With the exact texture and a similar flavor to classic Rice Crispy Treats, this version boasts only 3 ingredients and a natural sweetener. Plus, these Peanut Butter Rice Crispy Treats take only minutes to make AND they’re so super yummy!
Long ago when I was a teenager, we had a well-loved cookbook from a natural foods store in Philly. There was a recipe for crispy brown rice bars that we tried and I’ve always remembered it fondly—and love to make this updated version for my family now.
This recipe is just three simple ingredients and it comes together in minutes. It’s sweet enough but also has a nice mix of other flavors, too.
The texture is that classic chewiness you want in a rice krispie treat, but with a little less sweetness and an easier method. These bars are a great toddler snack or dessert to share. And they work well to make ahead or in the moment, so they’re great as a dessert to share with friends, too.
(You may also like No-Bake Chocolate Granola Bars, Banana Oatmeal Bars, and Strawberry Oatmeal Bars.)
Table of Contents
Homemade Rice Crispy Treats without Marshmallows
This no-bake peanut butter bar recipe relies on brown rice syrup and nut butter to hold them together instead of marshmallows. This means you don’t need to even turn on the stove to make the recipe.
Ingredients You Need
To make this no-bake Peanut Butter Rice Krispie treat recipe, you’ll need to have the following ingredients on hand and ready to go.
- Natural unsweetened peanut butter: I usually use Smucker’s brand.
- Crispy brown rice cereal: Any brand works here. I like to use crispy brown rice cereal in this recipe since I like the flavor and I like that it’s low in added sugar—and has a short ingredient list. You can use traditional Rice Krispies if you prefer.
- Brown rice syrup: Look for brown rice syrup in the sweetener aisle of your store near the sugar and agave syrup. This gives it the best chewy texture and less intense sweetness, so it’s my preference. If you cannot find it, you can substitute in honey.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a look at the simple process to make these peanut butter rice krispie bars. Scroll down to the recipe card for specifics.
- Warm the peanut butter and syrup. (photo 1)
- Add the cereal. (photo 2)
- Mix. (photo 3)
- Press into a parchment-lined pan. Chill. (photo 4)
- Remove from pan with the parchment and slice. (photo 5)
- Enjoy!
What kind of peanut butter is best in this recipe?
I prefer to use natural unsweetened creamy peanut butter in this recipe. The Smucker’s shown above is a good option, as is this one from the Whole Foods store brand. Both options make really delicious no-bake peanut butter bars with just the right amount of crispiness.
What can I use in place of brown rice syrup?
So I try as hard as I can to give substitutions, especially when I know an ingredient may be new to many of you like with brown rice syrup. But this recipe really works best with it—it lends the exact texture of a classic Rice Krispie bar without using marshmallows.
TIP: I can find it in my small town grocery store in the baking aisle near the sugar. A jar is about $4 and will make about two batches of these bars.
Can you freeze Rice Krispie treats?
Yes, you actually can freeze these and they thaw to a very similar consistency. Be sure to wrap really well, removing as much air as you can from the freezer bag, to create a vacuum effect.
How to Store
These bars are best enjoyed on the day they are made but they can last up to 3 days stored in an airtight container. I prefer to store them in the fridge but they are fine at room temperature too—as long as your room temperature isn’t too warm! (If they get too warm, they may be very sticky.)
Best Tips for Success
- Warm the peanut butter and syrup so it’s easy to stir together.
- Use crispy brown rice cereal or Rice Krispies.
- Use brown rice syrup for the best results and texture. You can use honey, but you lose the chewy texture from classic Rice Krispie treats.
- Use unsweetened creamy natural peanut butter.
- Try sunflower seed butter if needed for an allergy-friendly option.
- Let set in the fridge for a bit before slicing
- Add sprinkles if desired.
- You may also like 3-Ingredient Cereal Bars, Soft-Baked Granola Bars, Healthy Breakfast Bars and Easy Oatmeal Bars.
Related Recipes
I’d love to hear what you think of this recipe if you try it so please comment below with feedback!
Peanut Butter Rice Crispy Treats
Ingredients
- 5 cups crisp rice cereal
- 1 cup smooth unsweetened natural peanut butter
- 1 cup brown rice syrup (see Notes for info)
Instructions
- Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two ends (so you can lift out the bars to slice once firm).
- Warm the peanut butter and rice syrup for 15-30 seconds in the microwave or until just warm
- Mix all ingredients together in a bowl with a wooden spoon or spatula.
- Pour into prepared pan and press down evenly.
- Refrigerate for 10-15 minutes. Slice and serve.
Notes
- Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Serve at room temperature or chilled.
- Use Sunbutter if needed for a nut-safe version.
- If you don’t have parchment paper, coat pan with nonstick spray and remove excess with a paper towel.
- Top with sprinkles if desired.
- Look for brown rice syrup near the sweeteners in your grocery store. Or order it on Amazon. It is less overtly sweet and has a lower glycemic index than honey. The main reason to use it is that it makes these have the classic chewy texture we want in a rice crispy treat. You can use honey, but you lose some of that texture. One jar makes two batches.
These were so delicious and easy. Will definitely make these again (and again)!
Do these freeze well?
I suspect the cereal could get soft during the freezing and thawing. That’s my best guess!
I’ve been wanting rice crispy treats and then found your recipe. What a great alternative and so easy! The whole family loves them! We will be making these again. Thank you!
Can these be made with puffed rice cereal instead of crisp?
Yes, though they will lose their crispness fast and may taste stale pretty soon after. So if you do this, try to enjoy them right away.
I know I made these before and loved them, but I feel like I added mini chocolate chips to them. I can’t remember for sure though – do you think that would work?
I think that would work fine!
Can this be made with almond butter (natural 100%)?
I would think so though I haven’t tried it so I can’t say for sure!
Can I use maple? Its difficult to find rice syrup in kuwait
These really work best with the rice syrup, but I have other bar recipes without it!
Can you substitute the brown rice syrup with anything else?
It works best since it’s naturally sticky. My small town regular grocery store now carries it and it’s about $4 a jar. You could ask yours if you haven’t seen it!