Apricot Sunflower Healthy Rice Krispie Treats

I just couldn't bring myself to eat a boring old, plain rice krispie treat again after I tried these Apricot Sunflower Seed Healthy Rice Krispie Treats! My mother in law used to make these rice crispy treats and I had never had anything like them.

When we were kids, rice cripsy treats were a really popular treat and it was pretty exciting when we got to have them (it was not something my Mom made at home). It wasn't until I met my husband that I tried this version. It's amazing how adding just a little dried apricot and sunflower seeds to a rice krispie cereal square can give it such a great variation of texture and transform it into something so delicious!

Jump to:

• 💭How to make Rice Crispy Treats with Marshmallows in the Microwave
• 📖 Variations
• 💭Health Benefits
• 🌡️Storing
• 📋 Apricot Sunflower Healthy Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
• 🍱More lunch box snack and dessert recipes

Grandma Jean was a really good cook and every time she used to visit us in Calgary, she'd make these rice crispy treats and her Chow Mein Casserole!  I make a lot of her fabulous recipes now, including the best bran muffin you will ever eat in your life! I want her to live on that way; through her recipes. I know she'd like that.

💭How to make Rice Crispy Treats with Marshmallows in the Microwave

You can make rice krispie treats with marshmallows on the stove top or in the microwave. I prefer to do it in the microwave - it's faster, less messy (especially if you grease your bowl and spoon) and doesn't burn as easily. *You just have to be careful that you don't overcook the marshmallows.

1. Grease a large microwave safe bowl and a large spoon (plastic preferably) with a little vegetable shortening
2. Add  margarine and marshmallows to bowl and microwave for 1 minute. Remove and stir. If not fully melted, put back into microwave in 20 second increments and remove and stir each time until melted. * They will melt as you stir.

💭Health Benefits

Dried apricots are a good source of fiber and are considered a fruit serving, with ½ cup of dried fruit equal to one cup of fresh fruits. I'm not a big fruit eater, so this is a bonus for me! They also have a high beta-carotene content,  making them especially rich in Vitamin A. You can read more about the health benefits of dried apricots HERE. 

Sunflower seeds are loaded with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E (which has strong anti-inflammatory properties and may reduce risk of heart disease), folate (important for DNA synthesis), phosphorus (key for bone health), selenium (an antioxidant that protects against cell damage), manganese (which helps with bone production), copper (which helps with heart health and immune function), B6 (good for cognitive development and function) and zinc (important for metabolism and immune function), says registered dietitian Maxine Yeung. And sunflower seeds are notably rich in magnesium. You can read more about the health benefits of sunflower seeds HERE!

But remember, although these healthier rice krispie treats may be healthier as far as treats go, that doesn't make them light, low-fat or Weight Watchers friendly. It's a treat and meant to be eaten in moderation. However, the bonus is that you're getting some health benefits from your treat!

🌡️Storing

Store these rice krispie treats in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 4 days. These freeze well and store for up to 4 months in the freezer in a Ziploc freezer bag or sealed container

These Kellogg's Rice Krispie cereal bars are the perfect dessert or snack for the lunch bag and ideal for your next bake sale. They are popular sellers and really quick to make. They also freeze well, so you can make them ahead! And if you're looking for additional bake sale ideas, these Easy Butter Tarts were also a hot seller at our last 3 bake sales!

And be sure to check out my Bake Sale Ideas Board on Pinterest!

🍱More lunch box snack and dessert recipes