The Best 4 Ingredient Vegan Rice Krispies
Are you looking for a tasty vegan treat that is quick and easy to make? Look no further than these 4 ingredient vegan rice krispies!
Pretty sure rice krispie squares might just be the most underrated classic treat of all time. I used to eat so many of the Kellogg’s ones in the blue wrapper in elementary and middle school.
After many attempts of the perfect ratio of melted marshmallow mixture to crispy rice cereal to vegan butter, I think I nailed it!
These vegan rice krispies are perfect for a quick and easy snack, or for a delicious treat to share with friends and family. Plus, since they’re vegan, they’re suitable for a wider range of diets and preferences.
If you love homemade vegan treats you should also try my Vegan Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf Cake or my Vegan & Gluten-Free Protein Waffles.
Table of Contents
INGREDIENTS YOU NEED FOR THE 4 INGREDIENT VEGAN RICE KRISPIES
You will need the following ingredients listed below to make the cereal treats (the exact measurements, nutrition information and full recipe are in the recipe card at the bottom of the post):
- Kellogg’s Rice Krispie Cereal: Any crisp rice cereal will work as long as it’s vegan cereal. Another great option would be the Natures Organic Brown Rice Crisps.
- Vegan Marshmallows: I used “Dandies” vegan marshmallows! It is very important to use a fresh bag of marshmallows or they may end up being less soft and gooey!
- Dairy-free Butter: I have used Earth Balance and Melt in these recipes are both are equally as amazing!
- Vanilla Extract: This add a natural sweetness to the treats!
- Optional add ins: some coconut oil in place of butter, cashew butter, sunflower seed butter, brown rice syrup, etc.
DIRECTIONS ON HOW TO MAKE THIS SIMPLE RECIPE
Step 1 – Melt the vegan butter
I use a bit more butter than most recipes call for but I promise it does make a difference! Do this over medium-low heat, being cautious not to burn or brown the butter.
Step 2 – Add the vegan marshmallows
Stir the gooey marshmallow mixture continually until everything is completely melted. This step will not be easy as vegan marshmallows do not melt the same way regular marshmallows do.
It will remain clumpy and the vegan butter will not mix in completely with marshmallows. See photo below for reference.
As soon as the marshmallows are melted, take the pan off the heat. Marshmallows that are heated too quickly or too long can also make your rice crispy treat recipe too hard and crunchy.
Step 3 – Add the Rice Crisps
Add 6 1/2 cups of rice crisps or Kellogg’s Rice Krispie Cereal to the marshmallow mixture. Fold them into the marshmallow mixture with a rubber spatula to prevent sticking.
Step 4 – Add the mixture to a 9 x 9 baking dish
You don’t need to grease the 9-inch pan, the butter will allow the squares to slip out easily on their own, however I do like using parchment paper! Lightly press the mixture down into an even layer, not too hard, as you don’t want to make it too compact and tough to eat when they are set.
Step 5 – Let them set in the fridge
Let the squares set for one hour in the fridge. Once they have hardened you can take them out and slice them into 12-15 pieces using a sharp knife! I like to warm mine up in the microwave for 15 seconds to get them extra gooey!
HOW TO STORE THE VEGAN RICE KRISPIES TREATS
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Store in an airtight container: Place your vegan rice krispie treats in an airtight container. This will help keep them fresh and prevent them from drying out. You can use a plastic container with a tight-fitting lid or a resealable plastic bag.
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Keep at room temperature: Once you’ve placed your gluten free rice krispie treats in an airtight container, keep them at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3-4 days if stored properly.
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Avoid direct sunlight and heat: Keep your vegan rice krispie treats away from direct sunlight and heat. Heat can cause them to melt or become sticky, and sunlight can cause them to lose their freshness.
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Freeze for longer storage: If you want to store your vegan rice krispie treats for a longer period of time, you can freeze them. Wrap them in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
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Thaw before serving: When you’re ready to eat your frozen no bake treats, remove them from the freezer and allow them to thaw at room temperature for 30-60 minutes before serving.
HOW DO I AVOID MAKING THE CRISPY SQUARES TOO HARD?
The biggest mistake many make when making rice krispie treats is by pressing them into the pan too hard. Many recipes say to apply firm pressure onto the top of them while adding them to the pan, however I do not recommend this.
Compacting them will take away from the fluffy texture. Pressing the healthy rice krispie treats into the pan ever so lightly is a much better way to keep them soft and chewy instead of hard as rock.
DIFFERENT VARIATIONS
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Chocolate Peanut Butter: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips and 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter to your almond butter and pure maple syrup mixture. Stir until melted and combined, then pour over your crispy rice cereal.
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Coconut: Add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to your crispy rice cereal before mixing in your almond butter and maple syrup mixture. This will give your treats a delicious coconut flavor.
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Almond Joy: Add 1/2 cup of sliced almonds and 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to your crispy rice cereal. Melt 1/2 cup of vegan chocolate chips and pour over the top of your treats, then sprinkle with additional sliced almonds and coconut.
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Cinnamon: Add 1 tsp of ground cinnamon to your almond butter and maple syrup mixture. This will give your treats a warm, cozy flavor.
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Chocolate Dipped: Once your treats have set, melt 1 cup of vegan chocolate chips in the microwave or on the stove. Dip your treats into the melted chocolate, then place them on a sheet of wax paper to harden.
The Best Ever Vegan Rice Krispie Treats
These 4 Ingredient Vegan Rice Krispies are the perfect no bake dessert to bring to birthday parties, baby showers, or simply if you've got a sweet tooth. They are made with simple ingredients and are way better than traditional rice krispie treats from your local grocery store.
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup vegan butter
- 1 1/2 bags vegan marshmallows
- 6 1/2 cups rice crisps
- 1/2 tsp vanilla
Instructions
- Melt the vegan butter in a medium-large size pan on medium low heat.
- Add vegan marshmallows, stir until they are melted. This step will not be easy as vegan marshmallows do not melt the same way regular marshmallows do. It will remain clumpy and the vegan butter will not mix in completely with marshmallows. See photo above for reference.
- Turn off heat, then mix in the vanilla.
- Add the rice crisps and fold in with a spatula. I had to use my hands a bit here to get everything coated.
- Spoon into a 9 x 9 inch pan for thick rice krispies like seen here, or 9 x 13 for thinner squares.
- Lightly press down (not too hard as that can make them too compact and tough).
- Put in fridge for 1 hour to set.
- Cut into squares and devour!
Notes
283g bags of marshmallows
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
16Serving Size:
1 gramsAmount Per Serving: Calories: 114Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 60mgCarbohydrates: 10gFiber: 0gSugar: 2gProtein: 1g
The nutrition information provided is calculated based on industry-standard software and should be used as a general guide only. The information may vary depending on ingredient substitutions, cooking techniques, and individual serving sizes. It is the responsibility of the reader to ensure the accuracy and appropriateness of the nutritional information provided. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized medical or nutritional advice.
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Hi! When do you add in the vanilla?
Hi Laurie! Right after you take the marshmallows and butter off the heat. Just updated the recipe thanks for catching that! 🙂