Festive & Allergy-Friendly No-Bake Christmas Rice Krispie Roll: A Simple, Gluten-Free Holiday Treat with Vegan Options

The vibrant red and green colors of this delightful No-Bake Christmas Rice Krispie Roll immediately evoke the spirit of the holidays, making it an effortlessly festive and easy holiday dessert. Its charming swirl isn’t just a fun decorative touch; it infuses a dash of Christmas magic into ordinary Rice Krispie treats, transforming them into something truly special. What’s more, this recipe is a dream come true for those navigating food allergies, as it is meticulously crafted to be free of gluten, wheat, dairy, egg, soy, peanuts, and tree nuts. This means it’s a fantastic top-8-allergen-free option, and with a simple vegan adjustment, everyone can freely enjoy this wonderful treat without worry.

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As the holiday season rushes in, do you find yourself drawn to quick, no-bake dessert solutions, just like I do? It’s no secret that my recent posts have featured a theme of easy holiday treats, and honestly, can you blame me? This year marks my first Christmas as a mom of three, and let’s just say, life is a beautiful, chaotic whirlwind! Between juggling school pickups, a perpetually overflowing sink of dishes, and the never-ending holiday shopping list, I simply don’t have endless hours to spend in the kitchen. That’s precisely why simple, fuss-free holiday recipes like this No-Bake Christmas Rice Krispie Roll are an absolute lifesaver, allowing me to whip up delicious goodies to share with our wonderful neighbors and friends without adding extra stress to my already busy schedule.

One of the best aspects of this Christmas Rice Krispie Roll is how wonderfully kid-friendly it is. It’s a fantastic opportunity to get your little ones involved in the holiday preparations, creating cherished memories in the process. From mixing the ingredients to pressing and rolling, children can easily participate, making them feel like true kitchen helpers. And when you finally slice into the finished log, the revealing of that beautiful, festive red and green swirl genuinely creates a “wow” factor! It’s such a delightful surprise, making these treats not only delicious but also visually stunning. They look absolutely charming arranged on holiday goodie plates, ready to be presented to neighbors and loved ones.

Sharing homemade treats with neighbors is one of my most cherished holiday traditions. It’s a simple gesture that truly embodies the spirit of giving and community. This year, my boys and I delivered our treats, and I, being “that mom,” gently encouraged them to sing “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” before they could enjoy their own treat upon returning home. While it might not have been a performance worthy of “The Voice,” it was a sweet, if slightly challenging, moment that added to our holiday memories. Every year, the list of neighbors, family friends, and church members seems to grow, so finding easy and inexpensive recipes that still feel special is incredibly important to me. This Christmas Rice Krispie Roll fits the bill perfectly, allowing us to spread holiday cheer far and wide.

Crafting Your Allergy-Friendly Christmas Rice Krispie Roll: Essential Ingredient Details

Creating a delicious holiday treat that caters to various food allergies requires careful attention to ingredients. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to ensure your Christmas Rice Krispie Roll is safe and enjoyable for everyone:

For Gluten-Free Cereal:

It’s a common misconception that all crispy rice cereals are gluten-free. Unfortunately, many popular and generic brands of Rice Krispies use barley malt as a flavoring ingredient, which contains gluten. While these might be wheat-free, they are certainly not gluten-free. For a truly gluten-free option, you’ll need to seek out certified gluten-free crispy rice cereals. From my experience, Malt-O-Meal Crispy Rice and Erewhon Crispy Rice Cereal are excellent and readily available gluten-free substitutions that work perfectly in this recipe. Always double-check the labels, even for brands you trust, as formulations can change.

For Allergy-Friendly Food Dye:

Food coloring can sometimes be a hidden source of allergens, and it’s a detail often overlooked. My personal confession is that I used Wilton’s food coloring gels for a long time before I became diligent about checking labels for potential allergens. I honestly hadn’t considered that food coloring might contain common allergens! Upon calling Wilton, I was informed that they do label products with a “may contain” statement if there’s a risk of cross-contamination from shared facilities. We’ve personally used their gels without any issues, but it’s crucial to make choices you’re comfortable with based on your specific food allergies and the advice of your allergist. For those seeking alternatives, I’ve heard excellent things about AmeriColor food gels, which are often recommended for their allergy-friendly properties, though I haven’t personally tried them. A key tip for achieving the perfect festive red: use gel food coloring (not liquid) and don’t be shy with the amount. You’ll need a good deal to get a true red rather than a pale pink, especially since you don’t want to dilute the mixture with too much liquid coloring.

For Vegan Marshmallows:

If you’re aiming for a completely vegan Christmas Rice Krispie Roll, the choice of marshmallows is critical. Traditional marshmallows contain gelatin, which is an animal-derived product. To ensure your treat is vegan-friendly, you must use gelatin-free, plant-based marshmallows. I consistently recommend Dandies All Natural Marshmallows. They melt beautifully and perform just like conventional marshmallows, making them perfect for this recipe. (Seriously, Dandies, if you’re reading this, I should be working for you, I recommend your product so often!)

For Oil/Shortening Alternatives:

The fat used in Rice Krispie treats helps bind them together and keeps them soft. While coconut oil is a fantastic option, if you have a coconut allergy, or simply prefer an alternative, solid shortening works well. We often use regular soy/vegetable shortening without issues. Another excellent option I’ve used is palm oil. Ensure whichever option you choose is free of any allergens relevant to your dietary needs. The goal is a fat that helps the mixture stay pliable and prevents sticking.

I sincerely hope this easy, no-bake Christmas recipe inspires you and your kids to create a fun, festive holiday treat together. Beyond the delicious outcome, these moments spent in the kitchen are truly what make the holiday season special and help forge lasting memories. Happy holiday season, friends, and enjoy the magic of making and sharing!

Christmas Rice Krispie Roll (Gluten, Dairy, Egg, Soy, Peanut & Tree Nut Free; Top-8-Free; Vegan Option)

Yield:
16-20 slices

Prep Time:
15 minutes

Cook Time:
10 minutes

Total Time:
25 minutes

The bright red and green color of this no-bake Christmas Rice Krispie Roll makes for a festive and easy holiday dessert. The fun swirl adds a little Christmas magic and helps the regular rice krispies look extra decorated. Plus, this recipe is free of: gluten, wheat, dairy, egg, soy, peanuts and tree nuts. These are top-8-free and have a vegan option too–so you can freely share this treat with those with food allergies.

Ingredients

RED RICE KRISPIES LAYER:
3 Tablespoons coconut oil (or shortening)
6 cups of gluten-free crispy cereal (see post for details)
1 package of marshmallows (use vegan marshmallows if needed)
Red food dye to liking (see post for details)
GREEN RICE KRISPIES LAYER:
3 Tablespoons coconut oil (or shortening)
6 cups of gluten-free crispy cereal (see post for details)
1 package of marshmallows (use vegan marshmallows if needed)
Green food dye to liking (see post for details)
Wax paper

Instructions

In a pot over medium low heat, add your coconut oil and melt. Next, stir in your marshmallows until they’re completely melted and smooth. Add the red food dye gradually until you reach your desired vibrant red color (remember to use gel food coloring, not liquid, to maintain the perfect consistency and color intensity.)
Once the marshmallows are fully melted and colored, quickly add in your gluten-free crispy cereal. Stir until the cereal is completely and evenly coated with the red marshmallow mixture.
Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with wax paper. Pour the red Rice Krispie mixture onto the wax paper. Using greased or wet hands (to prevent sticking), press the mixture evenly to form a neat rectangle. (Note: The red food coloring may temporarily stain your hands, but it washes off!)
Allow the red layer to cool slightly at room temperature. It doesn’t need to be completely firm, just cool enough to handle easily.
Repeat the entire process for the second layer: in a clean pot, melt 3 tablespoons of coconut oil, stir in the second package of marshmallows until melted, then add green food coloring until you achieve your desired green shade.
Immediately add the second batch of gluten-free crispy cereal to the green marshmallow mixture and stir until fully incorporated.
Carefully spread the warm green Rice Krispie mixture directly over the cooled red Rice Krispie layer, shaping it to match the same rectangular size and thickness. Once both layers are in place and slightly cool, you can place another piece of wax paper on top. Use a rolling pin to gently roll the two layers until they are a bit flatter and more evenly compressed. This step is optional but helps create a tighter roll if your layers are very thick.
Once the combined layers are cool enough to handle (but still pliable), carefully begin rolling them together from one end into a tight log shape. Allow the log to cool completely at room temperature so it can firm up and hold its shape. Once firm, use a sharp knife to cut off beautiful swirls and serve.
To maintain their soft texture, keep the Christmas Rice Krispie Roll covered at room temperature. Storing them in the refrigerator will cause the coconut oil to harden, making the krispies tough.

Notes

Cereal Tips: Remember, regular and most generic brands of crispy rice cereal contain barley malt, making them not gluten-free. Always check labels carefully. I highly recommend Malt-O-Meal Crispy Rice or Erewhon Crispy Rice Cereal for excellent gluten-free alternatives.
Marshmallow Tip: For a vegan-friendly treat, ensure you use plant-based, gelatin-free marshmallows. Dandies All Natural Marshmallows are my go-to choice and work perfectly in this recipe.

DON’T FORGET TO PIN THIS RECIPE, SO YOU DON’T LOSE IT! BE SURE TO ALSO CHECK OUT MY OTHER ALLERGY-FRIENDLY PINTEREST BOARDS FOR MORE INSPIRATION.

Looking for More Allergy-Friendly Christmas Treats?

If you’re eager to expand your repertoire of delicious and safe holiday treats, you’re in luck! Here are some other fantastic allergy-friendly Christmas favorites from my kitchen:

Allergy-Friendly Reindeer Rice Krispies

Dairy-Free & Vegan Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix

Christmas Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies (GF, Vegan, Peanut/Tree Nut Free)

Dairy-Free Crock Pot Hot Cocoa

Dairy-Free Peppermint Pie