Gluten Free Rice Krispies Treats

These gluten free rice krispies treats are gooey, crispy and buttery. They’re made with brown butter, vanilla and just the right amount of marshmallow.

This post includes everything you need to know when it comes to gluten-free crispy rice treats. You’ll find which brands of cereal are gluten-free and what to look for on the ingredient label.

This is also my TRIED-AND-TRUE recipe for the best crispy treats ever. Make this recipe today – you won’t be able to taste the difference!

 

Rice Krispies Treats are a simple pleasure that almost everyone has fond memories of enjoying at one time or another. With crispy rice cereal, butter and gooey marshmallows, what’s not to love?

You also might like these gluten-free scotcheroos, gluten-free no bake cookies and gluten-free edible cookie dough for more easy treats.

Are Rice Krispies Gluten-Free?

Rice itself is naturally gluten free, but not all rice cereal is. Kellogg’s Rice Krispies are currently made with malt syrup, which is derived from barley.

While the company did start making a certified gluten free version of the cereal, they stopped production of it in 2015.

What makes Rice Krispies NOT gluten-free is the addition of malt flavor in the cereal. Malt is derived from barley which is a gluten-containing grain.

TIP: Anytime you see MALT FLAVOR or a barley derivative on rice cereal it is NOT gluten-free.

However, there are several other brands that make certified gluten free crispy rice cereal. As you can see with the box above (from Wegmans) there is no malt flavor listed in the ingredients so the cereal is gluten-free.

Here are some brands of gluten-free crispy rice cereal:

• Malt O Meal (top choice)
• Wegmans (top choice)
• Erewhon (top choice)
• Aldi (top choice)
• Nature’s Path (I don’t recommend this one as much as I don’t like the texture)
• Barbara’s
• Back To Nature
• One Degree

Use gluten-free crispy rice cereal to make these oreo rice krispies treats or peanut butter balls with rice krispies.

You also might want to check out this post on are marshmallows gluten-free!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Gluten free crispy rice cereal – Be sure to use a certified gluten free brand. AKA be sure the ingredient label doesn’t include any barley derivatives.
• Mini marshmallows – You can use any size of marshmallow, but the mini ones are easier to melt. Most brands are gluten free, but it doesn’t hurt to check the label just to be safe.
• Butter – Use unsalted for this recipe. Or, if salted butter is all you have on hand, leave out the kosher salt.
• Vanilla extract – Gives the treats an extra delicious flavor.
• Kosher salt – A pinch of salt makes all the difference in cutting through the sweetness.

How to Make Gluten-Free Rice Krispies Treats

Just mix the cereal with brown butter and melted marshmallows and press into a pan. Then, allow them to cool for about 20 minutes before cutting into squares. It’s that easy!

STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS

First, line a baking dish with foil and spray with cooking spray. This makes slicing the treats easier – once they are set, just lift the foil out of the pan and cut into squares with a sharp knife.

After you grease and line the baking dish, complete the recipe as follows:

1. Brown the butter: Melt the butter in a pot over low heat, then start to whisk constantly until it starts to brown.
2. Add marshmallows: Next, add all but 1-2 cups of the mini marshmallows to the pot. 
3. Melt, then add vanilla and salt: Continue to cook on low, stirring until everything is melted together. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla and salt.
4. Add cereal: Pour in the cereal and mix a few times just until combined.
5. More marshmallows: Then, add in the rest of the mini marshmallows.
6. Mix: Stir well until all of the cereal is coated and the last of the marshmallows start to melt.

FORMING GLUTEN FREE RICE KRISPY TREATS

1. Scoop into pan: Transfer the mixture to a greased pan with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon.
2. Press into pan: Lightly grease or wet your hands, then use them to press the treats into the pan. Don’t compact them too much! Just

RECIPE NOTES

• Storage – Place rice krispy treats into a covered container and store them at room temperature for up to 3 days. They are safe to eat past that, but they will start to get hard.
• Freezing the treats – Wrap individual treats in plastic wrap or wax paper, then place in a zip top freezer bag. You can freeze them for up to 6 weeks. Thaw on the counter for about an hour before eating. 
• Use fresh marshmallows – Stale marshmallows don’t melt as well, so always use a fresh bag. Feel free to add more than the listed amount as well, up to a 1:1 ratio with the cereal.
• Use LOW heat – Don’t rush the process by using a higher heat to melt the butter and marshmallows. In fact, doing so will just result in your treats being rock hard.

You also might like these chocolate dipped rice krispie treats.

RICE KRISPIE TREATS VARIATIONS

Get creative with mix-ins or make themed treats for holidays. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• For a holiday variation try these Christmas Rice Krispies Treats with white chocolate and peppermint
• Dip in chocolate – Melt chocolate chips or candy melts in the microwave or over a double broiler. Once the treats are set, dip part or all of the treat in the chocolate and let dry.
• Peanut butter – Stir half a cup of peanut butter into the melted marshmallows before adding the cereal.
• Fruity or Cocoa Pebbles – Surprisingly, these cereals are also gluten free! Replace part or all of the crispy rice cereal with one of these for different flavored treats.
• Make lollipops – Instead of making squares, form the treat mixture into shapes around lollipop sticks. Then, lay them on a sheet of wax paper until they are set.

If you love these gluten-free rice krispies treats as much as we do leave me a comment/rating below. I’d also be happy to help with any questions. Happy Cooking!