These no-bake rice crispy treats are made with only 6 ingredients and can be made with as little as 10 minutes of prep time. This recipe is unique and tasty enough for an occasion, and healthy enough for countless people to enjoy. They are vegan, gluten-free, and naturally sweetened with dates (processed sugar-free).
These date-sweetened rice crispy treats are not only satisfying but pretty guilt-free compared to the traditional rice krispies treats. They can be enjoyed any time of the day, as a snack, dessert, or even for breakfast, since it is just cereal, fruit, and nuts.
This date-sweetened recipe was inspired by feasting on fruit's recipe.
Health Benefits
It is natural for us humans to crave sweets and sugars, but not all sugars are created equally. When aiming to eat a whole food plant-based diet, it is best to limit or omit processed foods like refined sugar and go for sugars that are found naturally in fruits, like dates.
Dates are naturally sweet and are high in fiber which is good for gut health. They are also a source of antioxidants that help improve immune system function, prevent inflammation and protect against disease. Dates are also a good source of vitamins, and minerals and a high source of energy without adverse effects on blood sugar.
So for optimal health aim for desserts that are naturally sweetened.
Ingredients
To make these healthy rice crispy treats you just need 6 ingredients.
- crispy rice cereal
- pitted dates
- cashew butter
- vanilla extract
- vegan butter or coconut oil
- salt
See the recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Here is how to make healthy vegan rice crispy treats without marshmallows.
In a high-speed blender or food processor combine the dates, cashew butter, vanilla, and sea salt (everything except the butter and cereal). A thick paste will form. Use the tamper as needed or stop and scrape down the sides.
In a small saucepan on the stovetop, add the butter and sticky date paste butter and heat on low to medium until softened and combined.
Remove from heat and add to a large mixing bowl.
While the sticky date paste mixture is still warm, fold in the rice cereal until combined.
In an 8x8 baking dish or pyrex lined with parchment paper (or a smaller dish if you prefer a thicker treat) add the cereal date mixture and press until evenly spread flat. If need be use a second piece of parchment paper over the top to prevent sticking to your hands and to press down.
Cool in the fridge for at least 30 minutes and let the rice crispy treat become firm.
Slice into bars and enjoy! Store at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
Tips
Make sure to blend without adding any extra liquid, as the liquid will make the rice cereal soggy and mushy. That means no pre-made date paste that is water-based. Instead, the date paste is combined with nut butter in a blender or food processor - just be patient with it scraping down the sides as needed.
Substitutions
- Nut butter - instead of cashew butter, you can substitute other nut butter or seed butter, like sunflower seed butter, almond butter or peanut butter but keep in mind this will alter the flavor so it is ideal to use more mild-tasting nut butter.
- Dates - any type of dates can be used, like Medjool or Deglet, just make sure they are pitted and the caps are removed before processing into a paste.
- Vegan butter or coconut oil are interchangeable in this recipe. Use a good quality cold-pressed coconut oil for a healthier option.
- Rice Cereal - substitute rice cereal for other cereals, like puffed cereal, cornflakes, cinnamon crunch, or your favorite cereal.
Storage
These can be stored at room temperature (as long as it is not too warm) or in the refrigerator. If storing at room temperature make sure to let the rice crispies set in the refrigerator first or else they may fall apart.
Store for up to 1 week in the refrigerator in an airtight container or freeze for up to 2-3 months in the freezer.
FAQ
Typically rice krispie treats are made with marshmallows which is what holds the treat together. In this recipe, we are making rice crispy treats without marshmallows and using the stickiness of dates and cashew nut butter to make a sticky treat.
A traditional rice crispy recipe is not vegan since they are made with marshmallows, but if following a recipe at home this can easily be substituted for vegan marshmallows.
Typically no, traditional rice krispies treats are made with highly processed ingredients, like refined sugar, marshmallows, and cereal which is also highly processed. This recipe though is a healthy take on the rice crispy treat, instead, we use natural sweetness from dates, mixed with cashew butter to create a sticky paste and rice cereal. Opt for brown rice cereal for a healthier cereal option.
This recipe is gluten-free by default, but some rice cereals are not gluten-free so make sure to check the labeling of your rice cereal.
Yes, you can use any nut butter you’d like in this vegan rice crispy treat recipe, but keep in mind the stronger the flavor the more it will stand out, so opt for a more neutral and mild-tasting nut or seed butter or try sunflower seed butter, peanut butter or almond butter.
Recipe
Healthy Rice Crispy Treat Recipe
Equipment
- blender
- parchment paper
Ingredients
- 1 cup dates pitted
- ½ cup cashew butter or mild tasting nut butter
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon vegan butter or coconut oil
- 3 cups crispy rice cereal
Instructions
- In a high-speed blender or food processor combine the dates, cashew butter, vanilla, and sea salt (everything except the butter and cereal). A thick paste will form. Use the tamper as needed or stop and scrape down the sides.
- In a small saucepan on the stovetop, add the butter and sticky date paste butter and heat on low to medium until softened and combined.
- Remove from heat and add to a large mixing bowl.
- While the sticky date paste mixture is still warm, fold in the rice cereal until combined.
- In an 8x8 baking dish or pyrex lined with parchment paper (or a smaller dish if you prefer a thicker treat) add the cereal date mixture and press until evenly spread flat. If need be use a second piece of parchment paper over the top to prevent sticking to your hands and to press down.
- Cool in the fridge for at least 30 minutes and let the rice crispy treat become firm.
- Slice into bars and enjoy! Store at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
Try these other health-conscious vegan and gluten-free dessert recipes:
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