Cranberry Almond Granola Rice Krispies Squares
Today we are making Cranberry Almond Granola Rice Krispies Squares! These Cranberry Almond Granola Rice Krispies Squares are a delightful twist on the classic crispy treat, bringing together chewy marshmallows, crunchy Rice Krispies, and an irresistible mix of nutty and fruity flavors. Perfectly chewy and slightly crisp, these squares are loaded with gluten-free goodness, featuring slivered almonds, tart cranberries, and a hint of cinnamon for that comforting, warm-spice touch. Whether you’re looking for a fun afternoon snack or a quick dessert that’s easy to share, these bars offer the best of both worlds: the beloved marshmallow gooeyness of Rice Krispies treats and the earthy, wholesome appeal of granola.
What makes these squares special is the depth of flavor and texture they offer. Almond butter gives them a subtly nutty richness that’s balanced by the sweet-tart cranberries, while the shredded coconut and rolled oats add both a heartier bite and a touch of natural sweetness. The pink salt highlights all the flavors, adding that perfect pinch of contrast to the sweet marshmallows. Every bite combines light and crispy rice cereal with nutty granola ingredients, creating a satisfying snack that’s equally delicious with a cup of coffee or packed in a lunchbox.
Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, these Cranberry Almond Granola Rice Krispies Squares require no baking, making them an ideal quick recipe for busy days or last-minute gatherings. Whether you’re planning for a family movie night or a weekend picnic, these treats bring a little something for everyone. Plus, they store well for a few days, making them perfect for meal prep or as a sweet addition to any snack stash.
Why You’ll Love These Cranberry Almond Rice Krispies Squares
Perfect Balance of Sweet and Nutty Flavors: These Cranberry Almond Rice Krispies Squares bring a unique and satisfying blend of flavors that goes beyond the average treat. The gooey marshmallow base gives just the right amount of sweetness, perfectly complemented by the tangy pop of dried cranberries that add a fruity brightness to each bite. Almond butter and slivered almonds provide a rich, nutty depth that balances out the sweetness, giving each square a more complex, well-rounded flavor profile. A touch of cinnamon adds a cozy hint of spice, while the pink salt offers a savory edge, creating a sophisticated sweet-and-salty combination. Each bite is thoughtfully layered with sweet, nutty, and subtly spiced flavors, making these bars an absolute delight.
Quick and No-Bake Convenience: If you’re short on time but craving a homemade treat, these Cranberry Almond Rice Krispies Squares are a lifesaver. With no baking required, this recipe is incredibly quick and easy, perfect for anyone who wants a fuss-free, reliable treat that’s ready in minutes. It’s as simple as melting the marshmallows and butter, mixing in the rest of the ingredients, and letting the squares set. Not only are these no-bake squares quick to prepare, but they also store well, keeping their freshness for several days. This makes them ideal for weekly meal prep, school lunchbox treats, or as a grab-and-go snack. Whether you’re planning for a picnic, a cozy afternoon treat, or a last-minute addition to a party spread, these bars make homemade deliciousness easy to achieve.
Substitutions
Almond Butter: Use sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option. Cashew butter, tahini, pumpkin seed butter, hazelnut butter or another nut or seed butter of choice can work as well. Peanut butter has its own strong taste, so I don’t recommend that.
Dried Cranberries: Craisins brand makes delicious sweetened, dried cranberries that have a tangy, yet sweet, flavor this recipe. Swap in dried cherries instead.
Coconut & Almonds: Swap in your favorite nuts and seeds instead of coconut and almond. Chopped pecans pumpkin seeds would work well!
Vegan Butter: Do not use refined coconut oil or another substitute here. As the butter melts, it gives that rice krispy flavor and aroma when it toasts along with the melted marshmallows! I like using Melt brand of salted dairy-free butter sticks.
Rice Krispies: Use Rice Krispies cereal that’s certified gluten free. Another substitute can be puffed brown rice cereal or another gluten-free rice cereal, but it doesn’t give that same crisp rice cereal crunch. If you don’t need them to be 100% gluten-free, you can use regular Kellogg’s Rice Krispies cereal.
Vegan Marshmallows: Regular marshmallows are not vegan (or even vegetarian) because they contain gelatin. Gelatin is an animal-based food ingredient because it is a protein that is extracted by boiling animal parts (normally from cows or pigs) with water. Agar agar is a common vegan substitute that is used in replacement of vegan gelatin.
However, this amazing brand called Dandies makes the BEST vegan marshmallows. Their taste and texture is just like their commonly-used gelatin counterpart. They even melt just like regular marshmallows do on the stovetop in Rice Krispies recipes!
I buy their regular-sized vegan marshmallows, which are available at the grocery stores in my area. You can also buy them online. Alternatively, you can use the equivalent number of cups of the mini marshmallows version that this brand sells. The mini ones are way easier to melt and measure too.
Cranberry Almond Rice Krispies Squares Recipe Notes
- Feel free to add extra ingredients to make these treats uniquely yours. Pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or using cashew or hazelnut butter instead of almond butter, can be fun additions for added texture and flavor.
More Recipes You’ll Love
Chocolate Rice Krispies Treats
Peanut Butter Chocolate Buckeye Rice Krispies
Birthday Cake Funfetti Rice Krispies
If you make these Cranberry Almond Granola Rice Krispies Squares, then leave a comment and star rating! Don’t forget to tag your photos @peanut_palate on Instagram. Enjoy!
Cranberry Almond Granola Rice Krispies Squares
Equipment
- Skillet
- Rubber Spatula
- Baking Tray
- Parchment Paper
Ingredients
- ½ cup salted vegan butter
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 2 pinches pink salt
- 12.6 ounces vegan marshmallows
- 2 tbsp almond butter
- 2 tbsp shredded coconut
- ¼ cup sweetened dried cranberries eg. Craisins
- ¼ cup slivered almonds
- 2 pinches cinnamon
- ¼ cup rolled oats
- 3½ cups gluten-free Rice Krispies
Instructions
- In a skillet over low heat, add in the butter, vanilla, salt, marshmallows and almond butter. Stir to combine with a rubber spatula.
- Keep stirring until the butter and marshmallows are melted and it becomes one mixture. Turn off the heat.
- Add the ingredients from the coconut to the Rice Krispies to the mixture, one cup at a time, stirring in between until mixed.
- Once it all becomes one big mixture, pat the cereal mixture down into a square baking tray lined with wax paper or greased with extra butter.
- Make sure your hands are greased with butter to be able to pat down the mixture evenly into the tray. Let the mixture set for 20 minutes in the refrigerator. Then cut into 9 servings and enjoy!
Notes
-
Storage
- Store in an airtight container or covered in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to four days.
