Easy Puffed Rice Bars with Peanut Butter and Chocolate

Healthy On-The-Go Puffed Rice Bars

These absolutely delicious puffed rice bars will satisfy your sweet tooth with a delectable combination of chocolate and peanut butter. These are excellent afternoon desserts to set on the counter to impress your family and guests or to bring with you as dessert to a dinner party. 

And the best part? These snacks are actually healthy, meaning you can skip the guilt when you have two or three! Plus, they’re easy to make.

This no-bake recipe doesn’t have to go in the oven – you’ll only need to refrigerate it for a while. That makes these the perfect treat for summertime when you don’t want to use the stove or any time you need a dessert in a hurry and don’t feel like cooking.

This post may contain affiliate links. That means if you purchase an item through these links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Please read the full disclosure policy for more info.

puffed rice bars with peanut butter and chocolate closeup

Ingredients

Ready to try out a delicious snack that everyone will love? The ingredients are minimal, and it’s a wholesome treat that tastes great and is also healthy.

It’s important to note that this dessert has two parts. First, you make the base layer that goes on the bottom of the pan, and after that, the top layer is added. 

You also won’t need to use the oven or the stove, just the microwave and the refrigerator. If you’re new to cooking desserts, this is an easy recipe to try that will allow you to make something delicious but simple.

For the base layer:

  • Peanut butter, 1 cup
  • Puffed rice, 3 cups
  • Maple syrup, ¼ cup
  • Coconut oil, melted, ¼ cup
  • Salt, ½ teaspoon
  • Vanilla, 1 teaspoon

For the top layer:

  • Coconut oil, 1 tablespoon
  • Dark chocolate, melted, 2 cups
ingredients in bowls for puffed rice bars

How To Make Healthy Puffed Rice Bars with Peanut Butter and Chocolate

To begin, get a 6-inch tray, cover it with baking paper, and set it aside.

Start with the base layer. Get a large bowl and add every ingredient on the base layer list, with the exception of the puffed rice. Mix the ingredients together.

After these are well incorporated, you can add in the puffed rice and mix.

instructions for mixing puffed rice bar batter

Next, get the tray you lined earlier, and pour the batter onto it. You should lightly push the mixture down to be sure that the whole pan has an even amount. The mixture should be dense.

After that, refrigerate the baking tray for ½ an hour. Then move on to the top layer. Using the microwave for 45 seconds, melt the coconut oil and chocolate mixture.

At this point, you can drizzle the chocolate over the base layer until the entire base layer is covered.

instructions for forming no-bake puffed rice bars into pan

Place the tray back in the fridge for another ½ hour. It is ready when the chocolate has hardened. Cut into 8 bars and serve. You can easily bring this snack with you in a hurry because it’s so easy to eat.

Is Puffed Food Healthy?

Puffed grains are good for you as long as they’re plain instead of flavored. Of course, it does matter what other ingredients are part of the recipe, as those ingredients can be healthy or unhealthy.

So yes, on their own, plain puffed grains are healthy.

Is Puffed Rice Baked or Fried?

Puffed rice is fried. It first dries out for 4 hours, then it is fried. 

This causes it to expand and puff up. It’s delicious, and a light treat!

overhead view of chocolate peanut butter puffed rice bars cut into squares on plate

Is Puffed Rice High in Carbs?

If you eat a cup of puffed rice, that’s approximately 10 grams of carbs. So it’s a good source of carbs.

Does Puffed Rice Give You Gas?

On the contrary, it is helpful for getting rid of gas. Puffed rice can aid in relieving many abdominal issues like bloating, cramps, or indigestion. So it’s a great food to use in many meals to avoid unwanted symptoms.

Is Puffed Rice Good for Weight Loss?

It is, in fact, a good aid for weight loss as long as you don’t overeat it or cover it in unhealthy ingredients. While puffed rice contains complex carbohydrates, it has no cholesterol and a low amount of calories.

As with anything, moderation is key.

hand grabbing chocolate covered puffed rice bar square

Final Thoughts

If you’re eager to try out a recipe that is both vegan and a delicious treat, this on-the-go puffed rice bars healthy option is perfect. They have no cholesterol and are light, so you can enjoy them guilt-free. 

In addition to being very tasty, these chocolatey treats are both vegan and gluten-free. They’re the ideal dessert made with natural plant-based ingredients.

Your family will clamor to add it to their favorite recipes, and your friends will likely want you to bring this to every party and get-together. 

chocolate puffed rice bars stacked on plate

No-Bake Puffed Rice Bars with Chocolate and Peanut Butter

Yield: 8 bars
Prep Time: 40 minutes
Additional Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Super simple to make no-bake puffed rice bars covered in decadent chocolate peanut butter frosting. This dessert is vegan and naturally gluten-free.

Ingredients

Base

  • 3 cups puffed rice
  • 1 cup peanut butter
  • ¼ cup melted coconut oil
  • ¼ cup maple syrup
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • ½ tsp salt

Top Layer

  • 2 cup melted dark chocolate
  • 1 tbsp coconut oil

Instructions

  1. In a big bowl, add all the ingredients of the base except puffed rice. Whisk them well to combine.
  2. Add puffed rice and stir again until combined.
  3. Line a tray (6’’) with baking paper and pour in the batter. Press the batter down with a spoon until the entire surface is covered. The rice puff batter should be well compacted. 
  4. Place the tray into the refrigerator for 30 mins.
  5. Melt chocolate with coconut oil in a microwave for 45 seconds.
  6. Pour the melted chocolate on top of the puffed rice. Make sure everything is covered by chocolate.
  7. Refrigerate for another 30 minutes or until the chocolate is hard.
  8. Cut them into 8 bars.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 624Total Fat: 42gSaturated Fat: 21gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 17gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 314mgCarbohydrates: 54gFiber: 6gSugar: 35gProtein: 10g

Nutrition information isn't always accurate and is for estimation purposes only.

stephanie mantilla mommysaurus headshot
Stephanie Mantilla

Plant-Based Diet & Vegan Lifestyle Expert

Stephanie is the founder of Plant Prosperous, a plant-based vegan living, and parenting blog. She has been eating a plant-based diet for over 24 years along with a B.S. in Biology & Environmental Science. She also has over 14 years of experience working in the environmental and conservation sectors. Stephanie is currently raising her son on a plant-based diet and hopes to help others who are wanting to do the same. You can read more about her here.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Skip to Recipe