These healthy peanut butter rice krispie treats are perfect after work or school snacks and were created in partnership with Peanut Bureau . They’re gluten free, vegan, and totally marshmallow-free, yet they’re super fun for adults and kids, alike!
I don’t care how old I get, sometimes I still crave those iconic rice krispie treats. When I was a kid, my mom used to make them with us because they were easy, cheap and always well received. And as much as I would just love to tuck into a big pan of melted marshmallows, rice cereal and butter, we all know that’s just asking for a sugar crash.
How to Make Healthy Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats
I decided to make over our childhood favourite and keep them in the fridge for a quick 3 PM pick me up. I start by swapping regular rice cereal for brown rice cereal which adds a touch more fibre and protein. Then I boost that up even more with whole grain gluten free oats and flax seed.
Next, I forget about those sugary marshmallows and swap in some tasty natural peanut butter. I love that the peanuts give these bars some protein, fibre and healthy fats to keep me fuller longer. The result is a snack that sustains, rather than one that spikes my blood sugar and slams it back down an hour later.
Now, I believe that if you’re going to take something out of a recipe that makes it taste good, you’ve got to be prepared to add something awesome in its place. That’s where the chocolate comes into play. I add a few little bits of crunchy cacao nibs for texture right into the bars, then drizzle them with melted dark chocolate. OMG. Yes, please.
The result are a batch of fun, yet nutritious treats that everyone in the family will love. I don’t have kids, but I do have a fiancé, and when he saw the pan of healthy peanut butter rice krispie treats on the counter, he literally freaked out. Whether you have big or little kids, or it’s just you and your cat Frank, I have a feeling you’ll have a similar reaction in your house.
Have you tried these healthy peanut butter rice krispie treats? Did you grow up eating rice krispie bars? Leave me a comment below about what nutritious ingredients you would try adding into your squares!
Healthy Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats | Gluten Free, Vegan, Marshmallow-Free
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups brown rice cereal
- 3/4 cup gluten free quick cooking oats
- 3 tbsp flaxseed ground
- 3 tbsp cacao nibs
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter softened
- 20 grams vegan dark chocolate finely chopped
Instructions
- In a large bowl mix together the cereal, oats, flax and cacao nibs.
- Grease a 9x13" pan with nonstick cooking spray or oil.
- In a small pan, heat the maple syrup until it begins to gently bubble. Take it off the heat and stir in the peanut butter until fully melted. Pour it into the bowl with the cereal and stir until well coated.
- Press the mixture into the baking pan, making sure to pack it in tightly. Allow to cool completely in the fridge.
- Meanwhile, melt the chocolate in the microwave on 50% power in 30 second increments until fully melted and smooth. Using a spoon or fork, drizzle the chocolate across the bars.
- Cut into 16 squares using a serrated knife and enjoy.
Nutrition
Disclosure: This recipe was made in paid partnership with the Peanut Bureau of Canada, however, all opinions are genuine. This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase from the link, I make a small commission that adds no cost to you, but helps me pay for my blog! Thanks for your support.
Updated on October 23rd, 2020
Abbey Sharp is a Registered Dietitian (RD), regulated by the Ontario College of Dietitians. She is a mom, YouTuber, Blogger, award winning cookbook author, media coach specializing in food and nutrition influencers, and a frequent contributor to national publications like Healthline and on national broadcast TV shows.
Sheileen says
Hi! These look amazing. I’m looking for nut free snacks for my son to take to school. Do you think I could make these with Sunbutter? Thanks!
Abbey Sharp says
Yes! Should totally work :). Enjoy!
Sara says
Love how easy this recipe is!
snajay says
what is the alternative of
3 tbsp. cacao nibs ?
can i use roasted coffee beans ? wating for your positive response
Abbey Sharp says
I would just use dark mini chocolate chips!
Katrina says
Can’t wait to try tHese!!!
Abbey Sharp says
hope you love them!
Lynne says
can you please provide the nutrition information for these bars?
Abbey Sharp says
Absolutely.
140 cal
5 g fat
14 g crb
1 g fibre
9 g protein
Kim says
How many grams of sugar in these bars?
Abbey Sharp says
about 7 grams of sugar per bar
Aliah says
Love these and thing my boys would enjoy them too! And gluten free to boot!
Abbey Sharp says
enjoy! super kid friendly!
Kimberly says
These look delicious! I have to give them a try. my husband and son would love to have them as a treat.
Abbey Sharp says
you bet they will! so delicious!!
Allyson says
Wow, these sound amazing! In fact, I’m going to make them tomorrow. Thanks for the recipe.
Abbey Sharp says
so glad you like! enjoy!!
Carmy says
These look SO good Abbey!!
Abbey Sharp says
thanks Carmy! glad you love them!
Christina Bauer says
OHEMGEE!! These look incredible!
Abbey Sharp says
🙂 enjoy! let me know what you think!
Mikki says
Oh my gosh. I don’t think I’ve seen a recipe yet on your site I didn’t like. I haven’t had these kinds of treats in a long time because all of the junk in them. They totally look doable and eatable now!
Abbey Sharp says
Youll love them! Thanks for the kind words
Chrissy @ Snacking in Sneakers says
These look delish! Love the addition of flax seed. Can’t wait to give them a try asap!
Abbey Sharp says
Super healthy and delish!
Susie @ SuzLyfe says
Well don’t these just take me right back to childhood! And make me hungry…
Abbey Sharp says
lol thats my job!
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner says
ooh easy and yummy looks great!
Abbey Sharp says
thanks deborah!! its delish
GiGi Eats says
Whoa baby yum! I wish I could eat these but at the same time, it’s kind of good that I cannot because I would wolf them down like the wolf-person I am! LOL!
Abbey Sharp says
lol – theyre so good!! do you have a peanut allergy?