If you love rice crispy treats, you are in for a treat. This vegan version is one you’ll add to your dessert rotation every week. Traditional crispy treats use marshmallows and butter, but not these! Don’t fret, though- they taste every bit as delicious as you’d expect.
Why you’ll love these vegan rice krispie treats
Inspired by my peanut butter rice crispy treats recipe, I wanted to create a similar version without the peanut butter BUT also without marshmallows or corn syrup. These tick the boxes.
Best texture. Crispy, soft, dense, and perfectly delicious. Just 3 ingredients. Rice Krispies, almond butter, and maple syrup! Ready in 5 minutes. The hard part is waiting for them to set. Gluten-free option. Simply use crispy gluten-free cereal, and these are suitable for celiacs.
Oh, and if you want to try some other healthier desserts with 3 ingredients, you’ll enjoy oatmeal bars and no bake cookies.
Ingredients needed
You’ll notice and short and simple list of ingredients to make these bars. They are easy to find and if you’ve made any of my vegan desserts before, you probably have everything in your pantry. Here is what you’ll need:
Crispy rice cereal. Any crispy rice-based cereal works, including rice crispies and brown rice crispies. Almond butter. Smooth and creamy with no added sugar. Maple syrup. Adds sweetness and help bind the mixture.
How to make vegan rice crispy treats
This recipe is truly one of the easiest that you’ll ever make and follow a simple 3-step process. The hard part is waiting for them to firm up but honestly, it will be worth it. Ready to whip some up?
- Melt the almond butter and syrup. Start by adding the almond butter and maple syrup in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 30-40 seconds, until warm. Whisk them together until smooth.
- Combine ingredients. Add the rice cereal and mix well until fully combined. Transfer the mixture into a lined square pan and press down on top until uniform and smooth.
- Chill and set. Refrigerate the treats for at least an hour to firm up. Once firm, use a sharp knife and slice into bars.
Tips to make the best recipe
If you notice the mixture to be a little too sticky/wet, you can add more crispy rice cereal. Sometimes, the almond butter and syrup mix can be a little too creamy. Line your pan before adding the mixture in so you’ll enjoy an easy removal. If you don’t own a microwave, you can heat the peanut butter and syrup together in a small saucepan over medium heat.
Dietary swaps and substitutions
The beauty of these crispy treats is just how easy they are to customize to other diets out there. Here are some suggestions:
Make them gluten free. Use gluten free rice crispy cereal. Swap out the almond butter. Use another nut or seed butter, including cashew butter, tahini, or sunflower seed butter. Cut the carbs. Try making keto rice crispy treats instead. Cut the sugar. Replace the maple syrup with sugar free maple syrup. Use another sweetener. Not a fan of maple syrup? Try using agave nectar or brown rice syrup instead. Add protein. Make my protein rice Krispies instead.
Storage instructions
Up to one week: Rice Crispy Treats can keep at room temperature, covered. One week or more: They are best kept refrigerated, as they will maintain a firm texture, and last for up to 4 weeks. Up to 6 months: Place the treats in a ziplock bag and store it in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Recommended tools to make this recipe
Mixing bowls. Microwave-safe and perfect for tons of ingredients! Spatula. To mix everything together seamlessly. Square pan. To let the bars firm up.
More vegan dessert recipes to try
Chocolate chip cookies Brownies Chocolate cake Blondies
