The best vegan rice Krispie squares are finally here! Just 10 minutes to whip up and only 6 simple ingredients. I also share with you my super-secret ingredient that makes these vegan rice Krispie treats the absolute hands-down best! Hint: these rice Krispie squares have a very slight birthday cake flavour!! Ooey gooey marshmallow with crispy rice cereal, talk about snack perfection.
Secret ingredient: ok I know you're probably wondering, what is this magical secret ingredient!? The secret ingredient in my vegan rice Krispie square recipe is... drum roll please.... almond extract! By adding just a touch of almond extract it gives these rice crispy treats a hint of birthday cake flavour. YES!
Now this is an optional add-in, so if you're not into it you can skip it, but I highly recommend it! It's such a tiny detail that makes these rice krispie squares just a little bit more awesome than the standard recipe. Depending on the vegan marshmallows you use, I also recommend adding vanilla extract (if you're not using vanilla flavoured marshmallows), and a pinch of salt. These are my secrets to making the best vegan rice Krispie squares ever!!!!
To make vegan rice Krispie squares you need to get your hands on some vegan marshmallows. Regular marshmallows contain gelatin which is not vegan. Luckily, these days it's pretty easy to find vegan marshmallows. Dandies is one of the most common brands of vegan marshmallows (and also the brand I used for this recipe). I've also heard that Trader Joe's has vegan marshmallows, as well as a few other brands. Just check the packaging and look for a vegan symbol, or check the ingredients to ensure there is no gelatin or other non-vegan ingredients.
I found my marshmallows at my local grocery store, but you can also check health food stores, or purchase from online stores such as amazon. Once you have your vegan marshmallows you're ready to make the best vegan rice Krispie squares ever!
Note: Mini marshmallows work best as they are a bit easier to melt, but my grocery store only carried the large Dandies marshmallows, and they work just fine too.
Now for those of you who may not have easy access to vegan-friendly marshmallows, I recommend trying my recipe Crispy Caramel Rice Squares found in Fuss-Free Vegan (page 172) which doesn't require any vegan marshmallows.
How to make the best vegan rice Krispie squares:
Line a 9" x 9" baking pan with parchment paper and lightly spritz it with spray oil.
Melt the vegan butter in a large pan over medium-low heat. Add the vegan marshmallows and stir continually until the marshmallows have melted into a gooey mass.
Remove from the heat and quickly stir in the plant-based milk or water, along with the almond extract and salt. Add the crispy rice cereal and stir so everything is mixed well.
Pour the cereal mixture into the prepared pan. Press the mixture into the pan in an even layer. I find using a spatula that has been lightly spritzed with spray oil is easiest. Allow to cool for 30 minutes to an hour before cutting. To cut the bars, use the parchment paper to remove the entire rice krispie square block from the pan. Cut into 9 large or 12 small bars. Once cooled completely, store at room temperature in a sealed bag or container for up to 4 days.
If you're looking for more kid-friendly vegan treats, try my vegan chocolate chip banana squares, oatmeal chocolate chips cookies, soft frosted sugar cookies, easy fudgy brownies, peanut butter cups, double chocolate muffins, vegan confetti cake, or homemade fig newtons (to name just a few). SO many scrumptious vegan desserts to be had!
Bon appetegan!
Sam Turnbull.
The Best Vegan Rice Krispie Squares (secret ingredient!)
My Notes:
Ingredients
- 5 tablespoons vegan butter
- 1 10oz bag (238g) vegan marshmallows (I used Dandies)
- 1 tablespoon plant-based milk or water
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract (optional) *see notes
- 1 pinch salt
- 4 - 5 cups crispy rice cereal *see notes
Instructions
- Line a 9" x 9" baking pan with parchment paper and lightly spritz it with spray oil.
- Melt the vegan butter in a large pan over medium-low heat. Add the vegan marshmallows and stir continually until the marshmallows have melted into a gooey mass. Remove from the heat and quickly stir in the plant-based milk or water, along with the almond extract and salt. Add the crispy rice cereal and stir so everything is mixed well.
- Pour the cereal mixture into the prepared pan. Press the mixture into the pan in an even layer. I find using a spatula that has been lightly spritzed with spray oil is easiest. Allow to cool for 30 minutes to an hour before cutting. To cut the bars, use the parchment paper to remove the entire rice krispie square block from the pan. Cut into 9 large or 12 small bars. Once cooled completely, store at room temperature in a sealed bag or container for up to 4 days
Sarah says
These are super easy to make and take little to no time.. but they ya e even better being vegan.. I opted out for the almond ext due to school rules but the kids love these treats and don’t know the difference between vegan and non vegan … 100% better than store bought
Sam Turnbull says
Woohoo! Thrilled you loved them so much, Sarah!
Kelly Melichercik says
Cookguy have you ever read the ingredient label on a Jet-Puffed marshmallow bag? Gelatin is what makes them not vegan. I think people are more interested in what you thought of her recipe.
Michelle says
Most marshmallows are made with gelatin which is made from boiled skin, tendons ligaments and. Bone. So NOT vegan. You’re welcome, you got a new wrinkle in your brain today.
Lizzie says
Ooh! I usually add a sprinkle of cinnamon to mine for a fun twist but I'll try almond extract next time!
Sam Turnbull says
Oh that sounds delightful too!
Jasmine Watford says
I thought the cereal was not vegan because it is made by Kellogg’s that says they use animal derived vitamin d. Which brand are you using?
Sam Turnbull says
Yes, sometimes cereals contain animal derived vitamin d. No name brands often do not contain it or Natures Path is a great brand to use 🙂
Dom says
Delicious! I added Halloween sprinkles to make them festive.
Sam Turnbull says
Fun!!
Lauren says
Made these for my coworkers today and everyone absolutely loved them! Got several comments that they are better than traditional Rice Krispie Treats!
Sam Turnbull says
Woohoo! I love that! Thanks for sharing Lauren!
Joe Rappon says
Bravo Sam! Having never made these before, I was worried about ruining the pan. I trusted you though and it all worked out well. The almond extract is truly amazing!
Sam Turnbull says
Amazing! So happy you loved them Joe!
Cathy Bodell says
These can also be made with vegan crispy chocolate puffed rice cereal. It's really good!
Sam Turnbull says
Oh! Love that idea!
Julia says
Could you use marshmallow fluff instead of whole marshmallows?
Sam Turnbull says
No you will need to use the marshmallows or it won't firm up
T says
Am I missing what you do with the milk/water? Does it go in with the butter and marshmallows?
Celeste says
I had the same question. Kept re-reading the directions. I made these recently with mini dandies and they didn’t puff up like the picture so I’m guessing the milk/water affected that. So you add it with the marshmallows?
Sam Turnbull says
Yes along with the almond extract 🙂
Sam Turnbull says
Whoops, apologies! I just updated the instructions. you stir it in with the almond extract and salt 🙂