Vegan Rice Krispie Frankenstein Bars

Nothing gets the kids running to the kitchen faster than these Vegan Rice Krispie Frankenstein Bars. Chewy marshmallow squares topped with chocolate spikes and candy eyes make them perfect for Halloween parties, but honestly, they are so ridiculously easy and fun that I break them out for movie nights year round. If you want a crowd pleaser that comes together in minutes, this is your go-to festive treat.

My niece begged me for “Frankenstein treats” after seeing these on a Halloween Pinterest board and now it is our annual spooky tradition together

Ingredients

• Vegan crispy rice cereal: gives these bars their iconic crunch and holds the shape well look for ones labeled gluten free if needed
• Vegan butter: adds that rich flavor base and helps everything stick together use a brand with no added flavors for best taste
• Vegan marshmallows: are the magic that makes the bars chewy go for mini size as they melt easier and double check for gelatin free
• Pure vanilla extract: elevates the sweetness opt for real extract not imitation
• Green food coloring: brings that monster vibe choose a plant based or allergy friendly gel or liquid
• Dairy free dark chocolate chips: are for the fun hair choose a good quality brand that melts smoothly and has rich cocoa flavor
• Coconut oil (optional): gives melted chocolate a glossy finish and easier dipping can swap for another neutral oil if needed
• Vegan candy eyes: make these treats look adorable available at most baking stores or online double check ingredients for full vegan certification
• Black decorating gel or melted chocolate: for the stitched mouths use a small piping bag or toothpick for precise lines
• Small pretzel sticks (optional): for the bolts classic for the Frankenstein look and adds crunch use gluten free pretzels if needed

Instructions

Line Baking Pan:

Line a nine by thirteen inch baking pan with parchment paper then lightly grease it so your bars will lift out clean

Melt Butter and Marshmallows:

Add vegan butter to a large saucepan over low heat let it melt gently then stir in the vegan marshmallows keep stirring constantly until even the last marshmallow is smooth and glossy

Tint with Color and Flavor:

When melted remove from heat stir in the vanilla extract and slowly add green food coloring a little at a time keep stirring until you reach your perfect Frankenstein shade

Mix with Cereal:

Pour in your crispy rice cereal fold it in off the heat making sure every bit is coated with sticky marshmallow

Press into Pan:

Immediately scoop your mix into the prepared pan press into an even layer using a greased spatula or with another piece of parchment paper let cool until just set about ten to fifteen minutes

Cut into Bars:

Once firm lift the whole slab from the pan use a sharp knife to cut into twelve neat rectangles

Prepare Chocolate Hair:

In a microwave safe bowl or double boiler melt your dark chocolate chips with the coconut oil if using stir until silky smooth

Dip for Hair:

Dip one end of each bar into the melted chocolate for the classic Frankenstein hair lay them on another sheet of parchment so the chocolate can set

Add Eyes:

While the chocolate is still wet gently press two candy eyes into place just under the hairline on each bar

Add Mouth and Stitches:

Use decorating gel or pipe melted chocolate to draw on a mouth and some signature stitches for personality

Attach Pretzel Bolts (Optional):

Press one small pretzel into each side to serve as bolts for a fun touch

Cool and Serve:

Let the chocolate set fully before serving store on a tray so the designs stay neat

My nephew loved adding the candy eyes most and it always turns into a giggle fest

Storage Tips

Store the finished bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days If you want to keep them longer you can refrigerate them up to a week but let them come to room temp before serving for the best chewiness To freeze layer the bars between sheets of parchment and seal tightly in a freezer bag

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find vegan marshmallows try making your own or check online for specialty brands Any neutral plant based oil can swap in for coconut oil in the chocolate topping For those with corn allergies look for a cereal made with brown rice and avoid malt syrup

Serving Suggestions

These bars dress up any Halloween dessert platter and make great party favors for kids birthdays or classroom treats For extra flair add sprinkles or pipe little scar details on the faces Place each bar in a cupcake liner for easy sharing

Cultural and Festive Context

Rice Krispie treats have been a staple of American potlucks and kids’ parties for ages Adding Halloween flair is a playful update that brings new life to a nostalgic favorite Frankenstein bars are always a hit for themed dessert tables

Seasonal Adaptations

Roll the finished bars into balls for monster cake pops switch out food coloring for orange or purple for other Halloween characters Use heart or star shaped cookie cutters for other holidays like Valentine’s Day or birthday parties

After a few Halloweens of tradition a friend now makes a giant tray every year for her costume party because they are the first dessert gone

Common Questions About Recipes

→ How do I get the bars to hold their shape?

Press the mixture firmly into the pan and let it cool completely. Chilling in the refrigerator for 15 minutes makes them firmer.

→ Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free crispy rice cereal and pretzels to keep everything gluten-free.

→ What’s the best way to melt marshmallows evenly?

Melt marshmallows over low heat, stirring constantly for a smooth, even texture without burning.

→ How do I create Frankenstein decorations?

Dip each bar top in melted chocolate for hair, add candy eyes, and pipe on mouth and stitches with decorating gel or chocolate.

→ Can these be made ahead?

Yes, store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for firmer bars.