Gooey, crispy, crunchy AND chocolatey? Yes please. These easy gluten-free Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats have it all.
These Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats Were Made For Chocolate Lovers!
Looking for a fun spin on classic rice krispie treats? These gluten-free Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats are easy, no-bake, and packed with chocolate flavor thanks to cocoa powder and chocolate chips. They’re made with simple pantry ingredients and come together quickly — perfect for a last-minute dessert or a snack the whole family will enjoy.
- Ease: A no-bake dessert made in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
- Flavor: Cocoa powder and chocolate chips bring deep chocolate notes, balanced by vanilla, butter, and marshmallow.
- Kid-friendly: Everyone loves rice krispie treats.
- Top tip: Use very fresh marshmallows so the bars stay soft and gooey.
Happy (no) baking! xo, Emily
Gather Your Ingredients
This simple recipe uses just a few pantry staples. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Gluten-Free Crisp Rice Cereal. Use certified gluten-free crispy rice cereal (not Rice Krispies brand, which contains malt syrup). Brands that work include Aldi’s Millville, One Degree, or Nature’s Path.
- Butter. Salted or unsalted butter keeps the treats soft and gooey—do not reduce the amount.
- Mini Marshmallows. Fresh mini marshmallows melt quickly and give the best texture. Large marshmallows can work but take longer.
- Cocoa Powder. Use natural unsweetened cocoa (e.g., Hershey’s or Ghirardelli) rather than Dutch-processed for this recipe.
- Chocolate Chips. Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips are ideal for a rich chocolate flavor. Avoid milk chocolate if you want less sweetness.
- Vanilla Extract & Salt. A splash of vanilla and a pinch of salt enhance the chocolate flavor.
- Optional: Mini Chocolate Chips. For topping and decoration, sprinkle mini chips or drizzle melted chocolate.
Use The Right Cereal
Two important cereal notes to ensure the best texture and to keep this recipe gluten-free:
- CRISP rice cereal. Use crisp rice cereal, not puffed rice. Puffed rice will get soggy when mixed with melted marshmallows and chocolate.
- Not Rice Krispies brand. Many Rice Krispies products contain malt (barley), which has gluten. Choose a certified gluten-free crisp rice cereal instead.
How To Make Gluten-Free Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats, Step By Step
The full recipe with exact measurements and the printable recipe card is below.
- Prep. Line an 8×8 or 9×9 square pan with parchment or lightly grease it. Measure and have ingredients ready because you’ll work quickly.
- Melt. In a large pot over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Add the mini marshmallows and cocoa powder, stirring constantly until the marshmallows fully melt and the mixture is smooth and even.
- Combine. Add the chocolate chips, vanilla, and salt. Stir over low heat until the chips are just melted and the mixture is glossy.
- Add cereal. Remove from heat and fold in the gluten-free crisp rice cereal until evenly coated.
- Gently pat & garnish. Transfer to the prepared pan and gently press into an even layer—don’t pack too tightly or the bars will be dense. Sprinkle with mini chocolate chips if desired and lightly press them in.
- Cool & slice. Let cool to room temperature before slicing into 9, 12, or 16 pieces, depending on your preferred size.
- Serve & store. Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days (best within 24 hours).
FAQ + Tricks For The Best Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats
Decorating ideas: Skip the mini chips and drizzle melted chocolate, add a thick chocolate layer, or finish with flaky sea salt or sprinkles.
Can I use chocolate cereal? Yes—some gluten-free chocolate cereals like Cocoa Pebbles or certain brands of Cocoa Rice cereal will work and make the bars sweeter and more chocolate-forward.
More marshmallows option: Fold in an extra cup of mini marshmallows with the cereal for a lighter, cloudier texture.
Dairy-free option: Substitute vegan butter and dairy-free chocolate chips, and use vegan marshmallows (such as Dandie’s) to make these vegan-friendly.
More Gluten-Free Rice Krispie Treats Recipes To Try
Gluten-Free Scotcheroos
Gluten-Free Strawberry Rice Krispie Treats
Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats
Easy Homemade Lemon Curd
Recipe Card
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Gluten-Free Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats
Ingredients
- 5 Tablespoons Butter (or vegan butter)
- 1 (10 oz) Package Mini Marshmallows (very fresh)
- 1/4 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (about 30 g) — regular natural cocoa
- 1/2 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1/4 teaspoon Kosher Salt (or a pinch fine salt)
- 5 cups Gluten-Free Crisp Rice Cereal (NOT Rice Krispies brand)
- 2 Tablespoons Mini Chocolate Chips (optional, for decoration)
Instructions
- Prep. Line an 8×8 or 9×9 pan with parchment or grease it. Measure ingredients and have them ready.
- Melt. In a large pot over medium-low heat, melt butter. Add mini marshmallows and cocoa powder and stir constantly until marshmallows are melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Combine. Add chocolate chips, vanilla, and salt. Stir over low heat until chocolate chips are just melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Add cereal. Fold in the gluten-free crisp rice cereal until evenly coated.
- Gently pat & garnish. Transfer mixture to the prepared pan and gently press into an even layer. Sprinkle mini chips if desired and lightly press.
- Cool & slice. Let cool to room temperature before slicing into 9, 12, or 16 pieces.
- Serve & store. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days (best within 24 hours).
Notes
- Crisp Rice Cereal: Rice Krispies brand is not gluten-free because it contains malt syrup derived from barley. Use certified gluten-free options like Aldi’s Millville, One Degree, or Nature’s Path.
- Cocoa Powder: Natural unsweetened cocoa is recommended for flavor; Dutch-processed cocoa can be used for a darker profile.
- Extra marshmallows option: Stir in an additional cup of mini marshmallows with the cereal for a puffier texture.
Video
Find the recipe:
sweetsandthankyou.com/chocolate-rice-krispie-treats/