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:
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.
- Grease a large microwave safe bowl and a large spoon (plastic preferably) with a little vegetable shortening
- 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.
📖 Variations
There are lots of different variations of rice cripsy treats, but many involve making them even more unhealthy with add-ins like sprinkles, candy, chocolate chips etc... So if you're looking for a healthier version of rice krispie treats, then this one is it! It's very unique tasting and the sunflower seeds and apricots actually add some health benefits to the simple rice krispie square.
WW friendly rice krispie treats - use light margarine and/or sugar-free marshmallows (affiliate link)
Make them vegan - with vegan marshmallows (affiliate link) and vegan margarine
💭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!
⭐ REVIEWS
Did you make this recipe? Please RATE THE RECIPE below!
Please SUBSCRIBE (get my FREE E-cookbook) and be sure to FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST!
📋 Apricot Sunflower Healthy Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 cups rice krispies
- 5 cups mini marshmallows
- ¼ cup margarine or butter
- ¾ cup raw unsalted sunflower seeds
- ¾ cup dried apricots finely chopped
Instructions
- Spray a 9 X 13 pan with non-stick cooking spray.
- Grease a large microwave safe bowl and a large spoon (plastic preferably) with a little vegetable shortening
- 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.
- Once melted, remove from microwave and stir in rice krispies, chopped apricots and sunflowers seeds.
- Press into a 9X13 pan. You can dampen your hands with water or lightly grease them to press into pan or use a greased spatula.
- Cover with saran wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or until firm
- Slice into squares and serve.
Colleen
This is so cool! I used to make rice crispy treats for my kids, and they loved them, but with the addition of seeds and fruit they would be amazing. Trying this next time!
Terri Gilson
Thanks, Colleen!
Cynthia
I have yet to make Rice Krispy squares, so I definitely would make your recipe for snacks! I’d totally use the microwave too.
Terri Gilson
Thanks, Cynthia! Yes, if you've never made RKT's, you definitely need too. I hope you enjoy them 🙂
Amanda
This is a fantastic improvement on a calssic!
Terri Gilson
Thank you, Amanda!
Roslia Santamaria
It looks very yummy.Thanks for sharing such a delicious recipe with us.
Leanne | Crumb Top Baking
What a great idea to add apricots and sunflower seeds to rice krispie treats! I bet they add a nice flavour and I like the idea of having a little crunch from the seeds. You've definitely taken this traditional treat up a notch!