Reading Time: 3 minutesMy youngest daughter is a twelve-year-old dancer who spends on average around ten to twelve hours a week at her studio. Needless to say, I am often in the kitchen preparing snacks that will help keep her fueled between classes. One of her favorite snacks right now (okay, I confess, it’s one of our favorites), is this gluten-free “healthier” version of Rice Krispies treats.
Regular store-bought treats (the Kellogg’s boxed treats you’re all familiar with) contain artificial ingredients that you and your kids simply don’t need in your diet, and Kellogg’s Rice Krispies typically contain significantly lower quantities of fiber, iron, calcium, and protein than healthier rice cereals. This homemade version of these classic treats is better for you and guaranteed to hit the spot when you and your kids need an extra energy boost on hard workout days.
Rice Krispies Treats ingredients as listed on the Kellogg’s website.
Note: These bars are delicious, but they do contain more calories than the store-bought Kellogg’s Rice Krispies bars, so be sure to pace yourself and eat only one bar at a time! These are great for the occasional treat during off-Challenge times, for post-workout snacks for active people, or for an easy healthier holiday dessert to share.
Gluten-Free "Rice Krispies" Cacao Energy Bars
This homemade version of these classic treats is better for you and guaranteed to hit the spot when you and your kids need an extra energy boost on hard workout days.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup nut butter of your choice
- 1/4 to 1/3 cup coconut nectar
- 1/3 cup organic cacao powder with maca use regular cocoa powder if that’s what you have
- 1/3 cup chopped hazelnuts
- 1/4 cup coconut oil melted
- 3 tbsps ground flax seed
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- Dash of red pepper flakes optional, for those of you who like a little hot spice
- 4 cups rice crisp cereal be sure to check the ingredients or look for a compliant puffed rice cereal as an alternative
Instructions
-
Heat nut butter, coconut nectar, cacao powder, coconut oil, cinnamon, and salt either in the microwave or in a pan on the stove-top.
-
In a large bowl, add the rice crisps, hazelnuts, flax seed, and red pepper flakes if using them.
-
Stir in the melted liquid ingredients and mix well.
-
Pour into a coconut-oiled baking pan and press down evenly.
-
Refrigerate until hard enough to slice into bars. Slice into whatever size is fitting for your nutritional goals.
-
Keep refrigerated in a sealed container.
Recipe Notes
This recipe is only compliant on Kickstart and should only be eaten as an occasional treat. During off-Challenge periods it makes for a good post-workout snack.
