This recipe for healthy rice krispie treats is a real food version of this well-know treat. Instead of the high fructose corn syrup in marshmallows this recipe calls for a healthy sweetener like maple syrup and nut butter. The nut butter actually transforms this sweet treat into a healthy snack.
This recipe is one of the things I make regularly to put in my children's lunchbox for school. I do my best to avoid packaged bars and snacks because most of them have ingredients I don't want to give my children and they are usually not organic.
Healthy Rice Krispie Treats
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup maple syrup, honey, or coconut nectar (I recently discovered this for granola bars, it works well it keep things held together). Maple syrup is my go-to for this recipe and most other bars. In the past recipes like this were made with brown rice syrup which is not sold anymore due to potential contamination with arsenic.
- 1/2 cup nut butter – I use almond butter or peanut butter. Almond butter is a less nutty taste in this recipe but both work well.
- 1 tbsp coconut oil to give a little more firmness to the bars when they are not refrigerated.
- 2 cups gluten free brown rice cereal or you can also use the chocolate version. Look for organic brands to get something healthier and with no pesticides.
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips, alternatively these can be melted and spread over the top for a chocolate layer.
Instructions
- In a sauce pan on low heat mix together the maple syrup, oil, and the nut butter until blended and melted.
- Turn off the heat and pour in the rice krispies, mix until completely coated.
- Pour the mixture into a pie plate or a 9″ square pan. Press down evenly with the back of a spoon or spatula or a pastry roller. Use a piece of parchment paper over the top if it sticks to your pastry roller.
- It's important to get it packed in tightly so they hold together well.
- Pour the chocolate chips over the top and lightly press them into the rice krispies. Use your hands first and then a pastry roller or the back of a flat measuring cup to press down firmly.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to harden before serving. Remove from the refrigerator and cut into squares with a sharp knife.
Healthy Rice Krispie Treats (No Corn Syrup)
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup maple syrup, honey, or coconut nectar
- 1/2 cup nut butter – I use almond butter or peanut butter
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 2 cups gluten free brown rice krispies
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
Instructions
- In a sauce pan on low heat mix together the maple syrup, oil, and the nut butter until blended and melted.
- Turn off the heat and pour in the rice krispies, mix until completely coated.
- Pour the mixture into a pie plate or a 9″ square pan. Press down evenly with the back of a spoon or spatula.
- Pour the chocolate chips over the top and lightly press them into the rice krispies.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes to harden before serving.
Are rice krispie treats healthy?
Typical rice krispie treats are made with marshmallows which are most likely made with corn syrup. Corn syrup is an unhealthy sweetener that should be avoided. If you still want to make them with marshmallows, try this healthier alternative.
What can you use instead of marshmallows for Rice Krispie treats?
You can use a combination of any kind of nut butter with a natural sweetener to hold the treats together.
What is a healthy substitute for Rice Krispies?
A healthier substitute for the organic rice krispie cereal is an organic version that has no pesticides, like this organic rice cereal.
Thank you for reading,
Roxanne
Don't forget to subscribe to stay in the loop. If you are looking for some of the healthy tools and resources mentioned in my articles, take a look at my healthy shopping guide.
Some of our links are affiliate links, which means if you click and buy, I earn a small commission. The price is the same for you, though. Thank you!