Puffed Rice Chocolate Bars
Ingredients
Puffed Rice:
- 1 cup Mahatma® Jasmine Rice
- Canola oil, for frying
Chocolate Bars:
- 2 cups dark chocolate chips
- 1 cup smooth peanut butter
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
Instructions
No matter what hour hunger strikes, these Puffed Rice Chocolate Bars are sure to satisfy – enjoy one for breakfast, lunch, or dessert. These bars are packed with so much flavor, it’s hard to believe that this dairy-free snack only has 5 ingredients!
Puffed Rice
Step 1
Preheat oven to 170ºF. Cook rice according to package directions. Transfer to parchment paper-lined baking sheet; bake for 2 to 2 1/2 hours or until dry to the touch and all the moisture has evaporated. Let cool completely (rice should be dry and hard before frying).
Step 2
Pour enough oil into large saucepan to come 2 inches up side; heat over medium-high heat until instant-read thermometer reaches 425°F. Add a few grains of cooked rice; if oil is hot enough it will start to puff up instantly.
Step 3
Working in batches, carefully add 1/2 cup rice to hot oil; fry for 5 to 8 seconds or until puffed. Using small metal wire sieve, carefully transfer rice to paper towel-lined baking sheet. Let cool completely.
Chocolate Bars
Step 4
Line 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper; set aside.
Step 5
In a large saucepan set over medium-low heat, combine chocolate chips, peanut butter and maple syrup; cook, stirring often, for 3 to 5 minutes or until smooth and melted.
Step 6
Add puffed rice to chocolate mixture, stirring until well combined. Transfer to prepared pan. Refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours or until firm and set. Remove from pan; cut into bars.
Recipe Tips
Puffed rice can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 5 to 7 days. Use them as a topping over your favorite Arroz con leche for dessert.
To ensure proper drying, spread the rice evenly in a thin layer with minimal clumping on the baking sheet.
When it comes to getting ready in the morning, every minute counts! With a few simple meal prep tips, your mornings are sure to run smoother.
– Batch Cook: Our Puffed Rice and Churros Puffed Rice Cereal, the sweeter variation, have a shelf-life of 5-7 days. So, why not make a double batch while you’re at it? When you have puffed rice on hand; you’ll be able to whip up these chocolate bars in a matter of minutes! Not to mention the fact that you can pour some in a bowl with milk when you’re craving cereal for breakfast.
– Pre-Portioned Meals: Once cooled and cut, these chocolate bars can be individually wrapped. That way, you’ll have a grab-and-go breakfast or single-serving snack to easily pop into a lunch box.
If you’re looking for more ideas, browse our Cooking blog section to find all kinds of recipe inspiration for meal prep both sweet and savory! Start with Mexican brown rice, some tacos dorados and maybe some Arroz con Leche for dessert.
