Peanut butter puffed rice bars

Date

10.04.18

CategoryFood

This version is lower in sugar than the store-bought kind.

These rice bars are a hit with kids, who love the peanut butter-chocolate chunk combo as well as the raisins and coconut flakes. Adults appreciate the interesting addition of orange zest and the extra protein and fiber from the nuts and seeds. “They’re perfect for when that afternoon sugar craving sets in,” says Marissa Lippert, RD, a New York City-based nutritionist and owner of Nourish Baby, a food-delivery service for parents and newborns.

Makes: 14 bars
Prep time: 10 minutes, plus 1 hour freeze time
Cook time: 5 minutes

This recipe is part of our meal prep series. Click here for full plan.

Photography by Mariliana Arvelo

Ingredients

3 cups unsweetened puffed rice

1 cup old-fashioned oats

¼ cup unsweetened large coconut flakes

½ cup peanuts

2 tablespoons sunflower seeds

½ cup golden raisins

½ cup dark chocolate chunks

1 teaspoon orange zest

½ teaspoon kosher salt

4 tablespoons butter

⅓ cup light brown sugar or coconut sugar

⅓ cup agave

⅓ cup organic peanut butter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Maldon sea salt, for sprinkling

Directions

In a mixing bowl, combine puffed rice, oats, coconut flakes, peanuts, sunflower seeds, raisins, chocolate chunks, orange zest, and salt.

In a small saucepan, bring butter, sugar, and agave to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 2 minutes. Whisk in peanut butter and vanilla. Cool 3 to 5 minutes, then pour over the puffed rice mixture.

Spread the mixture in a buttered 12-by-12 baking dish. Use a spatula to press flat, then sprinkle flaky sea salt on top. Freeze for 1 hour, then cut into 14 squares.

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