The bright red and green colors of this no-bake Christmas Rice Krispie Roll create a festive, easy holiday dessert. The cheerful swirl adds holiday charm and elevates simple rice krispies into something special. This recipe is free of gluten, wheat, dairy, egg, soy, peanuts and tree nuts (top-8-free) and can be made vegan, so it’s easy to share with friends and family who have food allergies.
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If you’ve noticed a trend, yes — quick no-bake holiday desserts are showing up a lot lately. As a busy parent of three, I love recipes that require minimal time and make great neighbor gifts.
Between running to school pick-up, holiday errands and household tasks, I need treats that are fast, inexpensive and kid-friendly. These rice krispie rolls fit the bill and make charming plates for neighbors, teachers, or party snacks.
Christmas Rice Krispie Roll
16-20 slices
15 minutes
10 minutes
25 minutes
This no-bake rice krispie roll layers red and green cereal mixtures, then rolls them into a festive swirl. It’s simple, colorful and allergy-conscious. Use vegan marshmallows if you need a dairy- and egg-free version, and select a gluten-free cereal to keep it safe for guests with gluten sensitivities.
Ingredients
- RED RICE KRISPIES LAYER:
- 3 tablespoons coconut oil (or shortening)
- 6 cups gluten-free crispy cereal (see notes)
- 1 package marshmallows (use vegan marshmallows if needed)
- Red gel food coloring, to desired color
- GREEN RICE KRISPIES LAYER:
- 3 tablespoons coconut oil (or shortening)
- 6 cups gluten-free crispy cereal (see notes)
- 1 package marshmallows (use vegan marshmallows if needed)
- Green gel food coloring, to desired color
- Wax paper
Instructions
- In a pot over medium-low heat, melt the coconut oil. Add the marshmallows and stir until melted. Mix in red gel food coloring until you reach the color you want (use gel, not liquid, for best color without changing texture).
- Stir in the cereal until fully coated and combined.
- Pour the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with wax paper. Press into a rectangle with greased or wet hands to prevent sticking (the dye may stain your hands).
- Allow the red layer to cool.
- Repeat the same process for the green layer, adding green gel food coloring.
- Spread the green layer directly over the red layer and shape so both layers match in size.
- When cool enough to handle, remove from the pan. Place another piece of wax paper on top and gently roll with a rolling pin to flatten slightly if desired; this helps make rolling easier.
- Starting at one end, roll the layered rectangle into a log. Allow it to cool so the shape firms up. Slice into swirls and serve.
- Store covered at room temperature (refrigeration can harden coconut oil and make the rice krispies tough).
Notes
Cereal tips: Many mainstream rice krispies brands contain barley and are not gluten-free. Look for dedicated gluten-free crispy rice cereals such as Malt-O-Meal or Erewhon as alternatives.
Marshmallow tip: For a vegan version, use vegan marshmallows (for example, Dandies). Check ingredient labels to match your allergy needs.
Food coloring: Gel food coloring gives the best, concentrated color. Red requires a generous amount to reach a true red rather than pink. If you have specific allergy concerns, choose color brands that meet your needs and follow guidance from your allergist.
Oil: Coconut oil works well and adds a soft texture; if coconut is not an option, use shortening or another allergy-safe fat.
This is a great project to make with kids — they’ll love pressing the cereal, adding color, and unrolling the finished log to reveal the bright swirls. The rolls slice neatly onto plates for neighbors, teachers, or party platters.
Making and delivering treats is a holiday tradition I enjoy. These rice krispie rolls are quick to assemble, travel well at room temperature, and make thoughtful, allergy-conscious gifts when you don’t have time for something fancier.
More allergy-friendly ingredient details:
For cereal: Many common rice krispie products contain barley, so they are not gluten-free. Choose a certified gluten-free crispy rice cereal as a substitute.
For food dye: Use gel food coloring for brighter results. If you follow strict allergy protocols, verify labels or choose a brand recommended by your allergist.
For marshmallows: Use vegan marshmallows if you need a vegan or dairy-free option.
For oil: Coconut oil works well; if coconut is not suitable, use shortening or another allergy-safe fat.
I hope this easy, no-bake recipe helps you and your kids create a fun holiday treat and make happy memories. Happy holidays!
Looking for other allergy-friendly Christmas treats? Here are a few favorites to try alongside these rolls:
