These Chocolate Brown Rice Crispy Squares were created because I needed a gluten-free, nut-free treat to make for my kids’ treat day at sailing camp. And it had to be kid-friendly as well! Oh, and tasty.

It was a tall order, but I finally came up with these crispy, chocolate-y little nuggets. They were delicious. I used brown rice crispy cereal so they are whole grain and definitely healthier than traditional rice crispy squares. The tahini adds a subtle nutty flavour without any nuts, and the honey holds it all together.

These are a new summertime favourite!

Ingredients: 

• 4 cups brown rice crispy cereal (not puffed rice cereal!) 
• heaping 1/4 cup tahini 
• 1/3 cup honey 
• 1/3 cup butter (or vegan butter if you prefer) 
• 3 heaping tbsp cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut 
• 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

Directions: 

1. In a  medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter, tahini, and honey, and stir until blended.
2. In a large bowl add the brown rice crispies, coconut, and cocoa powder.
3. Pour the melted butter tahini mixture over the cereal mixture and stir until combined.
4. Press the mixture into a 8x8 pan lined with parchment paper.
5. Press the mixture firmly into the pan. Put some muscle into it!
6. Put the dish in the freezer for 1 hour, then transfer it to the fridge and leave several hours, or overnight.
7. Once set, cut into bars or squares and enjoy!
8. Store the remaining bars in the fridge.