Chewy Gluten-Free Rice Krispie Treat Recipe

Soft, chewy, and perfectly sweet, these gluten-free Rice Krispie treat recipe are crafted for busy families—safe, quick, and irresistibly good.

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✋🏼E aí, pessoal! Hey there, friends!

If you’ve ever struggled to find a gluten-free Rice Krispie treat recipe that taste just as good as the original, you’re in the right place. These chewy, crispy, and perfectly sweet treats are a family favorite in my house, with soft, gooey marshmallows and just the right amount of crunch.

And for a richer version, check out our chocolate peanut butter rice krispie treats! Also gluten-free :0)

When we first began making gluten-free Rice Krispie treats, they turned out hard and crumbly. But I have spent a long time testing and tweaking this recipe to ensure you get the right ratio of cereal to marshmallow. The results are perfectly chewy, soft rice crispies that hold their shape. They turned out so good that after nailing this recipe, we made 4 batches in two! We could not get enough!!

And since we are a mixed diet household, we also tested and included our top tips to make them dairy-free or vegan without sacrificing flavor. Most importantly, since many rice crispy cereals (like Kellogg's) and marshmallow brands aren’t gluten-free, we have also included detailed guidance on finding safe brands. So you can feel confident making a treat everyone can enjoy.

Just like our dairy-free gluten-free brownies, gluten-free chocolate chip muffins, or easy gluten-free banana cake, we know how to make gluten-free desserts that work for everyone!

If you’re new here, I’m Patricia—a mom of three and longtime food blogger who knows how hard it can be to navigate gluten-free recipes. Our family has been gluten-free for years, and along the way, I’ve learned how to adapt recipes to fit everyone’s needs while keeping them delicious and satisfying.

🚫 How to Choose Safe Ingredients for Gluten-Free Treats

When making our gluten-free rice krispie treat recipe, choosing the right ingredients is crucial for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Crispy Rice Cereal: Not all crispy rice cereals are gluten-free as many contain barley malt (a source of gluten), like Kellogg's Rice Krispies. Look for a certified gluten-free label to ensure safety. Some trusted options include:

• One Degree (Erewhon) Sprouted Brown Rice Crisps: Top Choice
• Nature’s Path Crispy Rice Cereal: Be cautious with brands like Nature’s Path—while their Crispy Rice Cereal is certified gluten-free, their Rice Puffs are not.
• Erewhon
• Wegmans
• Ald
• Barbara’s
• Back To Nature

Marshmallows Brands: Most marshmallows are naturally gluten-free, but cross-contamination can occur during production. Most people don't consider this when making a gluten-free treat!

• Kraft Marshmallows: Kraft states that their marshmallows are made in an environment without gluten ingredients, but they are not certified gluten-free (source).
• Doumak (Campfire Marshmallows): Certified gluten-free and a safe choice for many families (source).
• Dandies Vegan Marshmallows: Gluten-free and vegan, great for those avoiding dairy or animal products (source).

🍬Ingredients and Flavor Notes

Our gluten-free Rice Krispie treat recipe is a no-bake classic made with just a few simple ingredients. Each one plays a key role in making these treats chewy, sweet, and allergy-friendly for everyone to enjoy. Here is what you need:

• Gluten-Free Crispy Rice Cereal: I always choose a certified gluten-free brand to avoid cross-contamination. I used Nature Path Crispy Rice or ONE-degree brown rice crisps for this recipe. Please Note that the Natures Path rice puffs are NOT gluten-free.
• Mini Marshmallows: These bring the sweetness and sticky texture that holds everything together. Ensure you use gluten-free marshmallows, like Doumak or Dandies (vegan), to ensure everyone is safe.
• Unsalted Butter (or Dairy-Free Butter): Butter adds richness to the treats and helps the marshmallow not burn when melting. I often use dairy-free butter to make them allergy-friendly.
• Vanilla extract (optional): A touch of vanilla enhances the flavor and makes the sweetness a little more complex.
• Pinch of Salt: Just a pinch helps balance the sweetness, especially as we use unsalted butter.

Full quantities can be found in the recipe card below!

⚠️ Celiac Alert: Marshmallows and crispy rice cereal can sometimes be exposed to cross-contamination during production. Check out the marshmallow safe section below, and always check for gluten-free certifications on packaging to ensure they’re safe.

👩🏽‍🍳Step-By-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Lightly grease an 8x8-inch or 9x9-inch square baking pan with butter or dairy-free butter, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Melt Butter and Marshmellows

In a large saucepan or pot over low heat, melt the butter. Once melted, reserve 1 cup of mini marshmallows, then add the rest to the pot. Stir constantly until the marshmallows are fully melted and smooth. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt for extra flavor.
Chef Tip: Keep the heat low and stir constantly to avoid burning or sticking.

Step 3: Mix in Cereal

Quickly add the gluten-free crispy rice cereal and reserved mini marshmallows to the pot. Stir until the cereal is evenly coated.
Chef Tip: Work quickly during this step, as the marshmallow mixture will start to cool and harden.

Step 4: Press Into Pan

Transfer the rice krispie mixture to the prepared pan in an even layer. Use a greased spatula or lightly greased hands to press it evenly into the pan. Don’t press too hard—you want the treats to stay light and chewy.

Step 5: Cool and Cut

Let the treats cool completely at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Once set, cut into squares or rectangles of your desired size. And if you are in the mood for a richer treat, head over to our chocolate pb rice krispie treat! Same base, just topped with rich delicious chocolate and PB!

💡Recipe Tips

Here are my tried-and-true tips to make your gluten-free rice krispie treats come out perfectly every time:

• Use Fresh Marshmallows: Stale marshmallows won’t melt as smoothly and can lead to dry, crumbly treats. For the best results, opt for mini marshmallows or chop larger ones into smaller pieces.
• Use Low Heat: Always melt the butter and marshmallows over low heat, stirring constantly. This prevents scorching and ensures a smooth, sticky mixture.
• Grease Everything: From your wooden spoon to your hands, a little dairy-free butter or non-stick spray goes a long way in preventing sticking during mixing and pressing.
• Rest Before Cutting: After transferring it to the pan, let the treats sit for at least 30 minutes at room temperature. This allows the marshmallow mixture to fully absorb and results in chewier, less crumbly bars.
• Don’t Press too Hard: Gently press the mixture into the pan with greased hands or a spatula. Pressing too firmly can make the treats dense instead of light and chewy.

⏲️Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the gluten-free rice krispie treat recipe as usual and store them uncut in the pan. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 2 days. Cut into squares right before serving for the freshest presentation.

To make ahead for longer storage, freeze the uncut pan of treats wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw at room temperature before cutting into squares.

🍰More Gluten-Free Treats & Pairings

If you loved our gluten-free rice krispie treat recipe be sure to try out some of our other gluten-free dessert recipes:

👋🏼Até logo, amigos! Keep savoring every bite of these crispy treats and don’t forget—life’s better with a little flavor and fun. Até a próxima!