Peanut Butter Rice Crunchie Bars

#vegan #glutenfree #dairyfree

A natural, easy-to-make protein bar that the whole family can enjoy? Yes, please! These bars are a peanut butter lover’s dream, and although they contain smooth peanut butter…they are delightfully crunchy thanks to the addition of good ol’ ricies. They are suitable for a range of diets and are a one-pot wonder to make…plus, they don’t need baking. Too easy!

Nutrition Bite: We’re focusing on the star ingredient that adds the vegan creaminess and protein punch to these bad boys  –  peanut butter. Natural peanut butter is an inexpensive, accessible and excellent source of plant protein. Peanut butter provides minerals, including calcium and magnesium, as well as folate. Peanut butter is rich in oleic acid, a type of omega-9 fatty acid that helps lower LDL or bad cholesterol.

Ingredients:

3/4 cup of smooth peanut butter
1/3 cup of natural maple syrup
2 tablespoons vegan butter, melted (standard butter can also be used if not vegan)
1 dessertspoon of vanilla extract
1 teaspoon of chia seeds
Pinch of salt
2 and 3/4 cups of Rice Bubbles
100 grams of dark chocolate, broken up into pieces

Directions:

1. Over a low heat, mix the peanut butter, maple syrup, vegan butter, and vanilla in a medium-sized pot until well combined.
2. Mix in the rice bubbles and chia seeds, stirring until the rice bubbles are completely coated in the wet mix.
3. Line a shallow baking pan (approximately 30 x 20 x 1cm) with baking paper and pour the mixture into it, using a spatula to evenly flatten the top.
4. Melt the chocolate in a pot on low, until it’s smooth. Pour the chocolate over the bars and spread evenly with a spatula.
5. Place in the fridge or freezer to set. I prefer to store them in the freezer, and take them out 5-10 minutes before serving…it gives the perfect chewy texture. Yum! They can also be stored in the fridge, no problem!