Chocolate and Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats

These were one of my favourite treats growing up.

When my church had a potluck recently, I wanted to make something special for the kids, so I went back to my own childhood and thought about how much I LOVED making and eatingchocolate Rice Krispie treats (because every treat is better when it’s chocolate).

I made one that was plain chocolate, for the purists (and nut allergy sufferers) out there (see below).

And one that has that perfect hint of peanut butter for the rest of us:

The main difference? I healthified them a bit. As in – no simple sugars. And even a touch of protein (you know I’m going to go there!).

I actually made ones without the protein powder and they weren’t as good – even my mom, who hates protein powder, agreed on that one! So I will put the recipe below with protein powder.

By the way, as you can tell from the pictures, I used the new gluten-free brown Rice Krispies for this recipe (so it is definitely gluten-free!). I am a big fan. They taste identical to regular Rice Krispies, so you’re not going to miss out on anything by eating these.

Also, this recipe is vegan! I used Earth Balance butter sticks (if you’re not vegan, regular butter is fine).

And I know I said I made these for the kids at church, but I enjoyed them just as much. So don’t keep these for kids only!

Anna’s Protein Rice Krispie Treats (chocolate and chocolate peanut butter)

INGREDIENTS (makes 12):

5 tbsp maple syrup
3.5 tbsp Earth Balance butter or regular butter
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1 scoop (5 tbsp) chocolate protein powder (see note)
3 cups gluten-free Rice Krispies

For topping:

3-4 squares dark chocolate
2 tsp peanut butter
1/2 tsp coconut oil

*NOTE: If you want to make them without protein powder, just omit and increase the cocoa powder to 1/2 cup. The nutritional information will change though.

DIRECTIONS:

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the maple syrup and butter together.

2. When melted, stir in the cocoa powder and protein powder (or just cocoa powder). For best results, sift the cocoa powder in so there are no lumps.

3. When well combined, remove from heat and stir in the Rice Krispies until thoroughly coated with the chocolate mixture.

4. Spoon mixture into muffin cups in a muffin tin. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours or until set.

5. When you’re ready to top the mixture, melt the chocolate in the microwave and then drizzle over the treats for your chocolate variety.

6. For the peanut butter variety, spoon the peanut butter and coconut oil into a bowl and microwave until oil is melted. Stir well and drizzle over. Refrigerate the treats again to set the topping. Then serve and enjoy!

Nutritional information is per treat before toppings:

QUESTION:

• Did you ever have chocolate Rice Krispie treats growing up?