Healthy Rice Krispie Treats
October 15, 2017 29 Comments
Healthy rice krispie treats merge the decadent with the hearty. This recipe is almost no more work than the original (which is simple).
It is fun to try to make notoriously bad food into something healthier. Rice Krispie treats are screaming for a makeover.
These treats are a lot like my fruit and nut bar recipe except heavier on the sugar.
Usually made with Kellogg's Rice Krispies, marshmallows, and butter - these are crunchy, salty, and a kid favorite. Have you seen the size of the ones at your local cafe? They are way too big!
I changed the original recipe by adding vanilla, raisins, and peanuts and I cut them into a reasonable size.
Rice krispie treats are so easy to make because the cooking involved is minimal. You simply melt butter (or coconut oil) and add marshmallows. Stir over low heat until the marshmallows are melted and then add everything else!
They ended up tasting better, in my opinion, than the original version. The vanilla is a nice flavor addition and the added crunch of peanuts (or other nuts) is satisfying.
My kids complained about the nuts and berries (sheesh) and then ate them all. Many of you will not like that I messed with such an icon of American cuisine. I do understand.
You don't have to use the famous "Kellogg's Rice Krispies" to make the treats. If you are lucky enough to live near a Whole Foods or natural foods store, they have something called "Brown Rice Puffs" which are the same thing except that they contain the entire rice grain.
You can use any puffy cereal, really, that you like - wheat puffs, Cheerios, anything you have in your cupboard.
I did use marshmallows, which is not the healthiest ingredient. I tried honey and it just didn't work. As I ate them, I kept missing the marshmallow flavor and I couldn't give them up.
Another idea is to bring these to the bake sales at your school or church (or anywhere else you are supporting a non-profit). You will get lots of compliments on your revamp!
How have you altered your Rice Krispie Treat recipe?
Healthy Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Makes 20 treats
Ingredients
3 tablespoons coconut oil or butter
4 cups miniature marshmallows or large marshmallows
1 teaspoon vanilla
6 cups crispy rice or other healthy cereal
1 cup raisins or dried cranberries
1 cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, peanuts, etc.)
Instructions
Spray non-stick spray on 13x9x2 inch casserole. Melt coconut oil or butter in large saucepan over low heat and add marshmallows and vanilla. Stir CONSTANTLY until completely melted and mix in cereal and whatever else you choose to add in.
Press into prepared pan. Cool for 10 minutes and cut into 20 squares.
Nutrition Facts
For one treat = 135 calories, 2.4 g fat, 1.6 g saturated fat, 20.5 g carbohydrates, 8.9 g sugar, 2.7 g protein, 0.9 g fiber, 115 mg sodium, 5 Freestyle SmartPts
Points values are calculated by Snack Girl and are provided for information only. See all Snack Girl Recipes
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