Measure out the gluten-free rice krispies cereal, set aside 2 cups of the mini marshmallows, and gather the remaining ingredients. Reserve the butter wrapper for later use.
For easy removing and cutting, line a 9 X 13-inch pan with two large pieces of foil, criss-crossed. Press the foil up the sides and spray with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
Brown the butter by melting it in a large saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter is fully melted watch carefully and stir occasionally so butter doesn't burn. First the butter will foam, then the milk solids will start to settle at the bottom. Watch for the milk solids from white to turn brown. Once that happens, immediately remove from heat.
Add the remaining marshmallows (with the 2 cups removed), vanilla extract, and salt. Place the pot back over medium-low heat and stir continuously until the marshmallows are melted and smooth. Remove from the heat.
Stir in the cereal and the reserved 2 cups of mini marshmallows until evenly mixed. It is okay if the added marshmallows start to melt. That is what makes these rice crispy treats so gooey!
Use the spatula to spoon into the prepared pan. Use the butter wrapper to press the mixture evenly, but do not press so hard they are compacted, making them hard to eat.
Let the bars cool at room temperature for 30 minutes. If you are ready to serve, lift the foil out of the pan and place on a cutting board. Use a serrated knife to cut into squares. If you plan on serving later, leave the bars in the pan and cover securely with foil until ready to serve.
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Notes
Gluten-free Rice Krispies brands
Important note: If you come across another brand that is not listed, look for MALT FLAVOR OR BARLEY on the ingredients label and avoid for gluten-free!
Aldi (my preferred brand)
Wegman's (recommended)
Malt-o-Meal (recommended)
Nature's Path
Back To Nature
Erewhon
Barbara's Brown Rice Cereal
One Degree Sprouted Brown Rice Crisp Cereal
dairy-free rice krispies treats
Instead of butter, use plant-based butter sticks, such as Earth Balance butter sticks. Since dairy-free butter does not contain milk solids, skip the browning step and instead just melt the butter.
Vegan rice krispies treats
Use vegan butter sticks, as in dairy-free rice krispies treats. For the marshmallows, use a vegan marshmallows, such as Dandies, which does not contain gelatin.
expert tips and tricks
Make sure your marshmallows are not hard or sticky before using. They should not be clumped together and be soft to the touch.
If you accidentally melt the butter too long, and solids are black, it can still be saved! Simply pour the butter through a fine mesh strainer to remove the burnt sediment and continue with the recipe.
If you do not wish to brown the butter, simply melt it instead.
Replace the mini marshmallows with two 7-ounce jars of marshmallow fluff.