Peanut Butter and Berry Crispy Treats
Just five ingredients and 10 minutes of prep—these no-bake treats skip the marshmallows and butter and get a fruity boost from freeze-dried strawberries. Think PB&J in a crispy-chewy form. Keep a stash in the fridge, or enjoy them straight from the freezer like we do!
Ingredients
- ¾ cup peanut butter*
- ⅓ cup honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups crispy rice cereal**
- 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries, lightly crushed and divided
Instructions
- Line an 8 x 8-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving a few inches hanging over two opposite sides. This “sling” lets you lift the whole slab out for clean, easy cutting. Set aside.
- Lightly crush the freeze-dried strawberries. Place them in a zip-top bag and gently press with your hands or tap with a rolling pin until they’re broken into small pieces. Aim for pea-size bits, not powder. Measure out a heaping ½ cup for the mix and set the rest aside for the top.
- Add the peanut butter to a large microwave-safe mixing bowl. You’ll be folding the cereal and strawberries into this same bowl, so the extra room lets you mix gently without crushing anything or spilling it over the sides. Microwave for 30 seconds, stir, then microwave in 10- to 15-second bursts until it’s soft, smooth, and easy to stir. This usually takes about 50 seconds total. You want it warm and loose, not bubbling hot.
- Right away, while the peanut butter is still warm, add the honey and vanilla extract. Stir until completely smooth and well blended, with no streaks of honey. Add the crispy rice cereal and fold gently with a spatula until every piece is evenly coated. Fold rather than stir hard so you don’t crush the cereal. Then gently fold in the heaping ½ cup of strawberries.
- Transfer the mixture to the parchment-lined pan and spread it into an even layer, all the way into the corners. Now press down firmly. This step secures the shape and density, and it’s what makes the squares hold together instead of crumbling when you cut them. For the best results, lay a sheet of parchment over the top and press hard with your hands or the flat bottom of a measuring cup or drinking glass. Pay extra attention to the edges and corners. A lightly misted spatula or lightly misted hands also work without sticking.
- Remove the top sheet and sprinkle the remaining strawberries evenly over the surface. Lay the parchment back on top and press again so the berries set into the mix and don’t fall off when you slice.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or freeze for 15 to 20 minutes, until firm. Use the parchment sling to lift the slab onto a cutting board. Slice into 16 squares (4 rows across and 4 rows down) with a sharp knife while still cold, and enjoy!
Notes
* Peanut Butter Tips: Creamy, no-stir peanut butter gives the firmest, most reliable squares. Natural peanut butter works too. Just stir it very well first so the oil is fully mixed back in. Oily, drippy peanut butter can make the treats softer.
For a peanut-free version, swap in almond butter or cashew butter. For a completely nut-free version, use sunflower seed butter, soy nut butter, or tahini (sesame seed paste). Warm any alternative butter in the microwave the same way, so it’s soft and creamy enough to mix. ** Crispy Rice Cereal Tips: For a healthier option, look for a “brown rice” crispy cereal at the grocery store. If you can’t find one, Rice Krispies will work just fine.
For a peanut-free version, swap in almond butter or cashew butter. For a completely nut-free version, use sunflower seed butter, soy nut butter, or tahini (sesame seed paste). Warm any alternative butter in the microwave the same way, so it’s soft and creamy enough to mix. ** Crispy Rice Cereal Tips: For a healthier option, look for a “brown rice” crispy cereal at the grocery store. If you can’t find one, Rice Krispies will work just fine.
- Recipe adjustments: This version sticks with 2½ cups of cereal. The freeze-dried strawberries add extra dry volume, and more cereal can leave the mixture too dry to hold together. The berries scattered on top add plenty of extra crunch.
- Swapping maple syrup for honey: You can use maple syrup, but it’s slightly thinner and less sticky than honey, so the treats may set up softer. To help them hold together, add a touch more peanut butter (1 to 2 extra tablespoons) and press the mixture very firmly into the pan. Chill longer before cutting, either 30 to 60 minutes in the fridge or 20 to 30 minutes in the freezer. Be sure to use pure maple syrup, not pancake syrup blends. For the firmest squares, stick with honey.
- Refrigerate: Store these treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Keep them chilled. At room temperature, the peanut butter and honey soften, and the squares turn softer, stickier, and may lose their shape. If you’re packing one for a lunchbox or snack on the go, it will hold up fine for a few hours. The strawberries are crunchiest in the first few days and soften to a chewy, jammy bite after that—both delicious!
- Freeze: Wrap the treats individually and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Let them thaw in the fridge before serving, or enjoy them straight from the freezer. We love them both ways in my house: chewy from the fridge, or firm and crunchy from the freezer!
- Gluten-free: Read the packaging carefully for each ingredient, especially the crispy rice cereal. These foods are naturally gluten-free, but gluten can sometimes be added during processing for flavor, consistency, or other reasons.
- Dairy-free: These treats are naturally dairy-free. There’s no butter, milk, or marshmallows. As always, check the labels on your cereal and peanut butter (or nut butter) to be sure.
- Vegan: Use maple syrup or date syrup instead of honey.
Nutrition Information per serving
Calories: 110Carbohydrates: 12gProtein: 3gTotal Fat: 6g— Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g— Saturated Fat: 4.5gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 85mgFiber: 1gTotal Sugar: 7g— Natural Sugar: 1g— Added Sugar: 6g
Nutrition information is calculated using a leading industry software. That being said, brands can vary, and there may be slight fluctuations in the numbers.