Delightful Gluten-Free Fruity Pebbles Treats: A Vibrant No-Bake Dessert!

Who doesn’t adore a quick, easy, and utterly delicious no-bake dessert? There’s a special kind of joy in creating something wonderful without ever needing to preheat the oven, especially when the weather calls for cool treats. We’re thrilled to introduce you to our Gluten-Free Fruity Pebbles Treats – a sensational, colorful twist on the beloved classic rice krispie treat that’s guaranteed to become a family favorite.

Following the success of our gluten-free fried ice cream and our comforting gluten-free no-bake cookies, we’re keeping the no-bake streak alive with these incredibly fun and flavorful cereal bars. If you haven’t experienced the magic of Fruity Pebbles crispy treats before, prepare to be amazed!

Fruity Pebbles Crispy Treats are more than just a dessert; they’re a burst of vibrant color and nostalgic flavor, reimagining traditional rice krispie treats with an exciting fruity punch. These playful bars are an ideal solution when you need a last-minute treat that truly stands out. They’re perfect for summer BBQs, fun sleepovers, festive birthday parties, or even as a cheerful St. Patrick’s Day dessert. You’ll love how effortlessly they come together—from start to finish, you’re looking at less than 30 minutes!

The best part? This recipe is incredibly simple, requiring just 6 basic ingredients to create these wonderfully chewy, sweet, and satisfying cereal bars. Get ready to embark on a delightful no-bake adventure!

Crafting the Best Fruity Pebbles Treats: Essential Ingredients

Our Fruity Pebbles Treats recipe is a delightful twist on the traditional rice krispie treat, so you’ll recognize many familiar components, all carefully selected for a gluten-free experience. Let’s explore the key ingredients that make these cereal bars so irresistible:

• Fruity Pebbles Cereal: We were absolutely thrilled to confirm that Post Fruity Pebbles cereal is genuinely gluten-free! This iconic cereal brings its unique, nostalgic taste and explosion of vibrant colors, transforming a simple crispy treat into a truly fun and festive dessert. When shopping, always double-check the packaging for the gluten-free certification, especially if opting for a generic brand. (For a great generic option, check our FAQ section below!)
• Gluten-Free Crisp Rice Cereal: This is a crucial ingredient for achieving the classic crispy texture. It’s vital to remember that the popular Rice Krispies brand is *not* gluten-free in the U.S. due to malt content. To ensure your treats are safe for celiac disease and gluten sensitivity, always use a certified gluten-free crisp rice cereal. We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of gluten-free brands of crisp rice cereal to help you choose the perfect one for all your gluten-free cereal treat creations.
• Mini Marshmallows: These delightful little puffs are the heart of any crispy treat. We prefer using mini marshmallows because they melt quickly and evenly, creating that perfectly gooey binder. Plus, we intentionally leave some whole to tuck into the mixture, providing a wonderful, soft marshmallow surprise in every bite! Always use fresh marshmallows for the best results; stale, hard marshmallows won’t melt as smoothly and can result in a tougher treat.
• Butter: Our recipe calls for a slightly generous amount of butter, and for good reason! This extra richness is key to preventing your Fruity Pebbles Treats from drying out and ensures they maintain an unbelievably soft, chewy, and gooey texture. Both salted and unsalted butter work wonderfully here, so use what you have on hand.
• Vanilla Extract & Salt: Don’t underestimate the power of this dynamic duo! A splash of pure vanilla extract adds warmth and depth, while a pinch of kosher salt beautifully balances the sweetness of the marshmallows and cereal. These seemingly small additions elevate the flavor profile, transforming your treats from good to absolutely extraordinary. Seriously, don’t skip them—they make all the difference!

Are Fruity Pebbles Gluten-Free? Absolutely!

Yes, you heard that right! Fruity Pebbles is one of those fantastic breakfast cereals that are naturally gluten-free. Post Consumer Brands takes great care in clearly disclosing allergen content and warnings on their labels, which is incredibly helpful for the gluten-free community. This delightful sweetened rice cereal is certified gluten-free, meaning it’s made without barley, malt, rye, wheat, or any wheat-derived ingredients, and adheres to strict manufacturing practices to prevent cross-contamination. Rest assured, Fruity Pebbles is considered a safe and delicious option for individuals with celiac disease and gluten intolerance. Its vibrant colors and fruity taste make it an excellent choice for crafting sweet treats like these!

How To Make Gluten-Free Fruity Pebbles Treats: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

For exact ingredient measurements and detailed instructions, please refer to the recipe card conveniently located below.

1. Prepare Your Pan: Begin by lining an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. This simple step is a game-changer, making it incredibly easy to lift your finished treats out of the pan. Leave a slight overhang of parchment on the sides to create convenient “handles” for removal later.
2. Combine Your Cereals: In a generously sized mixing bowl (the bigger the bowl, the easier it is to stir without making a mess!), combine your Fruity Pebbles cereal and gluten-free crisp rice cereal. Stir gently to ensure an even blend, then set it aside while you prepare the marshmallow mixture.
3. Set Aside Marshmallows: This is our secret for extra gooeyness! Measure out 1 cup of mini marshmallows and add them directly to your cereal mixture. These unmelted marshmallows will create delightful pockets of soft, chewy goodness throughout your treats.
4. Melt Remaining Marshmallows & Butter: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Once the butter is fully melted, add the rest of the marshmallows. Continue to melt them, stirring almost constantly, until the marshmallows are completely smooth and well combined with the butter. Maintaining a low heat is crucial here to prevent the marshmallows from becoming tough or rubbery. While some prefer a microwave, we find the stovetop offers more control for that perfect, silky-smooth consistency.
5. Remove from Heat & Add Flavorings: As soon as the marshmallow mixture is fully melted and smooth, promptly remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt. Adding these off the heat helps preserve the vanilla’s delicate flavor and ensures even distribution of the salt.
6. Immediately Pour Over Cereal: Time is of the essence! Working quickly, pour the warm, melted marshmallow mixture directly over your prepared cereal and the reserved mini marshmallows in the large mixing bowl. Using a large, sturdy spatula, gently fold and stir the mixture until all the cereal flakes are thoroughly coated with the gooey marshmallow. Be careful not to overmix, as this can crush the cereal and compromise the texture.
7. Gently Pat Into the Pan: Transfer the coated Fruity Pebbles mixture into your parchment-lined baking dish. Using lightly buttered fingertips or a buttered spatula, gently and evenly spread the mixture into the pan. The key here is to press down very lightly. Avoid compacting or crushing the cereal too tightly, as this will result in dense, hard treats rather than the desired light, soft, and wonderfully gooey texture. A gentle touch ensures perfect results every time!
8. Let Set & Slice: Allow the cereal treats to cool and set at room temperature for at least 20-30 minutes. Once firm, use the parchment paper handles to lift the entire slab out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board and slice into 12-16 squares using a sharp knife. Store any leftover Fruity Pebbles rice krispie treats in an airtight container or a zip-top bag at room temperature for up to 3-4 days to maintain their freshness and chewiness. For individual portions, you can wrap them in plastic wrap or reusable food wrap.