Buttery, gooey, and perfectly crisp—these gluten-free rice krispie treats are the ultimate nostalgic snack with a celiac-safe twist! Made with just a few simple ingredients and ready in under 15 minutes, they’re the no-bake dessert you’ll want on repeat. You can make it dairy-free and/or vegan too!

Note: This post contains affiliate links, but don’t worry, there’s no extra cost to you! Thank you for supporting CAKED by Katie.

Classic rice krispie treats with bright white mini marshmallows and colorful sprinkles.

Why You’ll Love These Rice Krispie Treats

Simple ingredients, zero fuss, and endlessly customizable… these are hands-down the best gluten-free rice krispie treats you’ll ever make! Here’s why:

Gluten-Free & Easy – Made with gluten-free rice cereal and either regular or plant-based ingredients.
Perfect Texture – Soft, chewy, and loaded with gooey marshmallows.
Fan Favorite– A fun and simple treat that’s great for parties, lunchboxes, or bake sales.

Ingredients & Substitutions

These treats come together with just a handful of pantry staples. Here’s everything you’ll need, plus a few easy swaps to keep them gluten-free and customizable for any diet.

Butter – Use regular butter or a plant-based butter for a dairy-free/vegan option.
Mini Marshmallows – Go for gluten-free and vegan marshmallows if needed. You’ll use 8 cups of melted and 2 cups of folded in for extra gooey pockets.
Gluten-Free Crispy Rice Cereal – Double-check the label to ensure it’s certified gluten-free. Popular rice cereal such as Kellogg’s Rice Krispies contains barley malt, making it not safe for celiacs.
Coarse Sea Salt – Balances out the sweetness with a little salty pop.
Sprinkles (optional) – For a fun twist, toss in your favorite gluten-free sprinkles.

How to Make Gluten-Free Rice Krispie Treats

Making these gluten-free rice krispie treats couldn’t be easier. With just a few minutes in the microwave and a quick stir, you’ll have a gooey, crispy batch ready to cool and slice—no stove or oven required!

Prep the Pan – Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with a generous coating of non-stick spray and parchment.
Melt Butter & Marshmallows – Microwave ½ cup butter and 8 cups of mini marshmallows for 1 minute. Stir, then heat for another minute until fully melted.
Mix in Cereal & Salt – Stir in 6 cups of gluten-free rice cereal and 1 teaspoon of salt. Let cool for 1 minute.
Add More Marshmallows – Gently fold in the remaining 2 cups of mini marshmallows for extra gooey bits. Add the sprinkles at this point, if using.
Press & Set – Pour into the prepared pan and press down gently (too much pressure makes them hard). Let them cool completely before slicing.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Rice Krispie Treats

A few simple tricks can take your rice krispie treats from good to amazing. Follow these helpful tips to get the perfect chewy, gooey texture every single time.

Use Fresh Marshmallows – Stale marshmallows don’t melt well and can make the mixture stiff instead of gooey.
Don’t Over-Pack the Pan – Press the mixture down gently. Using too much force will create hard, dense bars.
Lightly Grease Your Hands or Spatula – To prevent sticking when pressing the mixture into the pan, coat your hands or spatula with a bit of oil or non-stick spray.
Cut with a Hot Knife – For clean slices, run your knife under hot water and wipe it dry before cutting.
Add Mix-Ins at the Right Time – Stir in chocolate chips, sprinkles, or other add-ins after the mixture has cooled for a minute to avoid melting them completely.
Keep at Room Temperature – Do not place in the fridge, or else they will be rock hard.

Fun Flavor Twists

Want to switch things up? These easy add-ins and mix-and-match flavors take classic gluten-free rice krispie squares to a whole new level of fun and delicious.

Choco-Mallow – Toss in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips with the last bit of marshmallows.
Peanut Butter Swirl – Melt ½ cup of natural peanut butter into the butter/marshmallow mix.
Salted Caramel Drizzle – Once cooled, top with a drizzle of caramel and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.

How to Store Gluten-Free Rice Krispie Treats

Store your rice krispy treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days. For longer storage, freeze them (wrapped individually or with parchment between layers) in a freezer-safe container for up to 6 months. Let them come to room temperature before serving for best texture.

Gluten-Free Rice Krispie Treat Recipe FAQs

Are Rice Krispies treats gluten-free?

Most traditional brands of rice cereal are not gluten-free due to malt flavoring. Be sure to use a certified gluten-free variety like this one.

Can I make them vegan too?

Yes! Use plant-based butter and marshmallows for a fully vegan treat.

The Best Gluten-Free Rice Krispie Treats

These gluten-free rice krispie treats are everything you want in a classic no-bake dessert—sweet, buttery, gooey, and just the right amount of crispy. Whether you’re making them for a party, packing them in lunchboxes, or just treating yourself to something fun and nostalgic, this recipe is a go-to crowd-pleaser.

An adaptable ingredient list allows you to tailor this recipe to suit all dietary or lifestyle needs. Everybody deserves a rice krispy treat, and now they can have one!

If you make it, tag me on social media @cakedbykatie and leave me a star rating and review below. I cannot wait to see!

Fun Rice Krispie Treat Recipes

Who doesn’t love a rice krispie treat?! I sure do! Here are my favorite ones: