Healthy Peanut Butter Rice Crispy Treats (No Marshmallows!)
A delicious peanut butter twist on a classic!
Why Change a Classic?
When it comes to classic treats, rice crispy squares are always a crowd-pleaser. However, the traditional version often contains marshmallows loaded with artificial ingredients. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative without toxic marshmallows, these Peanut Butter Rice Crispy Treats are perfect! They are naturally sweetened, and are packed with protein, making them a great snack for active kids or a quick treat for busy homeschool moms.
Why You’ll Love This Peanut Butter Rice Crispy Treat Recipe:
- No Marshmallows: Instead of processed marshmallows, this recipe uses honey and coconut oil for a natural sweetness.
- Protein Boost: Thanks to the addition of protein powder or PB2, these crispy treats pack a nutritional punch.
- Dark Chocolate Topping: A rich layer of melted dark chocolate adds the perfect finishing touch.
Recipe for Peanut Butter Treats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups rice crispies
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (all-natural is best!)
- 1/4 cup protein powder or PB2 powder
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/3 – 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1️⃣ Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the rice crispies and protein powder. This adds extra nutrients, making these treats not only delicious but filling too!
2️⃣ Melt the Wet Ingredients:
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the peanut butter, coconut oil, and honey together until smooth and creamy. This will act as the binder for the rice crispy mixture.
Pro tip: Be sure to stir the mixture constantly to avoid burning!
3️⃣ Combine and Press:
Once your wet ingredients are smooth, pour them over the rice crispies. Stir until everything is well coated. Press the mixture firmly into an 8×8 pan or divide it into muffin tin trays for easy-to-serve portions.
Tip: Use parchment paper to line the pan for easy removal.
4️⃣ Refrigerate:
Place the pan or muffin tin in the fridge for about two hours. This allows the treats to firm up and makes slicing or popping them out of the tin a breeze.
5️⃣ Melt the Chocolate:
For the chocolate layer, melt the dark chocolate chips using a double boiler. If you’re short on time, the microwave works well too—just heat in 15-second intervals, stirring in between, until melted.
6️⃣ Add the Chocolate Layer:
Pour the melted chocolate over the rice crispy mixture. Spread it evenly, then return it to the fridge until the chocolate has set.
Variations and Tips:
- Allergy-Friendly: Swap the peanut butter for almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option.
- Extra Crunch: Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts or seeds to the top before refrigerating for added texture.
- Storage: These treats stay fresh in the fridge for up to a week, but you can also freeze them for longer storage!
Peanut Butter Rice Crispies without Marshmallows
Ingredients
- 2 cups rice crispies
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup protein powder or PB2 powder
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/3 -1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
Instructions
- 1️⃣ Combine Rice Cereal with protein powder
- 2️⃣ Melt over medium heat the peanut butter, coconut oil, and honey until smooth
- 3️⃣ Pour over cereal mixture and press into an 8×8 pan or muffin tin tray.
- 4️⃣ Refrigerate for 2 hours
- 5️⃣ Create a double boil and melt down chocolate or use a microwave if you have one.
- 6️⃣ Pour chocolate over the rice crispy
- 7️⃣ Put back in the fridge and enjoy nice chocolate has set.
Notes
Conclusion: These healthy peanut butter rice crispy treats without marshmallows are the perfect balance of chewy, crunchy, and sweet. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can whip up this kid-approved snack in no time. Plus, with the added protein, you can feel good about indulging! Give them a try and let me know how they turn out—don’t forget to tag me on Instagram if you make these!
If you love peanut butter, you may love these treats as well!
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