Healthier Rice Krispie Treats
Healthier Rice Krispie Treats
Rice Krispie treats are a classic snack that I love to make from scratch. Homemade krispie treats taste leagues better than what you buy in the store, since they’re so much softer, crispier, and more flavorful than what you’d get in a plastic-wrapped snack.
Rice Krispie treats are a classic snack that I love to make from scratch. Homemade krispie treats taste leagues better than what you buy in the store, since they’re so much softer, crispier, and more flavorful than what you’d get in a plastic-wrapped snack.
While the traditional homemade rice krispie treat recipe is perfect in its own way, if you’re looking to enjoy this treat with a healthier twist, you're in the right place. In this blog post, I'll guide you through the process of creating delicious and nutritious rice krispie treats at home using oats, puffed quinoa, rice krispies, and even homemade marshmallows. Let's dive in!
What’s so good about this recipe?
The best part of this recipe is that making a few simple ingredient swaps only benefits the taste of these homemade healthy rice krispie treats. While traditional rice krispie treat recipes rely heavily on refined sugars, I opt for natural sweeteners and nutrient-dense alternatives that you won’t find in other rice krispie treat recipes.
Here’s what we’ll be using:
Rolled Oats that are rich in fiber and essential nutrients. Oats provide a hearty base for these treats.
Puffed Quinoa is packed with protein and offer a delicate crunch. Puffed quinoa takes these treats to the next level.
Puffed Rice Cereal, of course, will be added to this recipe, because it wouldn’t be rice krispies without them! Choose whole grain rice krispies for added fiber.
Homemade Marshmallows allows you to control the sweetness and quality of this key ingredient. Of course, you can use store bought marshmallows if you’re in a pinch, but I highly recommend you use my homemade marshmallow recipe, which can be found here.
How do I make homemade marshmallows?
The full recipe on how to make these homemade marshmallows can be found in this blog post, but here’s the gist of it:
Line a pan with wax paper, and lightly dust the insides with the cornstarch.
Add hot water and the gelatin to the bowl of a stand mixer, stirring until the gelatin dissolves.
In a medium pan, combine water, honey, vanilla, and pinch of salt. Clip your candy thermometer to the side of the pan.
Simmer the mixture until it reaches 240F. Immediately remove the pan from heat when this happens.
Slowly pour the sugar mixture into the stand mixer, being careful not to splash it. Beat the mixture for about 10 minutes, until soft peaks begin to form.
Pour the mixture into the prepared pan.
Allow to sit at room temperature for about 4 hours.
Lightly dust the mixture with cornstarch, and cut the marshmallows into squares.
How do I make these healthier rice krispie treats?
The full recipe is below, but here’s the gist of it:
Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Add in the marshmallows, and stir until the marshmallows and butter become smooth.
Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Turn off the stove and remove the pan from heat.
In a separate large bowl, combine the cooked and cooled quinoa, puffed rice cereal, and rolled oats.
Pour the dry ingredients in with the melted marshmallows. Use a spatula to fold the mixture together.
Transfer the mixture to the greased 8x8 inch baking pan. Use the spatula or your hands to press the mixture down firmly and evenly into the pan.
Let the mixture cool at room temperature. Use a sharp knife to cut them into squares.
Congratulations! You've successfully transformed a classic treat into a nutritious masterpiece. These treats offer a balanced blend of whole grains, protein, and natural sweetness. Here's to enjoying the simple pleasures of life in a healthier way!
Healthier Rice Krispie Treats
Ingredients
- 8 oz marshmallows, homemade or store-bought
- 2 c puffed quinoa
- 2 c puffed rice cereal, preferably whole grain
- 1 c rolled oats
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 4 tbsp butter (sub: vegan butter)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently until the butter begins to form brown. It should form little brown specks and start to smell "nutty" after about three minutes. Be careful not to let the browned butter burn!
- Add in the marshmallows, and stir until the marshmallows and butter become smooth.
- Once the marshmallows are melted, stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Turn off the stove and remove the pan from heat.
- In a separate large bowl, combine the cooked and cooled quinoa, puffed rice cereal, and rolled oats. Gently mix them together to ensure even distribution.
- Pour the dry ingredients in with the melted marshmallows. Use a spatula to fold the mixture until all the dry ingredients are evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to the greased 8x8 inch baking pan. Use the spatula or your hands to press the mixture down firmly and evenly into the pan. Tip: if the mixture is too sticky, lightly wet your hands or the spatula with water to prevent sticking.
- Let the mixture cool at room temperature. Use a sharp knife to cut them into squares.
Notes
Feel free to customize this recipe by adding dried fruits, chopped nuts, or even a drizzle of melted dark chocolate for an extra special touch!
I started salt n sprinkles to show that making good food is both fun and easy to do. My recipes are mostly plant-based, and always delicious. I know you'll find just what you're looking for!