Peanut butter rice cake bars are a simple and tasty treat! They’re made with a short list of simple ingredients, not oversweet and can be good for a quick snack.
Is peanut butter and rice cakes good for you?
Peanut butter and rice cakes can be a nutritious and satisfying snack or light meal option, but their healthiness depends on various factors, including portion size and the type of peanut butter used. Here’s a breakdown:
Peanut Butter:
- Nutrient-Rich: Peanut butter is a good source of healthy fats, including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. It’s also a decent source of protein, fiber, vitamins (like vitamin E and some B vitamins), and minerals (such as magnesium and potassium).
- Protein: Peanut butter provides protein, which can help you feel fuller for longer and can be especially beneficial in maintaining or building muscle.
- Fiber: The fiber content in peanut butter can aid digestion and help stabilize blood sugar levels.
- Calories: Peanut butter is calorie-dense, so portion control is essential if you’re watching your calorie intake.
Rice Cakes:
- Low in Calories: Rice cakes are typically low in calories and fat. They can serve as a low-calorie base for toppings like peanut butter.
- Low in Nutrients: While rice cakes are low in calories, they are also low in nutrients like vitamins and minerals. They primarily provide carbohydrates and a small amount of fiber.
Overall, the combination of peanut butter and rice cakes can be a good choice if:
- You’re looking for a quick and convenient snack or light meal.
- You want a balance of healthy fats, protein, and carbohydrates.
- You’re mindful of portion sizes to control calorie intake.
What are peanut butter rice cake bars made of?
Here’s a description of each ingredient used in making peanut butter and rice cake bars:
- Rice Cakes: Rice cakes are light and crispy snacks made from puffed rice grains. They serve as the base for these bars, providing a neutral crunch.
- Peanut Butter: Peanut butter is a creamy spread made from ground peanuts. It’s rich in healthy fats and protein, lending a nutty and savory flavor to the bars.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: Honey or maple syrup adds sweetness and moisture to the bars. They serve as natural sweeteners and help bind the ingredients together.
- Chocolate: Chocolate, often in the form of melted chocolate chips, is used to create a luscious and indulgent chocolate layer on top of the bars. It adds a delightful contrast to the peanut butter and rice cake mixture.
How to make Peanut butter rice cake bars?
Begin by breaking the rice cakes into small, bite-sized pieces. This can be achieved by placing the rice cakes inside a large zip-top bag and gently crushing them using a rolling pin or the back of a spoon. The goal is to create small, manageable pieces.
In a microwave-safe bowl, gently heat the peanut butter and honey (or maple syrup) until they become soft and easy to mix. Stir the two ingredients together thoroughly until you achieve a smooth and well-combined mixture.
Transfer the warm peanut butter mixture into a spacious mixing bowl containing the crushed rice cakes. Stir diligently to ensure the rice cake pieces are evenly coated with the peanut butter blend.
Line a square or rectangular baking dish with parchment paper, which will make removal easier later. Transfer the peanut butter and rice cake mixture into the lined dish. Utilize a spatula or the back of a spoon to firmly and uniformly press the mixture down.
Place the dish in the refrigerator and allow it to chill for at least one hour, or until the bars have solidified.
Melt the chocolate and evenly pour it over the now-set peanut butter and rice cake bars. Ensure an even spread, then return the dish to the refrigerator to allow the chocolate to firm up.
Once the bars have fully hardened, remove them from the dish using the parchment paper. Place them on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut them into your preferred bar size. Delight in these delectable peanut butter and rice cake bars!
If you like sweet snacks, check out these recipes:
Peanut Butter Rice Cake Bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups rice cakes (approximately 8 rice cakes), crushed into small pieces
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
- ¼ cup chocolate, melted
Instructions
- Start by crushing the rice cakes into small pieces. You can do this by placing the rice cakes in a large zip-top bag and gently crushing them with a rolling pin or the back of a spoon. You want small, bite-sized pieces.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, gently heat the peanut butter and honey (or maple syrup) until they are softened and easy to mix. Stir well to combine the peanut butter and sweetener until you have a smooth mixture.
- Pour the warm peanut butter mixture over the crushed rice cakes in a large mixing bowl. Stir well to ensure that the rice cakes are evenly coated with the peanut butter mixture.
- Line a square or rectangular baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal. Transfer the peanut butter and rice cake mixture into the dish. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to press it down firmly and evenly. Place the dish in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 1 hour, or until the bars have set.
- Melt the chocolate and pour it over the set peanut-honey-rice cakes bar. Spread it evenly and place it back to the fridge so the chocolate freezes.
- Once the bars have hardened, remove them from the dish using the parchment paper. Place them on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut them into your desired bar size. Enjoy!
Peanut Butter Rice Cake Bars