vegan butter (4-8 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps melt the marshmallows smoothly.
- Vegan marshmallows (20 ounces): The gooey heart of the recipe, providing that signature sticky sweetness without gelatin.
- Crispy rice cereal (8 cups): The crunchy base, providing that satisfying snap in every bite.
- Vanilla extract (¾ teaspoon): Enhances the sweetness and adds a warm, comforting aroma.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): Used for making cute decorations or finishing touches if desired.
- Arrowroot powder or cornstarch (1 ½ tablespoon): Essential for smooth, pipeable eye decorations or other creative add-ons.
- Water (2-3 tablespoons): Helps to dissolve the powdered sugar and starch for decorations.
- Vegan black food coloring or dark cocoa powder (a few drops or 1 tablespoon): Perfect for adding fun details like googly eyes on your treats.
How to Make Vegan Rice Crispy Treats Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by lining a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with parchment paper. Lightly grease the parchment with vegan butter or coconut oil to ensure your treats release easily later. This step makes cleanup easier and keeps your treats looking beautiful.
Step 2: Melt the Vegan Butter
In a large, nonstick pot over medium-low heat, melt your vegan butter until it’s fully liquid. This gentle heat sets the base for melting the marshmallows without burning them, so keep the flame steady.
Step 3: Add and Melt the Vegan Marshmallows
Once the butter is melted, add in the vegan marshmallows. Stir continuously, breaking up large clumps with your cooking spoon. It usually takes about 5–6 minutes for the marshmallows to fully melt and become smooth and shiny. Resist the temptation to turn the heat too high to avoid scorching.
Step 4: Stir in Vanilla and Cereal
Remove the pot from heat, then immediately add vanilla extract for that perfect hint of flavor. Stir in the crispy rice cereal gently—fold it in so you still see some of the marshmallow streaks. This keeps the treats aerated and light rather than dense and chewy.
Step 5: Press Mixture into Baking Dish
Transfer your cereal and marshmallow mixture to the prepared dish. Using a spatula (buttered or wrapped in wax paper) press the mixture evenly but gently. You don’t want to compact it too tightly because part of the charm of rice crispy treats is their slightly airy texture.
Step 6: Let the Treats Cool and Set
Give your treats at least an hour to cool completely at room temperature before cutting. This wait is worth it because it allows the marshmallow to firm up while staying chewy and delicious.
Step 7: Optional Fun—Make Edible Googly Eyes
If you’re feeling playful, whip up some adorable googly eyes using powdered sugar, arrowroot or cornstarch, water, and vegan black food coloring or cocoa powder. Pipe small white domes onto wax paper, then add pupils with a dab of the darker mixture. Freeze these until ready to attach, using a bit of extra white icing as glue. Kids and grown-ups alike will adore these silly additions on your Vegan Rice Crispy Treats Recipe.
How to Serve Vegan Rice Crispy Treats Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle colorful vegan sprinkles, drizzle melted vegan chocolate, or add that playful googly eye decoration to make your treats as fun to look at as they are to eat. These garnishes bring extra flair and flavor, turning simple snacks into party-worthy delights.
Side Dishes
These treats pair beautifully with chilled almond milk, a cup of dairy-free hot chocolate, or even fresh fruit for a balanced snack plate. The chewy sweetness of the treats contrasts wonderfully with creamy or fresh sides.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your treats into classic squares or fun shapes using cookie cutters for themed parties. Stack them with a layer of vegan peanut butter or sandwich them with a smear of jam for a new twist. Presenting Vegan Rice Crispy Treats Recipe this way makes snack time exciting and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover treats separated by parchment or wax paper in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh for up to three days while maintaining their chewy texture and crisp crunch—perfect for packing in lunchboxes or enjoying later.
Freezing
To keep your treats longer, freeze them in a sealed container with layers separated by parchment paper. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature for about an hour. Freezing is excellent for meal prepping or saving treats for special occasions.
Reheating
Although these treats are best enjoyed as is, if you prefer them warm, briefly microwave a piece for about 10 seconds. This softens the marshmallows and makes the treat gooier, reminiscent of fresh, straight-from-the-pan goodness.
FAQs
Can I use regular marshmallows instead of vegan ones?
Using regular marshmallows changes the recipe from vegan to non-vegan, as they typically contain gelatin. For a true Vegan Rice Crispy Treats Recipe, stick with marshmallows labeled vegan, or make your own at home for added control.
What if I don’t have arrowroot powder for the decorations?
Cornstarch is an excellent substitute for arrowroot powder and works just as well for piping your edible decorations like googly eyes in this recipe. Both provide a smooth texture that sets beautifully.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Make sure to use gluten-free crispy rice cereal, as some brands may have cross-contamination. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this treat suitable for those avoiding gluten.
How do I prevent my treats from being too hard?
Avoid over-compressing the cereal mixture when pressing it into the pan and don’t overcook the marshmallows. Press gently and allow the treats to cool fully at room temperature to keep them soft and chewy rather than rock hard.
Can I add mix-ins like nuts or dried fruit?
Definitely! Adding nuts, vegan chocolate chips, or dried fruit can add extra texture and flavor twists. Fold these mix-ins gently with the cereal in Step 4 for an exciting variation on the classic Vegan Rice Crispy Treats Recipe.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about making and sharing Vegan Rice Crispy Treats Recipe. With simple ingredients and just a little patience, you’ll create a nostalgic, chewy snack that everyone will love, vegan or not. Give this recipe a try and watch it become a favorite in your kitchen for years to come!
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Vegan Rice Crispy Treats Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These Vegan Rice Crispy Treats are a delicious and allergy-friendly twist on the classic marshmallow snack. Made with vegan butter, marshmallows, and crispy rice cereal, they come together quickly with a simple stovetop melting and mixing method. The recipe includes optional fun edible googly eyes made from a sugar paste for a playful decorative touch, perfect for kids and parties.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4–8 tablespoons vegan butter (see note 1)
- 20 ounces vegan marshmallows (see note 2)
- 8 cups crispy rice cereal (see note 3)
- ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
Googly Eyes Decoration (Optional)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoon arrowroot powder or cornstarch
- 2–3 tablespoons water
- A few drops vegan black food coloring or 1 tablespoon dark cocoa powder
Instructions
- Prepare baking dish: Line a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with parchment paper and lightly grease the parchment with cooking spray, melted coconut oil, or vegan butter to prevent sticking.
- Melt butter: In a large nonstick pot over medium-low heat, melt the vegan butter slowly to avoid burning.
- Melt marshmallows: Add the vegan marshmallows to the melted butter. Stir continuously, breaking up large pieces with your spoon, until the mixture is smooth. This usually takes about 5-6 minutes. You can increase the heat slightly but do not exceed medium.
- Add vanilla and cereal: Remove the pot from heat. Immediately stir in the vanilla extract. Then add the crispy rice cereal and gently fold it in just until combined, leaving visible white streaks of marshmallow to keep a light texture. Do not over-stir.
- Press into dish: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula greased with vegan butter or wrapped in parchment to evenly spread and gently press the mixture into the dish. Avoid compressing it too much to keep the treats light and airy.
- Cool completely: Let the treats cool at room temperature for 1 to 1.5 hours until fully set. Then cut into squares and serve.
- Make optional googly eyes: On a small tray lined with wax paper, mix powdered sugar, arrowroot powder (or cornstarch), and water until smooth. Set aside 2 tablespoons of this mix in another bowl. Add black food coloring or cocoa powder to the second bowl to create black paste. Using a toothpick and small piping bag, pipe about 24 small white domes (~¼ inch diameter) for eyes. Let them set a few minutes. Use a toothpick dipped in black paste to add pupils to the white domes. Freeze the eyes until ready to apply. Use a little of the original sugar mixture as glue with a toothpick to affix eyes to cooled treats.
- Storage: Store leftover treats separated with parchment or wax paper in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Notes
- Use vegan butter to keep the recipe fully plant-based and dairy-free.
- Ensure the marshmallows are vegan as regular marshmallows contain gelatin.
- Crispy rice cereal can be substituted with gluten-free cereal if necessary.
- The amount of vegan butter can be adjusted to achieve the desired chewiness.
- Do not overheat marshmallows to prevent burning or tough treats.
- The googly eyes are an optional creative decoration and can be omitted for a simpler treat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
