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Here’s something that surprises a lot of people: regular Rice Krispies are not gluten-free. So that classic treat everyone grabs at the bake sale? Off limits. The good news is there are great gluten-free crispy rice cereals out there, and once you know which ones to buy, you can make gluten-free rice krispie treats that taste exactly like the ones you grew up with.

And my favorite trick? Cutting them into shapes. Hearts for Valentine’s Day, pumpkins and ghosts for Halloween, trees and stars for Christmas. Add a drizzle and a shower of sprinkles, and they look like they came from a bakery.

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My Secret: Extra Marshmallows, Added Last

I use a lot more marshmallows than the box recipe, and I hold some back. Six cups get melted with a full stick of butter, then once the cereal is mixed in, I fold in 2 more cups of marshmallows at the very end. They only half melt, so you get soft, gooey pockets of marshmallow in every bite. That’s what makes people ask for the recipe.

Why Rice Krispies Aren’t Gluten-Free

Rice is naturally gluten-free, but Kellogg’s Rice Krispies are made with malt flavoring, which comes from barley. Barley contains gluten. Many store-brand crispy rice cereals use malt too, so always flip the box over and check for the words malt, barley or a gluten-free label.

Gluten-Free Crispy Rice Cereal Brands

These brands are labeled gluten-free and work beautifully in treats:

Nature’s Path Organic Crispy Rice: the closest to classic in color and crunch.
One Degree Organics Sprouted Brown Rice Crisps: carries a third-party gluten-free seal.
Barbara’s Organic Brown Rice Crisps: a little heartier, with great texture.
Aldi Millville Crispy Rice: the budget pick, if you have an Aldi nearby.

Recipes and labels can change, so always double-check the box for a gluten-free label before you buy.

Don’t Forget the Marshmallows

Marshmallows can be tricky too. Look for a bag that’s labeled gluten-free. Campfire marshmallows are labeled gluten-free, and many store brands like Trader Joe’s are too. Check your sprinkles and candy melts while you’re at it.

How to Cut Rice Krispie Treats Into Shapes

Press them thick. A 9×13 pan gives you nice thick treats, perfect for cookie cutters.
Butter everything. Butter your hands, spatula and cookie cutters so nothing sticks.
Let them set first. Wait 30 to 60 minutes so the shapes cut clean, then press the cutter straight down and lift.
Use the scraps. Squish the leftover pieces into balls or press them into a mini pan. Nothing goes to waste!

Holiday Shape Ideas

Halloween: tint the melted marshmallows orange for pumpkins, or cut ghosts and drizzle with white candy melts and add candy eyes. Bats and cats look great with a chocolate drizzle.
Thanksgiving: leaves with an orange and brown drizzle.
Christmas: green trees with sprinkle ornaments, stars, gingerbread men and candy canes.
Valentine’s Day: hearts with a pink drizzle and rainbow sprinkles, like mine.
Easter: eggs and bunnies in pastel drizzles.
Fourth of July: stars with red, white and blue sprinkles.
Birthdays: numbers or letters for the birthday kid.

Make a batch for your next class party or bake sale, and tag @unbelievablygf so I can see your shapes!

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