These vegan rice krispie treats are soft, gooey, and perfectly crispy—just like the classic childhood favorite, but completely dairy-free and gelatin-free.
Made with just 3 simple ingredients, this no-bake vegan dessert comes together in under 10 minutes and is perfect for lunchboxes, parties, or an easy sweet snack.
If you’ve been craving vegan rice crispy treats that taste just like the original, this recipe delivers that same chewy, marshmallow-packed texture—without any animal products.
❤Why You’ll Love These Vegan Rice Krispie Treats
- ✅ No-bake dessert ready in minutes
- ✅ Made with vegan marshmallows + plant-based butter
- ✅ Gluten-free friendly (with certified cereal)
- ✅ Soft, chewy, and perfectly gooey texture
- ✅ Great for kids, parties, and quick snacks
🛒Ingredients You’ll Need
To make the best Vegan Rice Krispies treats, you only need:
- Vegan marshmallows (gelatin-free): Many marshmallows are made with gelatin, but there are plenty without! This is the glue that holds the whole vegan rice crispy treat.
- Vegan butter (or coconut oil): This brings an extra savory flavor to your treats! You can also use coconut oil or vegan margarine in a pinch.
- Crispy rice cereal (make sure it’s vegan-friendly): There are so many brands of vegan crispy rice to choose from! I love using the sprouted brown rice crisps for a little extra nutrition and vitamins in my desserts!
👉 Important: Many traditional cereals are NOT vegan due to vitamin D3, if it is derived from lanolin, a grease found in sheep’s wool. Always read ingredients!
If you have any questions, please leave a comment, and I will respond ASAP.
❓How to Make Vegan Rice Krispie Treats
- Melt vegan butter in a large saucepan over low heat
- Add vegan marshmallows and stir until fully melted and smooth
- Remove from heat and mix in crispy rice cereal
- Pour the cereal mixture into a greased baking dish and spread it into a flat layer.
- Let cool. Cut, serve, and done. Enjoy!
These numbered steps match the numbered photos above and are just for illustration purposes. For the complete list of ingredients and instructions, please see the recipe below.
Are Rice Krispies Vegan?
No—traditional versions are not vegan because they often contain animal-derived vitamin D3.
👉 Always choose:
- Organic brands
- Certified vegan crispy rice cereal
Variations of a Vegan Rice Krispie Treat
Chocolate Vegan Rice Krispie Treats
Add melted dairy-free chocolate
Peanut Butter Version
Mix in natural peanut butter for richness
Holiday Treats
Add sprinkles or shape into themed bars
❓What to serve with Vegan Rice Krispie Treats
You only need four simple ingredients for these dairy-free granola bars. They’re gluten-free and perfect for an on-the-go breakfast or an after-school snack.
If you love orange chocolate, these vegan campfire brownies are perfect! This vegan brownie mix is stuffed in an orange peel and cooked over an open fire.
For a sweet-and-savory option, vegan charcuterie is great for a crowd! Any fruits and veggies will do with the perfect dipping sauces and a beautiful presentation.
Or take your krispies a little further and veganize this recipe for No -Bake Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Cookies.
🥡Storage Tips
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Keep at room temp for best texture
- Avoid refrigeration (can harden them)
FAQs
Can I make vegan Rice Krispies treats without marshmallows?
Yes, but marshmallows give the classic chewy texture. Alternatives may not hold as well.
Are vegan marshmallows easy to find?
Yes, many brands now use plant-based gelling agents instead of gelatin.
Why are my treats hard?
Overheating marshmallows or pressing too firmly can cause this.
Are Kellogg’s Rice Krispies vegan?
The original crispy rice cereal is, unfortunately, not vegan. It has Vitamin D3, and Kellogg says their version is not vegan.
However, many generic and other brands ARE vegan! Be sure to check the nutritional information.
My favorite brand is One Degree Organic Foods brown rice crisps. You can also make these with any vegan cereal you love!
What can I use instead of marshmallows?
Marshmallows, while tasty, aren’t vegetarian or vegan. Most are made with a combination of sugar, corn syrup, cornstarch, and gelatin.
The gelatin is what makes it a no-go for vegans, but without it, many marshmallows won’t hold their shape.
However, agar-agar marshmallows are available in grocery stores nationwide and online!
🍰More Yummy Vegan Desserts
Creamy desserts are my FAVORITE! This vegan banana pudding is completely plant-based, but no one will ever know. It’s just as perfect as grandma’s pudding, I swear.
If you’re looking for the perfect gluten-free treat, these baked vegan donut holes are great any time of day! They’re the perfect donut hole for brunch or dessert.
Holiday desserts are the most cozy, but they’re usually filled with butter and cream. This vegan apple crisp recipe is covered with oats and perfectly sweetened with cinnamon and apples.
Final Thoughts
These vegan rice krispie treats are one of the easiest no-bake desserts you can make. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have a batch of gooey, crispy, dairy-free dessert bars that taste just like the original.