Sweet and chewy with the slightest hint of vanilla and salt – this recipe is what marshmallow crispy treat dreams are made of!
Why This Recipe Works
- These vegan marshmallow crispy treats have all the crispy, sweet, ooey-gooey goodness of those childhood snacks we all know and loved. One bite and you are instantly a kid again!
- This is a great no-bake dessert recipe. It’s very easy to make with just a handful of simple ingredients on the stovetop. And, it only takes a few minutes to prep!
- Make these ahead of time for parties, bake sales, and play dates. Crispy treats keep very well and are easy to transport. Best of all, they are sure to please guests of all ages!
- There are lots of fun ways to customize your crispy treats. Try adding extra goodies to the mixture itself or to the surface. You can also create cute shapes with your treats using the tips below!
How to Make the Best Vegan Marshmallow Crispy Treats
- Grease an 8 x 8-inch or 9 x 9-inch square pan. If you desire perfect squares in the end, line the pan with parchment paper after greasing, as well.
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium-high heat.
- Lower heat to low and stir in the water, vanilla and salt.
4. Add the mini marshmallows and stir continuously until they are very soft and mostly melted, about 5-6 minutes. There will be some lumps, but the mixture should be stringy yet stuck together for the most part.
- Add the cereal and stir with a long-handled spoon until the cereal is evenly coated with the marshmallow mixture.
- Pour the cereal mixture into your prepared pan. Using the back of a spatula or other clean, flat surface (such as the bottom of a glass or mason jar), press the mixture so it reaches all sides and corners and is as flat as possible on top.
- Allow the crispy treats to cool completely, about one hour. Place them in the fridge for 15 minutes to set if you need them quicker. Note: if you want to add sprinkles or any other dry toppings to the surface, do so while they’re still warm so they’re more likely to stick.
How do you cut rice crispy treats into squares?
For perfect (or mostly perfect!) squares, lift the treats out of the pan by the parchment paper handles and place the square on a cutting board. Using a very sharp knife, cut into 9 equal-sized squares. Wipe your knife with a damp cloth between slices, if needed.
What is the best way to cut marshmallow cereal treats into fun shapes?
If you’d like to cut your crispy treats into fun shapes using cookie cutters, allow them to cool for only 30 minutes so they are still slightly warm.
Lift the crispy treats out of the pan by the parchment paper handles and place the square of treats on a cutting board. Using metal cookie cutters, press down firmly into the treats and lift straight up to create desired shapes.
More Tips:
- Larger cookie cutters work best.
- Handle the treats as minimally as possible until completely cool.
- For quicker cooling, place treats on a plate and in the refrigerator until set, about 10 minutes.
Looking for More Easy Dessert Recipes? Then You Have to Try My:
- Vegan Monster Cookies
- Chocolate Covered Frozen Banana Bites
- 3-Minute Chocolate (Avocado) Mousse
- The BEST Vegan Hot Cocoa
- Lighter Kettle Corn
Recipe Variations
- Mix in other sweet or salty goodies with the cereal while still in the pot. Extras like chopped nuts and dried fruit are good because they will not melt when combined with the cereal and warm marshmallow mixture.
- Make them into peanut butter crispy treats by adding 1/4 c. of smooth peanut butter to the melted butter mixture (before adding the marshmallows).
- You can also add your favorite toppings to the surface of your vegan marshmallow crispy treats. Try colorful sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, chocolate candies, chopped nuts, or other tasty things you like. Add them while the treats are still slightly warm but not hot, after about 30 minutes of cooling.
- Once completely cooled, consider drizzling your treats with melted chocolate! Simply melt dairy-free chocolate chips or white chocolate chips in the microwave (or via double boiler on the stove) and drizzle away. I use Enjoy Life chocolate chips and King David vegan white chocolate.
- You can dip your treats in melted chocolate! (See previous note for my favorite brands). For best results, freeze your cooled treats for at least 10 minutes before dipping them in warm chocolate. Place them on parchment paper afterwards to set.
- This recipe works well with other varieties of crunchy dry cereal!
How do you make cereal crispy treats without marshmallows?
Looking for a crispy treat that is not made with marshmallows and uses only all-natural ingredients? Please see my recipe for All-Natural Vegan Rice Crispy Treats with Chocolate Chips.
How do you store marshmallow crispy treats?
Once completely cooled, store the vegan marshmallow crispy treats on the counter at room temperature covered in plastic wrap. They will keep for about a week. After that point, store the leftover crispy treats in a large resealable plastic bag, squeeze as much air out as possible, and toss them in the freezer!
These crispy treats freeze extremely well and will keep for up to six months. Allow them to thaw at room temperature before consuming for the traditional crispy treat experience, or, enjoy them frozen!
Vegan Marshmallow Crispy Treats
Ingredients
- 1/3 c. vegan butter or margarine (I use Earth Balance) 71 grams
- 2 Tbsp water
- 1/4 tsp vanilla
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 10 oz bag of gelatin-free mini marshmallows I use Dandies brand
- 4 c crispy rice cereal I use 365 brand
Instructions
- Grease an 8 x 8-inch or 9 x 9-inch square pan. If you desire perfect squares in the end, line the pan with parchment paper after greasing, as well.
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium-high heat.
- Lower heat to low and stir in the water, vanilla and salt.
- Add the mini marshmallows and stir continuously until they are very soft and mostly melted, about 5 minutes. There will be some lumps, but the mixture should be stringy yet stuck together for the most part.
- Add the cereal and stir with a long-handled spoon until the cereal is evenly coated with the marshmallow mixture.
- Pour the cereal mixture into your prepared pan. Using the back of a spatula or other clean, flat surface (such as the bottom of a glass or mason jar), press the mixture so it reaches all sides and corners and is as flat as possible on top.
- Allow the crispy treats to cool completely, about one hour. Add sprinkles to the surface while still warm, if desired.