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Rice Krispie Treats were totally a part of my childhood. When my son Jackson couldn’t tolerate some of the ingredients in the traditional recipe, I created a version of healthy rice krispie treats that he and his friends could enjoy. This has become the best rice krispie treat recipe, in my opinion, and I can’t wait to share it with you.
This healthy rice krispie treats recipe is an all-around winner with my kids, their friends AND me! I eat these for dessert, snack time… anytime, really. The best part is they are packed with protein, as well as healthy fats, to offset the natural sugars. This recipe is from my new best-selling book, Simple Green Meals.
Table of Contents
Why this rice crispy treat recipe is a true winner
If your kids are begging for a snack the second they walk in the door, then make a quick batch of these so that everyone wins! Why do I love these rice krispie treats so much?
- NO CORN SYRUP: Brown Rice Syrup is a better choice than corn syrup, which is often found in Rice Crispy Treats recipes. Corn syrup is a common food sensitivity— and one that my son has. So I want to avoid it as much as I can and still let them eat fun foods. (You can also swap with Maple Butter as your sweetener of choice and they hold together pretty well.)
- PROTEIN PUNCH: Almond butter makes this healthy rice krispie recipe creamy as well as packs in some protein and healthy fats. This will help curb your appetite, as well as boost your energy levels. No empty calories in this treat!
- NO BAKING! Yep, no baking necessary with rice crispy treat recipes! I think this is one of the reasons they’re so popular! Just warm ingredients on the stovetop, mix together and allow to sit. #easypeasy
Rice Krispie treats recipe swaps
It can be hard to find brown rice syrup, so feel free to swap for raw honey (that’s SUPER thick— this is important to get it to hold together). You can also use Parker’s Maple Butter, which has become my new obsession! Swap out almond butter for any other nut butter you wish. Don’t be afraid to change up the flavoring too. Cinnamon is great, yet can be swapped out for other fun seasonings like vanilla, maple, and more! What are your fav + fun adds to rice krispie treats?
Healthy + simple snack recipes for everyone
Snacking is my jam, and I make better food choices when I’ve got some healthy options on hand. I like to make a few snack recipes for the week, then change it up based on my mood each day. Here are some of my fav snack recipes (that my kids love too!):
Sweet treat recipes
- Homemade granola bars
- Healthy breakfast bars
- Vegan protein bars
- Almond butter + jam muffins
- Vegan ‘yogurt’ parfaits
- Smoothie popsicles
- Chocolate covered banana bites
- Fruit leather
Savory treat recipes
When my kitchen is stocked with healthy snacks, I eat better all day long. With a little prep, you too can change your snacking habits, and still love what you eat! I can’t wait for you to try this rice krispie treat recipe! Please leave a comment letting me know how they turned out!
Get my Best-Selling Recipe Book
Want even more plant based recipes for all seasons? check out Simple Green Meals; it’s loaded with delicious recipes that the whole family will love. Healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring or bland! I love the recipes in this book + my family eats from this cookbook on the regular. I’d love for you to fall in love with it too!
Healthy-ish Rice Krispie Treats
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown rice syrup
- 2 tbsp coconut oil plus more for greasing the pan
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp sea salt
- 1 cup almond butter creamy
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 7 cups crisp brown rice cereal
Instructions
- Line a 13 × 9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the rice syrup, oil, vanilla, and salt. Bring to a rolling boil. Boil for 1 minute, then remove from the heat. Stir in the almond butter and cinnamon.
- Place the cereal in a large mixing bowl. Pour the almond butter mixture over the cereal and stir until well coated. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan.
- Using oiled hands, press the mixture evenly into the pan. Let cool completely before cutting into squares.
Video
Notes
- Nut free: replace almond butter with sunflower butter
- Can mix in mini chocolate chips or sprinkles for fun.
I can’t eat rice, but I bet my kids will love these! They are always looking for new snacks, so these will be a hit I’m sure!
I am so sorry you can’t eat rice 🙁
I know your kids will love this recipe though! In my opinion it tastes better than the original =P
Looking forward to trying this better option than The Rice Krispie treats that I love.
Hey Linda,
Cannot wait for you to try it!
I think you will like this option even better than the original 🙂
Yum!! Can’t wait to get your book! I love all your recipes from the spring cleanse and app! Whenever I have them for lunch at work everyone always wants to steal haha
Hey Jen,
That is so funny! You have to tell them to get their own =P
Looks delicious…it’s my daughters fav treat. Can’t wait to try it
Hey Doraine,
I hope your daughter enjoys this healthy alternative! 🙂
Can’t wait to make these healthy-ish treats! Thanks for sharing the recipe.
Hope you enjoy them as much as we do!
I love rice krispie treats so I was excited to see this healthier version with a little added protein. Will definitely be making these the next time a craving for sweets hits
Hey Angela,
This really are the bomb.com!!!
Hope you enjoy them as much as we do!
My honey and his best friend LOVE rice crispy treats. I can’t wait to make these for them to see how they compare.
Hey Heather,
In my opinion they are even better than the original!
Hope your family agrees 🙂
These sound amazing!
Thanks Tiffany!
We hope you give them a try 🙂
These sound good!
Thank you Sarah!
Hope you enjoy them!!
My grandkids love these.
Yes!! We love hearing it was kid-approved!!!
My family eats a lot of Rice Krispie treats. Looking forward to trying this healthy version and making it with my kids!
Hey David,
I am so happy to hear that you are going to make this with your kids! I know they will love them!!
My kids LOVE rice krispee treats, it will be great to make a much healthier version packed with protein.
Hey Natalie,
I cannot wait for your kids to try these. I personally think they taste even better than the original 🙂
Enjoy!!
Can’t wait to try these. They look delicious!
Thanks, Cass!! Hope you enjoy them 🙂
Excited to try this! Off to get some brown rice cereal…
They will not disappoint! Let us know what you think 🙂
I tried these and they are actually really good. I have a 70 year old friend who tried them and liked them too – ha ha. Feels good knowing they have lots of protein too.
Thanks Dan!
So glad to hear that your old friend enjoyed them too =P
Ooo thanks for mentioning thick raw honey. That’s what l’ll try; I didn’t see brown rice syrup many places and the maple butter linked in this article is $70 on Amazon! So excited to make this.
Hey Colleen,
So happy that substitute was helpful to you! Can’t wait for you to give this recipe a try 🙂