Nutella Rice Krispie Treats

Author: Celeste Noland | Life After Wheat

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter or dairy free alternative
• 15 ounces mini marshmallows, plus 1 cup extra marshmallows (about 1.5 bags of 10 oz)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 8 cups gluten free crispy rice cereal (see notes)
• About 2/3 jar Nutella (or dairy free alternative)

Equipment

• 13″ x 9″ baking pan (lightly greased or lined with parchment)
• Large saucepan
• Spatula and measuring cups
• Microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan (optional, for warming Nutella)

Method

1. Lightly grease a 13″x9″ pan and set aside.
2. In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter with 15 oz of mini marshmallows and the vanilla. Remove from heat as soon as the marshmallows are almost melted, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
3. Stir in the cereal until it is evenly coated with the marshmallow mixture.
4. Stir in 1 cup of the extra marshmallows, folding gently so they distribute through the mixture.
5. Press half of the cereal mixture firmly into the prepared pan to form an even base. Use a lightly buttered spatula or parchment to press without compacting too hard—this keeps the treats light and chewy.
6. Spread the Nutella over the cereal base. If the Nutella is very thick, warm it briefly in the microwave (10–20 seconds) or over a double boiler so it spreads easily.
7. Top by pressing the remaining cereal mixture evenly over the Nutella layer. Allow the pan to cool completely so the layers set before cutting into squares.

Nutrition (per serving)

• Calories: 98 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Fat: 5 g (Saturated fat: 3 g)
• Sodium: 97 mg
• Sugar: 3 g

Notes

Standard Rice Krispies (brand name) are not gluten free because they contain barley malt. For a gluten free version, use a cereal clearly labeled gluten free. Brands we have used include Malt-O-Meal Crispy Rice, Back to Nature Sprouted Brown Rice Crisps, and Erewhon Crispy Brown Rice Cereal. Always check packaging for the latest ingredient and manufacturing information before purchasing.

To make the recipe dairy free: substitute spectrum shortening or a dairy free butter alternative for the butter, and use a dairy free chocolate-nut spread in place of Nutella. Alternatively, melt 1–2 cups of dairy free chocolate chips with a tablespoon of shortening to create a spreadable filling.

Storage and Serving Tips

Store the finished bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen is warm, keep them in the refrigerator for a firmer texture; bring to room temperature before serving if you prefer a softer bite. These treats are easy to slice when fully set—run a sharp knife under hot water, dry it, and slice for cleaner edges.

Variations and Ideas

• Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the Nutella layer before adding the final cereal layer for a sweet-salty contrast.
• Mix chopped toasted hazelnuts or chocolate chips into the top cereal layer for extra texture.
• Try a different filling such as peanut butter, cookie butter, or a melted chocolate-espresso spread for a flavor twist.

Additional Notes

If you need to scale the recipe, 1x yields approximately 20 servings in a 13″x9″ pan. To double the recipe, use a larger pan or two pans and adjust cooking and cooling times slightly. For best results, avoid overheating the marshmallow mixture—heat just until melted and smooth to keep the texture tender.

Gluten Free Cereal Options

When searching for suitable crispy rice cereal, look for packaging that explicitly states “gluten free” or check manufacturer statements. The brands mentioned above have been used successfully by many home cooks, but formulations can change over time, so always verify if you have celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity.