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GET IT NOWMy Healthy Rice Krispie Treats Taste Just Like The Classic Ones
I first made these healthy rice krispie treats on a whim when my girls wanted a fun snack, and I didn’t want to load them up with sugar. I’d been experimenting with sugar-free marshmallows for s’mores bars and figured I’d try a cleaner version of the treats I loved as a kid. What surprised me most was how good they turned out: chewy, crunchy, sweet, and totally nostalgic, but made with ingredients I actually feel good about. My girls loved them, and now they’ve become a go-to for quick snacks and no bake treats. Here’s why:
- Ooey, gooey texture with just the right crunch – These healthy rice krispie treats feel just like traditional rice krispie treats. You get that perfect chewy-crisp combo using protein cereal and sugar-free marshmallows.
- Quick and easy – Just 4 simple ingredients and a few minutes of prep. I can mix these up before dinner and they’re ready by the time everyone’s asking for dessert.
- Sneaky protein boost – The protein cereal makes these surprisingly filling for a dessert bar. They’re also dairy free, gluten free, sugar free, and low carb, so they work for almost everyone Great for parties or school snacks!
Make these healthy rice krispie treats with me and see why they never last long at my house!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for my healthy rice krispie treat recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
- Sugar-Free Marshmallows – I used to make my own sugar-free marshmallows all the time, but they never melted quite like the real thing. So when I found these ones that actually toast and melt like regular marshmallows (and are sweetened with monk fruit), I was seriously excited. They work perfectly in all my favorite no bake treats.
- Salted Butter – I usually go for grass-fed butter, but honestly, any kind works here. If you only have unsalted, just toss in a pinch of sea salt. You can even use butter-flavored coconut oil if you need a dairy-free option.
- Vanilla Extract – A splash of vanilla gives these that warm, classic flavor. I try to use a good-quality one when I can.
- Protein Cereal – I use a protein cereal to keep the carbs low, but if that’s not a concern, you can totally use regular crispy rice cereal or even brown rice cereal for your healthy rice krispie treats.
How To Make Healthy Rice Krispie Treats
I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card.
- Melt. Add the marshmallows and butter to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short bursts and stir in between until it’s all melted and smooth. Stir in the vanilla right away.
- Mix. Dump in about half the cereal and stir it in quickly, then add the rest a little at a time until everything’s evenly coated. It sets fast, so work quickly!
- Transfer. Scoop the mixture into your lined baking dish and gently press it down. I like using parchment paper on top so it doesn’t stick to my hands.
- Cool. Let the healthy rice krispie treats sit until they’re firm, then lift them out using the parchment and slice into squares.
My Recipe Tips
- If your cereal isn’t rice-shaped, just give it a quick chop so the texture is a little more traditional. That’s what I did for the batch you see above!
- Once those marshmallows are melted, things move quick. I make sure my butter is softened and the cereal is chopped and ready before I even start.
- Don’t pack the mixture too tight or the bars will turn out hard. A light press keeps them nice and chewy.
- I usually press mine down with a piece of parchment paper, but you can also wet your hands or spray a spatula with a little oil. Just go with whatever works best for you.
- I’ve tried chilling them before, but they get way too hard. Let them set at room temp instead.
Healthy Rice Krispie Treats (4 Ingredients)
My healthy rice krispie treats are soft, gooey, and made with better-for-you ingredients. You won't miss the old version once you try these!
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Instructions
Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.
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Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, making sure the paper goes up all 4 sides (to prevent sticking) and hangs over at least 2 sides (for easy removal). Grease lightly with butter.
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Place the marshmallows and butter into a large glass bowl. Heat in the microwave for about 30 seconds. Stir, then microwave for 45-60 seconds longer, until almost fully melted. (A few marshmallows may still be intact at this point.) Stir until completely smooth and melted.
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Working quickly before the mixture cools, stir in the vanilla extract.
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Immediately add half of the chopped cereal. Stir to combine, then add the remainder 1 cup at a time, adding it to the areas where there is less cereal. Stir quickly before the mixture sets, as this happens very fast.
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Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan and press gently. To prevent sticking, you can wet your hands with water, wash the rubber spatula and spray with cooking spray before using that to press down, or (my preferred method) press using a sheet of parchment paper. Avoid packing the mixture tightly, or your rice crispy treats will be dense and hard.
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Cool completely in the pan for 30-60 minutes, until firm. (Avoid refrigerating, as they will harden too much.)
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Once cooled, use the edges of the parchment paper to lift the bars out of the pan, transfer to a cutting board, and slice into 16 squares.
LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!
Maya’s Recipe Notes
Serving size: 1 healthy rice krispie treat bar
- Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you make the best healthy rice krispie treats with the perfect texture every time.
- Variations: Don’t miss my recipe variations for fun ways to change up the flavor or make these treats your own.
- Store: Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Freeze: Layer with parchment, pop into a zip bag, and pop in the freezer for up to 6 weeks.
I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy.
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Healthy Rice Krispie Treats
Recipe Variations
If you want to switch things up, here are a few fun ways I like to change up these healthy rice krispie treats:
- Peanut Butter – I love making peanut butter rice krispie treats. I just melt 1/4 cup of peanut butter with the marshmallows and mix it right in. Almond butter, cashew, sunflower seed or any nut butter would work too if that’s what you have.
- Chocolate – Sometimes I drizzle melted sugar-free dark chocolate chips on top, or make my sugar-free chocolate syrup if I want a richer flavor. Or if I’m feeling lazy, I just toss a handful of chips in with the cereal before mixing.
- Sprinkles – A few sugar-free sprinkles on top make these healthy rice krispie treats feel super fun and party-ready. I press them in gently so they stick once the bars set.
- Honey – When I want a little extra sweetness, I drizzle my sugar-free honey over the top or stir some into the marshmallow mix. It adds a warm, cozy flavor that works with any variation.
More Healthy Snack Ideas
Looking for more easy snack ideas? Here are a few of my favorite healthy ones to keep on hand:
25 Comments
Leslie l Schelp
0Can I use the marshmallow recipe on yum for the rice krispies bars?
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Hi Leslie, I wish, but I don’t think so. My homemade marshmallows tend to melt into a liquid and don’t really set the same way after cooling.
juan
0MAYA, THOSE RICE CRISPIES ARE SOOOO GOOD IF THERE WAS A 100-STAR I WOULD PUT THAT.
Eunice
0What is a good proteins cereal for this recipe?
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Eunice, This is the high protein cereal that I recommend.
shari
0What kind of protein cereal?
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Shari, This is the protein cereal I recommend.
Helene
0I have made this recipe several times using Magic Spoon’s Frosted, Birthday Cake, Cocoa and Cream, and soon with its Maple cereal. I smash or crumble the cereal into chunks. It’s definitely in my list of favorite recipes.
Arden Vaughn
0If I were to use your recipe for homemade sugar-free marshmallows for the Rice Krispie squares how many cups of marshmallows would it make, compared to the 6 cups of ChocZero marshmallows needed for this recipe?
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Hi Arden, Unfortunately I don’t think it would work with the homemade ones, as those don’t melt the way ChocZero’s do.
Arden Vaughn
0In your ingredient substitution you suggest that you could use your homemade sugar-free marshmallows. Instead of melting them couldn’t I just add the already whipped creme into the cereal along with the melted butter and vanilla? If that is possible, would one recipe of your homemade sugar-free marshmallows be equivalent to 6 cups of the ChocZero marshmallows?
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Arden, I have not tried that but please let me know your results.
Betty Conley
0These Rice Krispie treats are fantastic!!! It’s hard to tell the original ones with regular marshmallows with these no sugar treats! The marshmallows from choc zero are great!!! Thanks Maya, for a good recipe!!! I used rice Kristy cereal❤️❤️❤️?
Audrey
0Where do you find rice Kristy cereal at? Thanks!
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Hi Audrey, The one I used is found here.
Andrea Thueson
0Genius! I had never thought of using Protein cereal to make “rise krispie treats” so smart! And they turned out so good!!
Christine
0I happened to have the Marshmallows and cereal on hand, so I said why not? And made this recipe….such incredible goodness! Thank you!
Journa Liz Ramirez
0These rice krispie treats were so good and crunchy! My kids love the gooey texture, such a hit!
Jennifer
0I love rice krispie treats and I love that these are healthier for my family!
Lynn
0Which flavor of protein cereal do you recommend?
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Lynn, I use the frosted flavor for these rice krispie treats.
Sandra
0Do non-stick metal pans work for this recipe?
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Sandra, That should work for you.
Janet Fotino
0This recipe calls for 6 cups of the marshmallows. The link to the bag says 10 oz. How many cups is in this 10 oz bag? I’m pretty sure you’ll need more than one bag to make the recipe.
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Janet, You will need two bags of marshmallows.