Remember when I mentioned how once upon a time I tried to health-ify every recipe? Luckily I learned my lesson and left some things well enough alone because swapping out every ingredient would leave dishes resembling nothing of the original. However, every once in a blue moon you find a nutritionally-improved combo that totally works. You know, one that really tastes like what you are shooting for. In this case, that is this version of a Rice Krispy Treat.
I made them and they were SO spot on delicious. I figured there was a little wiggle room to play with the recipe, so I did. I wasn’t shooting for vegan so I used real butter instead of oil and since I have an unquenchable desire to add chia seeds to everything, I added them too.
I chose to use coconut nectar instead of brown rice syrup because I have a penchant for experimenting with new ingredients.
It worked.
These gems would be perfect for a centerpiece at a holiday table or just an addition to the dessert table anywhere.
In short, make them. They are easy. Your kids will like them. And if you hate coconut, have no fear. These don’t really taste coconutty at all.
They are, however, soft, chewy and delicious. I enjoyed eating several myself, along with all the uneven sides I cut off while making them. And for some reason I thought you’d need photographic proof of that claim soooooo….. here you go.
Ok, ok I just wanted to show off that I actually dried my hair.
Let’s just focus on these beauties!
Coconut & Chia Crispy Rice Treats
- Yield: 9 bars 1x
Description
The soft, chewy, gluten-free treats are reminiscent of the original Rice Crispy treat, but packed with sweet flavor from real ingredients.
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup coconut nectar
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/3 cup chia seeds
- 4 cups brown rice crisp cereal
Instructions
- Combine the butter and coconut nectar in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil for one minute, then remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
- Pour the cereal and chia seeds into a large mixing bowl and stir to combine.
- Pour in the boiled mixture and stir until well coated.
- Line a 9-inch baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking, then spread the mixture in the pan. Use an additional piece of parchment paper over the top of the cereal and then pack the cereal into the pan. You can use a grill press to help make sure it is packed in tightly.
- Place the bars into the freezer to cool for 45 minutes, then remove the parchment from the pan, slice and serve.
- Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- *You could easily make these your own by adding cocoa nibs, peanut butter chips or using cocoa crispy rice cereal. Play around with any number of combinations!
Brynn says
Love the addition if chia seeds! Can’t wait to give these a try.
alex says
Super smart, my kid will never know I am feeding him something healthy!
Vanessa says
Yum!! I love rice Krispy treats. I have that sane brand of coconut aminos but have never tried the nectar. Does that add sweetness as well as the “glue” of the treats?
Brittany Dixon says
Exactly! I tried it with both brown rice syrup and coconut nectar and preferred the nectar. It’s pretty sticky, but makes it feel authentic.
Joanna @Makingmine says
I was hoping you’d say there were SUPER coconut-y so my husband wouldn’t want any, haha! Looks like I’ll have to share 🙂
Brittany Dixon says
Ha! Add in some coconut flakes and coconut oil and that ought to keep him away 😉
Farah says
Oh yum! Those look better than the rice krispie treats that come in the shiny blue package! And your hair does look great:)
Brittany Dixon says
Ah, thank you! I certainly was fishing for compliments. Thanks for biting 😉
Sam @ PancakeWarriors says
oh bless im going to make these asap! I haven’t had a rice Krispy treat in so long Bc of marshmallow being bon-vegetarian. Thanks so much I’m super excited!
Marjorie @APinchOfHealthy says
These look so good! I share your chia seed addiction. After I read about how awesome they are nutritionally, I throw them in on everything. 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
The chia seeds are a fabulous addition!
Katie Harding says
These are brilliant! I can’t wait to make these and trick my little ones into eating something “healthy” hehe.
Lindsey @ Simply Lindsey says
I loveeeee rice crispy treats! I would make them more often if it weren’t for how much butter the recipe calls for. I’ll have to try this healthier recipe soon!!
Tracy says
Yum! And since I looove coconut and want to taste it…I’m thinking coconut oil instead of butter and add some shredded coconut!
Brittany Dixon says
Oh yeah, that sounds amazing!
Kathy says
Those look awesome. I have never heard of Coconut Nectar and I can never find brown rice syrup. What part of the grocery store should I look for these two beauties? Or what other substitution could I use for that? Pure maple syrup?
Brittany Dixon says
I found them in the baking aisle near the agave and other sugars/substitutes. I had to go to Whole Foods and our local health store (Healthy Home Market) to find them though. It you aren’t near a health store, I’d check Amazon or a similar online store so you don’t waste time searching grocery stores like I did 😉
Danica @ It's Progression says
The next time I grocery shop I’ll be on the hunt for coconut nectar!! I’ve never had that before. I’m assuming Whole Foods will have it though.
Kelli H (Made in Sonoma) says
YUMO! I love that there aren’t any marshmallows in them. I’m totally making these and adding some coconut shreds.
Erin @ Her Heartland Soul says
These sound fabulous! Yum!
Parita @ myinnershakti says
YUM! These sound so good. I may have to add coconut nectar to this week’s shopping list.
Sarah B says
I add sunflower, flax and pumpkin seeds to ‘healthify’ my crispies! Makes me feel slightly better about all the chocolate, butter and golden syrup I use in mine!
★★★
Brittany Dixon says
Ohhh what is golden syrup?! And is it possible to unrate it? I’m all about people rating honestly if they’ve tried it but don’t want to dissuade people with a false rating! Sorry to be a pain!
Sarah B says
And somehow I managed to rate the recipe totally randomly! Sorry. That’s called trying to multi task whilst breastfeeding! Oops.
Alex @ get big, go to work says
These rice crispy treats bring on some serious nostalgia. My mom would make rice crispies at least once a week as an afternoon snack when we’d roll in the door from school. I love this unique take.
Matt says
Looks delicious!