Are Rice Krispie Treats Gluten Free? Easy GF Recipe.
Traditional Rice Krispies Treats are not gluten free because Kellogg’s Rice Krispies cereal contains malt flavoring. However, you can easily make gluten-free Rice Krispie Treats at home with certified gluten-free crispy rice cereal, marshmallows, and vegan butter or coconut oil.
These gluten-free and dairy-free Rice Krispie Treats come together in about 10 minutes with only a few simple ingredients. They’re soft, chewy, and filled with the nostalgic flavor we all love. This is one of my favorite easy desserts to make when I need something quick, and my kids always get excited to help.
Rice Krispie Treats have always been one of those desserts that takes me right back to childhood. My Grandma and Great-Aunt Kathy made them often. Aunt Kathy would shape them for different holidays, decorate them with coordinating colored sugar, and wrap each one individually. I was always so excited when she passed them out—and I usually devoured mine immediately!
Once I went gluten free, I needed to find a safe crispy rice cereal so I could recreate this childhood favorite. After our household also became dairy free, I tested them with vegan butter and coconut oil. Both work, and I’m sharing everything you need to know below.
After going gluten free I then had to make sure I found safe cereal to recreate this beloved treat, but then after going dairy free I had to get creative again.
Why You’ll Love These Gluten-Free Rice Krispie Treats
Are rice krispies gluten free?
Traditional Rice Krispies Treats are not gluten free because Kellogg’s Rice Krispies cereal contains malt flavoring. Malt is typically made from barley, which contains gluten.
Although rice itself is naturally gluten free, that does not mean every crispy rice cereal is safe. Always check the ingredient list and look for cereal that is specifically labeled or certified gluten free.
Homemade Rice Krispie Treats can easily be made gluten free by using a safe crispy rice cereal. You’ll also want to check the labels on your marshmallows, vegan butter, vanilla extract, sprinkles, chocolate, and any other decorations you plan to use.
Important: Ingredients and manufacturing practices can change. Always read the current package label before purchasing a product, especially when cooking for someone with celiac disease or a food allergy.
What Rice Cereal Is Gluten Free?
The most important part of this recipe is choosing a crispy rice cereal that does not contain malt or other gluten-containing ingredients. I have used gluten-free crispy rice cereals from brands such as Nature’s Path and One Degree Organics.
Availability can vary by store and location, so check the cereal aisle, natural-food section, or your favorite online retailer. Store brands may also be an option, but only use one when the package is clearly labeled gluten free.
Do not assume that a cereal is gluten free simply because it is made primarily from rice. Always verify the label before using it.
Ingredient’s You’ll Need
You only need a few simple ingredients to make homemade gluten-free Rice Krispie Treats:
- Gluten-free crispy rice cereal: Make sure the cereal is specifically labeled gluten free and does not contain malt.
- Marshmallows: Use your favorite gluten-free marshmallows. We frequently use Dandies or Trader Joe’s marshmallows.
- Vegan butter or coconut oil: Vegan butter produces a more traditional buttery flavor. Coconut oil also works, but it may add a subtle coconut flavor and can become firmer when chilled.
- Vanilla extract: Vanilla is optional, but it adds another layer of flavor. Make sure yours is gluten free.
If you are not dairy free, you can use regular butter.
How to Make Gluten-Free Rice Krispie Treats
Grease your baking dish with vegan butter or coconut oil.
Melt the vegan butter or coconut oil in a large saucepan over medium-low heat.
Add the marshmallows, vanilla extract and stir until they are completely melted and combined with the butter or oil.
We love Dandie marshmallows or the Trader Joe’s brand because they do not contain corn and my son has a corn allergy.
Add half of the gluten-free crispy rice cereal and stir until coated.
Add the remaining cereal and gently stir again.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Gently spread and press the mixture into an even layer. Avoid packing it too firmly, which can make the finished treats dense and hard.
Let the treats cool before slicing and serving.
If you use coconut oil, there will be a slight coconut flavor. They can also harden more when cooled because coconut oil tends to get very solid when cold.
Rice Krispie Treats can become hard when the marshmallow mixture is cooked too long, when the cereal is packed too firmly into the pan, or when coconut oil becomes cold and solidifies.
For softer treats:
Melt the marshmallows over medium-low heat.
Remove the mixture from the heat as soon as the marshmallows are melted.
Fold in the cereal without overmixing.
Gently press the mixture into the pan instead of firmly compacting it.
Store the treats covered at room temperature.
If you use coconut oil and the treats become firm, microwave an individual treat for approximately 5–8 seconds to soften it.
Using vegan butter will result in a softer texture all together.
Store the treats in an airtight container at room temperature. Place parchment or wax paper between the layers to keep them from sticking together.
For the best texture, enjoy them within two to three days. Refrigeration is not recommended because it can make the treats firm, especially when they are made with coconut oil.
These treats are easy to customize for holidays and celebrations. After preparing the mixture, spread it onto a greased silicone baking mat or a sheet of parchment paper. Let it cool slightly, then use greased cookie cutters to cut it into holiday shapes.
Decorate the treats with melted dairy-free chocolate, gluten-free sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or your favorite allergy-friendly candies. Always check the labels on decorations because sprinkles and seasonal candies are not automatically gluten free or dairy free.
Here I made them festive for the Holidays by taking the mixture after cooking and laying it on a Silicone Baking Mat. I flatten it slightly and then cut out Christmas tree with cookies cutters. I then decorated them with melted chocolate, sprinkles, candy canes and some chocolate candies.
No. Traditional Kellogg’s Rice Krispies contain malt flavoring and are not considered gluten free. Use a crispy rice cereal that is specifically labeled gluten free.
Rice is naturally gluten free, but crispy rice cereal may contain malt or be exposed to gluten during manufacturing. Always read the complete label.
Many marshmallows are made without gluten-containing ingredients, but formulas and manufacturing practices vary. Check the label every time you purchase them.
Yes. Use your favorite dairy-free or vegan butter, or make the treats with coconut oil.
The marshmallow mixture may have cooked too long, or the cereal may have been pressed too firmly into the pan. Coconut oil can also make the treats firmer when it becomes cold.
Yes. Coconut oil works well, although it may give the treats a subtle coconut flavor. It also becomes firm when cold, so store the treats at room temperature for the best texture.
Lightly grease your hands or spatula with vegan butter or coconut oil before pressing the mixture into the pan.
Rice Krispies is the trademarked cereal name. “Crispy rice treats” is the general term for homemade treats made with puffed or crispy rice cereal.
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Ingredients
- 12 oz Marshmallows
- 6 Cups Gluten Free Crispy Rice Cereal If it is not labeled GF then it likely has malt extract, be careful!
- 1/2 Cup Coconut Oil or Vegan Butter plus some for greasing the dish
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
Instructions
- Grease a baking dish with vegan butter or coconut oil.
- Melt the vegan butter or coconut oil in a large saucepan over medium-low heat.
- Add the marshmallows and stir until completely melted and smooth.
- Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract, if using.
- Add half of the gluten-free crispy rice cereal and stir until coated. Add the remaining cereal and gently stir again.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Gently press it into an even layer without packing it too firmly.
- Allow the treats to cool before cutting them into 12 portions.
Notes
Nutrition
More Easy Gluten-Free No-Bake Desserts
- Gluten Free No Bake Desserts
- Vegan Mint Chip Ice Cream Recipe
- No Bake Cookies (Gluten Free, Dairy Free)
- No Bake Vegan Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
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This post was originally posted on July 27. 2016. It was updated in September 2026.
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What coconut oil do you use for this?
I use unrefined organic coconut oil
What gluten free rice cereal brand did you use?
I’ve used a few different brands over the years. But more recently I have been buying Natures Path rice cereal that is gluten free.
They were amazing!!! I actually used a cereal called Three Wishes and vegan marshmallows(Dandies) and it turned out perfect!!!! Thank you!!
We love Three Wishes! I am so happy you enjoyed them.