Let’s talk about that moment. You know the one. It’s the middle of the afternoon, your energy is dipping, and you find yourself staring into the pantry, looking for something, anything, to satisfy that craving. It’s so easy to grab a bag of chips or a cookie, but you are really searching for Healthy Snacks that actually taste good. What if I told you the answer was hiding in plain sight, probably in that forgotten package of rice cakes?
Get ready to see rice cakes in a whole new light. We are taking this simple, crunchy base and turning it into two incredible treats. Think a rich, chocolatey Snickers inspired creation and a fresh, creamy Strawberry Cheesecake version. These are the Healthy Snack Ideas you’ve been waiting for.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Honestly, what’s not to love? First off, these recipes are incredibly fast. You can whip up a truly satisfying snack in about 15 minutes, with most of that time just waiting for the chocolate to set. There is no oven needed, which is a huge plus on warm days or when you just don’t feel like baking.
They are also completely customizable. You can swap ingredients based on what you have in your kitchen or your dietary needs. This makes it one of the most flexible Healthy Food Ideas out there. It’s a great way to use up that last bit of nut butter or those fresh berries before they go bad.
These Healthy Snacks hit that sweet spot perfectly. They feel indulgent and special, but they are made with simple ingredients. They are perfect for a post workout bite, an after school treat for the kids, or a late night bite when you want something sweet but not too heavy. You get all the flavor without the fuss.
Ingredients
For The Snickers Version
- 2 rice cakes
- 3 tbsp creamy cashew butter
- 1 to 2 tsp date syrup or maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ to 1 tsp plant based unflavored or vanilla protein powder (optional)
- Roughly chopped cashews or peanuts
- 1/2 cup dairy free semi sweet or dark chocolate chips, melted
- Large flaked sea salt for garnish
- Finely chopped cashews or peanuts for garnish
For The Strawberry Cheesecake Version
- 2 rice cakes
- 2 to 3 tbsp dairy free cream cheese, softened
- 1 to 2 tsp maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ to 1 teaspoon plant based unflavored or vanilla protein powder (optional)
- ¼ to 1/3 cup sliced fresh strawberries or mixed fresh berries
- Hemp seeds for garnish
Step By Step Instructions
Making The Snickers Rice Cakes
Step 1: Mix The Base
Find a medium sized bowl. Add your cashew butter, date or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and the optional protein powder. Give it all a good stir until everything is smooth and well combined. You want a creamy, spreadable consistency.
Step 2: Spread And Top
Take your two rice cakes. Spoon the cashew butter mixture onto them and spread it out in a nice, even layer. Now, sprinkle the roughly chopped cashews or peanuts over the top. Press them in gently so they stick. This is one of those easy Healthy Munchies you’ll love.
Step 3: Melt The Chocolate
It’s time for the best part, the chocolate! Place your chocolate chips in a heat safe bowl. You can melt them using a double boiler on the stove for a gentle melt. Or, just use the microwave. Zap the chips in 20 to 30 second bursts, stirring in between, until they are completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat it.
Step 4: Drizzle And Garnish
Pour or spread that glorious melted chocolate over each rice cake, covering the nutty layer. Before the chocolate sets, sprinkle on a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt and the finely chopped nuts. This little touch makes a big difference in flavor and looks so good.
Step 5: Chill And Enjoy
Carefully place your finished rice cakes in the freezer for about 15 to 25 minutes. This is just to help the chocolate set up quickly. Once it’s firm, your delicious Healthy Snacks are ready to eat!
Making The Strawberry Cheesecake Rice Cakes
Step 1: Make The Cream Cheese Spread
In another medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, maple syrup, vanilla, and the optional protein powder. Mix it all together until it’s perfectly smooth and creamy. Give it a little taste here. Feel free to add a bit more sweetener if you like.
Step 2: Spread The Love
Now, spread this lovely cheesecake mixture evenly over your two rice cakes. Make it as thick or thin as you prefer. This is one of my favorite Healthy Food Ideas for a fresh tasting treat.
Step 3: Add Berries And Garnish
Top each rice cake with your sliced strawberries or mixed berries. Arrange them however you like. For a finishing touch, you can drizzle a little extra maple syrup over the top and sprinkle on a few hemp seeds. It looks so pretty and adds a nice texture. This is such a simple way to create amazing Healthy Snacks.
How To Store Leftovers
If you somehow don’t eat these right away, storing them is easy. For the Snickers version, it’s best to keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This prevents the chocolate from melting and keeps the nut butter firm. They should stay fresh for a couple of days.
The Strawberry Cheesecake rice cakes should also be stored in the fridge in an airtight container. Because of the fresh fruit and cream cheese, they are best enjoyed within a day or two. The rice cake might soften slightly over time, so they are really at their best when fresh.
Tips
Don’t be afraid to experiment with these Healthy Snack Ideas. For the Snickers version, you could use peanut butter or almond butter instead of cashew butter. Any nut butter works well. You could also mix in some shredded coconut for more texture.
For the Strawberry Cheesecake version, the sky is the limit with fruit. Blueberries, raspberries, or even sliced peaches would be delicious. A little bit of lemon zest in the cream cheese mixture would also add a wonderful brightness. This is how you come up with new Healthy Munchies for your family.
Want to make these even more fun? Get the kids involved! They can help with spreading the toppings and sprinkling on the garnishes. It’s a great, simple kitchen activity for them and they’ll be so excited to eat the Healthy Snacks they helped create.
When choosing a rice cake, a thicker, sturdier one usually works best to hold all the toppings. Brown rice cakes offer a nice, nutty flavor that complements both of these versions really well. But honestly, any kind you have on hand will work just fine.
Conclusion
So there you have it. Two simple, fast, and incredibly tasty ways to transform a humble rice cake into one of your new favorite Healthy Snacks. Whether you’re in the mood for something rich and chocolatey or something fresh and fruity, these recipes have you covered.
The next time that afternoon craving hits, you’ll know exactly what to do. Making good food choices doesn’t have to be boring or a chore. With a little creativity, you can enjoy treats that are both satisfying and made with simple ingredients. I hope you love these Healthy Food Ideas as much as I do. Happy snacking!
FAQ
Can I Make These Ahead Of Time?
You certainly can. The Snickers version holds up really well if made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. The Strawberry Cheesecake version is best fresh, but you can make it a few hours ahead. The rice cake might get a little soft, but it will still be delicious.
What’s The Best Type Of Rice Cake To Use?
Thick, plain rice cakes are generally a good choice because they provide a sturdy base for the toppings. Brown rice cakes are great for a nuttier flavor, but white rice or multigrain options work well too. Use what you enjoy!
Can I Use Regular Cream Cheese And Chocolate?
Absolutely! The recipe uses dairy free options, but you can easily substitute regular cream cheese and regular chocolate chips if you do not have any dietary restrictions. The method and measurements remain the same.
Are These Healthy Snacks Gluten Free?
Yes, as long as you use certified gluten free rice cakes, these snacks are gluten free. Most rice cakes are naturally gluten free, but it’s always a good idea to check the packaging to be sure, especially if you have a high sensitivity.
Healthy Rice Cake Snacks: Snickers & Strawberry Cheesecake
Transform humble rice cakes into two delicious, healthy treats. Indulge in a rich, chocolatey Snickers-inspired snack or enjoy a fresh, creamy Strawberry Cheesecake version. Fast, customizable, and satisfying!
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- **Making The Snickers Rice Cakes:** In a medium sized bowl, combine cashew butter, date or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and optional protein powder. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Spread mixture onto two rice cakes. Sprinkle roughly chopped cashews or peanuts over top, pressing gently.
- Melt chocolate chips in a heat-safe bowl using a double boiler or microwave (20-30 second bursts, stirring).
- Pour or spread melted chocolate over each rice cake. Before it sets, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt and finely chopped nuts.
- Place in freezer for 15-25 minutes until chocolate sets. Enjoy.
- **Making The Strawberry Cheesecake Rice Cakes:** In another medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, maple syrup, vanilla, and optional protein powder. Mix until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust sweetener.
- Spread cream cheese mixture evenly over two rice cakes.
- Top with sliced strawberries or mixed berries. Drizzle extra maple syrup and sprinkle hemp seeds.
Notes
Don’t be afraid to experiment with these Healthy Snack Ideas. For the Snickers version, you could use peanut butter or almond butter instead of cashew butter. Any nut butter works well. You could also mix in some shredded coconut for more texture.
For the Strawberry Cheesecake version, the sky is the limit with fruit. Blueberries, raspberries, or even sliced peaches would be delicious. A little bit of lemon zest in the cream cheese mixture would also add a wonderful brightness.
When choosing a rice cake, a thicker, sturdier one usually works best to hold all the toppings. Brown rice cakes offer a nice, nutty flavor that complements both of these versions really well. But honestly, any kind you have on hand will work just fine.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
