Gluten-Free Layered Rice Krispie Candy Corn Treats
Colorful no-bake Rice Krispie treats shaped in concentric rings to mimic candy corn. Yellow, orange, and white layers of marshmallow-cereal mixture are pressed into a cake pan and cut into wedges. Perfect for Halloween parties, fall gatherings, or seasonal snacking. This version uses a pan-molding technique to create the classic candy corn silhouette without special molds.
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups Rice Krispies cerealgluten-free crispy rice cereal1:1gluten-free
- 2 ½ cups mini marshmallowsvegan marshmallows1:1veganFull guide →
- 1 ½ tablespoons butter
- yellow food coloring
- 1 ⅓ cups Rice Krispies cerealgluten-free crispy rice cereal1:1gluten-free
- 1 ¾ cups mini marshmallowsvegan marshmallows1:1veganFull guide →
- 1 tablespoon butter
- orange food coloring
- 1 cup Rice Krispies cerealgluten-free crispy rice cereal1:1gluten-free
- 1 ¼ cups mini marshmallowsvegan marshmallows1:1veganFull guide →
Instructions
- 1
Spray an 8-inch cake pan with non-stick cooking spray.
- 2
Melt marshmallows and butter for the yellow layer in a microwave-safe bowl using 15-second intervals, stirring between each pulse.
- 3
Stir in yellow food coloring until desired shade is reached, then fold in Rice Krispies.
- 4
Using greased hands and spatula, press the yellow mixture around the perimeter of the pan to form a 1 1/2-inch ring.
- 5
Repeat the melting and coloring process with the orange layer ingredients.
- 6
Press the orange mixture to form a 1 1/2-inch ring inside the yellow ring, leaving the center open.
- 7
Melt the white layer ingredients and press into the center of the pan.
- 8
Cool for at least 30 minutes.
- 9
Turn out onto a cutting board and cut into 8 wedges.
Tips
Microwave in 15-second pulses to prevent marshmallows from overheating and becoming hard to stir.
Grease your hands and spatula between each layer to prevent sticking and allow easier pressing.
Good to Know
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Keeps best in cool conditions as marshmallow can stick in heat.
Prepare up to 2 days in advance. Store in a single layer separated by parchment paper.
Serve as a Halloween party treat, fall dessert, or seasonal candy alternative. Pairs well with beverages at gatherings.
Common Mistakes
Overheat marshmallows to avoid them becoming tough and grainy instead of smooth.
Don't skip the greasing step to avoid mixture sticking and tearing when molding.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
Vegan Options
Gluten-Free Swaps
FAQ
Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?
Yes, use regular marshmallows in roughly the same volume. They may take slightly longer to melt completely. Chop them into smaller pieces for faster, more even melting.
What if I don't have a microwave-safe bowl?
Use a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method) to melt the marshmallows and butter. Stir frequently and watch closely to prevent scorching.
How long can I keep these treats?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They'll begin to dry out and become chewy over time. Freezing is not recommended as marshmallow texture degrades.