Delicious & Easy Weight Watchers Rice Krispie Treats: A 2-Point Sweet Escape
Craving a sweet, chewy, and nostalgic treat without derailing your health goals? Look no further! These Weight Watchers Rice Krispie Treats are an absolute game-changer for anyone seeking a delightful dessert that aligns with their wellness journey. They are incredibly easy to prepare, taste phenomenal, and best of all, come in at an astonishingly low 2 WW points per serving. If you’re a chocolate lover like me, a delicate drizzle of melted chocolate adds a touch of decadence, bringing them to just 3 points per serving. This recipe is destined to become a staple in your collection of guilt-free indulgences.
Prepare to be transported back to your childhood with every bite! Our recipe perfectly captures the classic buttery and chewy texture you remember from traditional Rice Krispie treats. The secret to keeping the points low lies in smart substitutions: we swap out conventional butter for a lighter alternative and opt for zero-sugar marshmallows. This clever combination cuts the points in half compared to a regular packaged treat, proving that healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor. A hint of vanilla extract elevates the taste, complementing the sweet marshmallows with a warm, inviting aroma that truly makes these treats irresistible.
These versatile treats can be enjoyed simply plain for a quick, satisfying snack, or dressed up with various garnishes to suit any occasion. Imagine them beautifully arranged on a dessert platter, ready to impress guests at your next gathering. They are perfect for family events, school parties, or simply as a comforting treat after a long day. Need to feed a larger crowd? No problem! This recipe is easily doubled, ensuring there’s enough goodness for everyone. With their quick preparation time of less than 30 minutes, you can whip up a batch whenever a craving for a sweet, nostalgic snack strikes, making them ideal for spontaneous baking sessions.
Why These Weight Watchers Rice Krispie Treats Are a Must-Try
This recipe isn’t just about delicious taste and low points; it offers a multitude of benefits that make it a perfect addition to your recipe repertoire. Here’s why these Weight Watchers Rice Krispie Treats deserve a spot on your favorites list:
- The Ultimate Grab-and-Go Snack! Life is busy, and having a convenient, healthy snack on hand is essential. These Rice Krispie treats fit the bill perfectly. They’re light, sweet, and incredibly portable. Even with a chocolate drizzle, the chocolate hardens, making them mess-free and ideal for tossing into lunchboxes, gym bags, or packing for road trips. Simply seal them in an airtight container or individual bags, and you’re ready for a delightful snack wherever your day takes you.
- Endless Customization Options for Every Palate. One of the best aspects of this recipe is its adaptability. Want to add a touch of gourmet flair? Melted dark chocolate drizzled on top, as suggested, is a fantastic option. But don’t stop there! Consider a swirl of peanut butter, almond butter, or even a mix of both. For added texture and flavor, sprinkle in chocolate chips (sugar-free for lower points), chopped nuts, dried fruit bits, or even graham cracker crumbs for a s’mores-inspired twist. You can also mix in extra mini marshmallow pieces during the final step for an even chewier texture. The possibilities are truly endless, allowing you to tailor each batch to your specific cravings or dietary preferences.
- Your Go-To for Quick and Effortless Desserts. We all have those moments when a sudden dessert emergency strikes, whether it’s an unexpected guest or a last-minute potluck. This recipe is your reliable savior! These Weight Watchers Rice Krispie Treats come together in a flash, requiring less than 10 minutes of active cooking time and minimal resting time. From start to finish, you can have a batch of delectable treats ready in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings when you need a crowd-pleasing dessert without the fuss.
Recipe Snapshot: Quick Glance at the Essentials
Before you dive into making these amazing treats, here’s a quick overview of what to expect:
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Number of Servings: 9
- Prep Time: Approximately 5 minutes
- Cook Time: Approximately 5-10 minutes
- Resting Time: 15 minutes (to firm up)
- Total Time: Around 25-30 minutes
- WW Points Per Recipe: 2 WW points per serving (without chocolate drizzle), 3 WW points per serving (with chocolate drizzle). The entire recipe is 23 points. (Click here to view the recipe in the WW app. WW login is required).
Essential Ingredients for Your Low-Point Rice Krispie Treats
Creating these lightened-up treats requires just a few simple ingredients, carefully chosen to deliver maximum flavor with minimal Weight Watchers points. The key is in the smart swaps that don’t compromise on taste or texture.
- 4 oz Zero-Sugar Marshmallows: These are the star of the show for keeping the points low. They provide the classic sweetness and gooey binding without the added sugar and calories of regular marshmallows. Brands like Stuffed Puffs Zero Sugar or Great Value Sugar-Free are great options.
- ½ tsp Vanilla Extract: A touch of pure vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile, adding a warm, aromatic depth that complements the marshmallows beautifully and makes the treats taste more decadent.
- 3 tbsp Light Butter Substitute: Using a light butter substitute, such as “I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter! Light,” offers that essential buttery flavor and richness without the higher fat and calorie count of traditional butter. It’s crucial for achieving the perfect chewy texture.
- 2 ½ cups Rice Krispies or Other Crispy Rice Cereal: The foundation of any good Rice Krispie treat! Ensure your cereal is fresh for optimal crispiness. Any brand of crispy rice cereal will work.
- 2 oz Optional: Lily’s Dark Chocolate Baking Chips for Garnish: For those who love a chocolatey touch! Lily’s brand is an excellent choice as their dark chocolate chips are sugar-free, adding just 1 WW point per serving for a delicious drizzle.
Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Weight Watchers Rice Krispie Treats
Making these treats is incredibly straightforward, perfect for even novice bakers. Follow these simple steps for a perfect batch every time:
- Melt the Butter and Vanilla: Begin by placing a large non-stick pan over medium-low heat on your stovetop. Add the light butter substitute and allow it to gently melt. Once melted, stir in the vanilla extract. The goal is a slow, even melt to prevent burning, which can alter the taste of your finished treats.
2. Add Marshmallows and Melt: Introduce the zero-sugar marshmallows to the pan with the melted butter and vanilla. Continuously stir the mixture with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon. This consistent stirring is crucial to ensure the marshmallows melt evenly and completely, forming a smooth, gooey base for your cereal. Keep the heat at medium-low; patience here prevents a burnt marshmallow flavor.
3. Incorporate Cereal: Once the marshmallows are fully melted and perfectly smooth, remove the pan from the heat immediately. This step is key to maintaining the cereal’s crispiness. Quickly add the Rice Krispie cereal to the marshmallow mixture. Using your spatula, gently but thoroughly fold the mixture, ensuring every piece of cereal is entirely coated with the sticky marshmallow and butter goodness. Work efficiently before the mixture cools too much.
4. Press into Pan: Working quickly while the mixture is still warm and pliable, transfer the entire Rice Krispie mixture into a greased 8×8 inch baking dish. A non-stick spray or a light coating of butter substitute works well for greasing the pan. Use a rubber spatula, slightly dampened or greased, to firmly and evenly press the mixture into the pan. This compaction is vital for achieving well-formed treats that hold their shape and don’t crumble when cut.
5. Prepare Optional Chocolate Drizzle: If you’re adding the optional chocolate garnish, melt the Lily’s dark chocolate baking chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short 10-second bursts, stirring well after each burst, until the chocolate is smooth and melted. If the melted chocolate appears too thick for drizzling, you can add a tiny dash of vegetable oil (like canola or coconut oil) to thin it out slightly. For precise and neat lines, I find it easiest to transfer the melted chocolate into a small piping bag (or a Ziploc bag with a tiny corner snipped off) rather than attempting to spread thick chocolate with a knife.
6. Garnish and Chill: Decorate the pressed Rice Krispie treats with your melted chocolate drizzle, creating appealing patterns or simply covering the top. Once decorated, place the baking dish into the refrigerator for approximately 15 minutes. This chilling time allows the treats to firm up nicely and the chocolate to harden, preventing a sticky mess. If you notice any crumbling around the edges, a quick stint in the freezer (5-10 minutes) can provide extra firmness before you remove them from the pan and cut them.
Get Creative: Exciting Variations and Smart Substitutions
This recipe provides a fantastic base, but don’s hesitate to get creative! Here are several ways to customize your Weight Watchers Rice Krispie Treats:
- Zero-Sugar vs. Regular Marshmallows: While zero-sugar marshmallows are key for the low WW point count, if they are unavailable or if you prefer, you can certainly use regular or mini marshmallows. Just be aware that this substitution will likely increase the Weight Watchers points by one or two points per serving, depending on the specific brand and quantity used. Always adjust the recipe in your WW app for accurate tracking.
- Using Real Butter: I personally love “I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter, Light” for its excellent buttery taste with fewer points. However, if you prefer the richness of real butter, you can absolutely use it. This will alter the nutritional profile and increase the WW points. To accurately track, input the exact amounts of real butter you use into the Weight Watchers recipe builder.
- Rice Krispies with Sprinkles: Sprinkles add a fun, festive touch! My top tip is to scatter them over the top of the treats immediately after you press the mixture into the pan. In my experience, if you mix sprinkles into the hot marshmallow mixture too early, the heat can cause them to melt, bleed their colors, and discolor the entire batch of Rice Krispie treats. If you truly desire them mixed in, wait until the very last moment, and fold them in very gently to minimize melting.
- Other Flavorful Variations: The world is your oyster when it comes to flavor!
- Nut Butter Infusion: Swirl in a tablespoon or two of powdered peanut butter (like PB2) or a small amount of regular peanut butter (adjust points accordingly) into the melted marshmallow mixture for a nutty twist.
- Extract Explorations: Experiment with different flavored extracts. Peppermint extract can create a festive treat, almond extract adds a sophisticated touch, or a hint of coconut extract for a tropical vibe.
- Toppings Galore: Beyond chocolate, consider garnishing with chopped nuts (almonds, peanuts, walnuts), toasted coconut flakes, a sprinkle of sea salt to enhance sweetness, or even a drizzle of white chocolate (again, adjusting points for sugar-free if possible).
- Doubling for a 9×13 Pan: If you’re hosting a larger gathering or simply want more treats, this recipe scales up beautifully. Simply double all the ingredients and press the mixture into a 9×13 inch baking pan. This larger batch will typically yield between 15 to 18 servings, depending on how you choose to cut them.
Pro Tips & Tricks for Perfect Weight Watchers Rice Krispie Treats
Achieving that ideal Rice Krispie treat texture and flavor is easy with a few expert tips:
- Adjusting for Chewier Treats: If you adore an extra-chewy Rice Krispie treat and don’t mind a slight increase in Weight Watchers points, you can add a bit more marshmallows. However, I personally find the specified amount creates a fantastic texture that is perfectly soft and chewy yet firm enough to hold its shape beautifully. Experiment to find your perfect balance!
- Mastering the Heat: Low and Slow Wins the Race: When melting the butter and marshmallows, resist the urge to crank up the heat. Using low to medium-low heat is crucial. Marshmallows melt quickly anyway, and high heat drastically increases the risk of burning them, which will impart a bitter, unpleasant taste to your entire batch of treats. A gentle, consistent melt is what you’re aiming for.
- The Art of Firm Pressing: One of the most critical steps for perfectly formed Rice Krispie treats is pressing the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan. If the treats aren’t compacted enough, they will easily fall apart and crumble when you try to lift or cut them. Use a greased rubber spatula or even your clean, slightly damp hands to press down until the surface is smooth and uniform.
- Patience During Cooling is Key: While it’s tempting to cut into these treats right away, allowing them adequate time to cool and firm up (at least 15 minutes in the refrigerator) is essential. This ensures clean cuts and a satisfying, non-sticky texture.
- Greased Knife for Clean Cuts: For perfectly neat squares, lightly grease your knife with a little bit of butter substitute or cooking spray before slicing. This prevents the sticky marshmallow from adhering to the blade, giving you clean, professional-looking treats.
- Proper Storage for Freshness: Store your Weight Watchers Rice Krispie Treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. While they can be refrigerated, this sometimes makes them a bit harder; if refrigerated, let them come to room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying for optimal chewiness.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Ensure your Rice Krispies cereal is fresh and crispy. Stale cereal will result in lackluster treats. Similarly, fresh marshmallows will melt more smoothly and contribute to a better final texture.
Explore More Lightened-Up Sweets!
If you loved these Weight Watchers Rice Krispie Treats, you might enjoy these other delicious and health-conscious recipes:
Peanut Butter Chocolate Rice Krispie Granola Treats
Chocolate Cereal Treats
Homemade Vegan Granola
Weight Watchers Rice Krispie Treats
Equipment
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8×8 pan
Ingredients
- 4 oz Zero-sugar marshmallows
- ½ tsp Vanilla extract
- 3 tbsp Light butter substitute
- 2 ½ cups Rice Krispies or other crispy rice cereal
- 2 oz Optional: Lily’s dark chocolate baking chips to melt for garnish, adds 1 WW point per serving
Instructions
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Place a pan over medium heat on the stovetop and gently melt the butter. Add the vanilla extract and the marshmallows.
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Continuously stir the mixture to melt the marshmallows completely. Turn off the heat and add the Rice Krispie cereal. Fold the mixture to coat the cereal entirely with the marshmallows and butter.
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Working quickly, transfer the Rice Krispie mixture into a greased 8 by 8 baking dish and use a rubber spatula to press it into the pan. You want it to be very compact so that it doesn’t crumble when you cut it.
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If using chocolate, melt it in the microwave in short 10 second spurts until smooth. If it seems too thick, you might need to add a small dash of vegetable oil. I personally like to transfer the melted chocolate to a small piping bag so I can drizzle on lines rather than trying to spread the thick chocolate with a knife.
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Decorate the Rice Krispie treats with the chocolate garnish and then place them in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes so that they can firm up and the chocolate can harden. If they seem crumbly around the edges, you can put them in the freezer to firm them up even more before you remove them from the pan.
Notes
3 WW points with chocolate drizzle
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.