Vegan Rice Krispie Treats by School Night Vegan

Publised on 09/09/2024. Last Updated on 27/09/2024 by Richard

5 from 2 votes

Perfect stretchy, gooey vegan rice krispie treats. Easy to make and super nostalgic with just a handful of ingredients!

Vegan Rice Krispie treats—just saying it makes you smile, doesn’t it? I'm talking crunchy, gooey, and utterly delightful, these treats are a vegan twist on a blummin classic.

Back in the day, traditional Rice Krispie treats were a no-go for me because marshmallows are usually made with gelatine, a big no-no for vegetarians and vegans alike. Oh, the number of birthday parties where I watched others munch on these sticky squares of joy, my only solace being the lonely grapes at the fruit corner! But those days are gone, and I'm going to make up for it by eating a WHOLE TRAY of these beauties to make up for it!

Jump to:

🍰 What are Rice Krispie treats?
📝 Vegan Rice Krispie treat ingredients
🥣 Are Rice Krispies vegan?
🤲 How to make vegan Rice Krispie treats
🤷‍♀️ Vegan Rice Krispie treats FAQs
Vegan Rice Krispie Treats

🍰 What are Rice Krispie treats?

Rice Krispie treats are a simple yet delightful confection. Traditionally made with a mix of Kellogg's Rice Krispies cereal, marshmallows, and butter, creating a unique texture that's both crunchy and gooey. They were first whipped up in 1939 by Mildred Day and Malitta Jensen, who worked at the Kellogg Company in Battle Creek, Michigan. Initially created as a fundraising project for a Camp Fire Girls group, these treats quickly became a beloved snack across America.

But, what’s the magic behind vegan Rice Krispie treats? It's all about swapping out the non-vegan ingredients for plant-based alternatives that still hit those nostalgia buttons. We’re talkin’ vegan butter, vegan marshmallows, and a dash of vanilla to wrap up the flavour in a perfect, plant-based package.

📝 Vegan Rice Krispie treat ingredients

Before we get stuck in, let's line up what you'll need. This isn't about precise measures just yet (you can find those in the full recipe at the bottom of the page)but here's what you'll need to get started:

Vegan butter (plus a bit extra for greasing)
Vegan marshmallows (chop 'em if they're the big ones)
Vanilla extract
Vegan Rice Krispies (more on that in a mo!)
Dark chocolate (totally optional, but c’mon, who’s gonna say no to chocolate?)

🥣 Are Rice Krispies vegan?

Here’s a fun fact: Not all Rice Krispies are created equal. Some brands sneak in a bit of vitamin D which is sourced from lanolin (sheep’s wool grease—yuck!), so always check the box to ensure you’re grabbing a vegan-friendly variety. There are plenty out there, so you won’t be left in the lurch! Kelloggs Rice Krispies are famously not vegan, but there are plenty of other options.

If you're in the UK, I like to use Rude Health brown rice krispies and in the US I use Nature's Path!

🤲 How to make vegan Rice Krispie treats

Ready to whip up some plant-based magic? Here’s how to bring those vegan Rice Krispie treats to life in just a few simple steps:

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Ingredients

First things first, grease a large baking tray with some of that vegan butter. This’ll help you get those treats out later without any sticky situations! Now pop your vegan butter, marshmallows and vanilla in a big saucepan.

Step 2: Melt and Mix

Now place the pan on low heat. Keep stirring until the vegan marshmallows are melting and turning gloriously stringy.

Step 3: Add the Krispies

Now, pour in the Rice Krispies all at once and stir like you’ve never stirred before! You need to mix quickly to get everything combined before the marshmallows start thinking about setting. Transfer to the prepared baking tray.

Step 4: Set and Slice

Press it down into a nice, even layer with clean hands or a spatula. Leave it to cool at room temperature for at least an hour. If you’re feeling extra, melt some dark chocolate and drizzle it over the top for that ‘chef’s kiss’ effect. Once everything’s set, slice into 12 pieces and serve them up!

🤷‍♀️ Vegan Rice Krispie treats FAQs

Q: How do I make my Rice Krispie treats extra crispy?

A: To keep your Rice Krispie treats crispy, make sure not to over-press them into the pan—lightly pressing them down will avoid compacting them too much, which keeps them light and airy.

Q: Can Rice Krispie treats be made gluten-free?

A: Absolutely! Just ensure that the Rice Krispies cereal you use is certified gluten-free, as traditional Rice Krispies may contain malt flavouring, which is derived from barley (a gluten-containing grain).

Q: How long can I store Rice Krispie treats and how should I store them?

A: Rice Krispie treats can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Avoid storing them in the refrigerator, as they can become hard and lose their chewy texture. If layering them in a container, place wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.

And there you have it—vegan Rice Krispie treats that’ll knock your socks off! They’re perfect for parties, picnics, or just because you deserve a treat. Why stop there, though? If you’re on a roll and wanna keep the vegan treats coming, why not try your hand at some vegan blondies or a decadent vegan chocolate cake? Both are just as easy and delicious as these crispy treats. Grab your spatula, and let’s keep the good times rolling!