These Honey Rice Krispie Treats are the easy, no-bake dessert you’ll make on repeat; no marshmallows, no butter, and still soft and chewy. Sweetened with honey and packed with chocolate chips, they’re the ultimate “just one more piece” treat.
I love this recipe. So easy to make and a lighter take on the real deal!-Helana
A Quick Look At The Recipe
- ⏲️Ready In: 40 Minutes
- 👪Serves: 9 squares
- 🍽 Calories and Protein: 238 kcals and 4 grams of protein
- 📋Main Ingredients: crispy rice cereal, almond butter, brown rice syrup, and raw honey.
- 📖 Dietary Notes: Dairy-free and gluten-free
- ⭐ Why You'll Love It: The combination of honey + brown rice syrup creates the perfect sticky-chewy texture without marshmallows, bringing you a delicious crunchy bite each time.
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Some desserts instantly bring you back to being a kid (like healthy almond flour cookies!), and these honey rice krispie treats totally have that same nostalgic magic. Except this version is made without marshmallows, naturally sweetened with honey, and still comes out soft and chewy (not rock-hard like some homemade bars can be).
They’re the perfect quick treat for holidays, parties, or lunchbox cravings, especially paired on a dessert table with this date snickers recipe. And as a busy mom, I love that they’re a true no-bake win. You can easily tweak them to be nut-free/school-safe as well!
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💭Why You'll Love This Recipe
Kid-approved: The honey and almond butter combo is sweet and delicious; kids love it.
Versatile: Just like the classic version, this recipe can be adjusted to suit any occasion.
Healthier: Replacing traditional marshmallows with honey as the sweetener and adding a dose of healthy fats makes this recipe a healthier version of the original.
Minimal ingredients: You only need 6 ingredients for the healthy rice krispie squares to come together.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Cereal: Though classic Rice Krispies can be used, if you want a healthier and gluten-free version (which is what we prefer), use crispy rice cereal (we use it to make chocolate peanut butter crunch bars, too).
- Almond butter: Fresh almond butter is needed for the recipe so that it blends into a smooth texture.
- Coconut oil: This is what will hold the bars together once they've been chilled, so another oil won't work.
- Brown rice syrup: This syrup is extra tacky, which is what helps the almond butter rice krispie treats keep their form. If you don't have it, coconut syrup or extra honey can be used in it's palce.
- 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.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Flavor Variations
Though rice krispie squares are a classic at Halloween (and here are a few fun Halloween costumes for couples!), that's not the only time of year you can use them. Below are a few ways to switch them up for specific holidays.
- Christmas: Add in red and green sprinkles instead of chocolate chips.
- Halloween: Make the rice krispie treats as is, but top them with coconut milk 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 at these rice krispie treats variations for some new ideas. We tend to make protein rice krispies a lot, too).
How To Make Honey Krispie Treats
Step 1: Combine the liquid ingredients and heat until just melted or warm. Whisk until smooth.
Step 2: Pour over the cereal.
Step 3: Mix in the chocolate chips.
Step 4: Press firmly into an 8x8 baking pan.
Step 5: Freeze until ready to enjoy.
Step 6: Assemble and serve!
Expert Tips
Make sure not to heat the liquid ingredients too much (just melted). Otherwise, the nut butter won't mix well.
Stir in the liquid ingredients and chocolate chips separately, or the chocolate chips will melt into the cereal mixture.
Make the honey rice krispie squares nut-free by replacing almond butter with sunflower seed butter.
Store the squares in an airtight container with layers separated by pieces of parchment paper in the fridge for up to 5 days or the freezer for up to 2 months. If they're in the freezer, let them come to room temperature before serving.
Honey Rice Krispie Treats FAQs
Yes, you can make rice krispie treats without marshmallows. Instead, use a combination of honey, nut butter, and coconut oil to create a sticky texture that holds together.
Though classic Rice Krispies squares are made with Rice Krispies cereal, you can instead use crispy rice cereal, which has a similar texture but is gluten-free.
Honey is not safe for babies under 12 months of age, but has been said to be safe for toddlers in moderate amounts. As always, double-check the guidelines with your pediatrician.
More No-bake Dessert Recipes You'll Love
If you tried this Honey Rice Krispie Treats Recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes!
Honey Rice Krispie Treats
Video
Ingredients
- 4 cups crispy rice cereal
- ½ cup almond butter fresh and smooth
- ½ cup honey natural blends best
- 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!