When it finally dawned on me that I could make rice krispies treats that were dairy free, it felt the biggest epiphany! It was so simple, and so obvious that I felt like saying “DUH!” to myself. Not to mention these are gluten-free and free of the top-8-allergens!
I had been using coconut oil as a butter substitute for a while, and when I realized that it worked in this recipe, it was as if the heavens parted and angels sang.
I think I’m not the only one that overlooks this classic treat. It’s so easy to forget about, yet–I’ve never seen or heard of anyone turning one down. I think sometimes we over-complicate things. No need to have 50+ ingredients, and have it take hours to be delicious.
We have this treat ALL.THE.TIME. It’s one of my son’s favorite treats. It’s super kid friendly too, since he can dump in the marshmallows and the cereal and be my “helper”.
Perfect for practically any allergy, this top 8 free treat is simple and satisfying all at the same time.
Click here if you need to see which marshmallows brands have dairy or other allergens–I have all the top brands listed.
Truly, the only problem with it, is because they’re so light, I end up eating more than I should!
Don’t forget to pin this, and my other allergy-friendly variations below, so you can save them for later. While you’re there…check out my other allergy-friendly Pinterest boards!
Allergy-Friendly Rice Krispies Treats (Top 8 Free)
An allergy-friendly spin to make these easy, no bake treats even more accessible. With a few simple switch outs, this can still be a family favorite.
Ingredients
Instructions
In large saucepan melt coconut oil over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat.
Add rice krispies cereal. Stir until well coated.
Using wet hands or wax paper evenly press mixture into 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan coated with cooking spray. Cool. Cut into 2-inch squares.
*Note: You'll notice I use one cup less of the cereal than the typical recipe. That isn't due to the coconut oil, but because I like mine extra gooey.
Notes
**Also, while the well-known Kellogg's brand "rice krispies" are wheat free, they are not gluten free, as typical and generic brands of rice krispies uses barley in all the brands I've ran across. If you need wheat AND gluten-free, I've found Malt-0-Meal & Erewhon are gluten-free substitutions.
Adapted from The Original Rice Krispies Treats
Looking for more festive or fun variations of this allergy-friendly rice krispy? See these fun adaptations:
Dairy & Gluten-free Salted Caramel Rice Krispies (Top 8 Free, too!)
Allergy-friendly Snickerdoodle Rice Krispies
Allergy-friendly Frankenstein Krispies
Allergy-friendly Reindeer Rice Krispies
Allergy-friendly Rice Krispie Christmas Trees
Hi! I’m Megan, a mom to four kids, two with multiple food allergies & one with EOE. I’m a published cookbook author that constantly tweaks recipes to make them allergy friendly–it’s an addiction. I share every recipe & tip with the hope that they help you as you manage your food allergies & dietary restrictions. You can still be awesome, even with food allergies!
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No Churn Vegan Chocolate-Banana Ice Cream
Allergy-friendly Cinnamon Chocolate Popcorn (Gluten, dairy, egg, soy, peanut & tree nut free; top-8-free; vegan)
Chocolate Covered Cookie Dough Easter Eggs Made with Hope & Compassion
Allergy-Friendly Tiger Birthday Cupcakes
Gluten Free Eggnog Cupcakes with Eggnog Frosting
Gluten Free Vegan Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars
Annie D
Excellent recipe! It was a huge hit at my sons birthday party- I wised up skipped making a complicated top 9 allergen free cake and put candle in this treat instead. So many moms told me it was a great idea. The kids could eat it outside and continue playing. I added a touch of vanilla too. Very good. Thank you!
Megan Lavin
This makes me so happy to hear you not only liked it, but that it helped with a birthday party! Yes, cake can be so messy! Way to go super mom! Thanks for the nice comment.
A.H.
Do you know of any top 8 allergen free marshmallows? Dandies contain soy.
Megan Lavin
Hi. We use just regular kraft marshmallows. They’re top 8 free. Dandies are for those who want it to be vegan. Unfortunately, there is not a vegan marshmallow that doesn’t contain soy that I’m aware of.
regs
Thanks for the allergy-friendly rice Krispies, can’t wait to try it.
Megan Lavin
You’re very welcome!
(Caron Eiman
I’m trying to make people aware, coconut is an allergic also! My daughter is extremely allergic to anything with coconut in any form! With just one bite, within seconds, she begins feeling numb in her lips, then face and throat.
[email protected]
Hi. I’m well aware coconut is an allergen. Any food can be an allergen. I know people allergic to all sorts of things, strawberries, citrus…That’s why I’m sure to label my recipes of what they are free of, so that you can pick what recipes work according to your individual diets.
Melissa Martin
Hi
I’ve made rice krispy squares using just olive or avocado oil instead of butter to make them dairy/coconut free. They might not be as good as the coconut oil, but my kids love them plus it’s so much easier, makes less dishes .
Sophie
Hi I was wondering how long these treats can last if I keep it in the fridge?
[email protected]
Hi. I wouldn’t keep these in the fridge because of the coconut oil. When coconut oil gets cold it gets harder. These should keep 3-4 days on the counter, covered.
Kathy
We use rice krispies from aldi.
[email protected]
Hi Kathy! Yes, I’ve heard Aldi is great at having gluten-free products, unfortunately, I don’t have that chain on the West Coast. Enjoy it for me.
Dee
I know this is an older post, but for anyone looking, Erewhorn has a Crispy Brown Rice cereal that is a total dupe for Rice Crispies and is Gluten Free certified, as well as free of GMOs, soy, dairy, and peanut free. Only 3 ingredients: Organic Brown Rice, Organic Brown Rice Syrup, and Sea Salt. It is a staple in our home! Can be found at Sprouts and Whole Foods in my area.
Now if I could only find a gluten-free, soy-free, egg-free, nut-free, legume-free, coconut-free marshmallow, without “natural flavors” or HFCS. The food allergy hunt continues.
[email protected]
Thanks Dee! I love it when allergy moms share their wisdom! I’ll be on the look out for those! I’ll keep you posted if I run across a marshmallow brand that fits those needs. I have seen some homemade recipes (not as convenient, but maybe it’s something??) Here’s an example: https://www.laurafuentes.com/homemade-marshmallow-no-corn-syrup-recipe/ Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
Jennifer
https://howtomakecerealtreats.com/marshmallow-fluff-rice-krispie-treats/
You can use marshmallow fluff instead of marshmallows to make rice krispie treats
Megan Lavin
Just make sure you don’t have egg allergies–as egg is in marshmallow fluff. 🙂
Missy
Last I checked Rice Krispies had wheat starch and therefore gluten in them, and the special gluten-free Rice Krispies were discontinued. Has this changed? Please say yes!
Allergy Awesomeness
Missy–I’m glad you brought this to my attention. I called Kellogg’s and they directed me to this site: https://community.kelloggs.com/kelloggs/topics/test-13p2xb You are right, because of the malt, it has barley in it. Therefore, they are not gluten free, just wheat free. So sorry! I would think you could sub in this cereal instead. It might not have the same crunch, but should be a close second: https://www.walmart.com/ip/22389074?wmlspartner=wlpa&adid=22222222227017370804&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=40890088352&wl4=&wl5=pla&wl6=78819547712&veh=sem
Chelsie
I’ve always used a form of cheerios (or trader joe o’s) in place of rice krispies and we like them better that way! Just incase it helps to find something more allergy friendly for those who need!
Megan Lavin
Thanks for your tip!