Peanut Butter and Berry Crispy Treats
Whether you’re craving a quick pick-me-up or a fun dessert, these flavorful treats will hit the spot.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup peanut butter*
- ⅓ cup honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ to 3 cups crispy rice cereal**
- 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries, lightly crushed and divided
Instructions
- Line an 8 x 8-inch pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a large microwave-safe mixing bowl, add the peanut butter. Microwave for about 50 seconds to soften it, making it easier to mix.
- Add the honey and vanilla extract to the softened peanut butter, and mix until well blended. Add the crispy rice cereal and heaping ½ cup of freeze-dried strawberries to the bowl. Gently stir to combine, being careful not to crush the cereal.
- Transfer the mixture into the parchment-lined pan. Use a spatula or your hands to flatten it out evenly among the bottom perimeter. Sprinkle the remaining crushed dehydrated strawberries over the top, and press with your fingers to set them into the mix.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or freeze) to firm up. Remove from the fridge, slice into 16 pieces (4 rows across and 4 rows down), and enjoy!
Notes
* If there are peanut allergies in your household, you can substitute peanut butter with almond butter, cashew butter, soy nut butter, sunflower butter, or tahini. Microwave the alternative nut butter to ensure it’s soft and creamy enough to mix with the other ingredients.
** For a healthier option, try to find a “brown rice” crispy cereal at the grocery store. If it’s not available, Rice Krispies will work just fine.
Recipe adjustments
• If you like a crispier treat, after stirring in the first 2½ cups cereal, add more cereal, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. For a chewier treat, stick with the recommended 2½ cups cereal.
Swapping maple syrup for honey: You can use maple syrup, but it’s slightly thinner/less sticky than honey—so the treats may set up softer. To help them hold together: try adding a touch more peanut butter (1 to 2 extra Tbsp) to compensate for the thinner consistency, and press the mixture very firmly into the pan. Also, chill longer before cutting (fridge for 30-60 minutes, or freeze 20–30 minutes). Be sure to use pure maple syrup and not pancake syrup blends. *For the firmest squares, stick with honey.
Storage tips
• Store these treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Or, you can wrap the treats individually and place them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze 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!
Dietary considerations
• If you’re following a gluten-free diet, be sure to carefully read the packaging for each ingredient (especially the crispy rice cereal). While these foods are inherently gluten-free, gluten can sometimes be added during processing for a variety of reasons, including for flavor and consistency.
• If you’re following a vegan diet, use maple syrup or date syrup instead of honey.
Nutrition information
• Whether you use 2½ cups or 3 cups cereal, nutrition information stays the same per square
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.