These Healthy Peanut Butter Chocolate Puffed Millet * Bars remind me so much of the peanut butter chocolate Rice Krispie bars I had as a child, but they are so much healthier and just as easy to make.
A couple of weeks ago, my family and I met my parents for lunch. The restaurant we met at just happened to be right next to Whole Foods. Now, I am a total nerd, but I love to go browse through Whole Foods. I don’t have one close by (it’s at least a 45-minute drive), so I rarely go in there.
After convincing my husband and parents that it would be fun (they are good sports), we went in to look around. I ended up spending way more money than I wanted too (isn’t that the case with Whole Foods and Costco?), but I found some fun things.
One of them being puffed millet. As soon as I saw it, I knew I could make some yummy treats with it, so I bought a bag…and I’m sure glad I did. I got home and came up with this recipe that is so yummy, it takes me back to being a little kid (peanut butter Rice Krispie treats were a favorite of mine)!
These bars are perfect to serve to your kiddos as an after-school snack. They are super simple to throw together with only 5 ingredients (plus, did I mention they are no-bake?) They are made with whole grains, natural peanut butter, and are naturally sweetened with brown rice syrup. Plus, you can enjoy the snack with them, and not feel guilty about it – perfect!
Since they come together so fast, they are always good for when you need something fast, like for homemade school lunches or a last-minute treat. I haven't tried them with puffed quinoa, but I really should, because my youngest daughter LOVES puffed quinoa and I bet they would work perfectly with these.
I just try to forget we have the puffed quinoa cause she makes such a mess with it, so we hide it way back in the cupboard. I know. Not the best way to encourage healthy eating, but if you spill a box of that on the floor, you're picking it up for days!
I understand that most grocery stores don’t carry puffed millet, and I hate creating recipes without easily accessible items…but this one is worth it. I have already made 4 batches of these treats (they are popular around here), and I still have half a bag left, so they last a long time. If you don’t have a Whole Foods or natural food store nearby, you can always order them online - gotta love Amazon :-). Your kids, spouse, and neighbors will thank you – if you end up sharing!
Do you have a treat that takes you back to childhood?
Do you like to browse around Whole Foods? When you try these healthy peanut butter chocolate bars tell me how you liked them.
PrintRecipe
5-Ingredient, No-Bake Healthy Peanut Butter Chocolate Puffed Millet Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 16
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: Clean Eating
Description
These no bake puffed millet * bars are a perfect after-school snack, that you can feel good about serving to your kids (and sneaking one for yourself).
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cup puffed millet *
- ½ cup natural peanut butter *
- ⅓ cup brown rice syrup *
- ¼ cup + ½ tsp coconut oil
- ½ cup dark chocolate chips *
Instructions
- Melt together the peanut butter, brown rice syrup, and ¼ cup coconut oil on stovetop over low heat
- Stir in the puffed millet
- Transfer to a greased 8x8 pan and press contents down firmly
- Melt chocolate chips and ½ teaspoon coconut oil together
- Spread over puffed millet mixture
- Allow to cool completely and then serve
Jen
Yum! I’ve never used puffed millet before, and was nervous about what my kids would think, but whole family approved! I used butter for the millet mix and added a bit of salt & vanilla extract as well. Thank you!!!
Jennifer
Has anyone substituted almond butter? It doesn’t firm-up like pb, so not sure.
Marina
What could I sub for the brown rice syrup? Honey or maple?
Rebecca
I'm not sure. I haven't tried anything else in the recipe, but I did a Google search and it said you could sub either 3/4 part honey or maple syrup. I would love to know if you try it though and if it works out.
Jenilyn
I love these so much! Thank you for sharing!
Rebecca
So glad you like them!
vircanada
I live in Canada and get the puffed millet at Bulk Barn
Susan H
Have you ever made this recipe with puffed rice?
Rebecca
I have not tried it, but would think it would work just fine. Let me know if you try it ?
lydiayeesmom
I found some Arrowmills Organic Puffed Millet at Big Lots. Always check the expiration date to see how long you have.
Rebecca
Was a good deal, or did it expire before you had the chance to use it?
lydiayeesmom
Yes,the price is better than Sprouts at $1.50 and doesn’t expire until February. Just mentioning the date, because they are notorious for near expired items.
Thanks for the recipe, can’t wait to try!
Rebecca
Awesome! Good to know. I love finding items for better prices. Thanks for the heads up :).
Chelsea Anderson
These look so good! I can’t wait to make them.
Rebecca
I hope you like them as much as we do!