Sometimes, I just crave a delicious childhood dessert that makes me feel warm and happy inside. Growing up, Rice Krispie Treats were a classic in our home, but back then, they were never dairy free. I still remember the soft, chewy texture and that gooey sweetness the kind that both kiddos and adults could never resist. But over time, I stopped making them, partly because I thought I couldn’t have that same goodness without butter.
Well, I’m fixing that today! This blog will share a simple, no bake, dairy free Rice Krispie Treats recipe that’s quick, easy, and perfect for any day of the week. With just a big pot, about 15 minutes of your time, and a secret ingredient coconut oil you’ll get that buttery flavor and crowd-pleasing texture without any dairy. I’ll even give tips from my own kitchen so your batch turns out wonderfully thick and perfectly soft every time.
Whether you’re looking for a snack for parties, holidays, or a cozy day at home, these gluten free treats are sure to bring back that nostalgic joy. I’ll walk you through every step so you can absolutely use this recipe confidently, even if it’s your first time making dairy free Rice Krispie Treats. Trust me, this is one retro dessert worth bringing back and once you taste it, you’ll understand the reason it’s still so popular.
How To Make
Creating these amazing dairy free rice krispie treats couldn’t be simpler! Start by getting your marshmallows and rice cereal ready in small bowls beside your pot – this helps everything go down smoothly. First step is to melt your coconut oil by heating the solid state coconut oil in a large stockpot until it becomes nice and liquidy. Next, add in plenty of marshmallows along with vanilla and almond extract, then heat everything until completely melted and beautifully smooth.
Now comes the fun part – time to fold in that rice cereal! Stir in a good amount of rice cereal, making sure every single piece gets coated with all that sweet marshmallow goodness. Finally, spread your mixture into a greased baking dish, using gentle pressure to press everything together. Let everything sit for about 1 to 2 hours until fully set and ready to enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
You can absolutely use dairy free butter in place of coconut oil if that works better for your needs. Just make sure to use fresh marshmallows instead of ones that have been sitting in the back of your pantry forever – it really makes a huge difference in the final result!
While almond extract remains completely optional, I highly suggest using it because it gives your rice krispies that amazing bakery fresh flavor that takes them to the next level. Both regular rice cereal and brown rice cereal work wonderfully here. I’ve found that brown rice cereal creates a sort of thicker and bigger texture compared to the classic kind, but both taste delicious either way you choose!
This recipe can easily be doubled to fit into a 9×13 inch baking dish when feeding larger groups. Now let’s talk about vegan marshmallows – I tested these once with a popular vegan marshmallow brand and encountered major issues. They never melted completely and instead congealed into this strange, hard blob no matter how long I tried heating and stirring with a ridiculous amount of arm power. Maybe it was just a bad bag, but they definitely didn’t work for me, so I can’t recommend them.
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How To Store
Your finished rice krispies will keep perfectly for up to 3 days when stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature. Layer them carefully with parchment paper between each level to prevent sticking together. I don’t recommend freezing these particular treats because the texture and consistency won’t be quite the same quality after thawing out.
Additional Dairy Free Treats:
Looking to expand your dairy-free dessert repertoire? Consider trying some fudgy brownies, chewy blondies, flourless peanut butter cookies, decadent s’mores cookie bars, simple three-ingredient fudge, rich chocolate truffles, or a creamy fruit dip that pairs beautifully with seasonal berries and fresh fruit.
Dairy Free Rice Krispie Treats
Prep Time: 8 minutes
Cook Time: 7 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes (plus setting time)
Yield: 16 generous squares
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup solid state coconut oil
- 1 (10 ounce) bag mini marshmallows
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- Good pinch of fine sea salt
- 4 ½ cups crispy rice cereal
Instructions
1. Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, then grease lightly with nonstick spray or olive oil spray. Set aside for later use.
2. Add the coconut oil to a large stockpot and set over medium heat. Once completely melted, add in the marshmallows, vanilla extract, almond extract, and salt. Stir frequently until the marshmallows are completely melted and the mixture becomes smooth.
3. Remove from heat and immediately stir in the crispy rice cereal, working quickly to ensure all the cereal gets evenly coated with the marshmallow mixture.
4. Transfer the mixture to your prepared pan. Using a greased spatula or piece of wax paper, gently press the mixture into the pan creating an even layer. Be sure to press softly – if you try to really pack it down, your bars will end up hard after setting.
5. Let the treats cool for 1 to 2 hours until completely set. Lift them out of the pan using the parchment edges, then slice into squares and serve immediately.
Notes
Be sure to check that both your marshmallows and cereal are certified dairy free (and gluten free if needed for your specific diet). Always verify labels since some brands may contain traces of dairy or gluten in their manufacturing process.
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Nutrition Information:
Servings: 16 squares
Calories per serving: 125
Total Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Sodium: 62mg
Total Carbohydrates: 21g
Sugars: 11g
Protein: 1g
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Kellogg’s Rice Crispy Treats dairy free?
No, Kellogg’s Rice Crispy Treats contain milk ingredients and are not dairy free. You’ll need to make homemade versions using dairy free ingredients for a lactose intolerant friendly option.
What is a substitute for butter in Rice Krispies treats?
Coconut oil works perfectly as a butter substitute in Rice Krispies treats, providing rich flavor and texture. Dairy free butter or vegan butter are also excellent alternatives that work seamlessly.
Can lactose intolerant people eat Rice Krispies treats?
Lactose intolerant people cannot eat traditional Rice Krispies treats due to dairy content. However, they can enjoy homemade versions made with dairy free ingredients like coconut oil and certified dairy free marshmallows.
What can I use instead of marshmallows for rice krispie treats?
You can use vegan marshmallows or create a syrup mixture with coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Marshmallow fluff (if dairy free) also works as an effective substitute for traditional marshmallows.
Do rice krispie squares contain milk?
Yes, traditional rice krispie squares typically contain milk through butter and sometimes milk powder in marshmallows. Always check ingredient labels or make homemade versions with dairy free alternatives.
Are made good Rice Krispies dairy free?
Made Good Rice Krispies are dairy free and made with organic ingredients suitable for various dietary restrictions. They’re also gluten free, nut free, and vegan friendly, making them a great allergy conscious option.
Conclusion
These dairy free rice krispie treats prove you don’t need butter to create the perfect chewy, soft dessert everyone loves. With just coconut oil, marshmallows, and rice cereal, you get that classic flavor and texture in just 15 minutes.Whether you’re lactoseintolerant, following a dairyfreediet, or simply want a quicksnack for the family, this simplerecipe delivers every time. These treats stay fresh for 3days and make any gathering a little sweeter!
I’m Michael Alexander. A content writer and SEO Expert with 2 years of Experience. I have already worked with the BBC News Website.
