These Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Breakfast Bars are a recreation of classic Rice Krispie Treats that you can make-ahead for a quick breakfast or snack! Packed with coconut flakes, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and no baking required, everyone will love these bars!
Of course you remember the Rice Krispie bars in the blue packages that my mom would never buy for me. Now that I’m an “adult”, I get why she wouldn’t.
But as an “adult”, I’ve also learned that I can make my own Rice Krispie Bars, and not feel so bad about what’s inside. Welcome to the party, Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Breakfast Bars!
What are the ingredients in these Rice Krispie Breakfast Bars?
When I was thinking about these bars, I tried to keep it simple and lower the sugar so these bars could definitely be enjoyed as a part of any breakfast with no worries.
I also added my favorite mix-ins (already in my pantry!) for a customized breakfast bar full of good stuff. Here are the ingredients in these Rice Krispie Breakfast Bars:
- crispy brown rice – I opted for plain crispy brown rice instead of classic Rice Krispies because this reduces the sugar! Look for crispy rice with rice as the only ingredient. This is NOT puffed rice!
- maple syrup – This is my sweetener of choice because I just love how the flavors work with peanut butter. I have not tested with honey but that would work as well.
- coconut oil – Coconut oil hardens when it’s chilled, so a couple tablespoons helps keep these bars together.
- dried cranberries – If you can find unsweetened, grab those! I’ll try to get the reduced sugar Craisins if there other options.
- sunflower kernels – Adding some seeds to the mix is a great way to add healthy fats and protein to the Rice Krispie Breakfast Bars.
- unsweetened coconut flakes – Adds crunch, flavor and a little more uniqueness to your morning breakfast bars.
What is brown crispy rice? Can I just use Rice Krispies?
If you’re looking for a substitute for Rice Krispies, plain crispy brown rice cereal is a great option. It’s basically the same style of rice as Rice Krispies, but with less added sugar and other ingredients.
Look for brands with only brown rice in the ingredients list if you want to keep the sugar down. Some brands of brown crispy rice use fruit juice to sweeten, which would also work for this recipe.
Make sure it has the word “crisp” or “crispy” in the title! You don’t want to accidentally buy puffed brown rice. That is not the same thing. Your bars will be soggy and sad.
Using classic Rice Krispies will work, but the bars may be a bit sweeter than the original recipe due to the added sugar in the cereal. This is not my recommendation but I do think the bars would still turn out delicious.
How do you make these Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Breakfast Bars?
First, add the peanut butter, maple syrup, and coconut oil to a medium pot. Heat over low for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth. Remove the pan from heat.
(Now is when you’d stir in the Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides if you’re adding them!)
Once the PB/maple syrup mixture is warmed and combined, add the rest of the ingredients to the pot. This includes the crispy brown rice, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and dried coconut flakes.
Mix everything together until there’s PB coating all the goods, then pour it all into an 8×8 baking dish lined with parchment paper.
Use a flat spatula or the back of a measuring cup flatten the mixture into the baking dish. Chill for about 40 minutes, then cut into 12 bars!
Will almond butter work in place of the peanut butter?
I have not tested this, however I do think a drippy almond butter would work in place of peanut butter for these bars.
How can I customize these Rice Krispie Breakfast Bars?
Here are a few ways you can change these bars to make them your own:
- Change up the add-ins: play around with dried fruits, nuts and seeds
- CAUTION: Don’t try chia seeds – the way they mess around with moisture levels made these bars lose their crisp overnight when I tested this!
- Try almond butter instead of peanut butter!
- Feel free to cut only 8 or 10 if you want bigger portions.
How long do these Rice Krispie Breakfast Bars last?
These Rice Krispie Breakfast Bars will last up to 7 days in a sealed container in the refrigerator.
Can you freeze these Rice Krispie Breakfast Bars?
Yes! You can freeze these bars with no problems. Let them thaw for 10-15 minutes before eating for best texture.
More easy breakfast recipes from Project Meal Plan:
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Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Breakfast Bars
These Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Breakfast Bars are a recreation of classic Rice Krispie Treats that you can make-ahead for an on-the-go breakfast or snack! Packed with coconut flakes, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and sweetened with maple syrup, everyone will love these bars!
- Total Time40 minutes
- Yield12 bars 1x
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup natural creamy peanut butter
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons virgin coconut oil
- 2 cups crispy brown rice cereal
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries (reduced or no sugar if possible)
- 1/4 cup sunflower kernels
- 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt (if your PB is unsalted)
Instructions
- Make the mixture: Line an 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper. Add the peanut butter, maple syrup, and coconut oil to a medium pot. Place over low heat, stirring constantly, for about 2 minutes, or until the mixture is smooth. Remove the pan from heat. Add the rest of the ingredients to the pot, including crispy brown rice cereal, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and dried coconut flakes. Mix everything together until the peanut butter mixture is evenly dispersed.
- Press and chill: Pour the mixture into the prepared 8×8 baking dish. Use a flat spatula or the back of a measuring cup to flatten the mixture into the baking dish, especially into the corners. Chill in the fridge for about 40 minutes, then cut into 12 bars and enjoy. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
Notes
Optional protein addition: Add 1/2 cup Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides after melting the peanut butter and maple syrup together to add a little protein! This is a flavorless protein powder that dissolves in warm mixtures. Nutrition information estimated with My Fitness Pal.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfasts
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 188
- Sugar: 7g
- Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
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