Our Favorite Rice Krispies Treats Recipe

Our Favorite Rice Krispies Treats Recipe

Our Favorite Rice Krispies Treats recipe takes this classic snack to the next level with a few delicious twists. We make ours extra gooey with a higher marshmallow-to-krispie ratio, making every bite a little softer and sweeter. And the best part? We save a handful of marshmallows to stir in at the end, so you get delightful pockets of marshmallow goodness that don’t fully melt. Trust us, once you try this version, it’ll be your new go-to!

To keep it dairy-free, we use coconut oil instead of butter, but feel free to swap in butter or even peanut butter to add a little extra protein! Check out all of our dairy free recipes.

Looking for the perfect gooey Rice Krispies treats? Our recipe is extra marshmallow-y and dairy-free with coconut oil. A must-try snack!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Extra marshmallows make each bite irresistibly gooey and soft.
• Using coconut oil keeps the treats dairy-free without sacrificing any flavor. 
• The pockets of not-quite melted marshmallows add a fun, surprising texture to every bite.
• You can customize the recipe by using coconut oil, butter, or peanut butter. Even cookie butter!
• These Rice Krispies treats are a quick and satisfying snack that’s sure to become a new favorite 🙂 

Love Rice Krispies treats? Try our extra gooey, marshmallow-loaded version. Dairy-free with coconut oil or swap for butter!

What You’ll Need: Ingredients

• Puffed Rice Cereal: The crispy base that gives these treats their classic texture.
• Marshmallows: The key ingredient for that gooey, sweet goodness throughout the treats. Be sure to use fresh, soft marshmallows. It makes a big difference in how smoothly the mixture comes together.
• Coconut Oil: A dairy-free alternative to butter, adding richness and subtle flavor. 
• Vanilla Extract or Vanilla Paste: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, sweet aroma. Optional, but it makes a difference!

Upgrade your classic Rice Krispies treats! Our version is gooey, dairy-free, and oh-so-delicious. Check out the full recipe!

Substitutions

• Butter, Nut Butters, Biscoff: These are all acceptable substitutes for the coconut oil in this recipe. I do not recommend using margarine or other dairy-free butter replacements. Those products typically have a high water content, and this will make the rice krispies treats soggy (speaking from experience). 
• Cereal: Substitute the puffed rice cereal with your favorite cereal, like Cocoa Krispies or Fruity Pebbles, for a fun variation. We like to use Cheerios for the added benefit of whole grains (and still delicious)!
• Marshmallows: I’ve never used marshmallow cream as a substitute in the recipe, but rumor has it that you can. Just something to keep in mind if you have marshmallow fluff in your pantry 🙂 

Make your Rice Krispies treats extra special! This recipe is super gooey, dairy-free, and features pockets of marshmallow bliss.

Variations

• Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats: For a nutty twist, mix 1/4 cup of peanut butter (in place of the coconut oil) into the melted marshmallows before adding the cereal. This adds a rich, creamy flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the marshmallows.
• Chocolate-Dipped Rice Krispies: After cutting the treats into squares, dip each one halfway into melted chocolate and let them set on parchment paper. This adds an indulgent layer of chocolate that makes these treats even more irresistible.
• Salted Caramel Rice Krispies: Drizzle 1/4 cup of warm salted caramel sauce over the top of the finished treats before they cool, then sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt. This creates a delicious sweet-and-salty combination.
• Brown Butter Rice Krispies: Use butter instead of coconut oil. Brown the butter by melting it in a saucepan over medium heat until it turns golden and smells nutty, then proceed with the recipe as usual. This adds a rich, caramel-like depth of flavor to your treats.
• Fruity Rice Krispies: Replace the regular puffed rice cereal with Fruity Pebbles or another fruit-flavored cereal. This adds vibrant colors and a fruity flavor that both kids and grown-ups will love.
• Cookies and Cream Rice Krispies: Stir in 1 cup of crushed chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos) to the cereal mixture before pressing it into the pan. This gives the treats a cookies-and-cream flavor and a satisfying crunch.
• S’mores Rice Krispies: Add 1 cup of crushed graham crackers and 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips to the cereal mixture. Top with extra mini marshmallows and broil briefly until toasted for a s’mores-inspired treat.

Our favorite Rice Krispies treat recipe is here! Gooey, marshmallow-packed, and dairy-free with coconut oil—get the details now!

Instructions for Making Rice Krispies Treats

1. Prepare the Pan: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with coconut oil or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Melt the Marshmallows: In a large pot, melt 1/4 cup of coconut oil over low heat. Add 10 ounces of marshmallows (reserving additional 1 cup for later) and stir continuously until the marshmallows are completely melted and smooth (This step can also be done in the microwave- see section below).
3. Add Vanilla: Remove the pot from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract or vanilla paste for added flavor.
4. Mix in the Cereal: Add the puffed rice cereal to the pot, gently folding it into the melted marshmallow mixture until the cereal is evenly coated.
5. Add Reserved Marshmallows: Quickly fold in the reserved 1 cup of marshmallows. These won’t fully melt, adding pockets of gooey marshmallow throughout the treats.
6. Press into the Pan: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan. Use a greased spatula or a sheet of parchment paper to press the mixture evenly into the pan without packing it down too tightly.
7. Let Cool and Set: Allow the Rice Krispies treats to cool completely at room temperature for about 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until they are firm enough to cut.
8. Cut and Serve: Once set, cut the treats into squares or rectangles using a sharp knife. Serve and enjoy your extra gooey Rice Krispies treats!

Extra marshmallow-y Rice Krispies treats that are dairy-free and delicious! Perfect for a quick and easy snack. Recipe inside!

Tips for Success

• Use Fresh Marshmallows: For the best texture, make sure your marshmallows are fresh. Stale marshmallows won’t melt as smoothly and can make the treats hard.
• Low and Slow: Melt the marshmallows over low heat to prevent them from burning or becoming too tough. Patience here ensures a smooth, gooey mixture.
• Grease Everything: To avoid sticking, lightly grease your mixing spoon, spatula, and hands with coconut oil or butter before handling the mixture. This makes spreading and pressing the treats into the pan much easier.
• Don’t Overpack: When pressing the mixture into the pan, be gentle. Pressing too hard can make the treats dense and tough instead of light and chewy.
• Mix Quickly: Once the cereal is added to the melted marshmallows, work quickly to combine everything evenly before it starts to cool and harden.
• Add Mix-ins Last: If you’re adding extra ingredients like chocolate chips or sprinkles, fold them in after mixing the cereal with the marshmallows. This helps prevent them from melting or clumping together.
• Store Properly: To keep your treats fresh and soft, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid refrigerating them, as this can make the treats too firm.

Discover the secret to ultra-gooey Rice Krispies treats! Coconut oil keeps them dairy-free, and extra marshmallows make them irresistible.

Microwave Method

1. Prepare the Pan: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with coconut oil or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Melt the Marshmallows in the Microwave: In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine 1/4 cup of coconut oil and 10 ounces of marshmallows (reserve additional 1 cup for later). Microwave on high for 1 minute, then stir. Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the marshmallows are fully melted and smooth.
3. Add Vanilla: Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract or vanilla paste into the melted marshmallow mixture for added flavor.
4. Mix in the Cereal: Add puffed rice cereal to the bowl, gently folding it into the melted marshmallows until evenly coated.
5. Add Reserved Marshmallows: Quickly fold in the reserved 1 cup of marshmallows. These will create pockets of gooey, partially melted marshmallow throughout the treats.
6. Press into the Pan: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan. Use a greased spatula or a sheet of wax paper to press the mixture evenly into the pan without compressing it too much.
7. Let Cool and Set: Allow the Rice Krispies treats to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until firm.
8. Cut and Serve: Once set, cut the treats into squares or rectangles using a sharp knife. Serve and enjoy your extra gooey, microwave-made Rice Krispies treats!

More No-Bake Dessert Recipes

• Easy 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cereal Bars
• Monster Cookie Energy Bites
• Homemade Tagalong Girl Scout Cookies
• Classic Muddy Buddies
• High Protein Muddy Buddies

Continue to Content

Our Favorite Rice Krispies Treats Recipe

Yield: 12

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Love Rice Krispies treats? Try our extra gooey, marshmallow-loaded version!

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Ingredients

• 10 ounces + 1 cup miniature marshmallows
• 1/4 cup coconut oil or butter
• 4 and 1/2 cups puffed rice cereal
• Optional: 1 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla paste

Instructions

Stovetop Method

1. Prepare the Pan: Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with coconut oil or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Melt the Marshmallows: In a large pot, melt 1/4 cup of coconut oil over low heat. Add 10 ounces of marshmallows (saving the additional 1 cup for later) and stir continuously until the marshmallows are completely melted and smooth (This step can also be done in the microwave- see section below).
3. Add Vanilla: Remove the pot from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract or vanilla paste for added flavor.
4. Mix in the Cereal: Add the puffed rice cereal to the pot, gently folding it into the melted marshmallow mixture until the cereal is evenly coated.
5. Add Reserved Marshmallows: Quickly fold in the reserved 1 cup of marshmallows. These won’t fully melt, adding pockets of gooey marshmallow throughout the treats.
6. Press into the Pan: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan. Use a greased spatula or a sheet of parchment paper to press the mixture evenly into the pan without packing it down too tightly.
7. Let Cool and Set: Allow the Rice Krispies treats to cool completely at room temperature for about 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until they are firm enough to cut.
8. Cut and Serve: Once set, cut the treats into squares or rectangles using a sharp knife. Serve and enjoy your extra gooey Rice Krispies treats!

Microwave Method

1. Prepare the Pan: Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with coconut oil or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Melt the Marshmallows in the Microwave: In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine 1/4 cup of coconut oil and 10 ounces of marshmallows (reserve additional 1 cup for later). Microwave on high for 1 minute, then stir. Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the marshmallows are fully melted and smooth.
3. Add Vanilla: Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract or vanilla paste into the melted marshmallow mixture for added flavor.
4. Mix in the Cereal: Add puffed rice cereal to the bowl, gently folding it into the melted marshmallows until evenly coated.
5. Add Reserved Marshmallows: Quickly fold in the reserved 1 cup of marshmallows. These will create pockets of gooey, partially melted marshmallow throughout the treats.
6. Press into the Pan: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan. Use a greased spatula or a sheet of wax paper to press the mixture evenly into the pan without compressing it too much.
7. Let Cool and Set: Allow the Rice Krispies treats to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until firm.
8. Cut and Serve: Once set, cut the treats into squares or rectangles using a sharp knife. Serve and enjoy your extra gooey, microwave-made Rice Krispies treats!

Notes

Use Fresh Marshmallows: For the best texture, make sure your marshmallows are fresh. Stale marshmallows won’t melt as smoothly and can make the treats hard.

Low and Slow: Melt the marshmallows over low heat to prevent them from burning or becoming too tough. Patience here ensures a smooth, gooey mixture.

Grease Everything: To avoid sticking, lightly grease your mixing spoon, spatula, and hands with coconut oil or butter before handling the mixture. This makes spreading and pressing the treats into the pan much easier.

Don’t Overpack: When pressing the mixture into the pan, be gentle. Pressing too hard can make the treats dense and tough instead of light and chewy.

Mix Quickly: Once the cereal is added to the melted marshmallows, work quickly to combine everything evenly before it starts to cool and harden.

Add Mix-ins Last: If you’re adding extra ingredients like chocolate chips or sprinkles, fold them in after mixing the cereal with the marshmallows. This helps prevent them from melting or clumping together.

Store Properly: To keep your treats fresh and soft, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid refrigerating them, as this can make the treats too firm.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 82Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 3mgSodium: 23mgCarbohydrates: 7gFiber: 0gSugar: 3gProtein: 1g