This 3 ingredient healthy rice krispie treats recipe is prepped in minutes! Learn how to make rice krispie treats without marshmallows.
When I was a little kid, I seriously, seriously LOVED rice crispy treats… or I should say, rice krispy treats. Yep, that “k” was absolutely essential in capturing this goodie’s, uh, goodness. Hehe.
We weren’t allowed to eat it very often, and it took me until semi-adulthood to make my very own treats at home, replete with butter, marshmallows and that bright blue box of crisp rice cereal.
It was almost magical, watching those marshmallows melt and meld with butter and create that sticky sweet glue. Even better was the part when my older sister, Monica, would help me hold the heavy pot of hot treats and pour it into the baking pan to press down.
There’s something oddly satisfying about getting a perfectly tightly-packed layer. 🙂
But now that I’m older and just ever-so-slightly wiser, I know that when I get these cravings, I gotta go for something just a tad (okay, a loooot) healthier. So today, we’re gonna learn how to make rice crispy treats without marshmallows, together. 🙂 The next time someone asks you if rice crispy treats are vegan, you can say, “well, these are!” Also, “I don’t share.” 😉
I promise you, these healthy vegan rice crispy treats are just as satisfying and way, wayyyy less guilt-inducing. They’re super easy to make—with just 3 ingredients needed. And, there’s also a quick ‘n easy warming process (for the almond butter and maple syrup) that gives you the same cozy vibes as the marshmallows and butter melting together! 😉
How to Make Vegan Rice Crispy Treats – Without Marshmallows
Line an 8-inch baking pan with wax paper or parchment paper.
Heat almond butter and maple syrup together until warm and fragrant. Whisk in between heating.
Stir rice crisp cereal into the almond butter mixture. Fold until well mixed.
Pour the rice crispy treat mixture into the prepared baking pan. Smooth into an even, tightly-packed layer.
Chill for 1 hour or more until firm in the freezer. Slice and enjoy your vegan rice krispie treats!
The 3 ingredients you need for Healthy Rice Krispie Treats
Rice Crispy Cereal – my favorite is this brand of vegan gluten free rice crisp cereal.
Almond Butter – together, almond butter and maple syrup work together to create a sticky mixture that acts as a substitute for marshmallows. This way, you can make rice crispy treats without marshmallows!
Pure Maple Syrup – the other half of the equation when keeping these healthy rice crispy treats marshmallow-free!
The Taste & Texture of Healthy Vegan Rice Crispy Treats
These healthy vegan rice crispy treats have a crispy, crunchy texture with a nutty caramel taste. They’re sweet, but not too sweet, and hit that texture-craving when your sweet tooth needs a hit!
Learn how to make rice krispie treats without marshmallows, using just 3 healthy ingredients! Vegan rice krispie treats never tasted so good.
Healthy Rice Crispy Treat Q & A
Can I substitute the almond butter with another ingredient?
Yes! You can use any nut butter you’d like in this vegan rice crispy treat recipe. Try peanut butter or cashew butter! I haven’t tried sunflower seed butter, but that might work too. Let me know if you try it!
How to Make Rice Crispy Treats without Marshmallows?
Follow this recipe! 😉 For realsies though, I created this recipe with the intent of skipping marshmallows since they are rarely vegan, and if so, are made with a bunch of questionable stuff (no judgement, but you know what I mean). So I used natural almond butter and pure maple syrup to sub so we could make these rice crispy treats without marshmallows!
Where can I find vegan rice krispie cereal?
Follow this link to buy vegan rice krispie cereal.
Are rice krispie treats vegan? Are rice krispies healthy?
Most storebought rice krispie treats are not vegan or healthy. But today’s recipe does yield rice krispie treats that are vegan and healthy.
How do I store these healthy rice crispy treats?
You can store these healthy rice crispy treats in the freezer or the refrigerator. You can store them at room temperature after they set for the first few hours and you’re in a cooler environment. If it’s too hot, the treats will likely fall apart. I recommend keeping them in the fridge just in case. 😉
Where to Buy Ingredients for the Best Vegan Rice Krispie Treats
- Unsalted, natural creamy almond butter – one of the most important ingredients in making healthy rice crispy treats–I mean, there’s only 3, so… This one’s great because it doesn’t include any extra ingredients such as added oils, sugars or anything else.
- Vegan gluten free brown rice crisp cereal – everyone’s always asking me where I find vegan AND gluten free rice crispy treats cereal–here it is! 😉 This crisp rice cereal is made from brown rice and goes great in your healthy vegan rice krispie treats!
Are you ready to get your no bake on? Let’s do it! You grab the almond butter, I’ll grab the gluten free crisp brown rice cereal! It’s truly my life’s joy sharing and creating these treats and memories with you. Thank you for taking the time to stop by and enjoy a sweet moment with me. ‘Til next time…
Sending you all my love and maybe even a dove, xo Demeter ❤️
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3 Ingredient Healthy Vegan Rice Crispy Treats
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 16 treats 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Healthy Vegan Rice Crispy Treats: this 3 ingredient healthy rice krispie treats recipe is prepped in minutes! Learn how to make rice krispie treats without marshmallows.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup unsalted, natural creamy almond butter
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 3 cups vegan gluten free brown rice crisp cereal
Instructions
- Line an 8-inch square baking pan with wax paper or parchment paper. Set aside for later.
- Add almond butter and maple syrup to a microwave-safe bowl. Whisk until well mixed. Heat in 20-second increments in the microwave until warm and fragrant, and the mixture begins to dry out and caramelize (about 4-7 rounds). Whisk in between heating increments. *Stovetop directions in Notes.
- Add rice crisp cereal to the almond butter mixture. Stir and fold until well-incorporated.
- Pour into the prepared baking pan. Using a rubber spatula, smooth into an even, very tightly packed layer.
- Chill in the freezer for 1 hour. Remove and slice into 16 square treats. Enjoy! Storing notes below.
More Healthy Vegan Treats
Equipment
8-inch Square Stoneware Dish, White
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Brown Rice Crisp Cereal (Gluten Free, Vegan)
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Unsalted Natural Creamy Almond Butter
Buy Now →Notes
Where to Buy Ingredients:
*Stovetop Directions: In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, add almond butter and maple syrup. Whisk until well incorporated. Stir occasionally, heating until this mixture begins to bubble. Pour over rice crisp cereal placed in a heatproof bowl.
Storing Instructions: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer for 1-3 days. Best on the 1st day.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 5 mins
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Chill
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: healthy rice crispy treats, vegan rice krispy treats
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Hi, just wondering if they actually only stay good for 3 days because I am seeing other recipes with similar ingredients that are saying 3 weeks.
Hi Jack, I find that 3 days equals the freshest rice crispy treats. Once the crisp cereal is exposed to the warm caramely sweetened almond butter mixture, and to air (yes, even in the container), it tends to go stale after about 3 days. But that can change depending on your climate, etc. Go ahead and give it a try, and let me know if yours is fresh beyond the 3 days. Enjoy!
No dessert in the house. No marshmallows for regular rice crispy treats, so googled , found this recipe. Low on maple syrup. Used half maple, half golden syrup. The caramelized syrup almond butter is key. Sprinkled on maldon salt. Delicious! Thank you for this fun, easy, yummy recipe.
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Yep–I’ve totally been there! When the craving hits and you don’t have the usual recipe ingredients on hand and need to get creative! I’m so happy that you enjoyed my recipe. 🙂 The maldon salt on top sound fabulous! You’re so welcome. 🙂
Looking forward to trying these. I have a bag of brown rice puffs. Would these work in place of the crispy?
Hi Shellie! That should work fine. Let me know how it goes! 🙂
They’re delicious. I didn’t have maple syrup, so I used coconut nectar. Thanks. 🙂
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Oh that’s great! So glad it worked out for you with the coconut nectar. 🙂
I made this with Cheerios, instead of rice krispies, and it was the bomb diggity. Sooo good. I will try with the brown rice krispies too. Thank you kindly for this recipe.
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Ooh love it! Thank you for taking the time to stop by and let me know!
Hi Demeter, I really love this recipe: so easy and healthy! Would you think puffed millet could work here?
Thanks!
Hi Elena, I’m so pleased to hear it! 🙂 Yes, I think that should work. Let me know how it turns out. Hugs!
I made them! I used puffed millet and they came out absolutely delicious. Thank you very much for sharing this recipe 🙂 Hugs!
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Yay! That’s so awesome to hear Elena. Thanks for taking the time to let me know. Bigger hugs back!
Hello, could I make them using crispy puffed rice (brown rice)?
Thank you so much.
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Hi Natasha! Yep, that’s what I use. 🙂 Hope you enjoy!
Ultra-easy, minimal ingredients (all healthy), and unlike most other such recipes, no syrup or marshmallows(!). And it still comes out awesome. This recipe is brilliant, thank you.
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Thank *you*, JT! 🙂 I’m so thrilled that you enjoyed my crispy treats recipe. Happy eating! 😉
This is the perfect treat that I would like to have right now with a cup of tea!
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Oh yes these are so good on a cold day with a warm beverage by your side! 🙂
Such a fun and easy recipe to make with my kids; these will make the perfect afternoon treat for after school!
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Yes these are absolutely fantastic as an afternoon treat!
At our home we are retired kids!!! I hope that allows for our sweet tooths to be satisfied!!! i will be making this reicpe this afternoon.with peanut butter – the runny type!!! I can taste them now!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! I actually have the GF crispy brown rice already so I am ready to go!
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Haha that’s awesome Terry! Retired kids might just deserve a satisfied sweet tooth even more. 😉 Glad to hear you had the cereal already. Hope you enjoy the treats!
What a nice and delicious treat! Everyone at my house enjoyed this!
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Oh I’m so happy to hear it Toni!
So easy and tasty!
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That’s awesome Vikki!
Your vegan option sounds fab. Also, how do you get yours to look absolutely perfect??
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LOL trust me it’s as much luck as it is skill! 😂
These rice crispy treats are to die for! I love that they fit anyone lifestyle without losing out on amazing texture and flavors. Thank you for sharing!
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You’re so absolutely welcome Jacque! Everyone deserves their treats, ya know? 🙂
This recipe is genius! My kids have whined for krispie treats forever, and now I can make them and feel good about it, thanks!
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How perfect! I’m so glad that you and the kids will be able to enjoy some treats and feel good about it. 🙂
such a fun and simple recipe to have for school treats!
Exactly! Super easy to make, and great to have on hand.
These look so delicious and tasty! My family is going to love these! So excited!
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Oh that’s so great to hear Beth!
Love that I can still enjoy a classic recipe in a healthier way!
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Yep, no need to say goodbye to your favorites because you want to eat healthier. 🙂
What a great idea for rice crispy treats! I love that they’re made with almond butter for a healthier spin and can’t wait to try them out!
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Thanks Gina! It’s such a fun recipe to make, I hope you enjoy them!
So I ran into this recipe because I love rice krispie treats but don’t want them too sweet. I really just want to omit the marshmallows so I’m going to give these a try! How do these compare in sweetness to the regular treats?
Hi Lily, if marshmallow rice krispie treats are a 9 on a scale of 1 to 10, then these healthy vegan rice crispy treats are probably about a 5 or 6. Hope this helps! 🙂
thanks for this recipe, Demeter. I just found multi-colored (for Easter) Rice Krispies on clearance at our Kroger so bought two boxes. I don’t love it as cereal like I did as a kid, so I thought everyone in the house would appreciate Rice krispy treats. We have an abundance of honey, so I’m going to try it with that instead of the maple syrup, unless you advise against it. I was thinking of thinning the honey with water just to tame down the sugary flavor. (I can’t handle the taste of heavily sweet food anymore. Even one of those bite-size cupcakes is too much).
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Ooh what a fun cereal to use! I cannot wait to hear what everyone thinks!
I want to try this for my kiddos, do you think we could use Annie’s bunnies friends cereal instead? Trying not to go to the store and we have a stock pile of that cereal??
Hi Bernadette, you know what? That might work! I haven’t tried it myself, so no guarantees. Let me know how it turns out. Enjoy!
What year was this recipe written?
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So… I’m not vegan so maybe there is something im not aware of but aren’t Rice Krispy treats already vegan if you use a vegan friendly margarine? Im planning on making them for my daughter’s birthday in lieu of cupcakes. To be considerate of those with food allergies. Im well versed in gluten and dairy sensitivities but kinda clueless on the vegan thing.
Hi Amanda! So sweet of you to be so considerate of your daughter and her friends. ☺️ Yep, vegan-friendly butter should work fine in a traditional rice crispy recipe. The main issue is that most marshmallows are not vegan because they contain gelatin, which is derived from animal products. Hence this marshmallow free recipe. Hope this helps!
a perfect recipe – easy, quick, yummy & satisfying! it’s also interesting because the result doesn’t taste like the ingredients – they transform together into the crispy sweet treat we love.
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Thanks so much, Linda! It makes me so happy to hear this. Enjoy! 🙂
Hi! Do you think I could use peanut butter instead of almond butter and sub agave with maple syrup? Thanks!! 🙂
Hi Lena! The PB swap is fine, but I haven’t tried it with agave myself. Let me know how it goes! 🙂
Delicious but don’t seem to hold together. I used fresh ground almond butter from Whole Foods that had been refrigerated. Took them to a covered dish dinner and people loved taste but most used forks to eat. Any suggestions.
Hi Charlene, did you get a chance to stir your almond butter until it was very well mixed? The consistency should be very liquidy and mostly smooth (with just a bit of grain from the almonds). Also, I’ve noticed that the nut butter grinders at Whole Foods sometimes yield chunkier, rather than, smooth almond butter. That could lead to the treats falling apart. Hope this helps!
Thanks will try again!
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Charlene, I just remembered that this recipe needs to be refrigerated. (I just reviewed the notes on the recipe.) Make sure to keep the treats in the fridge or freezer right up until you’re ready to serve, or else they’ll fall apart.
Delicious! I used Sunbutter for mine. So simple, and a very nice treat.
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Awesome! So happy to hear you enjoyed them Rebecca!
The krispies were slightly nutty and sweet, but with a texture like they had gone stale. They did not hold together. I put them in the fridge over night. When I cut them up, there was at least a cup of loose krispies.
Hi there! Hm, was your peanut butter dry or liquidy? If it was very dry (more like a paste), then it would make it harder for the treats to stick together. Also, if the cereal is soft at the start it will affect the final texture of the treats. Hope this helps! 🙂
Hi! I want to make these in our after school program! I have a few with nut allergies. Is there a substitution you’d suggest for almond butter? Thanks in advance
Hi Molly! Hope fun! . You could sunflower seed butter or soy butter. Hope this helps! 🙂
Have just put a batch in the freezer! I used peanut butter and golden syrup as that’s what the pantry had. Am excited to see if they still work out good! Thanks for the easy recipe 😀
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Yay! Hope you enjoy them Mary-Anne! .
I don’t have a microwave. Do I heat it double boiler style?
Hi Tanya! I have stovetop directions in the Notes section of the recipe. Hope you enjoy! 🙂
I love making rice crispy treats with nut butter and honey/maple syrup instead of marshmallows! 🙂
So great, right? Enjoy!
These look SO delicious! Need to try them soon!
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Haha yes you do Jamielyn! .
I am loving the healthier alternative to crispy treats! So delish!
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Thanks Abeer! They’re seriously so good! .
Whoa! I love this idea looks so tasty and easy to make, this is a keeper!
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Oh yes, super easy and super tasty! .
O God! What a great recipe! I want to try it immediately! Looks very tasty! THANK YOU!
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Haha you’re quite welcome Chrissie! I think you’re definitely gonna love them! 🙂
I cannot wait to make these for the kids after school, they will love them!
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Yay! This would make the perfect after school treat! .
I love easy recipes like this! My kids would definitely enjoy these especially if I make them with their favorite chocolate rice cereal.
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Ooh that does sound good! Hope the kiddos enjoy it! 🙂
I am ALL about easy healthy recipes so these rice crispy treats will definitely be making an appearance at my house!
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Woohoo! Cannot wait to hear what you think Liz! .
These look so moreish and delicious. I love that they’re healthy and only need three ingredients.
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Yep! Easy, healthy, and totally tasty is how we roll! .
Great twist on the classic to make them vegan! I bet the almond and maple flavor is soooo good!
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Thanks Lauren! 🙂 Oh yes, it’s absolutely phenomenal! .
Rice krispies treats have always been a favorite of mine 0 I can’t wait to try this healthier version!
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I know, aren’t they the best? . Hope you enjoy!
Is puffed brown rice the same thing as brown rice crisped cereal? Sorry if this is a dumb question.
Hi Jessy! Usually puffed rice is soft and puffy (like puffed kamut), while brown rice crisp cereal is crispy and crunchy (think of the cereal is rice crispy treats). Sometimes, however, brands will use the terms interchangeably. Hope this helps!