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–+ servings
Healthy Rice Krispie Treats arranged on white marble in soft natural daylight.

Rice Krispie Treats (4 Ingredients, No Marshmallows)

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 12 squares
Author: Nico Pallotta

  • 4 cups (120 g) Rice Krispies cereal
  • ⅓ cup (85 g) creamy peanut butter natural (made with just peanuts and salt)
  • ⅓ cup (110 g) honey
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • Make the binder: Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
    Add ⅓ cup creamy peanut butter, ⅓ cup honey, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 30 to 45 seconds, then stir until smooth and pourable, but not too hot.
    Alternatively, warm everything in a small saucepan over low heat for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Do not let it boil.
    Step 1 Peanut butter, honey, vanilla, and salt stirred into a smooth mixture.
  • Coat the cereal: Add 4 cups Rice Krispies cereal and stir gently until every piece is lightly coated.
    At first, it may seem like there isn't enough peanut butter mixture. Keep stirring and scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl. After about a minute, the cereal will be evenly coated.
    Step 2 Rice Krispies folded into glossy peanut butter mixture until evenly coated.
  • Press into the pan: Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan.
    Using the back of a sturdy spoon or measuring cup, press it firmly into an even layer. Compact the mixture without crushing the cereal so the bars hold together.
    Step 3 Mixture firmly pressed into prepared pan using the back of a measuring cup.
  • Chill and serve: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or freeze for 15 minutes, until firm.
    Lift the treats out using the parchment paper and slice into 9 or 12 squares.
    Store them in the refrigerator and serve chilled for the crispiest texture. For longer storage or travel, freeze them first so they stay firm.
    Step 4 Healthy Rice Krispie bars sliced into squares after chilling until firm.
Substitutions
  • Crispy rice cereal → Rice Krispies give the lightest, crispiest texture. Crispy brown rice cereal works too. Avoid soft puffed rice cereals.
  • Natural peanut butter → Almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter all work well. Choose a natural, drippy variety made with just nuts and salt.
  • Honey → Pure maple syrup for a vegan option. The treats will be slightly softer.
  • Vanilla extract → You can leave it out, but it adds a classic dessert flavor.
 
Tips
  • Use crispy cereal: It should taste crisp straight from the box, not soft or airy.
  • Choose natural peanut butter: Peanuts and salt only make the smoothest binder.
  • Warm, don’t boil: The mixture should be pourable, not scorching hot.
  • Keep stirring: Scrape the bowl well; the binder hides at the bottom and sides.
  • Don’t add more binder: A thin coating keeps the treats light and crispy.
  • Compact, don’t crush: Press firmly enough to hold, but keep the cereal intact.
  • Chill before slicing: Cold treats cut cleaner and hold their shape better.
  • Store cold: Keep them in the fridge, or freeze first if packing for travel.
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