Skip the butter and marshmallows and instead enjoy a dairy-free version of a classic! Sticky, crunchy, and folded with chocolate chips, these healthy rice krispies treats are the perfect no-bake dessert!

Some dessert recipes just bring you back to being a kid (like chocolate chip cookies!)- and these healthy rice krispie treats do just that!
The perfect addition to any dessert table, these dairy-free rice krispie treats can be whipped up in a pinch and topped to suit any Holiday.
As a Certified Nutrition Coach, I know that no-bake dessert is perfect for busy moms, no oven, no fuss.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- 100% kid-approved
- Can be customized for the occasion
- Dairy-free and gluten-free
- Made with just 6 ingredients
- Whipped up in under 30 minutes
Ingredients You'll Need
If you have a well-stocked gluten-free pantry you'll have everything you need to make these healthy rice krispie treats!
Crispy rice cereal: instead of using traditional rice krispies, these treats use crispy rice to keep them gluten-free.
Almond butter: adds a dose of healthy fats and helps hold them together. Make sure to use fresh almond butter so that it mixes better! Know that any nut butter will work here.
Honey: no marshmallows are needed for these healthy rice krispie treats! Instead, they use honey to keep them sweet.
Coconut oil: helps the bars stay together more at cooler temperatures.
Brown rice syrup: this syrup is extra tacky which is what helps the rice krispie treats keep their form.
Chocolate chips: use mini chocolate chips so that there's some in each and every bite! And make sure to use an allergy-friendly brand, as needed.
How To Make Them
- Combine the liquid ingredients and heat until just melted or warm.
- Whisk until smooth.
- Pour over the puffed rice.
- Mix in the chocolate chips.
- Press firmly into an 8x8 baking pan.
- Freeze until ready to enjoy.
Step By Step Photos
Important Teaching Tips
Make sure not to heat the liquid ingredients too much (just melted). Otherwise, the nut butter won't mix well.
The fresher the almond butter is the easier it will mix.
Stir in the liquid ingredients and chocolate chips separately or the chocolate chips will melt into the gluten-free mixture.
How To Customize Them
Though rice krispie squares are a classic at Halloween, that's not the only time you can use them!
Below are a few ways to switch up the add-ins for different Holidays.
- Chocolate chips work for any Holiday or celebration
- Christmas - add in red and green sprinkles instead
- Halloween - make the rice krispie treats as is but top them with dairy-free caramel sauce or sub in candied skulls.
- Valentine's Day - use pink glitter sprinkles
- Easter - mix in super mini chocolate eggs
You can also peek these rice krispie treats variations for some new ideas.
Frequently Asked Questions About Healthy Rice Krispie Treats
Traditional rice krispie cereal isn't gluten-free. However, they have come out with a brown rice cereal that is certified gluten-free.
Of course! However, make sure to certify they're gluten-free if needed.
These gluten-free rice krispie treats can be stored in the fridge or the freezer. They taste best if stored in the freezer and left out for 5 minutes before eating.
Other Gluten-Free Dessert Recipes
These no butter rice krispie treats make the perfect addition to the Halloween dessert table (and here are a few fun Halloween costumes for couples!). However, they're not the only option!
Below are a few other delicious, no-bake desserts!
- Chocolate peanut butter protein cups
- Keto chocolate salted fudge
- Fudgy protein brownies
- White chocolate protein truffles
- Candy cane Christmas fudge
- dairy-free hot chocolate
- Healthy chocolate frosting
- Hot chocolate bombs (with video)
- Dairy-free cake balls
- Healthy dessert recipes
Dairy-Free Rice Krispie Treats
Video
Ingredients
- 4 cups crispy rice cereal
- ½ cup smooth almond butter
- ½ cup raw honey
- ¼ cup Brown rice syrup
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- ¼ cup chocolate chips enjoy life brand
Instructions
- Prep and measure your rice puffs.
- In a microwave safe bowl, combine the honey, almond butter, and coconut oil and heat until just melted.
- Whisk the rice syrup into the bowl.
- Pour the wet mixture into the rice puffs and combine until everything is sticky.
- Let cool for 3-5 minutes and add in the chocolate chips. Stir them in.
- Line an 8x8 pan with parchment paper and scoop in the rice krispie mixture.
- Using a second piece of parchment paper, press down until flat and even in the pan.
- Place in the freezer for at least thirty minutes to set.
- Remove from the freezer and cut into nine large squares or twelve smaller ones.
Notes
Disclaimer:
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data"
Nutrition
Helana says
I love this recipe. So easy to make and a lighter take on the real deal!
fitasamamabear says
Easy is crucial in my house!
Taylor says
These definitely aren't the rice krispies I grew up eating, but that's why I love them. They taste like a treat, but leave me feeling nourished and satisfied instead of just gross and overly sweetened. I also feel way better about giving these to my kids because they get a protein boost from the almond butter.
fitasamamabear says
Haha not the ones I grew up with either but definitely a tasty switch! Thanks for giving them a go!
Michelle says
Love this recipe! They satisfy my sweet tooth while also keeping my health goals in check. The use of healthier ingredients doesn't compromise the deliciousness one bit. My kids love them too, which makes me feel even better about serving these as a snack.
fitasamamabear says
It's nice to have something that feels like a balance of indulgence and healthy!
Jane says
Holy cow these are good!! I was looking around for a snack that wouldn't completely blow my diet and found your recipe. These are so good and very easy.
fitasamamabear says
Wahoo!
Angela says
Cooked up a batch of these crispy delights. Fun and Delicious!
fitasamamabear says
Glad you liked them!