These gluten free rice krispies treats are sticky, gooey and sweet - just the way a rice krispies square should be! With one ingredient change, these are perfect for anyone with celiac disease or a gluten intolerance.
Whip up a pan of these sweet treats in just 10 minutes!
Jump to:
- Why you’ll love this classic snack recipe
- Ingredients and substitutions
- Variations
- Are Kellogg’s Rice Krispies gluten free?
- Brands of rice krispies that are gluten free
- Are marshmallows gluten free?
- How to make this recipe
- Top tips for avoiding a sticky marshmallow mess
- Storage
- Other simple snack recipes
- Recipe
Why you’ll love this classic snack recipe
Rice krispies treats are one of those snacks that people just can’t resist. Young kids, older adults and everyone in between can’t ignore the ooey-gooey texture that leaves bits of marshmallow all over your fingers.
Here’s why you’ll fall in love with this recipe, if you haven’t already…
- It’s gluten free! Of course. By using gluten free rice cereal, this recipe is safe for people on a strict gluten free diet. Yay!
- It’s super easy to make. Just 5 ingredients and 10 minutes. (And a bit of fridge time, if I’m keeping things honest.)
- This recipe makes as many servings as you need. Since the rice krispies treats are prepared in a pan, you can cut them into as many squares as you need. Make 9 mega large ones, or 16 perfectly portioned versions.
- These rice krispies treats are so easy to change up. Add some melted chocolate on top, put some peanut butter inside, or mix in a few M&M’s - there are so many ways to customize these squares to make them even more delicious!
Ingredients and substitutions
Want to make your own gluten free rice krispies treats? Here are the ingredients:
- Unsalted butter: full dairy or a dairy-free version, the choice is yours!
- Marshmallows: I like using the mini ones, but any will do. Traditional marshmallows contain gelatin, so if you need a vegan version - be sure to buy vegan marshmallows (like Dandies)
- Vanilla extract
- Salt
- Gluten free rice cereal: I used the Nature’s Path brand for this recipe, but feel free to use any brands that are available at your local grocery store. See the section below on other brand alternatives.
Variations
Want to uplevel your rice krispies treats? It’s so easy to do! Below are a few suggestions to get you started:
- Use chocolate gluten free rice krispies cereal instead! My daughter loves the Nature’s Path Envirokidz Koala Crisp cereal.
- Add a little bit of peanut butter, almond butter, or sunflower seed butter. Simply mix the nut or seed butters into the pot after folding in the rice cereal.
- Top them with chocolate. After spreading the mixture into the baking pan, spread a layer of melted chocolate on top and pop into the fridge to cool.
- Mix in your favourite candies, chocolate, or even gluten free pretzels.
Anyone else hungry after reading this list of variations? Excuse me while I go make another version of this recipe…
Are Kellogg’s Rice Krispies gluten free?
If you’re on a gluten free diet, you might be wondering if Kellogg’s Rice Krispies are gluten free. The short answer is: no, they are NOT gluten free.
Kellogg’s Rice Krispies contain barley malt extract, which contains gluten (from barley). This means that if you’re on a strict gluten free diet, you can’t eat this cereal.
The same goes for prepackaged Kellogg’s Rice Krispies Treats. They use Kellogg’s Rice Krispies, so they are off limits for individuals on a strict gluten free diet.
Brands of rice krispies that are gluten free
There are a few gluten free rice krispies (rice cereal) options on the market that you can use instead of the Kellogg’s brand. Here they are:
- Nature’s Path Organic Crispy Rice cereal: this brand is gluten free and vegan, but contains a nut allergy warning, so it is not nut-free. This is the brand that was used in this recipe.
- Made Good Organic Vanilla Brown Rice Crisps Cereal: this brand is gluten free, vegan and nut free. This cereal is vanilla flavoured, so if you’re going to use them, I would consider omitting the vanilla extract from the recipe.
- One Degree Sprouted Brown Rice Crisps: this brand is gluten free, organic, and vegan.
Are marshmallows gluten free?
Yes, most brands of marshmallows are gluten free! They are one of those products that should, in theory, not contain any gluten ingredients, but it’s always a good idea to check the label.
Here are a few brands you can trust:
- Kraft Jet Puffed Marshmallows
- Dandies Marshmallows: these are also vegan (gelatin free) and corn syrup free.
- If you’re in Canada, No Name marshmallows from Loblaw’s are also gluten free. (These are the ones I use.)
How to make this recipe
Making homemade gluten free rice krispies squares is incredibly simple!
You start by greasing an 8”x8” (20cm x 20cm) baking pan with a bit of butter. In a large pot, melt 6 tablespoons (84g) of butter and then add in the marshmallows. Remove from heat and mix in the vanilla extract and salt. Finally, fold in the gluten free rice krispies cereal and transfer to the prepared baking dish.
Let the rice krispies cool on the kitchen counter for an hour, or speed up the process by putting them in the fridge for about a half hour.
Top tips for avoiding a sticky marshmallow mess
Working with melted marshmallows can get a bit messy. Use the wrong utensil, or let them cool before you fully transfer them and you’ll have a sticky, ridiculous mess on your hands. (And your kitchen counter, stove top, sink...)
Here’s how to avoid having marshmallows everywhere:
- Use a silicone spatula. Use it for everything to minimize stickiness. If you don’t have a silicone spatula, just grease your spoon or ladle with a small amount of extra butter.
- Place the rice krispies mixture into the baking pan while it’s still warm. If you wait until it starts to cool, it will become a hardened, disastrous mess. It’s still pliable and workable when warm (and super easy to clean).
- Wash your pot and utensils immediately after making the recipe. Again, this is to avoid a hardened marshmallow mess. If you can’t wash your dishes right away, just soak them in water to dissolve the marshmallow.
Storage
Store gluten free rice krispies treats in the fridge for 2-3 days or freeze for up to one month in an airtight container.
Other simple snack recipes
After making these rice krispies treats, try some other classic snacks... all gluten free and easy to make, of course!
Recipe
Gluten Free Rice Krispies Treats
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons (84g) unsalted butter, plus more for greasing
- 6 cups marshmallows
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 5 cups gluten free rice cereal (I used Nature’s Path Crispy Rice Cereal)
Instructions
- Start by greasing an 8”x8” (20cm x 20cm) baking pan with unsalted butter.
- In a large pot on the stove, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Once the butter has fully melted, add in the marshmallows and mix occasionally until they are fully melted. (I use a silicone spatula to prevent sticking.)
- Once the butter and marshmallows are fully melted and well mixed, remove the pot from the heat and add in the vanilla extract and salt. Mix well.
- Fold the gluten free rice cereal into the pot and mix well to ensure it is fully coated with the marshmallow and butter mixture.
- Using a silicone spatula, or large greased spoon, transfer the rice krispies mix to the prepared pan.
- Allow the rice krispies treats to set for 1 hour on the counter or at least 30 minutes in the fridge. Cut into the desired number of squares.
Notes
- To make it vegan: use vegan butter and marshmallows.
- To make it dairy free: use dairy free butter.
- Storage: Store gluten free rice krispies treats in the fridge for 2-3 days or freeze for up to one month in an airtight container.
Nicole says
Thanks! Do you have any GF with NSA recipes with maybe maple syrup and not sug subs or alcohol?
Ashley Schmidt says
Hi Nicole! Most of my recipes have added salt and I don't have too many that use maple syrup as a sweetener.
Teri says
Kroger brand rice crispy cereal is gluten free as well.
Ashley Schmidt says
That is fantastic to know, Teri! Thank you so much for sharing!
Becca says
Malt-o-meal brand crispy rice is also gluten free.
Jon Kenimer says
Aldi rice cereal is also GF.
Also, another handling tip: if you prefer to press them into your pan with your hands, use plain water instead of butter on your hands. The marshmallows won't stick and your hands won't be greasy!
Ashley Schmidt says
Thanks for the tips, Jon! Much appreciated.