Nutty Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Energy Bars
These Nutty Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Energy Bars are a delightful, lower-fat treat perfect for both kids and adults. With the creamy texture of reduced-fat peanut butter paired with the crunch of Rice Krispies and oats, these bars provide the energy boost needed for a busy day. They're an ideal option for lunch boxes, snacks on the go, or a sweet treat to satisfy your cravings without the guilt. Feel free to customize your bars by swapping in your favorite add-ins such as chopped nuts, sunflower seeds, or shredded coconut instead of raisins. Packed with wholesome ingredients, they are sure to become a family favorite!
16
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Rice Krispies
1 1/2 cups (Measure out and add to the mixing bowl.)
Quick-cooking oats
1 1/2 cups (Measure out and add to the mixing bowl.)
Brown sugar
1/2 cup, packed (Measure and pack firmly before adding to the saucepan.)
Light corn syrup or honey
1/2 cup (Measure out and add to the saucepan.)
Reduced-fat peanut butter
1/2 cup (Have ready to stir into the saucepan mixture.)
Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (Measure out and be ready to mix in.)
Dark raisins
1/2 cup (Measure out and add to the mixing bowl.)
Mini chocolate chips
1/3 cup (Refrigerate or freeze before mixing in for better results.)
Instructions
1
Begin by lightly greasing an 11 x 7-inch baking dish. If you prefer thinner bars, you can use a 13 x 9-inch dish.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the Rice Krispies cereal, quick-cooking oats, and dark raisins (or any desired substitutes).
3
In a medium saucepan, combine the light corn syrup (or honey) and packed brown sugar. Stir the mixture over medium heat until it reaches a gentle boil, ensuring the sugar dissolves completely.
4
Once boiling, promptly remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the reduced-fat peanut butter and vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined, creating a smooth and creamy texture.
5
Pour the warm peanut butter mixture over the dry ingredients in the mixing bowl. Quickly fold everything together until evenly coated, ensuring all dry ingredients are incorporated.
6
If using mini chocolate chips, sprinkle them in now and mix thoroughly; note that the mixture will begin to harden quickly, so work swiftly.
7
Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish. With slightly damp hands, press the mixture down evenly to form a compact layer.
8
While the mixture is still soft, use a sharp knife to slice it into the desired size bars, making it easier to separate once chilled.
9
Refrigerate the bars for at least 1 hour, or until firm, before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Nutty Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Energy Bars?
They are a delightful, lower-fat snack made with Rice Krispies, oats, peanut butter, and raisins, providing a healthy energy boost.
Are these energy bars suitable for children?
Yes, these bars are kid-friendly and make an excellent addition to lunch boxes or as an after-school snack.
Can I use honey instead of corn syrup?
Yes, honey can be used as a direct substitute for light corn syrup in this recipe.
Is baking required for this recipe?
No, this is a no-bake recipe; the bars set in the refrigerator.
What kind of peanut butter should I use?
The recipe recommends reduced-fat peanut butter for a lower-fat option, but regular creamy peanut butter works as well.
Can I use regular oats instead of quick-cooking oats?
Quick-cooking oats are preferred for texture, but old-fashioned oats can be used if you don't mind a chewier consistency.
How should I store these energy bars?
Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them firm and fresh.
Can I swap raisins for something else?
Absolutely. You can substitute raisins with chopped nuts, sunflower seeds, or shredded coconut.
Are these energy bars gluten-free?
They can be gluten-free if you ensure your Rice Krispies and oats are certified gluten-free.
How long do they need to refrigerate before serving?
The bars should be refrigerated for at least 1 hour, or until they are firm.
Can I use a larger baking dish for thinner bars?
Yes, you can use a 13 x 9-inch dish if you prefer your energy bars to be thinner.
What size baking dish is recommended for standard bars?
An 11 x 7-inch baking dish is recommended for standard thickness bars.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 16 servings.
Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Yes, chopped nuts can be added to the dry mixture or used as a substitute for raisins.
Why should I use damp hands to press the mixture?
Using slightly damp hands prevents the sticky peanut butter and syrup mixture from adhering to your skin.
Can I add shredded coconut?
Yes, shredded coconut is a great add-in option to customize the flavor.
Are these bars high in fat?
No, they are designed as a lower-fat treat by using reduced-fat peanut butter and wholesome grains.
When should I add the mini chocolate chips?
Sprinkle them in after the warm peanut butter mixture is combined with the dry ingredients, but before the mixture hardens.
Why should I slice them while the mixture is still soft?
Slicing them while soft makes it much easier to separate the individual bars once they have fully chilled and hardened.
Can I use sunflower seeds?
Yes, sunflower seeds are a recommended alternative for those who want extra crunch without using raisins.
Is this recipe quick to make?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick and easy recipe that involves simple stovetop melting and mixing.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Yes, crunchy peanut butter can be used if you prefer more texture in your bars.
What is the texture of these bars?
These bars have a creamy texture from the peanut butter combined with a crunch from the cereal and oats.
Are these good for breakfast?
Yes, they are suitable for breakfast on the go as they provide energy from oats and peanut butter.
Can I use dark corn syrup?
Yes, you can use dark corn syrup, though it will give the bars a slightly deeper, more robust flavor.
What if I don't have vanilla extract?
The bars will still set and taste good without it, though the vanilla adds a nice depth of flavor.
Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, these bars freeze well. Store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
Are these bars chewy or crunchy?
They are a perfect balance of both—chewy from the syrup and oats, and crunchy from the Rice Krispies.
Can I leave out the chocolate chips?
Yes, the mini chocolate chips are optional and the bars are delicious without them.
How do I prevent the mixture from sticking to the pan?
Be sure to lightly grease your baking dish before transferring the mixture into it.