4-Ingredient Crispy Rice Squares
on Apr 11, 2025, Updated Apr 21, 2025
Crispy, chewy, and naturally sweet—these no-bake bars are perfect for a quick treat or an easy snack. They’re oil-free, gluten-free, and made with just four wholesome ingredients!
Why I Love This Recipe
Hey there, dessert lovers! It’s Chef AJ, your Queen of Quick and Easy Plant-Based Recipes! If you know me, you know I’m always on the lookout for simple, no-fuss treats that don’t require turning on the oven. And these 4-Ingredient Crispy Rice Squares? Oh yes—they’re quick, crunchy, and satisfying with that nostalgic crispy treat texture, but made without marshmallows or added junk. I created these during one of my sweet-tooth moments when I wanted a snack now, and I’ve been making them ever since. Bonus: they’re freezer-friendly and perfect for meal prepping!
Key Ingredients
- Date Syrup: Naturally sweet and sticky, date syrup is the glue that holds everything together. I love using I Love Date Lady brand—it’s rich, caramel-y, and adds just the right touch of sweetness. (Use CHEFAJ for 10% off your order.)
- Almond Butter: Adds creaminess and richness. Use roasted almond butter for a deeper, nuttier flavor that really shines through in each bite.
- Crispy Brown Rice Cereal: For that classic crunch! I use Real Cereal, which is just organic brown rice—no weird ingredients, just pure crispy goodness.
- Vanilla Bean Powder: Adds warmth and subtle sweetness that makes these squares feel like a true treat.
The Process
In a mixing bowl, stir together equal amounts of almond butter and date syrup until smooth and well combined. Add a teaspoon of vanilla bean powder and stir again. Next, fold in the crispy rice cereal until every puff is coated with the sticky, sweet mixture. Press the mixture into a square silicone baking pan and place it in the freezer until firm. Once set, cut into squares and enjoy!
Chef’s Tips
- Want to jazz it up? Stir in some date-sweetened chocolate chips or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
- Press the mixture firmly into the pan for more compact, chewy squares.
- For an extra pop of texture, try mixing in some puffed quinoa or chopped dried fruit.
How to Store
Store these bars in the freezer in an airtight container. They’re best enjoyed straight from the freezer or after just a couple minutes at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and firm for up to a month (if they last that long!).
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Peanut butter, cashew butter, or tahini work well—just make sure it’s unsalted and unsweetened.
Yes! Sunflower seed butter or pumpkin seed butter are great substitutes.
Oh yes—it’s a hit with both kids and adults! You can even turn it into a fun DIY snack bar station with toppings like coconut, cacao nibs, or chopped dried fruit.
Serving Suggestion
These crispy rice squares are perfect for after-school snacks, road trips, or anytime you need a sweet bite on the go. Pack them for lunch or enjoy with a hot mug of tea for a cozy treat.
Summary
These 4-Ingredient Crispy Rice Squares are everything I love—fast, flavorful, and full of crunch. With no baking required and just a handful of pantry ingredients, they’re a must-try for anyone looking for a healthy snack that still tastes like a treat. Freeze a batch and thank me later!
If you tried this recipe, I’d love to see your results! Share your culinary creation on social media and tag me. As the Queen of Quick and Easy, nothing makes me happier than seeing how my convenient plant-based recipes inspire your kitchen adventures. Let’s celebrate the love of cooking and enjoy the deliciousness together!
4-Ingredient Crispy Rice Squares
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Silicone baking pan
Ingredients
- *Equal parts almond butter & date syrup, try starting with 1 cup of each
- 1 tsp vanilla bean powder
- rice cereal, I use Real Cereal which is just organic brown rice
Instructions
- Place equal amounts of date syrup and almond butter in a bowl and mix well. Add a teaspoon of vanilla powder and the crisp rice cereal. Stir until fully coated. Place in a square silicone baking pan and freeze until firm. Cut into squares.
- Place equal amounts of date syrup and almond butter in a bowl and mix well.
- Add a teaspoon of vanilla powder and the crisp rice cereal.
- Stir until fully coated.
- Place in a square silicone baking pan and freeze until firm.
- Cut into squares.
I made these using peanut butter, as I didn’t have almond butter. They are AMAZING! I’m getting some almond butter today, and will make them again with the almond butter. Can’t wait!
Super easy, too!!
Hi, you say equal parts for date syrup and almond butter, but no other measurement.
Is that 1/2 cup each, less or more? Can you be a bit more specific?
The beauty of these 4-Ingredient Crispy Rice Squares is how flexible the recipe is—you really can’t mess them up. It all depends on how much you want to make! A good place to start is with 1 cup of almond butter and 1 cup of date syrup. Want more? Just scale it up!
These are super easy to make, I made them for Easter and we loved them. I put some melted chocolate on the top, I also used peanut butter because I didn’t have almond butter on hand. I used regular Rice Krispies, there is no added sugar in this cereal.
Perfect item to bring to potlucks: thanks!