There’s something very unappealing about biting into a gooey Rice Krispie. And while I remember them from my childhood, they are not something I have had in years. So far that is. This homemade, healthy Rice Krispie recipe is a new favorite in our house.
Rice Krispie treats from the store are often a little hard and don’t taste fresh. You’ll find ingredients like corn syrup, GMO soybean oil, artificial flavors, and acetylated monoglycerides… whatever. And many homemade Rice Krispies treats, while they taste great, are not very healthy.
Improved Recipe for Rice Krispies Treats
One of the questions I get all the time is how to use my marshmallows recipe to make Rice Krispie treats. And honestly that’s not something I’ve ever tried. For years my family avoided grains as I was in the healing phase. Now that grains are back in my diet from time to time, that means I’ve been experimenting with grain-based recipes.
Of course, this doesn’t mean I eat glyphosate covered, artificially fortified white flour all the time. It’s about balance, but I still choose healthy options when I can. So in this recipe that means the name of the product (or store type) rice crispy cereal is out. I used sprouted brown rice grains instead.
Yes, it’s still grain and not as nutritious as grass-fed beef, but I’m fine with eating it occasionally. Sprouted grains are easy for our body to digest. This cereal is natural, non-GMO, and sweetened with just a touch of coconut sugar. I’ve linked to the brand I used in the recipe below, but you can also use organic rice grains from your local grocery store if that’s all they have.
Homemade Marshmallows
My base marshmallow recipe is sweetened with honey instead of sugar. They feature healthy, grass-fed gelatin and real marshmallow root for added gut-healing benefits. I’ve experimented over the years with variations like elderberry, matcha, and hibiscus rose marshmallows.
The marshmallow part of the Rice Krispie treat recipe is very similar, but you don’t have to press them into the pan and let them start first. After mixing the marshmallow mixture, simply add it to the melted butter and add the cereal.
Homemade Rice Krispie Treats Change
The kids and I love this recipe just the way it is. In fact, the first time I made a batch the kids devoured them within minutes! However, you can also add ingredients if you want a different taste.
Try sprinkling coarse sea salt on top for a deliciously salty treat. Or drizzle the top with melted dark chocolate (and sprinkle with salt!). Sometimes I will gently press small chocolate chips on top before they are really hard. Work fast with this one or you’ll end up with melted chocolate on your hand! I haven’t tried it here, but some people like to add ¼ cup of creamy peanut butter when they put the marshmallow in the butter.
For additional depth of flavor, try browning the butter first before adding the marshmallows. It gives a taste like caramel! I provide more details on how to make brown butter in this pistachio chocolate chunk cookie recipe.
Here’s how to make a healthy, naturally sweet treat with homemade marshmallows!
Rice Krispie Treats Recipe (With Homemade Marshmallows)
This healthy, naturally sweet version of rice krispie treats is a kid (and parent!) favorite.
Homemade Marshmallow Base
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Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper and set aside.
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Pour ½ cup of cold water into the bowl of a stand mixer. Sprinkle the gelatin evenly over the water and let it sit while you prepare the honey syrup.
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In a small saucepan, combine the remaining ½ cup water, honey, and sea salt.
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Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat. Bake for 7-8 minutes, until slightly thickened.
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Turn the mixer on low speed. Carefully and slowly pour the hot honey syrup into the gelatin mixture.
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Slowly increase the mixer speed to high. Knead for 8-10 minutes, until thick, shiny, fluffy, and marshmallow-like. Add the vanilla extract in the last minute of mixing.
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While the marshmallows are being whipped, melt the butter in a large pot over low heat.
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Add the whipped marshmallow mixture to the melted butter and stir until combined.
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Fold in crispy rice cereal until evenly combined.
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Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Using lightly buttered hands or a piece of parchment paper, press gently into an even layer.
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Sprinkle with coarse sea salt if desired. Let cool for about 30 minutes before cutting into squares and serving.
Nutrition Facts
Rice Krispie Treats Recipe (With Homemade Marshmallows)
Amount Per Serving (1 square)
Calories 135
Calories from Fat 27
% Daily value*
Oil 3g5%
Saturated Fat 2g13%
Trans fat 0.1g
Polyunsaturated fat 0.2g
Monounsaturated fat 1g
Cholesterol 8 mg3%
Sodium 118mg5%
Potassium 26 mg1%
Carbohydrates 26g9%
Fiber 0.1g0%
Sugar 18g20%
Proteins 2g4%
Vitamin A 786 IU16%
Vitamin C 7 mg8%
Calcium 4 mg0%
An instrument 3 mg17%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
- The optional free sea salt turns this into a wonderfully salty treat.
- Try dipping the top in melted dark chocolate for a decadent dessert.
How to Store Rice Krispie Treats
Homemade Rice Krispies are best stored at room temperature. Store in an airtight container and enjoy within 4-5 days. However, if your house is anything like mine, it won’t last long!
What are your favorite Rice Krispie flavors? Have you done them before? Leave a comment and share below!
