Healthy rice krispie treats are made with peanut butter, coconut oil, and maple syrup and free of marshmallows, refined sugar, & corn syrup! These vegan and gluten free peanut butter rice krispie treats are topped with white, milk, or dark chocolate and sea salt for an indulgent treat that tastes like a crunchy peanut butter cup!

healthy rice krispie treats (with peanut butter)

peanut butter rice krispie treats

Oh man, nothing takes me back to my childhood like Kellogg’s Rice Krispies Treat Marshmallows Squares! I could spot those bright blue wrappers anywhere! I loved those ooey, gooey bars more than anything – I even remember seeing absolutely MASSIVE ones at gas stations and grocery stores around the holidays.

After looking at the wrappers of store-bought rice krispies treats, I realized that they’re made with Corn Syrup, Fructose, Vegetable Oil (Soybean And Palm Oil With Tbhq For Freshness), Sugar, Corn Syrup Solids, and artificial flavors – a whole lot of junk. So today were making a healthier version that might be even tastier than store-bought options (you won’t even miss the marshmallows!)

Most rice crispy treats are made with marshmallows and butter, but this recipe is made without them and just as delicious! Healthy Rice Krispie Treats will be a hit with kids and adults alike! This clean-eating treat can be made nut-free and dairy-free, and are naturally sweetened with honey or maple syrup!

video – Watch me make peanut butter rice krispie treats!

Why You’ll love this recipe

Easy: If you want a healthier dessert that comes together in less than 10 minutes, this is the perfect recipe for you! All you need is one bowl and a few minutes to whip these rice crispy treats up!
No bake dessert: These rice krispie treats require no baking and are made in one bowl!
Dietary friendly: This rice crispy treat recipe is vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, refined sugar-free, and can be made nut-free!
Wholesome: These rice crispy treats are made without marshmallows, butter, or tons of sugar, making them a much more wholesome option!
If you have a food allergy, these treats will be perfect for you as they are super customizable!

How to make rice krispie treats without marshmallows

In this recipe, we are making a few simple swaps to create a MUCH healthier dessert.

Healthy Marshmallow Swap: Instead of using regular marshmallows that have artificial colors, flavors and corn syrup, we are using nut butter to hold them together! This also adds a ton of yummy flavor!
Butter Swap: We don’t use traditional butter in this healthy rice krispie treat recipe and instead use coconut oil!
Cereal Swap: Typically, rice krispie treats call for rice krispies cereal which contains added preservatives and sugar. We are using organic unsweetened rice crisps cereal for a healthier swap!
Sweetener: Instead of corn syrup sweetened marshmallows, we are sweetening this healthy dessert with maple syrup or honey!

Rice crispy treats with peanut butter and no marshmallows!

How to make healthy rice krispie treats

Full recipe is in the recipe card at the bottom of the post! Here is an overview!

Equipment

Mixing bowl & spatula
8×8 baking dish or loaf pan – for thinner rice krispie treats you can use an 8×8 baking dish (or double the recipe and use an 8×8 pan for thicker ones!). For thicker treats, you can use a loaf pan!

Ingredients

Rice cereal – I prefer to use Real Cereal Organic rice crisps cereal as it contains no added sugar or preservatives!
Nut butter – Cashew butter, almond butter, peanut butter, or even sunflower butter for a nut-free option, all work! This is used in place of marshmallows!
Maple syrup or honey
Hemp seeds/hearts – these are totally optional! They just add some protein and extra nutrients to the recipe! I usually buy mine at Trader Joes as they’re cheapest, or on Amazon!
Coconut oil – this is used in place of marshmallows as well and helps firm the bars up while helping to hold them together.
Pantry staples: Vanilla extract, sea salt
Chocolate chips: White chocolate, milk chocolate, or dark chocolate all work!
Optional additions: Sprinkles, cinnamon, cacao nibs, freeze dried fruit, etc! You can also add Collagen! Adding a scoop or two of collagen is a great way to increase the protein content! Be sure to use collagen, not protein powder, as collagen absorbs easily and won’t affect the texture of the recipe!

Steps

In a large bowl, combine all of the ingredients, stirring in the cereal last.
Press the mixture into an 8×8 baking dish lined with parchment paper.
In a small bowl, add the chocolate and coconut oil. Using the double boiler method or the microwave, melt the chocolate until smooth. Then pour it over top of the rice krispies, spreading it out evenly.
Freeze! Place the pan in the freezer for at least 2-3 hours, until completely firm. Once firm, remove from the freezer. I like to let mine thaw at room-temp for 10 minutes prior to cutting to prevent crumbling!

Storing rice krispie treats

Store peanut butter rice krispie treats in an air-tight container in the freezer for up to 2 months! Because this rice krispie treat recipe contains no corn syrup, marshmallows, butter, or preservatives, they aren’t counter-stable and will melt if left out! You can store them in the fridge, but they are crunchiest and best out of the freezer!

Recipe Variations

Nut-free rice krispie treats: use sunflower seed butter, tahini, or granola butter for a nut-free option!
Gluten-free rice krispie treats: These are a great gluten-free snack, as they’re made with puffed rice, which is naturally gluten-free!
Vegan rice krispie treats: these are naturally dairy-free and vegan!
Birthday cake rice krispie treats: Use cashew or almond butter, add 1/4-1/2 tsp almond exract, and then top the rice krispies with white chocolate and sprinkles!
S’mores rice krispie treats: Fold some mini marshmallows into the rice cereal mixture before pressing into the pan!
Fruity rice krispie treats: Use almond or cashew butter and fold in some chopped freeze dried strawberries, then top with white chocolate.

More healthy no-bake dessert recipes to try

If you try this recipe & love it’d mean the world to me if you left a star rating and review below and be sure to tag me in your creations on Instagram @danishealthyeats!