Thinking of making Rice Krispie Treats No Marshmallows No Peanut Butter Recipe, but do you think it’s a hard task?
Well, It’s not!
It’s actually super easy.
There are days when either you don’t have Marshmallows at home, or you just don’t want to use Marshmallows or Peanut Butter.
Especially the Peanut Butter because some people are allergic to it.
However, in this post, I will show you how you can make these Chewy, Crispy, Sweet Rice Krispie bars without Marshmallows or Peanut Butter.
This recipe will give you the classic texture, like the gooey and a little crunchy.
And yes, they will hold together just as well as the traditional one.
Besides this, I will also give you a few alternatives and flavors that you can try if you want some variation.
Why Make Rice Krispie Treats Without Marshmallows or Peanut Butter?
As of now, I don’t have any problem with Marshmallow or Peanut Butter, but I just was trying different recipes.
However, here are some reasons to skip Marshmallow and Peanut Butter. While still getting the perfect treats.
- Marshmallow-Free Option: If you’re vegetarian, vegan, or just avoiding gelatin, which most marshmallows contain, then you’ll appreciate this rice krispie treats without Marshmallows or peanut Butter.
- Peanut-Free: It’s good for those who are allergic to nuts or kids who go to nut-free schools; this is a safe treat that still tastes good.
- Less Sticky & Lighter: The usual version is super sticky and heavy; this one is just the right amount of chew without sticking to your hands.
One thing that I personally like about this Rice Krispie Treats no marshmallows no peanut butter recipe, is that it tastes kind of nostalgic.
It also looks good, and you can pick them up for school work, road trips, or just keep them in your fridge for snacks.
So when you want to eat something light and a little sweet, you can eat that.
What You Can Use Instead of Marshmallows
In regular rice krispie treats, Marshmallow acts as a blinder and sweetener.
So, if you’re skipping them, you have to replace both things. Here are the best combos that work perfectly:
1. Honey + Nut/Seed Butter Alternative (like SunButter or WowButter)
This one will give you the same sticky hold and sweetness without peanut butter.
But for nut-free, you can go with sunflower seed butter.
2. Brown Rice Syrup or Maple Syrup + Coconut Oil
Brown rice syrup is thicker, and it also helps bind better. Plus, the coconut oil will add richness.
Maple syrup works, too, but the bars will be a little softer.
3. Sweetened Condensed Milk + Butter
This combo will be creamy and sticky and will hold the rice krispies well — closer to a dessert bar.
However, it works best when you want extra sweetness.
4. Marshmallow Fluff or Vegan Fluff
If you’re skipping gelatin-based marshmallows but still want fluffiness — this is an option.
Also read: Chocolate Cornflake Clusters with Cocoa Powder Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need (No Marshmallows, No Peanut Butter)
Here’s a version I love that’s easy, and you need just a few pantry items.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups Rice Krispies cereal: Use the classic or any crispy rice cereal
- ⅓ cup honey: It will act as a sweet, sticky binder
- ¼ cup coconut oil or butter: It will add richness and help hold
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: For flavor depth
- Pinch of salt: It’s to balance the sweetness
Optional Add-Ins:
- Mini chocolate chips: Use it if you want chocolate rice krispie treats no marshmallows, no peanut butter recipe.
- Dried fruits (chopped apricots, cranberries, raisins): For a chewy twist
- Cinnamon or cocoa powder: it’s for extra flavor
- Shredded coconut or flaxseeds: For texture and fiber
How to Make Rice Krispie Treats Without Marshmallows or Peanut Butter
This is my quick stovetop method and comes together in less than 10 minutes (plus chill time).
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Firstly, you want to line a baking dish with parchment paper.
And then, Lightly grease it with oil or spray so the bars don’t stick.
You can also use foil if none of them is available at your home.
Step 2: Heat Your Sticky Base
Now, you wanna put a saucepan over medium heat and combine the following ingredients:
- ⅓ cup honey
- ¼ cup coconut oil or butter (whichever you’re using)
Now, stir it constantly until it fully melts and fully combines — it’ll start bubbling lightly.
Once it bubbles for 30 seconds, you should remove it from heat.
Now stir in these ingredients:
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
This step is really important because it will build the flavor before you mix it with cereal.
Step 3: Mix with Cereal
In a large bowl, add the following ingredients:
- 4 cups Rice Krispies
Then, pour the warm honey-oil mixture on top.
Now, you can use a spatula to fold everything together until all the cereal is coated properly.
Tip: You wanna do that quickly, as the mixture will start to set fast.
If you’re adding things like chocolate chips or dried fruits, fold them in now.
But if the mixture is too hot, wait a bit before adding chocolate chips so they don’t melt completely.
Step 4: Press into Pan
Now, you can transfer this sticky mixture into your prepared pan.
Use a spatula, greased spoon, or your hand (covered in wax paper) to press it down properly.
But make sure to press it tightly, especially around edges and corners; it will help the bars stick and not fall apart later.
Step 5: Chill and Set
Finally, it’s almost done; now you’ve to place the pan in the fridge for about 1 hour or in the freezer for 20–30 minutes if you want to speed things up.
Once set, remove from the pan and cut into squares or bars.
Also read: Chocolate Lava Mug Cake 3 Ingredients (No Eggs Needed)
Tips to Make Sure Your Bars Stick Together
If you want perfect chewy bars that don’t fall apart or turn too hard? You should keep these things in mind and also follow them:
- Don’t use too much liquid sweetener: Stick to the recipe I shared. Using too much honey or syrup makes your bars soggy.
- Pack them firmly in the pan: Don’t forget to press them down.
- Chill fully before cutting: If you cut too early, they’ll fall apart.
- Store them in the fridge: They hold better and last longer in the cold.
Flavor Variations You Can Try
One good thing about this Rice Krispie Treats No Marshmallows No Peanut Butter Recipe is that you can customize it and make its different version; here are some options I recommend to you:
- Chocolate Drizzle: You can melt dark or milk chocolate and drizzle it over the top before chilling.
- Coconut Almond: Add shredded coconut and a little almond extract.
- Spiced Chai Bars: You can add ¼ tsp cinnamon, ⅛ tsp ground ginger, and a pinch of nutmeg.
- Tropical Style: Add diced dried pineapple, coconut, and mango.
- Cocoa Crunch: You can stir in 1 tbsp cocoa powder with the cereal for a deep, chocolatey taste.
Storage Instructions
You can store these Rice Krispie treats without marshmallows; the process is super easy — here’s how:
- In the fridge: You want to take an airtight container and store your bars in the fridge; they’ll be safe for up to 7 days. But you want to keep them in parchment between layers.
- At room temp: If it’s not too hot in your kitchen, you can also keep them out for 2 to 3 days.
- In the freezer: You want to wrap it tightly in foil or plastic and store it in a ziplock bag for up to 1 month. But next time, before eating, you have to keep them at room temperature for some time.
Also read: Easy Banana Bars without Frosting
Conclusion
This was my Rice Krispie Treats without marshmallows and peanut butter recipe.
You don’t need marshmallows or peanut butter to make a chewy, crunchy, perfectly sweet bar.
You can make it with a few other ingredients that are commonly available in our home, like honey, coconut oil, vanilla, etc.
Using these ingredients, your treats will be light, allergy-friendly, and super customizable.
You can also make a big batch, slice them up, and keep them in the fridge for quick bites, or pack them in your kids’ school lunchboxes or a healthier treat after dinner.
And yep — they hold up beautifully without falling apart.
So, if you ever thought Rice Krispie treats can’t be made without marshmallows or peanut butter — well, now you know the recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some questions and their answers about Rice Krispie Treats No Marshmallows No Peanut Butter
How do I make Rice Krispie treats without marshmallows or peanut butter?
It is very simple and easy. You can make rice krispie treats without marshmallow or peanut butter.
You have to use sticky binders like honey, brown rice syrup, or sweetened condensed milk. Combine them with fat sources like coconut oil or butter.
This combo can hold everything together and give you a chewy, sweet result.
Why are my Rice Krispie treats not sticking without marshmallows?
If your rice krispie treats without marshmallows fall apart, it might be because you haven’t used a binder enough or you didn’t heat enough to thicken it.
Make sure to simmer the honey or syrup properly, mix it too with the cereal, and press the mixture firmly into the pan before chilling.
Are these Rice Krispie treats healthier than traditional ones?
Yes, you can make this version more healthier than the traditional rice krispie treats.
You have to use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
You should avoid processed marshmallows and escape high-sugar peanut butter or any kind of butter.
Plus, you can also use whole-grain crispy rice cereals and add-ins like flaxseed, dry fruits, or dark chocolate for extra nutrition.
Rice Krispie Treats No Marshmallows No Peanut Butter Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- ⅓ cup honey
- ¼ cup coconut oil or butter
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Optional Add-Ins
- Mini chocolate chips
- Dried fruits chopped apricots, cranberries, raisins
- Cinnamon or cocoa powder
- Shredded coconut or flaxseeds
Instructions
Prepare Your Pan
- Line a baking dish with parchment paper and lightly grease it with oil or spray. You can also use foil if needed.
Heat Your Sticky Base
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine:
- ⅓ cup honey
- ¼ cup coconut oil or butter
- Stir constantly until melted and bubbling (about 30 seconds). Remove from heat and stir in:
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Mix with Cereal
- In a large bowl, add:
- 4 cups Rice Krispies
- Pour in the warm mixture and fold everything together quickly until fully coated. Add chocolate chips or dried fruit now, but wait a bit if mixture is too hot.
Press into Pan
- Transfer to prepared pan. Press mixture down firmly using a greased spatula or wax paper. Make sure corners are tight-packed.
Chill and Set
- Refrigerate for about 1 hour, or freeze for 20–30 minutes. Once set, remove and slice into bars.
Notes
As a passionate home cook and food enthusiast, I’m specialize in recreating popular café and restaurant-style chocolate recipes at home. I have experience in testing and customizing various chocolate-based dishes, I focus on using fresh, high-quality ingredients to make preservative-free, delicious treats. My goal is to help chocolate lovers enjoy their favorite recipes with a homemade touch and personalized twists.
