Healthy Rice Krispie Treats With Peanut Butter

Peanut Butter Rice Krispy Treats

Growing up, one of my favorite school snacks that my mom would pack for me was the rice krispie treats from those bright blue wrappers made with marshmallows and butter. As I got older, I began trying out different versions, including healthier twists on the classic recipe. These 3 ingredient rice krispie treats took many tries to perfect because I really wanted to capture that sweet flavor, chewy, sticky texture, and the crispy crunch from the rice cereal. And that is what I promise you with this recipe! You should totally try these healthy cheerio cereal bars too :).

Ingredients

Crispy rice cereal – you can use regular or brown rice krispies. Peanut butter – Helps bind the bars together and adds protein, healthy fats, and a delicious nutty flavor. Smooth, natural style works best. you can swap with any nut butter, like almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter, to make it allergy friendly. Just make sure it’s the smooth kind. Honey – Adds sweetness and helps bind the bars. You can also use brown rice syrup. I haven’t tried this with maple syrup, but please let me know if you do! Vanilla extract – optional but adds great depth of flavor.

How to make Rice Crispy Treats without marshmallows

The traditional rice krispie treats recipe uses marshmallows for that iconic sticky, chewy texture and sweet flavor. You can create that similar experience (although not as chewy) with the combination of peanut butter and honey. The key is to make sure the 2 ingredients are well combined and smooth. This will help ensure that the rice crispy treats will stick together while having that perfect chew and crispness. There are 3 ways to accomplish this:

Step-by-Step Instructions

Tips for Success

Use room temperature peanut butter! You want it to be runny, not dry or thick. If you keep yours in the refrigerator, take it out at least an hour prior to making. Be sure to use a 8×8 inch pan. If you use a larger size, the bars/squares will be too thin. Line the pan with parchment paper to make it easy to pop the bars right out of the pan. Also makes cleanup a breeze. Press the mixture FIRMLY into the lined pan. I like to use parchment paper so that it holds its shape and doesn’t end up on my hands. Use a sharp knife to cut. I like to use a serrated knife.

Mix-in Options

While delicious as is, here are some delicious add-in suggestions:

Nuts – finely chopped or ground Hemp seeds Chia seeds – here’s a brain boosting rice crispy treats recipe that I contributed for the Food Network Blog! Freeze-dried fruits – crushed Unsweetened coconut flakes Mini chocolate chips Sprinkles

The Best Way to Enjoy these Rice Krispie Treats

Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. These crispy squares are best when served straight from the refrigerator. They will hold the shape the best and have the perfect texture. You can also crumble and enjoy with milk (here’s the ultimate guide to best milk for babies and toddlers) or yogurt for a quick and easy breakfast for toddlers and kids. If intending to pack as a school snack or travel food, be sure to include an ice pack to keep them cool along with other foods that may need to be kept cold as well.