Rice and Peanut Butter Bars

Looking for a delicious and healthy snack? These Rice and Peanut Butter Bars are the perfect treat! Made with puffed rice, creamy almond butter, honey, and a touch of chocolate, these no-bake bars are easy to make and satisfy your sweet cravings. They are dairy-free, customizable, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, dessert, or meal prep option, these peanut butter rice bars are a great choice. The chocolate drizzle on top adds a perfect finishing touch!

Ingredients:

• 3 cups puffed rice
• ⅓ cup honey
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• ¾ cup creamy almond butter (no added sugar)
• ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup diced peanuts
• ⅓ cup chopped dairy-free chocolate chips

Chocolate Topping:

• ½ cup dairy-free chocolate chips
• ½ tablespoon coconut oil

Instructions:

1. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.
2. Pour the puffed rice into a large mixing bowl.
3. In a small saucepan, melt the coconut oil over medium-low heat. Once melted, add the almond butter and honey. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
4. Pour the peanut butter mixture over the puffed rice and stir gently with a rubber spatula until the rice is well coated.
5. Transfer the puffed rice and peanut butter mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use the spatula to press it down firmly, ensuring an even layer.
6. Sprinkle the diced peanuts and chopped dairy-free chocolate chips over the top, then press them gently into the mixture.
7. For the chocolate topping, combine the dairy-free chocolate chips and coconut oil in a small microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
8. Drizzle the melted chocolate evenly over the bars, back-and-forth, until the chocolate is completely used up.
9. Place the pan in the freezer for about one hour to set.
10. Once chilled, remove the bars from the pan using the parchment paper, and allow them to sit for a few minutes before slicing.
11. Cut the bars into 8 equal pieces and enjoy!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Rice and Peanut Butter Bars are the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and crunchy! With puffed rice, creamy almond butter, and rich chocolate, this no-bake treat satisfies your cravings while providing a healthier alternative to traditional dessert bars. They’re dairy-free, customizable, and easy to make, making them an excellent option for snacks, dessert, or meal prep. Plus, the chocolate drizzle adds a decadent finishing touch!

Tips

• Press Firmly: When transferring the mixture into the pan, make sure to press it down well with a spatula to ensure the bars hold together once chilled.
• Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or keep them in the freezer for longer shelf life.
• Let It Set: Be patient while the bars set in the freezer. This helps them firm up and makes them easier to slice.

Variations and Substitutions

• Nut Butter: If you don’t have almond butter, feel free to substitute with peanut butter or cashew butter for a different flavor.
• Sweeteners: You can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan option.
• Add-ins: Customize your bars by adding other ingredients like dried fruit (raisins, cranberries) or seeds (chia, sunflower) for extra texture and nutrients.
• Chocolate Chips: If you’re not dairy-free, you can use regular chocolate chips or even dark chocolate for a richer taste.

FAQs

Can I use rice cereal instead of puffed rice?
Yes! You can substitute puffed rice with crispy rice cereal for a similar texture.

Can I make these bars without a freezer?
For best results, the freezer is recommended as it helps the bars firm up quickly. However, you can refrigerate them for a few hours to achieve a similar result.

Are these bars suitable for vegans?
Yes, these bars are naturally vegan as long as you use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey and ensure you use dairy-free chocolate chips.

Serving Suggestions

These Rice and Peanut Butter Bars are a perfect snack or dessert on their own, but you can elevate them by pairing with:

• A glass of dairy-free milk for a classic treat
• Fresh fruit, such as berries or banana slices, for added freshness
• A scoop of non-dairy ice cream for an indulgent dessert

These bars are great for packing in lunchboxes, enjoying after workouts, or sharing at a party!