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Happily Unprocessed / Recipes / Crispy Rice Treats (Sugar Free, Gluten Free, Marshmallow Free)

Crispy Rice Treats (Sugar Free, Gluten Free, Marshmallow Free)

Written by Debi66 Comments

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042pic1 734x1024 - Crispy Rice Treats (Sugar Free, Gluten Free, Marshmallow Free)

Oh my … that’s a long title, now isn’t it?  But I wanted you to get the idea.  These aren’t your normal, marshmallow filled rice crispy treats.  They are a twist on the traditional version, and a little healthier too.

We are a (partially) gluten free house and I’m always trying to find gluten free healthy food for my daughter to snack on and… I’ll be totally honest …..  it’s hard.  Anytime I search ‘gluten free’ in Pinterest I get a ton of alternative flour recipes for bread and muffins and cakes.  And that’s not what I’m looking for.

I just want a non bread kind of kid snack that is gluten free, free of dyes and preservatives and is EASY.

So we decided to take the traditional rice crispy treat and make our own.  The difference between our and ‘theirs’ is in the quality of the ingredients.  If you use the traditional Rice Krispies cereal you will get this in there:

  • Rice, Sugar, Salt, Flavoring Malt, Ascorbic Acid, Alpha Tocopherol Tocopheryl Acetate, Niacinamide Vitamin B3, Vitamin A Palmitate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride HCL, Riboflavin Vitamin B2, Thiamin Hydrochloride Vitamin B1, Folic Acid Vitamin B9, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, BHT

And if you used marshmallows, you’d be adding this as well:

  • Corn Syrup, Sugar, Corn Starch Modified, Water, Gelatin, Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate, Flavors Artificial, Colors Artificial ( Blue 1 )

That’s when Rice Krispie Treats become unhealthy!  Why there’s Artificial Blue coloring in marshmallows is a mystery too.

016pic1 1024x681 - Crispy Rice Treats (Sugar Free, Gluten Free, Marshmallow Free)

These crispy rice treats are held together with honey, not marshmallows.  And peanut butter.  If you have a peanut allergy in your family, almond butter would be a good substitute.

I kept these simple as you can see.  There are no added chocolate chips, butterfingers, Reeses Pieces, sprinkles or M&Ms.   It is a simple recipe with just natural rice cereal, organic honey, peanut butter and vanilla.  The peanut butter I use is just nuts.  There are no added oils or sugars.

That’s it!

So make these instead and I promise you your kids will not be complaining!

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042picresize 150x150 - Crispy Rice Treats (Sugar Free, Gluten Free, Marshmallow Free)

Crispy Rice Treats (Sugar Free, Gluten Free, Marshmallow Free)


★★★

3 from 5 reviews

  • Total Time: 10 minutes
Print Recipe
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Description

These rice treats have no added refined sugars or marshmallows. They are gluten free and naturally sweetened using honey. The protein from the peanut butter makes them a great little snack to put in the kids lunchboxes or afterschool.


Scale

Ingredients

  • 4 Cups rice cereal (I use THIS)
  • 1/2 Cup Honey
  • 1/2 Cup Peanut Butter (I use THIS)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon Sea Salt

Instructions

  1. Line a 9×9 baking pan with parchment paper
  2. Heat the honey, peanut butter, vanilla and salt in a pan over low heat until it all melts together.
  3. Pour the rice cereal into a large bowl and pour the melted honey and peanut butter over it. Stir together.
  4. Press into the baking pan HARD using either a rubber spatula or your hand with wax or parchment paper.
  5. Let cool and cut into squares.

Notes

Calories 110; Fat 4 gr; Cholesterol 0; Sodium 150 mg; Carbs 16.4 gr; Fiber.6 gr; Sugar 9.6 gr; Protein 2.2 gr

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Filed Under: 5 INGREDIENTS OR LESS, DESSERT/SNACKS

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Anonymous

    3 December, 2019 at 5:52 pm

    Serving amount please?
    Can’t seem to find it

    Reply
  2. Resa

    27 October, 2019 at 1:06 pm

    Looking forward to trying these!
    A question about the nutrition details: How many servings did you assume for the whole recipe?

    Reply
  3. Susan

    13 October, 2019 at 11:34 pm

    Delish! But I could only add about 2 cups of rice cereal. I had a little almond butter/honey mix left but it never would’ve been enough for 4 cups. My honey had crystallized but melted into the almond butter. Maybe it would have worked better with liquid honey? It was the texture of caramel candy as soon as it started to cool

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  4. Beth Beigh

    18 July, 2019 at 4:47 pm

    Thank you, this is the perfect recipe to use for my son’s farm birthday; he loves peanut butter and I’m going for a “haybale” look! I love that no corn syrup or other refined sugars! Thanks for experimenting for the rest of us!

    Reply
    • Debi

      24 July, 2019 at 9:33 am

      Thanks Beth!

      Reply
  5. Ellen Stewart

    11 June, 2018 at 12:35 am

    Honey is pure sugar and will affect your body in the negative ways that sugar will. Definitely not something you can call “sugar free”

    ★

    Reply
    • AB

      30 July, 2018 at 7:56 pm

      Don’t be silly! πŸ™‚ I believe we all know the author means. “refined sugar free”

      Reply
      • Dr.Bulma

        1 June, 2019 at 9:52 pm

        Refined and unrefined sugar are gram for gram the same. These have more carbohydrates than the ones you buy in the store. They are dangerous for diabetics and unhealthy for anyone.

        ★

        Reply
  6. GFMary

    14 February, 2018 at 11:21 pm

    These are delicious!! I used almond butter because that’s what I have on hand. I’m wondering if anyone has tried making these with agave nectar? I have a huge bottle to use up. I’m wondering if it has to be cooked down to thicken it up a bit first. I’m happy to experiment, but I’ll take advice where I can get it!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Anonymous

      5 April, 2018 at 9:47 pm

      I used Agave today and the treats did not hold together well. I would thicken the syrup first. I also, added butter to mine, which was a mistake and probably added to the crumbly quality of the rice krispies.
      Good luck! Lisa

      Reply
  7. Anonymous

    17 October, 2017 at 4:28 am

    Honey is sugar

    Reply
    • Debi

      17 October, 2017 at 10:19 am

      honey is natural and not modified by Monsanto

      Reply
      • Jason

        8 November, 2017 at 11:01 pm

        Whether natural or not, honey is still definitely sugar.

        The only GM sugar out there comes from sugar beets; cane sugar is still not GMO.

        Reply
        • Debi

          10 November, 2017 at 12:57 pm

          Cane sugar is one crop that has not been genetically modified.

          In other words, while you will see some sugar companies choosing to apply for Non-GMO Project Verified seals for their cane sugar, in reality, anyone who works with sugar should know that (as of now anyway) all cane sugar is non-GMO.
          Additionally, all Certified Organic sugar is non-genetically modified.

          That is because organic certification guidelines prohibit GMO ingredients. If you see Certified Organic beet sugar or sugar made from other sources, it will not be genetically modified.

          Reply
      • Steve

        29 May, 2018 at 10:59 am

        If a diabetic was about to eat one of these, and asked “is this sugar free?” Would you say “Yes! Eat away.”?
        “Sugar free” definitely has a specific meaning, even though “sugar” does not.

        If you look at the nutrition label on a honey jar, it will say that 21g contained 17g of carbohydrates, of which 17g are “sugar”.

        Reply
  8. crystal pitt

    19 July, 2016 at 9:04 pm

    Love this recipe. I used less honey and replaced the difference with more peanut butter since I found it a bit sweet the first time I made it. I added chopped peanuts and flax seed for some crunch and healthy omega 3.

    Reply
  9. lah

    19 March, 2016 at 11:08 pm

    Could you determine and post nutrition facts such as calories, fat, etc?

    Reply
    • Debi

      20 March, 2016 at 7:19 pm

      I started adding the nutrition content in my later recipes lah and it will take some time before I’m able to go back through the old ones and calculate everything. There are some good online calculators that you can use that are pretty accurate.

      Reply
  10. Michelle

    29 November, 2015 at 10:35 pm

    This website needs a HUGE disclaimer. It should read “Mom’s make these when the kids are not around so you don’t have to share them!” I think rice crispy treats are gross, but the kids like them. I figured I’d make this healthier recipe for them to try and when I tried it I fell in love! I can’t stop eating them. So happy to have a chemical free treat for the kids now. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Debi

      30 November, 2015 at 10:24 pm

      oh my gosh Michelle you scared me when I first read that! LOL !!!! I am so glad you liked them better than the kids. You know I have a baked chicken nugget recipe on this site that my husband and I L-O-V-E. The kids? eeh …. ha ha ha Go figure! Thanks for your comment!

      Reply
  11. Emily

    24 November, 2015 at 3:48 pm

    These look so good! Without marshmallows they are vegetarian and for the vegans who don’t eat honey they could use agave

    Reply
  12. Lucky

    16 November, 2015 at 4:45 pm

    The additives in the Rice Krispies look like vitamins.

    Reply
  13. Sue Fong

    30 October, 2015 at 6:56 am

    Thank you for the recipe. I had made these today and it taste great. Just that I could not get the rice krispies to stick together. Is it because I did not press it HARD enough? Does it require long refrigeration?
    Have you tried making the rice krispies into balls ? Would they be able to stay together? Hear from you.

    Thank you

    Reply
    • Debi

      31 October, 2015 at 7:32 pm

      I have had the same problem Sue and I use soup cans to press it down really hard then refrigerate them. That helps

      Reply
  14. Phil

    28 October, 2015 at 11:24 am

    In the area where I live, an 8 year old Boy with Nut allergies died because of a recipe similar too this – it’s one of those recipes where you wouldn’t think there’d be nut/peanut products. It sounds like a great recipe and all but if you do make it for a party make sure people know what’s in it!

    Reply
    • Sharalin Armstrong

      16 June, 2016 at 5:21 pm

      I’m sure you could use a sunflower seed butter or something instead πŸ™‚

      Reply
  15. Nichole

    18 October, 2015 at 9:15 pm

    Making these today, thanks for the recipe! FYI: the artificial blue coloring is to make the marshmallows bright white in color.

    Reply
  16. Tessa

    15 September, 2015 at 1:11 am

    do you think that adding a nut butter is necessary to this recipe. Do you think these would stay together using just honey?

    Reply
  17. Pooja

    6 August, 2015 at 6:38 pm

    What’s the shelf life without refrigeration.

    Reply
    • Debi

      6 August, 2015 at 8:24 pm

      We’ve never made it that far! LOL
      My advice would be to split them in half and freeze half. You can always take them out of the freezer when you want them.

      Reply
  18. Faye

    6 August, 2015 at 4:52 am

    I just made these with the following adjustments: I used rice malt syrup to make them sugar free and I substituted the peanut butter for homemade sunflower seed butter to make them a school friendly nut free treat. I also used a combination of puffed quinoa and puffed amaranth. Thanks for the recipe πŸ™‚

    Reply
    • Debi

      6 August, 2015 at 2:07 pm

      wow you really worked this recipe didn’t you Faye? LOL Good for you! Your additions/substitutions are terrific!

      Reply
  19. Cindy

    4 August, 2015 at 8:10 pm

    What are the carbs for this recipe?

    Reply
  20. Grace

    13 June, 2015 at 4:55 pm

    So glad you have this recipe. My son cannot have corn syrup, and all the rice treats recipes call for marshmallows. These are so delicious and he can enjoy them. πŸ™‚

    Reply
  21. Jana

    3 April, 2015 at 12:42 am

    I just wanted to say that I think these look quite tasty! However, labeling them as “sugar free” is misleading as honey is just another form of pure sugar. If anyone thinks they are getting a completely sugar free rice crispy treat they are sorely mistaken with this recipe. Possibly “refined sugar free” would be better.

    Reply
    • lo

      2 July, 2015 at 2:03 pm

      Yes exactly. The term “sugar free” refers to dietary sugars which are found in honey. The author is perhaps misinformed. “Sugar free” does not mean the ingredient sugar, so calling these sugar free is a gross misnomer.

      Reply
      • Anonymous

        12 July, 2015 at 1:33 am

        But, you too are misinformed. Honey is unlike sugar. It is all natural and good for you. Honey is NO form of sugar. Sugar can go bad, honey can never go bad. This recipe is COMPLETELY sugar free. So therefore, both of you are wrong. I just thought I’d clear up your obvious confusion.

        Reply
        • Anon

          10 August, 2015 at 5:39 pm

          It’s not good for a Diabetic…. this recipe is not sugar free and labeling as such could have negative consequences. I don’t care that “it can never go bad” and I’m not sure why you would think something not going bad means it is therefore “good” and can be called “sugar free” in other news … hostess Twinkies decalred by the above poster to be ‘health food” because “they don’t go bad”

          Reply
          • Debi

            10 August, 2015 at 6:38 pm

            This recipe was never intended for a diabetic diet. It’s generally a very popular after school snack for kids that has been remade to be a little healthier than the conventional boxed ones from the store.

            Reply
            • Carey

              5 December, 2017 at 1:54 pm

              Then please don’t say “sugar free”. I was looking for a sugar free variant for this treat, saw this and my hopes got dashed because of the honey.

              ★★★

              Reply
              • Lois

                17 May, 2018 at 7:28 pm

                There is also sugar in the alternate brand of Rice Krispies. Brown rice syrup is also chemically sugar.

                Reply
  22. Anonymous

    31 January, 2015 at 9:02 pm

    Could these be frozen?

    Reply
    • Debi

      2 February, 2015 at 6:36 pm

      I don’t see why not.

      Reply
  23. Shannon

    4 January, 2015 at 1:34 pm

    Have you tried this recipe with cocoa krispies (the type from EarthFare, not the name brand)? We have a 3/4 of a box in the pantry right now and I’m thinking they may also good as a substitute.

    Reply
    • Debi

      5 January, 2015 at 11:38 am

      I have not Shannon. Give it a try and let us know how it works out! thanks for your comment. πŸ™‚

      Reply
  24. Laurie Fuhry

    11 December, 2014 at 2:53 pm

    Another peanut butter alternative, The Sneaky Chef No-Nut Butter made from golden peas. Found at Whole Foods. For those of us who are allergic to peanuts, almonds and Sunflower seeds.

    Reply
  25. Teresa

    10 December, 2014 at 3:25 pm

    These sound great! I wonder, though – could they be made with maple syrup instead of the honey to make them vegan-friendly?

    Reply
    • Debi

      10 December, 2014 at 7:27 pm

      I haven’t tried that but I don’t see why it wouldn’t work

      Reply
  26. cindy

    9 December, 2014 at 8:42 pm

    Now that’s a rice krispy treat I can live with. Thanks so much for sharing.

    Reply
  27. Lisa

    9 December, 2014 at 1:17 pm

    This is a great recipe, but please inform people if you take these to a party. Rice Krispy treats are often considered safe for peanut allergies and someone might accidentally eat one if allergic. Please label your foods and be aware if there are any food allergic people around.

    Reply
  28. Kristin

    8 December, 2014 at 6:38 pm

    I just wanted to add that many people who are allergic to peanuts are also allergic to tree nuts. If you are making these for someone with allergies or if your child is in a nutfree school/class, SunButter is a better alternative to almond or peanut butter.

    Reply
    • Kayla Bradley

      3 January, 2015 at 9:18 pm

      I agree with you. I use SunButter with everything. I have had a few mom’s get upset with me for serving “peanut butter items” I quickly tell them if I am in the same room with Peanut butter cooking or being eaten I quit breathing. SunButter is the same consistency and taste exactly the same. I love it.

      Reply
  29. Kathy

    8 December, 2014 at 6:28 pm

    These look great! How is it that they are no sugar? Do you mean no processed sugar? Honey acts the same as sugar once it enters your bloodstream, and I’m just trying to decipher lingo, since I’m newer to the healthy alternatives for our family. Thanks!

    Reply
  30. Amanda

    8 December, 2014 at 6:04 pm

    If my natural peanut butter has salt should I still add the extra 1/2 tsp of salt too?

    Reply
  31. Mandy

    24 October, 2014 at 6:05 pm

    Did I miss the part about the rice cereal?? What kind do you use if not Rice Krispies??

    Reply
    • Debi

      24 October, 2014 at 6:14 pm

      Hi Mandy – I just added a link for the cereal I used. My daughter is gluten free so she likes this cereal and I like that it’s organic and gluten free. I hope that helps!

      Reply
      • Sally

        13 November, 2014 at 12:07 am

        Where is the link to the cereal? Would love to make these.

        Reply
        • Debi

          13 November, 2014 at 11:47 am

          scroll down under the recipe and where it says ‘recipe source’ and there is an Amazon link to it.

          Reply
  32. Amanda

    16 October, 2014 at 2:41 pm

    Wow these are fantastic ! Our household is no gluten,dairy,eggs and we try not to do processed foods. These are going to become a staple πŸ™‚

    Reply
    • Debi

      16 October, 2014 at 3:23 pm

      I’m so happy you like them Amanda! πŸ™‚

      Reply
  33. jen cho

    29 August, 2014 at 12:18 pm

    I have been looking for a healthier version of these. Thanks so much. Im so excited.

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Black Label No review says:
    19 May, 2016 at 3:18 am

    Black Label No review

    Crispy Rice Treats (Sugar Free, Gluten Free, Marshmallow Free) – Happily Unprocessed

    Reply
  2. SunButter Honey Treats – My Blog says:
    18 February, 2016 at 11:20 pm

    […] accommodate my son’s food allergies and the result was delicious.  Thank you Debi from happily unprocessed for the idea for this great […]

    Reply
  3. Allergy Friendly Snack Recipes The Even the Pickiest Eater Will Love | AnnaLaura Brown Holistic Health Coach Wellness Through Food As Medicine says:
    29 July, 2015 at 9:47 pm

    […] Crispy Rice Treats This recipe calls for peanut butter but you can change it to almond butter, or sun butter if […]

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  4. Rice Krispie treats with no marshmallows or processed sugar - Mimi Delicioso says:
    20 May, 2015 at 6:03 am

    […] happilyunprocessed.com – Get the recipe […]

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  5. Fitness Motivation for Moms in 2015 with Alisa Keeton – ITA68 says:
    12 January, 2015 at 8:32 pm

    […] new recipe: I made these relatively healthy rice krispy treats yesterday and they were a HUGE hit in our house. Best of all, they are super fast, simple and no […]

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