Sometimes the best kind of treats are the ones you haven’t made in FOREVER. That includes the very famous, classic rice krispies that were always in lunch boxes and at your aunt’s house during family birthday parties. I created this new version back in 2018 and haven’t stopped making them since.
Man, I loved those sweet little marshmallow pull apart oozy-gooey sticky bars more than anything. One time I ate so many individual treats out of those bright blue wrappers that I ended up with a stomach ache for two days straight. I also remember eating the rice krispie cereal straight from the cereal box. Handfuls upon handfuls and another stomach ache later, I was sure I was done with rice krispie treats for GOOD.
Years later at a friend’s house, I discovered something known as ‘Special K’ bars. These bars were a combination of butter, peanut butter, butterscotch, and Special K cereal in a bar, then and topped with semi-sweet chocolate + butterscotch chips. No mini marshmallows involved! These too became another favorite treat I could eat without any control. #oops #savage
Now that I’m into full blown adulthood (and a food blogger!) I’ve LOVED bringing you my favorite childhood meals & desserts with healthier, simple twists. It’s a great way to still enjoy your favorite foods but also make more nutritious choices.
So what are these chocolate peanut butter rice krispie treats exactly? A combination of a rice krispie treat and a special k bar. There’s no refined sugar or marshmallows involved and the bars are made with only 6 ingredients (or 7 if you make them with a little protein powder!).
Ingredients in healthy peanut butter rice krispie treats
You just need a handful of simple ingredients to make these quick peanut butter rice krispie bars. I find that they’re easier to make than classic rice krispie treats because they’re not overly sticky. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Peanut butter: to help keep these healthy rice krispie treats together without using marshmallows. Any nut butter should work well — feel free to use peanut butter, cashew butter or almond butter!
- Coconut oil: unrefined coconut oil has a slight coconut flavor that adds a subtle sweetness to these bars and helps the filling stay together. It also keeps the bars dairy-free! You can also sub melted butter or vegan butter.
- Maple syrup: for an all natural sweetness we’re adding a little pure maple syrup. You can sub honey or brown rice syrup as well.
- Vanilla extract: extra delicious flavor! Not necessary, but always delish. Learn how to make your own vanilla here!
- Rice Krispies: feel free to use regular or brown rice krispies. If you need these to be gluten free, remember to check your labels to ensure the crispy rice cereal you’re using is certified gluten free.
- OPTIONAL: for a boost of protein, you can add a little collagen (or your favorite protein powder). Read more here about why I love collagen.
- Dark chocolate bar: you can use a fun flavor of choice, classic milk chocolate, or a regular dark chocolate bar. I love Divine, Theo, Hu, Evolved and Alter Eco brands. To make these bars vegan, use a vegan/dairy free dark chocolate. Chocolate chips will also work well.
Optional ingredient swaps
Out of a few ingredients? These peanut butter rice krispie treats are easy to customize! Here’s what I can recommend:
- For peanut butter: as I mentioned, feel free to use cashew, almond, or, to keep them nut free, sunflower butter. You may need to add an extra 1/2 tablespoon of coconut oil.
- For the coconut oil: you may use butter or vegan butter.
- For the maple syrup: feel free to use honey, brown rice syrup, or coconut syrup.
How to make peanut butter rice krispie treats without marshmallows
- Mix the wet ingredients. Place a medium pot over low heat and add in peanut butter, coconut oil, maple syrup and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well combined, about 1 minute.
- Make the “batter.” Next add in the protein powder (optional) and crispy brown rice cereal; stir until combined and cereal is completely coated.
- Prep your pan. Pour the mixture into a pan lined with parchment paper (I prefer this to cooking spray), and use a spatula to flatten the top so it is even.
- Add the chocolate. Melt your chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals or on the stovetop over low heat until it’s smooth and creamy. Pour the melted chocolate over the bars and tilt your pan so that they’re evenly coated.
- Refrigerate & devour. Place the pan in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or until the bars are completely cool and the chocolate is solid. Sprinkle bars with fancy sea salt then cut into 16 bars and enjoy!
Storing homemade rice krispie treats
- In the fridge: store these bars covered in the fridge for up to 1 week. When you’re ready to eat them, just let them come to room temp for about 5 minutes so that they soften a bit.
- In the freezer: yes, you can freeze these chocolate peanut butter rice krispie treats! Place them in the freezer for up to 2 months in an airtight container. I’d recommend separating the bars with parchment wax paper as well. When you’re ready to eat them, let the bars thaw in the fridge and then bring them to room temperature as described above.
To be honest, these are one of my new FAVORITE no bake treats EVER. They’re so easy to make, ready in less than 30 minutes and taste like a combination between a peanut butter cup and a rice krispie treat. I had a few people over after I made these and they were completely gone before the night was over.
P.S. Don’t forget to sprinkle them with a little sea salt for a sweet and salty treat!
See how to make the healthy rice krispie treats
More no bake treats to try
- Peanut Butter Cup Freezer Fudge
- Birthday Cake Rice Krispie Treats
- Coconut & Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars
- Tahini Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bites
- No Bake Chocolate Caramel Tahini Chex Bars (allergy-friendly!)
Get all of my no bake treats here!
If you try these peanut butter rice krispie treats, be sure to rate it below and let me know how you liked them. And of course, don’t forget to snap a photo and tag #ambitiouskitchen on Instagram so I can see your beautiful creations. xo!
Ambitious Kitchen
Cookbook
125 Ridiculously Good For You, Sometimes Indulgent, and Absolutely Never Boring Recipes for Every Meal of the Day
Healthy Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats
Ingredients
- For the treats:
- 3/4 cup natural creamy peanut butter
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons virgin coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch of salt (if your peanut butter isn’t already salted)
- Optional: ½ cup Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides
- 2 1/2-3 cups crispy brown rice cereal (or rice krispies)*
- For the chocolate topping:
- 3.5 oz 85% dark chocolate bar, broken up into pieces
- To garnish:
- Fancy sea salt, for sprinkling on top
Instructions
- Line an 8x8 inch pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Place a medium pot over low heat and add in peanut butter, coconut oil, maple syrup and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well combined, about 1 minute.
- Next add in the protein powder (optional) and crispy brown rice cereal; stir until combined and cereal is completely coated. Pour into prepared pan, and use a spatula to flatten the top so it is even.
- Next make the chocolate topping by adding chocolate to a microwave safe bowl. Microwave on high in 30 second intervals, stirring in-between, until chocolate is completely melted. You can also melt the chocolate in a small saucepan over very low heat if you prefer.
- Pour melted chocolate over the bars and tilt your pan to spread out the chocolate evenly.
- Place pan in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or until bars are completely cool and chocolate is hardened. Sprinkle bars with fancy sea salt, then cut into 16 bars. Enjoy!
- Bars should be kept covered in the fridge and will stay good for up to 1 week. Take bars out 5 minutes before you are ready to serve to ensure they aren't too crunchy! They soften up at room temp.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Post originally from June 2018, republished March 2020, and republished on July 5th, 2023.
Yumm, and I love that they don’t include marshmallows — just the good stuff!
Right?! PB all the way!
These look great! I don’t have any coconut oil so Ill try subbing coconut butter and write how it goes! Thanks for the recipe!
Let me know how the coconut butter goes! Hope you love these!
I have a similar recipe that uses puffed quinoa instead of Rice Krispies. Also has chia and hemp seeds. I love them ! Will try your recipe when I have polished off the quinoa ones.
Sounds fantastic! And yes you’ll have to give these a try too 🙂
These were so easy and quick to put together! Love all your recipes but I will definitely be making these again!
Aren’t they?! One of my fav quick & easy treats! Glad you loved them 🙂
I don’t know how you do it! I have made many of your recipes and they always turn out great! Thank you!!!
So happy to hear that Mark!! 🙂
I loved these! Really easy to make! Much easier to clean up verses the marshmallow variety! I took them to a 4th of July party and they were a hit! My one question to you is, do these freeze? Or it is not recommended? They’d be a great bar to keep in the freezer and pull out should guests stop by!
Yes you can keep them in the freezer until you are ready to serve. Just let them thaw out a bit. 🙂 they’re SO good!
Amazing! And YES love these ones over the marshmallow kind 😉 These would be perfect in the freezer, too!
These were great! I brought them to work and everyone loved them. Next time I will only put in 2 1/2 cups of rice krispies (I put 3) as they were just slightly crumbly. Would definitely make again!
So glad everyone loved them! And yes the rice krispie amount can depend on your peanut butter consistency, etc. Perfect work treat!
SO delicious! I used gluten free, sprouted brown rice cacao crisps and the theo dark chocolate. Thank you!!!
Perfect! Love Theo dark chocolate 🙂
These remind me of scotcharoos – one of my favorite treats! SO YUM!
YES just like them!
My entire family loves this recipe! So easy to make. I love a treat that packs health into it. Especially the collagen peptides !! Thank you so much for all your hard work and giving us so many yummy, healthy treats the whole family loves !!
YES love these healthy treats! So glad you and the whole family loves these, Amy 🙂
Looks yummy! I hope these made up for the fact she slept through choosing ballet slippers! Regards
Lovely! But i love how Reece’s are salty, these definitely aren’t salty after all the maple syrup and vanilla essence. Next time I would only add 1 tablespoon of maple syrup to the peanut butter mixture, and maybe 1 tablespoon of maple syrup to the choc (to make it sweeter, I used 85%).
The sea salt sprinkle on top should give it that salty flavor! Instead of adding maple syrup to the chocolate I would maybe use a sweeter chocolate (less than 85%).
hii, how many days does this rice rispies treats last
They last a week in an airtight container in the fridge, and longer in the freezer.
Made these last night and they were so easy and sooo delicious! I’m interested in trying to make it again gluten free. Any ideas on what to use instead of the brown rice crispies? Thanks so much for all of your amazing recipes. I have made so many and always get lots of compliments!
Love the recipe. What can I use instead of coconut oil? Butter? Olive oil? And also if I use 75%dark chocolate I guess I can use less maple syrup? Thanks!
I used 85% dark chocolate and butter. I loved them ! So tasty and crunchy 🙂
Hi Carol! Perfect – glad those swaps worked out. The maple syrup does needs to remain as written in the recipe because it helps the rice krispie bars stick together. If you want to reduce the sugar next time, simply drizzle chocolate or don’t use it all.
Love these can I substitute tahini for peanut butter as the grandkids school is nut free.
Yes of course! Just use 1 tablespoon less coconut oil.
These are a great snack for my boys!
Yes! Hope they love them 🙂
Love these! Even my dad loves them and he wont eat anything else I make that is “healthified” lol
Haha YES love that!
I made these, so easy and so delicious. From age 3 – 65, everyone LOVED!
Q: they cut fine, but it was a little messy and krispies fell off (I made with Rice Krispies). Do you have any recommendations to help them stick together more?
Hi Erin! I recommend freezing them for 4-5 hours before cutting if you want to get perfect squares. They cut better after they’ve been frozen for a while!
Can I substitute Vital Proteins gelatin powder in place of their collagen powder? For some reason my ND recommended that specifically instead of the collagen, but I’m unfamiliar with cooking/baking with either. Thank you! Love love love your recipes, especially the healthy treats 🙂
Hmmm I haven’t actually tried baking with the gelatin powder! It says it turns into a gel in colder liquids, so I’m not sure if the properties will change when you bake with it. Let me know if you give it a try! Happy to hear that you’re loving the recipes here 🙂
I just did a little research too and found that since gelatin acts as a binder, it can be used as an egg replacer (1 TBS gelatin with 3 TBS room temp water)! Makes sense. I’ll let you know how it goes!
Let me know how they turn out!
Wonderful – great healthy snack!!
Absolutely! Glad you enjoyed 🙂
I made these with almond butter. I barely got to eat them cause my husband kept eating them and has been bugging me to make more since.
Fav treats!
I was excited that these say gluten-free, and I thought I had finally found something I could make for my sister. After I had made them, someone told me that Rice Krispies brand cereal is not gluten-free. Apparently it contains malt flavoring, which is made from barley. Fortunately, my sister is gluten-free for inflammation issues, and it ended up not being a big deal for her. However, if someone is gluten-free for something like Celiac’s Disease, this could be a bigger problem.
I think they taste really good, I was just upset that I trusted the info above the recipe and then fed her something that could have been an issue.
Hi Stacie! You’re right that traditional Rice Krispies cereal is not certified gluten free, which is why we indicate in the recipe to use crispy brown rice cereal. I’ve added an additional note to be sure to double check the brand you’re using to make sure they are certified GF as well!
So what “crispy brown rice cereal” do you recommend? I’ve never heard of that beyond Rice Krispies, and did not see any similar options at the store. I even asked several other people, and they said they also assumed that meant the “brown,” or cocoa, Rice Krispies. Maybe it’s a regional thing?
I but the crispy rice box from Aldi…Gluten Free!
What could you use instead of Cocanut flour for you blondie bars? Or would it take away from the flavor and texture? Thanks, and wonder recipes!!
I’d recommend sticking with the flour ratios so that the flavor and texture turn out the way they should!
I used semi-sweet chocolate chips and peanut butter. So good. Definitely will make again.
Perfect! Glad you liked them!
Just made this for a healthy dessert to have on hand for the week and woah! It is AMAZING! It’s definitely an adult version of Rice Krispies. 100% recommend!
Love that! One of my fav treats!
I couldn’t find brown rice crisp cereal- hard to believe cuz I know I’ve seen it it thousands of times before. I opted for a Kashi crunch cereal that has brown rice crisps in the clusters. Broke them down some. I can’t wait to dig into it later- just finished making them a few mins ago. I sprinkled a little cinnamon on the bars before pouring the chocolate on it. Thanks for a yummy recipe that won’t make me feel guilty like eating ice cream does lol
Delicious! Hope you’re loving these!
AMAZING! these have become a go to recipe whenever I’m craving something sweet or hosting! Many people have asked me for this recipe!
So happy to hear that! It’s one of my favs to bring to parties, too.
Delicious! Recipe is a keeper!
Glad you loved them!
These are awesome! Just made them with my 3 and 6 yr old. Hubby loved them too!
Amazing! So happy everyone loved them 🙂
So good! They taste like a scotch-aroo 😋
Will be making these again and again!
Yes!! My favs 🙂 glad you loved them!
Oh my goodness, yes please! This recipe looks so good and I love our photos!
They’re so delicious! And thank you! 🙂
These taste like crunchy Reese’s!! I wouldn’t recommend using a very drippy peanut butter, the bars won’t stick together as well that way
One of my fav treats!
Love, love, love these! My husband is a huge fan of all things peanut butter and chocolate so these were a HIT in our house! They have now been added to the top of our list of healthy deserts. Really though, they are incredible! They’re delicious without being overwhelmingly sweet, and so light! We subbed PBFit for vital proteins and thought it was great! Next time I make them I’ll likely use a larger pan to make the treats to make them a little flatter and make them a little more chocolaty, but other than that the recipe is perfect! Can’t wait to make them again!
Amazing! I’m so glad the whole household loved them 🙂 one of my fav treats, too!
These are amazing! Actually they are addicting! When the pan ran out we all wanted another batch asap! HAHA! We substituted butter for the coconut oil and it was rich and delicious! Thanks for sharing!
Perfect! So glad everyone loved them!
I’ve made these multiple times and every time they get better and better. This is a fantastic recipe when you are making a gift box or present for someone
So happy to hear that! And absolutely – great idea for a gift.
I love, love this treat! I’ve been making it once month since finding it. It’s easy and quick to put together. It reminds me of a crunchy reeses pieces. It’s a delicous dessert with the perfect level of sweetness. I love her recipes!
I’m so glad! One of my all time favs, too 🙂
I have done this recipe 5 times now. And I discovered this recipe a month ago. That’s how amazing it is. You won’t be disappointed. I find adding a teaspoon of coconut oil in the chocolate helps it make it more melty. Otherwise everything else is perfect.
So happy you love it!
My daughter and I made these today, and I was blown away by how delicious they were! Well done, Monique. 😊 I did not include the protein powder, I used Whole Food’s Organic Brown Rice Crisps, and Pascha Organic Bar Zero Dark Chocolate (made with erythritol and stevia, so I felt a little less guilty eating way too much of this!).
Perfect! So glad you both loved them!
Your recipes are healthy and delicious. One comment…Maple syrup in glass it’s a healthier option than the one you use in an aluminum container. I also avoid cans because the aluminum leaches into the food.
Glad you enjoy the recipes here!
So much better than the regular rice krispies! They do taste a bit like Reese’s Cups so it’s amazing for sure. They took like 5 minutes to make and everybody went wild for them. Thank you!
Love it! Glad everyone enjoyed 🙂
Can I use regular oil instead of coconut oil and butters?
Unfortunately no, but you could try leaving out the coconut oil completely if your peanut butter is nice and drippy!
The peanut butter ratio is way too much. I followed the recipe to the T and it came soggy. Very disappointed.
That’s never happened to me, especially if you use brown rice krispies!
Thank you for this amazing recipe! They remind me of the scotcheroos I ate as a kid (but much healthier). We went a little overboard with the flaky sea salt, but is that really ever a problem? 🙂 Definitely going on the “make again SOON” list!
Absolutely! And love the flaky sea salt 🙂 glad you enjoyed!
I found I needed to add more rice crisps than specified in the recipe. also more chocolate needed melting in order to cover the whole top.
These taste excellent!
Did you use brown rice krispies? Usually they have a bit more substance then regular rice krispies! Noted on the chocolate, if you use chocolate chips then you likely will not have enough because they are thicker — I suggest a chocolate bar, It’s what I always use and it melts over the top perfectly!
What type of brown rice cereal do you use, or where can I find it?
I usually get it at Whole Foods!
These are delish and so easy! I used butter instead of coconut oil (mostly because it was slightly easier and I was being lazy) and the rice krispies cereal from Trader Joe’s which are extra puffy and crunchy and YES – so good! Definitely making again!
Perfect! So glad you loved them!
Delicious! I love that this is an alternative to a Rice Krispie treat and isn’t overly sweet. I had trouble finding the brown Rice Krispie cereal but was able to get it at Sprouts. Highly recommend!
Absolutely! The perfect healthy treat 🙂
I made these today with almond butter, 4 cups of chocolate gluten free crispy rice cereal, only 1/4 cup of maple syrup and 2 TB coconut oil. I used a cookie sheet with sides (lined with parchment) and put them in the freezer. After about 45 minutes I took them out, cut the sheet of crispy rice treats in half down the middle and spread one pint of coffee coconut ice cream (slightly soft) on the one side, placing the other side on top and squishing it down a bit to make it stick. I put it back in the freezer for 30 minutes and then took it out and cut into squares for crispy rice treat ice cream sandwiches! The remaining pieces can be put in a freezer bag for another day. Super good and the varieties are endless!
Wow that sounds amazing!! I’ll have to try the ice cream sandwich version next 🙂
OMG! Thank you for bringing back a favorite in a healthy “ I want to eat this, right now” treat from childhood. I used honey and added a few dashes of cinnamon and grass fed butter, due to a coconut allergy. What can I say? The husband liked them so much the first time I made them, he requested them again today. All my thanks for creating this recipe and sharing it. Keep up the positive vibes of making delicious and nutritious treats. 😁
You bet! I’m glad those little swaps worked out well 🙂
This is my favourite quick dessert recipe. So quick it is dangerous, you will want to make it every week ha! I don’t put the collagen powder but the rest I follow to the T. I use organic brown rice crisps and it is absolutely delicious. I have also tried it with almond butter and it is just as good. You cannot be disappointed with this recipe 🙂
Amazing! So happy you love them 🙂
It was easy to make and exactly how I dreamed! Thank you!
So happy to hear that!
Can I substitute milk chocolate for the dark? Not a big fan of dark chocolate, the recipe sounds great. Would using milk chocolate change any of the other ingredients? I would be using regular Rice Krispies as that is what I have on hand. Thank you. I want to make them for game night, sounds like a healthy alternative to all the “bad” stuff we usually have
Milk chocolate will work just fine!
One of my favorite treats EVER! These are so easy to make and the flavor is *chef’s kiss*. Love the simple ingredients. We easily go through a whole batch in 24 hours in my house 😂
One of my favorite dessert recipes! Better than a regular rice krispie treat and easy to make – my 13 year old recently made them! Can’t wait to make/have them again!!
I loved this recipe! I could only find cinnamon GF Rice Krispies at my local grocery store and used those, and they were still great! I let them set in the fridge for longer than recommended time which helped them stay together super well when cutting them,
These. Rice. Krispie. Treats. OMG! Who needs the marshmallow/sugary kind after this recipe? No one. I told my husband I was going to be making these, and he said “Ugh. Don’t ruin rice krispie treats by making them healthier.” He ate 75% of the batch within 3 days. 🙂 Monique is a genius!
Amazing! So glad they were a hit!
These came out a bit crumbly for me, but I’m sure that was user error. We enjoyed all the crumbs just the same!
Let me know if you give them another try!
Love these yummy treats. I made them using my brand Blooming Butter sunflower butter instead of peanut butter and they came out amazing!
These are delicious and so easy to make!
These are insanely delicious. My entire house is obsessed with these. My 20 month old daughter asks for these every night after dinner. Make this ASAP!
The best dessert!!
hi! Making these but I do not currently have vanilla extract. Do I need to wait until I have it or will they be just fine without?!
Hi! The flavor might be a bit more muted but they will still turn out well.
These are AMAZING! Such an easy and healthier treat to have around! I love that they have collagen in them too for an added bonus. Monique, your recipes never disappoint!!! Thank you!!!
Absolutely! So glad you love them!
For a healthier version of pnut butter rice krispie treats, this recipe is the one! So much tastier and crisper using maple syrup than marshmallows. My hubby doesn’t notice or comment (he just devours them). Love the flavor coconut oil gives to the chocolate topping! Making my 3rd batch today!
So happy you guys love these! Yay!!
Oh wait, that was your NoBake Chocolate Caramel Tahini Chex Bars that added coconut oil to the chocolate topping. Another excellent recipe that this tahini fan will be making again!
Oh yes another yummy treat, happy you’re a fan!
I’ve landed on 5 stars, but first here are some of my suggestions…
1. Some of the directions were misleading and incorrect.
2. It took 50 minutes to set, not 30.
3. They were ok, in regards to taste.
However, it was a simple and healthy recipe, so it was really fun to make!
Thank you!
Hi, Nelly. Glad to hear you enjoyed them. Thanks for the note about the setting time.
Can these be frozen if I make a whole bunch of them?
Yes! Place them in the freezer for up to 2 months in an airtight container. I’d recommend separating the bars with parchment wax paper as well. When you’re ready to eat them, let the bars thaw in the fridge and then bring them to room temp for a few minutes until they soften 🙂
So easy to make and so GOOD! Perfect way to make Rice Krispies without all the sugar.
Theee yummiest easy treat! If you’re looking for something super quick and easy, yet DELICIOUS, this is it! I’m absolutely obsessed with these and have made them several times. They’re always a hit! Thank you, Monique, for creating this angel babies 🙂
Do you think these would still be good with sugar free peanut butter? I imagine the maple syrup and the chocolate would still make it pretty sweet, right?
Yes! I always use natural peanut butter (which contains just peanuts and salt) 🙂
Excellent!! so delicious and protein packed. I brought them to a party and i have never received such raves , from NONvegans as well
These are very tastey, however I am curious if you have suggestions on what to do to make them stick together better? As soon as I cut them, they broke apart into chunks and tiny little pieces.
Hi! Someone said freeze them 4 to5 hours before cutting. Also, setting time in the fridge is 50 minutes, not 30. I’m going to try the brown rice syrup version of this and see if they don’t crumble if I let them cool/set first (didn’t know better before).
Sorry to hear they crumbled! Mind if I ask what brand of PB you used? I’m wondering if that may have affected the texture.
These were absolutely amazing! I used grass fed butter instead of coconut oil but otherwise followed the recipe exactly. I chose to use maple syrup instead of honey but I’m sure it would taste great either way. I can’t wait to try them with my ancient nutrition protein powder! I bet these would be great with a handful of organic raisins too. Thanks so much for a perfect recipe!!!
Glad to hear that worked well and that you loved these, Kayleigh!!
Avocado oil instead of coconut?
I’m not sure that would work well since the coconut oil helps these to solidify a bit when chilled. Let me know if you try it, though!
Hey, wonderful recipe. Never again will my grandbabies eat junk rice Krispies with marshmallows. Yay
So glad you loved it, Lynn!
I don’t think I’ve ever been disappointed with any of your recipes. These are amazing just like everything else I’ve tried. So yummy and perfect ratio of chocolate to peanut butter. Loved the healthier ingredients while it still tasted like a delicious treat. I used 2.5 cups regular Rice Krispies and added vanilla protein powder I had on hand. They were perfect. Thank you!
Seriously amazing, addictive and SO easy!
I’ve been making a batch every week for the last month!
So delicious and really satisfies my sweet and salty craving.
I individually wrap them after cutting and keep them in the fridge so everyone can grab go as a snack.
Love the addition of collagen powder for extra protein, genius.
Thanks for such a great recipe!
Yaaay I’m so happy you’re loving them, Ariana! Love the idea of wrapping them individually for grab-and-go snacking 🙂
I think in step 6 you mean to say- in fridge til chocolate is hardened …
Good catch!! Thank you! We’ll update that right now 🙂
One of my childhood treats! Made as listed except used PB powder instead of protein powder. Doubled recipe but forgot to use larger dish. Came out thick but still delicious. Doesn’t hold together really well, even after being in fridge overnight but minor issue. Wondering if my cooking mix longer than the minute, I had on heat about 3 minutes, affected stick-to-it-tiveness! Freezing about 2/3 so I don’t eat all! Thanks for a healthy alternative.
Hi! So glad you love them! Hmmm it’s possible that it thickened up a bit too much, or that the PB powder absorbed some of the moisture, causing them to be drier. A little extra coconut oil should do the trick, I think!
This recipe was easy to put together, and very tasty. Unfortunately, the bars don’t stick together well. I did put melted chocolate on the top. Any suggestions?
Sorry to hear that! Do you think the peanut butter filling cooked a bit too long and became thick? It should still be somewhat drippy before adding it into the rice krispies.
It could have been the specific brands of ingredients I used, but I followed the recipe+protein powder and the cereal bar layer was super super crumbly and the peanut butter was almost chalky. I think it would’ve worked if I didn’t add protein powder or added extra coconut oil/peanut butter/syrup to replace some of the moisture, so I just heated up some pb/honey/oil, crumbled up my bars into the pot, and re-pressed them into the pan to refrigerate. Hopefully that works!
Hi! Sorry to hear that! Mind sharing what brand of protein powder you used? Also, did you use a natural peanut butter (just peanuts + salt as the ingredients) or a thicker one (like Skippy/Jif)?
These were amazing and my family loved them! I have fresh raspberries in the fridge… would it work to add a layer of mashed raspberries on top of the bars, before the chocolate? Would that work or would it make the bar layer soggy?
Hi Alana – I am not sure, I haven’t tried this before. If you give it a try, let me know how it turns out!
Can you recommend a brand of brown rice cereal? Thank you!
From Farmers we Know is a great brand or regular Kelloggs Rice Krispies works as well!
WOW. These were so delicious — I had to stop myself from eating the entire pan in one sitting! I appreciate that these were super simple and quick to put together! I didn’t have any maple syrup on hand, so I subbed agave and this recipe still turned out great! Will most definitely (and happily) be making these again 🙂
YUM! I am so excited to hear that you are loving this recipe 🙂
These are amazing. We make them often! I’ve been using sprouted brown rice cacao crispies for an extra kick of chocolate!
Yum! I am so glad you’re loving these – great idea using the cacao crisps, sounds delish!
This recipe is so easy and delicious! I have made it 2 weeks in a row because it’s the perfect tasty treat. Definitely recommend it!
I love these. I haven’t been able to stop making them for weeks. I cut them into bars and keep them in the freezer. Thanks for the recipe!
Ahh yay! I am SO glad you gave these a try. Keeping them in the freezer is perfect, glad you’re loving them!
Made these today and they turned out SO DELICIOUS! I loved the contrast of the bitter dark chocolate (in a good way) to the sweetness of the bar. Wouldn’t change a thing. Preparing to make a second batch already. These are a hit!
Absolutely! Perfect treat 🙂
These turned out great! I might be tempted to try it with freeze dried strawberry pieces next time!
Love that idea!!
I was not looking for a healthy treat to use up some Rice Krispies I had but found this recipe and was intrigued. Please don’t be deterred by the notion that these are healthy! I did not have coconut oil so I used butter and I used crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy. The chocolate topping was amped up by being very dark chocolate and the sea salt sprinkled on top made this an adult dessert. These are simply wonderful! I have printed out the recipe and placed it in my “Keeper File” and will make them again. Thank you for such a tasty treat, even if it IS healthy!
Love that! Perfect treat 🙂
Great flavour! I’d use brown rice syrup another time so it holds together better
Glad you liked the flavor here! Let me know how you like it with brown rice syrup.
DELICIOUS and such a quick, easy recipe! Everyone loved them. I’ll definitely make these again and again — thanks AK!
So happy to hear that!!
Mine went completely soft, I don’t know how 🙁
These do need to be stored in the refrigerator or freezer, so be sure to chill them long enough!
These are soooo tasty! However I made mine without the protein powder, and they didn’t seem to stick together? The rice krispy part was falling apart when I picked it up- any tips?
Sounds like there was too much of the dry ingredients! Maybe try adding a little more coconut oil or maple syrup next time.
These taste good but did not adequately stick together. They fell apart and had to be eaten with a spoon.
Sorry to hear that! Did the mixture seem dry before you chilled the bars?
Try reducing the rice krispies.
Hi,
These look delicious but I wanted to know if I could substitute the coconut oil for a sweet mild olive oil or avocado oil.
Thank you.
Mimi
I’d recommend butter or vegan butter instead so maintain the right flavor 🙂
You do not miss marshmallows AT ALL in this recipe, it completely hit the spot for ‘something choco/peanut buttery’ that feels like a treat but isn’t full of sugar. I added 1 scoop of my double choco protein powder and it was absolutely perfect. Will def be making again!!
Absolutely! Great idea to add protein powder, too 🙂
These are SO good! Came together fairly quickly and i added collagen peptides to it and i love how it gives it a boost of protein, the brown rice crispies are a must for the crunch factor, 10/10 🙂
Perfect! Such a great treat 🙂
I made this recipe a few days ago and they were delicious! I subsisted agave for maple syrup and used a chocolate whey protein I like. The bars are delicious and a great way to somewhat satisfy my sweet tooth at the end of the night.
“Healthy” I’m not so sure, Its basically a better for you candy bar but it’s still a candy bar.
Such a great treat to have on hand!
I was looking for a way to finish off the last of my homemade hazelnut butter so I googled peanut butter rice Krispy treats and I subbed the pb for hazelnut, I love white chocolate with hazelnuts (not a huge Nutella fan) omg these tasted amazing. I know not healthy but it’s not a treat I’d make often and I halved the recipe. Such a good basic recipe, thank you so much!
Love that idea! Glad you tried these!
Loved it! I have a lot of dietary sensitivities and love that I didn’t have to modify much for this. I just cut out the protein powder and bought vegan/GF chocolate chips to be safe. This dessert is pretty clean, and low FODMAP which is awesome for me! 🙂
Perfect! So glad you found this recipe!
Made these with Catalina crunch peanut butter chocolate cereal, tastes like a puppy chow bar! Chefs kiss!
That sounds amazing!!
For anyone who may be wondering about swapping chocolate…I used milk chocolate instead of dark this time (all I had) and reduced the maple syrup by about 1.5 tablespoons to even out the sweetness. It worked great! I still prefer the recipe as written, but definitely enjoyed this version too.
So happy to hear you had success with these after reducing the sugar! Thanks for trying these ones, Erin 🙂
Super easy and yummy! Happy to have found this new family favorite which has no refined sugar and is just as easy to make as regular rice crispy treats:)
My new snack obsession! I tried the protein powder option and also topped with hemp seeds while the chocolate was still melty. I like these straight out of the freezer with afternoon tea.
The perfect afternoon treat! Glad you enjoyed!