Name: Rice Krispie Treats
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 16
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups crispy rice cereal (unsweetened brown rice crisps recommended); ¾ cup natural creamy peanut butter; ½ cup honey; 2 tablespoons virgin coconut oil; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; Pinch of sea salt (about ⅛ teaspoon)

These easy healthy Rice Krispie Treats swap out marshmallows and butter for creamy peanut butter, honey, and a touch of coconut oil, creating chewy, crispy bars that satisfy sweet cravings guilt-free. Naturally sweetened, quick to whip up, and packed with better-for-you ingredients—perfect for kids, snacks, or dessert without the junk!

Why You’ll Love This recipe

You’ll fall head over heels for these healthy Rice Krispie Treats because they deliver that classic crispy-chewy texture and nostalgic flavor you remember, but with a much cleaner ingredient list. No sticky marshmallows, no corn syrup, no refined sugar, and no butter means these treats feel lighter and more energizing.

The natural peanut butter brings rich, satisfying protein and healthy fats that keep you full longer, while honey adds gentle floral sweetness without an overwhelming sugar crash. They come together in under 15 minutes with pantry staples—no baking required—and cleanup is a breeze.

Kids adore them just as much as the original version, making them ideal for school snacks, after-dinner treats, or lunchbox surprises. Plus, they’re easily customizable and store beautifully, so you can always have a wholesome dessert ready to grab. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel good about indulging!

Yield: 16 squares

Rice Krispie Treats

Easy no-marshmallow Rice Krispie Treats with peanut butter and honey—crispy, chewy, healthy, and ready in minutes!

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes

Additional Time 30 minutes

Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients

4 cups crispy rice cereal (unsweetened brown rice crisps recommended)
¾ cup natural creamy peanut butter
½ cup honey
2 tablespoons virgin coconut oil
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Pinch of sea salt (about ⅛ teaspoon)

Instructions

Grab an 8×8-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides like little handles—this makes lifting out the treats super easy later! Lightly grease the paper with a swipe of coconut oil.
Pour your 4 cups of crispy rice cereal into a large mixing bowl and set it aside so it’s ready to party.
In a medium saucepan over low heat (or a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second bursts), combine the peanut butter, honey, and coconut oil.
Stir gently and warmly until everything melts together into a smooth, glossy mixture—keep the heat low so nothing burns, and it should look like delicious peanut butter caramel in about 3–4 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and pinch of sea salt—give it a taste (yum!) and adjust if you want it a tiny bit sweeter or saltier.
Pour this dreamy peanut butter mixture right over your waiting bowl of crispy rice cereal.
Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold everything together until every single puff is beautifully coated—work quickly but carefully so the cereal stays as crisp as possible!
Transfer the sticky, fragrant mixture into your prepared pan, spreading it out evenly with the spatula.
Now the fun part: grease the bottom of a measuring cup or your hands lightly with oil, then press the mixture down firmly and evenly across the pan—this step is key for bars that hold together perfectly when you cut them!
Pop the pan into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or freezer for 15) until firm. Lift out using the parchment handles, place on a cutting board, and slice into 16 irresistible squares—enjoy every crunchy, chewy bite!

Notes

These treats soften at room temperature in warm weather, so keep them chilled if your kitchen runs hot. They’re naturally gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free rice cereal. For extra indulgence, add a chocolate drizzle after slicing!

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 349Total Fat 9gSaturated Fat 3gUnsaturated Fat 6gSodium 383mgCarbohydrates 63gFiber 1gSugar 13gProtein 7g

The recipes and nutritional information on Yum Tonight are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Use creamy, drippy natural peanut butter (the kind with just peanuts and maybe salt) for the smoothest binding—avoid stiff, no-stir brands that can make the mixture too thick.
Warm the peanut butter, honey, and coconut oil gently over low heat (or microwave in short bursts) and stir constantly to prevent scorching or separation.
Work quickly when mixing in the cereal—the mixture firms up fast, so coat everything evenly before it sets.
Press the mixture firmly into the pan using a greased spatula or the bottom of a measuring cup for compact, non-crumbling bars.
For cleaner cuts, chill the pan fully and use a sharp knife wiped between slices.
Line your pan with parchment paper overhang for easy lift-out and zero sticking.
Taste the peanut butter-honey mixture before adding cereal—adjust with a pinch more salt or honey if needed for balance.

Ingredients Notes

Crispy rice cereal: Opt for plain, unsweetened brown rice crisps or puffed rice for a healthier, whole-grain boost with fewer additives than classic Rice Krispies. They provide that signature light crunch without extra sugar or preservatives.
Natural creamy peanut butter: Choose a brand with just peanuts (and maybe salt) for real nutty flavor, healthy fats, and protein that helps these treats feel more satisfying than sugary versions. It acts as the main binder.
Honey: Raw or regular pure honey brings natural sweetness and sticky binding power—no refined sugars here. It adds subtle floral notes and keeps everything gooey. For vegan, swap with maple syrup.
Coconut oil: Virgin coconut oil melts easily, adds moisture, and helps the bars hold together without butter. It gives a faint tropical hint that pairs beautifully with peanut butter.
Vanilla extract: Pure vanilla rounds out the flavors with warm, comforting notes.
Sea salt: A pinch enhances sweetness, balances the richness, and makes every bite pop—don’t skip it!

Variations and Substitutions

Nut-free version — Swap peanut butter for sunflower seed butter or tahini for the same creamy texture without allergens.
Vegan — Replace honey with an equal amount of pure maple syrup or brown rice syrup for a plant-based twist that still binds perfectly.
Chocolate lover’s dream — Stir in ½ cup dark chocolate chips after mixing the cereal, or melt ¾ cup dark chocolate with 1 tbsp peanut butter and drizzle or spread over the top before chilling.
Protein boost — Mix in ¼–⅓ cup vanilla or unflavored protein powder with the wet ingredients (add a splash of milk if too thick).
Different cereal — Try puffed quinoa, puffed millet, or Cheerios for varied texture and nutrition.
Flavor twists — Add ½ tsp cinnamon, a dash of cardamom, or fold in mini freeze-dried strawberries or raisins for fun mix-ins.
Coconut lovers — Stir in ¼ cup shredded unsweetened coconut or top with toasted coconut flakes.

Storage Options

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days (they stay chewy and delicious). For longer freshness, refrigerate up to 2 weeks—the cold makes them firmer but still tasty. Freeze individually wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before enjoying.