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    Home » Recipes » Other sweets

    September 29, 2021 34 Comments

    The Best Vegan Rice Krispie Squares (with a secret ingredient)!

    1.3K shares
    Jump to Recipe

    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.

    The best vegan rice Krispie squares! 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 flavor!! Ooey gooey marshmallow with crispy rice cereal, talk about snack perfection. #itdoesnttastelikechicken #vegandesserts

    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!!!!

    The best vegan rice Krispie squares! 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 flavor!! Ooey gooey marshmallow with crispy rice cereal, talk about snack perfection. #itdoesnttastelikechicken #vegandesserts

    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.

    To make vegan rice crispy squares you need vegan-friendly marshmallows.

    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:

    Melt the butter and marshmallows in a large pan.

    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.

    Add the remaining rice cereal

    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.

    Spread into a prepared pan and pat down.

    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.

    The best vegan rice Krispie squares! 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 flavor!! Ooey gooey marshmallow with crispy rice cereal, talk about snack perfection. #itdoesnttastelikechicken #vegandesserts

    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.

    Print Recipe
    5 from 16 votes

    The Best Vegan Rice Krispie Squares (secret ingredient!)

    The best vegan rice Krispie squares! 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 flavor!! Ooey gooey marshmallow with crispy rice cereal, talk about snack perfection.
    Recipe lightly adapted from Dandies.
    Prep Time5 mins
    Cook Time5 mins
    Total Time10 mins
    Course: Dessert, Snack
    Cuisine: American
    Servings: 9 large squares or 12 medium squares
    Calories: 229kcal
    Author: Sam Turnbull • It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken

    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
    US Customary - Metric
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    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

    Notes

    Almond extract: almond extract is my secret ingredient! Adding just a touch of this gives the rice krispie squares a subtle birthday cake flavour. Yum!
    Vanilla extract: I do not call for vanilla extract in my recipe because Dandies marshmallows are already vanilla flavoured. If you're using a different brand of vegan marshmallows that are not vanilla flavoured, I recommend adding ½ teaspoon vanilla extract along with the almond extract and salt. 
    Crispy rice cereal: if you like extra gooey marshmallow-y rice krispie squares, use 4 cups of crispy rice cereal. If you prefer a slightly firmer rice krispie square (my preference) use 5 cups of crispy rice cereal

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1large square (recipe makes 9 large squares) | Calories: 229kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 79mg | Potassium: 28mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 304IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 5mg | Iron: 1mg
    Did You Make This Recipe?Tag @itdoesnttastelikechicken on Instagram and Hashtag #itdoesnttastelikechicken
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Jennylynn says

      January 09, 2023 at 12:59 pm

      How would you go about adding peanut butter? Reduce the butter?

      Reply
    2. Erin says

      October 30, 2022 at 3:58 pm

      5 stars
      absolutely delicious!

      Reply
      • Sam Turnbull says

        November 17, 2022 at 4:40 pm

        So happy you loved them!

        Reply
    3. Snaxy says

      April 14, 2022 at 3:34 pm

      Wow, the pinch of salt, extract (I do half vanilla/half almond), & Tsp of water make them so much better. Fyi, I love Dandies.♥

      Reply
      • Sam Turnbull says

        April 14, 2022 at 5:24 pm

        So happy you love them Snaxy 🙂

        Reply
    4. Tayler says

      January 11, 2022 at 5:30 pm

      5 stars
      I just made these and they’re so delicious with the almond! Thank you so much!

      Reply
      • Sam Turnbull says

        January 25, 2022 at 4:11 pm

        You're welcome! So happy you enjoy my little trick 🙂

        Reply
    5. Sarah says

      October 26, 2021 at 4:13 pm

      5 stars
      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

      Reply
      • Sam Turnbull says

        October 28, 2021 at 5:47 pm

        Woohoo! Thrilled you loved them so much, Sarah!

        Reply
      • Michelle says

        October 29, 2022 at 10:51 pm

        what brand of vegan butter do you prefer?

        Reply
        • Sam Turnbull says

          November 17, 2022 at 4:38 pm

          My go to is Earth Balance

    6. Kelly Melichercik says

      October 25, 2021 at 11:43 am

      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.

      Reply
    7. Michelle says

      October 23, 2021 at 2:10 pm

      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.

      Reply
      • Lisa says

        March 18, 2022 at 11:52 pm

        5 stars
        Vegan marshmallows make this recipe delicious!

        Reply
    8. Lizzie says

      October 14, 2021 at 1:09 pm

      Ooh! I usually add a sprinkle of cinnamon to mine for a fun twist but I'll try almond extract next time!

      Reply
      • Sam Turnbull says

        October 28, 2021 at 5:37 pm

        Oh that sounds delightful too!

        Reply
    9. Jasmine Watford says

      October 12, 2021 at 4:26 pm

      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?

      Reply
      • Sam Turnbull says

        October 14, 2021 at 12:49 pm

        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 🙂

        Reply
    10. Dom says

      October 01, 2021 at 1:08 pm

      Delicious! I added Halloween sprinkles to make them festive.

      Reply
      • Sam Turnbull says

        October 01, 2021 at 4:41 pm

        Fun!!

        Reply
    11. Lauren says

      September 30, 2021 at 12:45 pm

      Made these for my coworkers today and everyone absolutely loved them! Got several comments that they are better than traditional Rice Krispie Treats!

      Reply
      • Sam Turnbull says

        October 01, 2021 at 4:41 pm

        Woohoo! I love that! Thanks for sharing Lauren!

        Reply
    12. Joe Rappon says

      September 29, 2021 at 7:46 pm

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
      • Sam Turnbull says

        October 01, 2021 at 4:38 pm

        Amazing! So happy you loved them Joe!

        Reply
    13. Cathy Bodell says

      September 29, 2021 at 11:49 am

      These can also be made with vegan crispy chocolate puffed rice cereal. It's really good!

      Reply
      • Sam Turnbull says

        October 01, 2021 at 4:37 pm

        Oh! Love that idea!

        Reply
    14. Julia says

      September 29, 2021 at 11:37 am

      Could you use marshmallow fluff instead of whole marshmallows?

      Reply
      • Sam Turnbull says

        October 01, 2021 at 4:37 pm

        No you will need to use the marshmallows or it won't firm up

        Reply
    15. T says

      September 29, 2021 at 10:36 am

      Am I missing what you do with the milk/water? Does it go in with the butter and marshmallows?

      Reply
      • Celeste says

        September 29, 2021 at 10:59 am

        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?

        Reply
        • Sam Turnbull says

          September 29, 2021 at 11:18 am

          Yes along with the almond extract 🙂

        • Fanta says

          February 04, 2022 at 2:03 pm

          I made the recipe with my 6th grades students and it was a hit!!!! Most of them aren't even vegan and they tore it up! The only thing I did not add is the salt. I felt it was an unnecessary ingredient. I used ripple milk for the vegan milk and it was so delicious! The almond extract gave it nice touch in taste! 5 stars

        • Sam Turnbull says

          February 28, 2022 at 9:24 am

          So happy everyone loved them Fanta 🙂

      • Sam Turnbull says

        September 29, 2021 at 11:18 am

        Whoops, apologies! I just updated the instructions. you stir it in with the almond extract and salt 🙂

        Reply

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